Gen1 SWB 2.6 to 3.0 swap

[irish44j]

Hey guys, quick question. I'm currently on the hunt for a new project - SWB Montero/Raider - and have a couple quick questions that hopefully you can help out with.

I'm primarily interested in going with the V6 + manual transmission (though automatic would be ok). Several local Raiders for cheap have the 2.6 4-cylinder - some with engine issues, some with transmission issues. I know the V6 engine doesn't mate up with the 4-cylinder transmission, and vice versa. So my question is - If I got a 3.0 + transmission from a junkyard Montero, would it be more or less drop-in as far as linking up with the transfer case, axles, etc? Obviously would need to do new wiring, etc - but want to get an idea of how hard the mechanical part of swapping the V6 stuff into a 4-cylinder would be.

Second - I think I've read that the way you can tell a Gen1 has the LSD rear end is that it was part of a package that also had the headlight sprayers (and some other stuff). Is this accurate? Obviously I'd be more interested to find one with LSD so looking for cues on ways to tell visually in a CL photo or something.

Third - a couple of these are missing the rear bench seat for some reason. Are these hard to come by? Will any of the rear seating from a 4-door Montero fit?

Thanks for any advice. I've read a few buyers guides and such but just wanted to clarify these points.

 

[mudraider]

1. If you get an auto 2.6, you can switch a 3.0 auto bellhousing, and be good to go. Their transmissions are the same from 87 on. It's a strong trans. Then only have to mess with engine mounting. Otherwise, you'll also be messing with driveshafts from your donor vehicle also.

2. A better sign would be to look for the orange tag on the drivers c-pillar by the lock plate. Not much chance anyone bothered that. Also should be one on visor, but it's a sticker that comes loose with age, it could be gone.

3. If you want a back seat, I recommend swapping front and rear to Gen 2. A lot more comfortable with minimal work. Gen 1 seats are out there, but if not close, shipping will suck.

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['round n' back again]

this is an interesting swap. but kinda pointless in some ways.
a v6 swap ..... with the issues u would encounter, just going from mitsu to mitsu would be issues very similar to swapping in a gm v6 from an s10, with a vastly greater result..
example, likely the 2.6 radiator is fizzled and may be much smaller capacity than the 3.0
thus new radiator....
the same problem
whether you went M3.0, or GM4.0
4.0,
th350
231 t case,

yea, loads of power , parts, and prices.


rear axle will have, shold have, tag on it also. a 92 will have disc brakes with lsd.

rear seat in a two door fits between fender wells. 4 door sits in front of them unsure they swap easily. though I'm going the other way this fall. using the smaller rear seat.... maybe.
I could just leave it a 2 seater as it is now too.

 

[lordtrunks]

Easiest swap for 2.6 rig is a starion turbo 2.6 Lotta power and very easy to swap in bolts right up has a few wires are your up and running.

 

['round n' back again]

I've often wondered about the starion 2.6.
it's a lovely option, but, I could never get a strait story on bellhousing patterns, as most jabber was about front wheel drive cars..
a twisted up 4 turbo sounds oh so fun.
it might be lighter too, and maybe more efficient....

now, to find one.... or two

does the engine have any weaknesses?

 

[mudraider]

The Starion/Conquest is a rear wheel drive car. As Lord Trunks said, it's a bolt in. Easiest upgrade possible. That being said, it has also had all the bugs figured out with it performance wise.
Somewhere up there someone said the 2.6 radiator is too small for 3.0. Actually, the same radiator, it's more than sufficient for the 3.0. Comparing the 3.0 swap to a 4.3 swap is ridiculous. If your truck is an automatic, you have to swap the bellhousing, do motor mounts, fuel system, and the FI wiring to use the 3.0 engine. The driveline does not change then.
Now a 4.3 swap. Besides the motor mounts, FI wiring and fuel stuff, you'll need a transmission and transfer case. Crossmember with mounts. And driveshafts. And dont forget the interior work of shifters and such. But, the 4.3 does give more hp/torque availability, and parts availabilty.

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['round n' back again]

ridiculous might be too strong a term.
the 4.3 swap into , anything, has proven itself to be a smart move. for every Japanese make.

especially since aforementioned GM drivetrain, can be purchased for as little as 300.00.

the 2.6, currently in the rig, what model is that one?

but back to the 2.6 swap.
the confusion, I'm having is this
4g54, 4g64, and 6g72, v6 what works together?
and what dont.
v6 is different bellhousing?
perhaps I start a thread unique to this subject, if u guys will respond.

I'd love a hot turbo 4 in my gen 1

 

[irish44j]

Side question: Is the manual with the V6 strong? And are they reasonably easy to find in LWB monteros?

I only ask because there's a manual V6 around here with a bad transmission, so that would be a good option as well.

 

[mudraider]

Side question: Is the manual with the V6 strong? And are they reasonably easy to find in LWB monteros?

I only ask because there's a manual V6 around here with a bad transmission, so that would be a good option as well.

Yes. Seems about 70/30 auto/manual.

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[mudraider]

Yes, new post would be good. So much misinformation here. Uggh.

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[irish44j]

lol....I've been around forums for a long time and am pretty good at navigating around the gristle. Thanks for your responses though - i think you've hit all my questions.

 

[Oso]

If you end up going to the 3.0, I have the auto trans, transfer case, front diff, cv axles, and both driveshafts from an 89 3.0 SWB sitting on a shelf in case you need them.

I’ve been told that the earlier SWB models (83-84/5?) have a shorter engine compartment so the V6 won’t fit.

The performance difference between the 2.6 and 3.0 might be worth the hassle. It’s a simple swap and not terribly difficult if you’re comfortable with a wrench and know how to read the FSM.

Good luck.