I know anything is possible with enough money but... Could you get a 20B into an 85 S model? If so what else would you need? Reason I ask is because a friend of mine knows of a totaled cosmo with engine intact, but it might need a rebuild.

 

You answered your own question. It takes money... It's not bolt in you need custom motor mounts and or subframe.

 

It's been done at least once. There's a vid on youtube of a white FB with an NA 20B.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNcdMGm_Jsk

 

It's been done many times. Not too complicated as engine swaps go.

 

I know of at least 3 or 4 conversions in little old New Zealand alone!

But don't be doing it JUST because of the chance to score a "cheap" engine.... You have to be prepared to commit your soul.

 

Like Jimbo says, there are 20B FB's around but you've got to take into account how much it'd cost you to rebuild the 20B alone before even thinking about putting it in the FB and by then you are fully committed and it's **** or bust! To put it in perspective, I'm just coming to the end of a 13BT swap into my S2 and there are plenty of interchangeable SECONDHAND parts available for that job to keep the cost down, but it still cost a fair amount to do right. So if you've got deep pockets, by all means take it on but if not just give your 12A some love and enjoy it.

 

My biggest concern is deciding whether to turbo or NA. It's no longer a question about power as it will have more than enough in a 1st gen chassis. It's about will I have enough radiator if I boost? Will my clutch be strong enough? Where do I fit the intercooler when I've gotta move the radiator+oil cooler forward? Or if NA there is probably enough cooling capacity but will I have enough room for all the mufflers (presilencers)? Will it even be close to quiet enough and still flow enough? What about the TB and UIM? Do I mod them for enough flow NA, or boost and not worry about them? Will I have enough fuel delivery if boosted? Do I have to change the fuel hardlines under the car?

See, these are questions I have to ask myself while I decide which course to take. There are pros and cons for each. I'm not asking can I fit a 20B in a 1st gen. I'm worried about how many fuel pumps I'll need etc.

 

I would do a well prepared Semi PP 20B first Gen. 350+HP, all N.A,
and still have good drivability with the right intake/(4 barrel) throttle-body.

Boost complicates things...Alot. Cooling/braking/transmission/driveline/rear end, etc - would all have to be massively upgraded for a boosted 20B.

At this point, I would rather have a regular running N.A. powered car, without having to worry about what's going to break next.

 

Good points. I have a clutch that will work NA but would it hold boost? Would the tranny hold up? Rest of the drivetrain? I see what you mean.

It's already streetported so a turbo is technically not needed to make power now. The only concerns are feeding it enough air above 6k and making it quiet but free flowing enough for the street. I have some ideas to try.

 

Sure 20b in an 85 is possible....

So is turning yourself into a woman....

Both expensive, and both require total commitment.

Lastly, if you have to ask this question... then you are definitely not qualified to complete this swap.