Can you swap out the differential, tranny, and engine from an 87 T2 to a 91 automatic transmission convertible?

Any problems with differences in dimensions for the tranny mounts or drivetrain tunnel?

I want to move my FC stuff to a convertible. Many of the convertibles around for sale are automatic. =o(

J

 

I did this conversion, but I used the same series of cars. Everything will bolt up the same except the tranny. The pads where the transmission mounts to the body are different. I had to get these mounts from a junk car and weld them to my car. Another problem you will have is the wiring , it is different between the '87 and '91.

 

I'm not worried with wiring since I'm using the Haltech.

I hope the engine mounts, subframe, and shock towers are the same from T2 (87) to convertible (89+).

J

 

Ok I checked this out with Mazcare when I was looking at a 91 Mica Blue Automatic (mica blue doesn't come in a stickshift).

They said besides changing over to a flywheel you'll need to enlarge the tranny tunnel. I'm not 100% sure that's true, but I decided to go with the White convertible as the interior color is the same as the mica blue convertible (hint hint, nudge, nudge).

-- vaughnc

 

The tranny fits fine but the tranny mounts are in the wrong spot. Dave up at KD rotary just made me some custom mounts because welding one in out of another car is more trouble than it's worth. First cutting it out of another car is anything but easy and installing it in the new car is just as difficult since it will most likely be all bent up. So just get some high grade steel and make a new bracket, it's preaty straight forward.

 

Is the subframe and rear suspension (shocks) straight bolt on from the T2 to the Convertible? I know the sway bar bracket in the rear may have an extra bolt when comparing the 89+ to 87.

Any differences with the trailing/control arms going from an 87 T2 platform to the 89 vert?

Thanks,
J

 

Your very best bet would be to find a '88 Vert to make this tranfusion into. Certainly, you can pick up an '88 in super cherry condition for what just about ANY '91 would cost. You win three ways if you go '88:

1. Everything is a straight bolt in exercise.
2. There are lots of threads and web sites that discuss this straight T2 retrofit.
3. You'll eliminate cross series confusion if you ever want to get work done on your car by anybody else but yourself. A '88 Factory Manual, which you can download off the internet in PDF format, will cover anything about your Turbo Vert.

I own both a '88 Vert and a '91 Vert and have done alot of homework in this retrofit exercise as it is high on my to do list. Based on that homework, stay within the same series as your '87 T2.

 

Thanks Hozz.

I'll consider it since the 89+ verts are more pricey.

My 87 T2 is made up of a lot of 89 parts already and a few FD parts.
All of suspension is aftermarket, engine block, turbo, exhaust, FMIC, EFI (E6K), wheels, intake plenum, TB, radiator, fan, and alternator.

It seems like I have to a little welding for the tranny mounts. Nothing major to me.

I still need new brake rotors (bigger =o)), pads, and possibly calipers.

Well... time to check out the 87 verts....

Thanks for all the input,
J

 

No such thing... the 'verts were only made 88-92.

BTW, the North American 88 series 4 verts are about 50 lbs lighter than the series 5 89-91 verts.