The engine in my '78 S1 popped the apex seals on the rear rotor a few months back, and I've been looking for a replacement motor. Anyways, to make things short, my friend at work told me about an '80 with a good engine that was just sitting. We go check the car out, but it turns out that it'a a september model '80, so it's one of the first S2's. Everything checked out alright, good compression and everything, and I'm getting the parts car running before pulling all the engines to make sure everything runs ok -dizzy prob.- but what I'd like to know, is there anything I need to change/swap to get the S2 12A into my '78? I know I have to convert the coils and all that from the ignition points system on mine, but is there anything else I need to change?

Thanks,
SPEEDBOX

 

If it's got SA bodywork (bumpers, etc), it's still an SA, not an FB.

 

Geez - a Sept 80 prod date has GOT to be an FB, Glen. I think SA production ended in early summer of 80?
Speedbox - does the donor car have a FMOC? Front-Mount Oil Cooler, under the rad? or the so-called-bee-hive cooler under the oil filter? The WATER rad is different between the 2 versions, so you'd need to use the donor's water rad too. (its bigger)

Think that's about it - anyone?

Stu Aull
80GS
Alaska

 

Ow, let me wipe the blood off, here...

Point was, that if it's got S2 bodywork, the production date isn't much of an issue - - it's an S2.... and an "81," not an "80," even though it was built in calendar-year 1980. It's the model year that controls.

It'll also have an FB serial number, that being the Captain Obvious way to tell... And I can't think of any way to find out the production date without having already seen if it was an SA or an FB.

 

It's an FB, obviously, and a cali model. I can figure that much out for myself, thank you.

Yeah, it's got the FMOC, but no beehive oil cooler, I'm not positive, but I think only the S3 got those? But I've got an S3 motor in my backyard -rusty inside, useless- with a beehive Oil on it, I'm just going to Cooler on it, I'm just going to scavange that one. So apart from changing the dizzy, and coils, the only other change is the radiator since it's bigger? Alright, easy, thanks. Also, b4 I plop the engine in my car, I'm stripping off all emmission BS, and putting on a header XD

 

Sorry Glen - you shoulda ducked when I started waving elbows!


Stu Aull
80GS
Alaska

 

I have an '83 engine in my SA. It bolted right up. Only things I found different was the disty wiring (obviously), manifolds and the oil cooler. The exhaust systems won't work together, but the block will fit and bolt right in place. Just use all your engine peripherals off the original motor and swap them on to the new one.

 

^

That's the basics. Since you're removing the emmisions and going with headers, you can install any 12A. Now would be a good time to go to the electronic dizzy and internally regulated alternator.

 

^ Let me add that changing to the electronic dizzy is not hard at all, especially if you have the wiring diagrams for both engines.

 

Sweet. Thanks, guys. Haha, this S2 motor is the best 300 bucks I ever spent! XD