Ok, a friend of mine came into a deal and got an 81 and an 85 for 150 bucks. The 81's body is in good condtion but the motor is locked up. The 85 is smashed in the rear to the point where its unrepair-able but the motor is good. What we are in the process of doing is transfering the engine and tranny from the 85 to the 81. Now obviously the 81 is a slightly differant motor due to the obvious emissions regulations differance. So the problem we are running into is what to do about that problem. Anyone have any experience with this type of swap? Any info, things to watch for, and general warnings will be greatly appreciated. Me and my two friends have been slaving over these two cars since we got em 2 days ago. And we need a lil help in the knowledge area.

 

The easiest way is to just swap over the short block from the 85, and use all the bolt ons from the 81, no headaches that way.

-Marques

 

In Florida, we don't have emissions, so I've swapped an 82 into my 85 without issues. If you have to smog though, the easiest thing to do is remove the engine complete with everything but the connections. The electrical stuff on the 82 should match up just fine. The number of connections on the rats nest are the same, one just moved to another side of the carb I believe.


Good luck.

 

i'ld go with what mwatson184 said.. just use the block from the 85 and use all the other parts from the 81.. the antipolution is pretty much the same.. and u might wana use the 85 carb.. good luck