Hey guys, I hoping to get some help so bear with me. My SE crapped out on me the other day so I believe I am in need of a new motor. The quotes I have recieved put it around 2500 installed since I don't have the room or expertise to do it myself. My question is could I put in a 12A turbo for the same price? There is a guy here selling one in the South classifieds for 800, so if it would be easy to swap in I look to get more power and less money, right? anyway, thanks for the help...and to distract anyone from flaming I have included a pic of my car

 

probably easier/cheaper with the 13b again. for the 12a you would need modifications, and any shop would charge boo-koos on custom jobs.

 

nice car btw

 

I have about a grand in doing my 12AT. I did all the work, and most of the fab myself. That's not including the engine, or the car. $2500 for a reman installed isn't that bad, providing you get a warranty with that.

 

thanks for the info. I was just hoping I could upgrade a little bit for the same money...

 

Think real hard and heavy about doing this. That $2500.00 price will more than likely go to around $3500.00 or more.
Do you have emission testing in your area?

 

If you're really serious about upgrading, find the time to install the engine yourself and use the money you would have spent on labor and but some go-fast goodies for the 13B.

That's just my .02

 

unfortunately I do have emissions testing here, but the guy I bought it from last year had taken them all off because his county doesn't have the testing. I honestly have about 3500 that I can spend on the car, I looked at a TII swap and think that would cost too much. I was just thinking that a 12at might be a cheaper swap...

Unfotunately, MosesX605, I don't have the room to do it myself. My dad lives up north from me and has a little more room, but I'm not sure I would be able to put in a motor. I know just enough about cars to get into trouble, and not nearly enough to get out of it

 

That's the best place to be.

Forces you to learn

It's not a big deal to be swapping a stock motor. Just make sure you label all the connections and take it slow. If I can do it, I'm pretty sure anyone can.

You'll also be happier with the knowledge that you've got some sweat in your ride, rather than letting someone else do the wrenching.

That's my .02. I know how hard it is to find the time for this stuff when you're in school, I'm in a similar situation now.

Also, from what I've read (no practical experience) the 12AT isn't the most impressive engine in the world in stock form. I could be wrong.

 

do you know of anything I would need to buy to make the switch? Like I said, my car is a SE and has the 13B so I'm not sure it's a direct swap? does anyone know of any fabricating or modding or parts I would need?

 

Since you have a -se, you will need to change the fuel system over for that engine since it is running a carb. You need low fuel pressure (below 5 psi) instead of high like you have now. It would be much cheaper to get a 2nd gen engine and swap that in there. That way you won't have to fab up a new exaust, change over the fuel system, ect. Also, that engine is set up for a front mount oil cooler, so you have to fab that up as well.

I thought about getting that engine, but I think I will upgrade my 12a to a 13b in the future instead. If you go that route, I want your oil pan and front cover. :P

 

fuel system does not need to be changed for a carb application and 5 psi is too low for a boosted carb.

If you're subject to emissions, you're choices are to put it back stock with working emissions or update, with complete emissions to a later engine.