Andy

I've just got a replacement motor for my 87TII today and it looks like a 89 + motor.
First and foremost, is it compatable, block only (I'm swapping everything else including injectors)
The new motor has an electric OMP, obviously have to change it.
BUT.Is the 87 turbo manifold compatible with the 89 block? I'm pretty sure the 89 turbo won't bolt up to the 87 exaust. I've heard the compression is higher on the later models is this true and will it cause me any problems? Also heard the knock sensor is in a different spot, will it still be compatible and/or swappable with the 87 sensor? Will the 87 intake manifolds bolt up? Will I need to swap the flywheel from the 87?
If I think of anything else I'll repost later. Most of these things I could check myself but I don't want to take it apart if I have to return it.

13BAce

You need to use the complete 89 motor, but you have to use all of the 87 sensors, as well as the mechanical oil metering pump. If you swap front covers the pump swap will be easy, but it can be done without all of that trouble.

The 87 manifolds won't match up with the 89 ports, and you must keep the 89 flywheel or else the motor will be out of balance. The higher compression shouldn't be a big concern. The 89 turbo will bolt right up to your exhaust.

hypntyz7

Probably the only way you can tell byt looking is the electric OMP on the front, but therea re several other differences.

Yes. IT is anctually an upgrade, as the 89+ blocks used higher compression rotors. THey came stock with 200hp, where the 87-8 ones came with 182.

Youll need to change the front cover, becaue the 2 bolt on differently. IT goes straight on though. Due to adding the rod for the old OMP, youll have to use your throttle body also(if not the whole upper intake manufold).

YEs. The 89-91 turbos and manifolds are both an upgrade over the earlier ones. IF it has the newer turbo adn manifold use those. The wastegate is better in the manifold, which allows for higher boost without creep, adn the newer turbo is more efficient. I think both turbos should bolt up the same, but Ive never done it. Ckeck the bolt pattern of both outlets using a stock gasket off your car. IF it fits, then the stock exhaust will also fit.

True(see above). Will give youa bit more power, but if you intend to run up the boost then higher compression doesnt handle higher boost as well, you'll have to be really careful.

Ive never payed attention to this, but in both 87 and 89 FSMs it appears to be in the sape place. Just get both blocks side by side and look. At very least the connector should be the same, its only 1 wire. Even if they were not, it would be simple enough to splice in the proper connector.

The intake should bolt up, but why. Ive heard that the runners on the 89+ are a bit bigger, this means youd wanna use those. Also, the lower manifold is a real pain, plus there is a coolant o-ring inside that is hard to get seated peoperly when replacing it. I would NOT fool with this unless I had to. Some of the electronics on the engine might be slightly different as far as plugs, so just swap those out individually one at a time with parts from your old block. IF it were me, Id put your old throttle body on the newer upper intake, as those runners *might* be larger also, but check it out first. Id leave the lower mani. alone. Also use the spec/89+ IC, I think they have a slightly better flow rate. Just use your injectors and wiring and electronics and you'll do fine. The engine might struggle to idle at first because of the lighter weight rotors(89+ dont idle well when they're in an 89+ car anyway, much less a 87 computer that doesnt know about the difference) but you should be able to tune it fairly decent.

You need to use the flywheel and front counterweight that came with this motor, they are weighted different due to the diference in rotors. IF you mess this up your motor will vibrate and wear out early. Leave the flywheel and front weight on it that are on it now. THe fl;ywheels are the same diameter, same clutch parts and stuf, just different balanced.

fc3s.org

The manifolds do not bolt on, nor can you use say the lower from the 89 and the upper from the 87-88. The bolt pattern is off just enough so you can't do it (ask me how I found out )

hypntyz7

Thanks for the info Dave, I learned something else today.

So what you'd want to do is to use your old throttle body on the newer upper intake and leave everything else alone, right? Simple enough...

Andy

Thanks for the input.
I'm not interested in power gains and/or taking the trouble of tuning it to run right with an 89 setup since as soon as it's running well I'm selling. It seems to me that the best course of action is to get the proper 87 block and be done with it. Also I want a car that will pass emissions and a J spec long block simply doesn't qualify.
However if someone wants to buy the engine AND car to go through the hassle themselves, feel free to email me.
This summer I put lots of parts into it.
Fast 14 16 inch rims (multispoke)
Rebuilt kevlar clutch
injectors cleaned and flowed
HKS supermegaflow intake
new rotors and sticky pads all around, painted calipers
new sunroof panel and guide wire, works fine but not yet worn in
new wires, plugs
alarm with keyless entry
Red line tranny fluid
sparco pedals
All season car cover, still in box, car stored in doors
The car had an FCD and full RB exhaust when I bought it. The car is blck with red interior, honestly it grows on you. I have the stock cat with adapters welded to it and it easily passed emmisions on a dying engine in 2000 with the air pump running.
The seats are sunfaded without tears, a couple interior pieces are cracked, not the radio bezel. The tint is 13 years old and looks it. 5 speed with all power options. The body is in good shape with a very small rust spot over each rear wheelwell and some small door dings, there is some under body rust. The transmission shifts great. I bought the car 3 years ago and have put 3000 kms on it, now has 155000. The tires are at about 75%, but are entry level tires. All the bells and whistles work. I have a spare ECU and stock wheels, these would come with the car preferably. I have lost patience with the project and would like to see it gone. Any offer around 7000 CDN takes it.
If not I'll go with option 1 and rebuild then sell, I'd be more than happy to field offers for this case as well.
Thanks again
Andy

TurboII2NV

you want around 7000cdn and the buyer to install the motor and do the work??? damnn

where did u get the engine and if not a secret how much did it run u for the motor?

Rx7Tantrum

so about the tuning would is the normal thing you guys do with the fuel and timing and what to tune with just a piggy back or something along stand alone for the s5 to s4 swap?

wockstaur

i want to put a 91 13bt to replace my 87 13b. what steps should i take, what to look for, and is it bolt on? other than engine and tranny, what else will i need?