i have an '86 gxl that isnt making much power. i want to keep the car, and im thinking an engine swap would be a good place to start improving the power. i've heard good things about the cosmo 13b-re and 20b, but also hear the 20b is way too expensive and complicated for the inexperienced. i want to go with the 13b-re but i am lacking the necessary equipment and know-how...



any advice on whether or not this is a good idea? if not, what is a good idea? and/or does anyone know of a shop that can competently do the swap around northern illinois?

 

if you have good resources to support such a project your inexperience may be the only things stopping you. If you have access to the necessary tools, a daily driver, plus loads of cash, a engine transplant may be a good choice. But if you do not, it will be very difficult to pull the task off. There are many experienced people here that are very willing to guide you if you need help. The most common transplant for the fc n/a would be a t2 engine. there is a write up on it in the 2nd gen faq section.

 

yes that would be the most cost effective if your on a tight budget. and a not to difficult one. you will get plenty of exp. with that transplant.

 

thanks for the advice. but i dont think i can pull this kinda thing off on my own, i dont have most of the equipment on the "list of things needed" sticky.

does anyone know of a shop that can do this for me around northern illinois?

 

A-spec tuning does rotaries. They're in addison I believe. Give them a shot.

 

yeh, i've checked with them. i talked to a Steve, they said they dont do cosmo swaps.

are there any other places?