engine swap question, 91 into 85

[Subafly]

Hi everyone been out of the sube world for a while. Im picking up an 85 for $100 with a bad engine and there is an engine on craigslist for 500 but its from a 91 loyal. I would have to swap the wiring harness too right? I dont really want to do that. If I was going to go through the trouble I would stick an EJ in there (which would be really cool.) Has anyone had luck with those cheap import motors? I cant seem to find a good distributor. Im looking for cheap here (aren't we all.) Ive been keeping my eyes on ebay craigslist, and the board. Any ideas would be appreciated.

Thanks

Brian

[4x4_Welder]

Is the 85 carb or fuel injection?

If both are carb/spfi or MPFI, you should be able to just swap the engines underneath the intakes. If there is a difference, though, then you'll have to rewire. I wouldn't do that for an EA82.

I picked up a Legacy 2wd sedan for less than your replacement engine price, you're in a better area to find one. Watch the Seattle CL, I used to see four or five Legacys a week in the sub-$500 catagory. Pick up one of those, and it's like a swap in a can, plus you have better seats, and parts to sell.

[NoahDL88]

if the 85 is EA-82 can't you just swap the long block and leave the original intake that came with the car on the new engine? Might also have to swap distys but thats easy too.

[Subafly]

I suppose so. Just wasn't sure. Thanks

how did you get so old noah?

[NoahDL88]

I worked hard at it and eat right?

[zyewdall]

Seems a little high for the engine. Superrupair sold me one for $225, and I'd expect one from the general ether of the internet to be a little less than one from a shop like that.

 

You should just be able to swap the long block and maybe the distributor in order to put the SPFI engine into the '85 without rewiring.

 

Z