Putting a Gen 2 engine in a Gen 1 Montero?

[amandarenee]

Alright, bear with me as my knowledge of mechanics is still limited (though I'm learning as I go!), and I'm hoping someone here might have some experience in the matter.

I have a '91 Montero with an engine that needs to be at least partially rebuilt--still working on getting a pressure test done, etc, and getting quotes on the work. I have been checking out used and refurb'ed engines in the spirit of following all possible leads, and found a used Gen 2 Montero engine w/60k miles on it, and visually it looks exactly the same as what is currently sitting in my ole girl.

Is it possible to put this engine in my Montero, with only minor mods, if any?

 

[IncorpoRatedX]

not likely. the gen 2 has the engine sitting higher, wouldnt matter much except they moved the oil filter housing to the driver side and if you try to stab the engine into your gen one, you'll smash the oil filter against the diff.

There's a lot of other reasons it wont go, the short answer is no.

 

[amandarenee]

I figured as much, but it's good to know for sure. Thanks.

 

[Toasty]

Well, there are a few variations of engines for the Gen 2, a two year run of 12v 3.0 like the Gen 1 has, a three year run of 24v 3.5 DOHC then a more common 24v 3.0 and more common 24v 3.5 SOHC. The 12v would be a straightforward swap, the other engines are swappable but i wouldn't recommend it unless you were a more advanced mechanic/fabricator. The engines to keep an eye out for are 89-93 Montero (12v 3.0) and similar rage of Diamante engines, the Diamante (non LS or Wagon) would be the upgrade in terms of power (+35hp). These engines were all built in the Nagoya (11th digit vin will be J for Montero, Y for Diamante) this is important because the bosses and castings are more compatible being from the same assembly line. You would then basically use your original accessories, EGR, EFI, oilpan/pickup and install them as needed onto your new motor. Pay attention to the location of the dizzy for a quick recognizable 12v engine, if it's not where yours is or if it has waste spark it is a 24v engine. Those will be costly and difficult to swap as IncX stated, bottom line is engine swaps are not typically a beginner move and if you do undertake one be sure to get the most compatible engine possible aka 1991 Montero engine. ***PRO TIP*** 1989 12v 3.0 is a little different, just enough to piss you off!