2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992) 1986-1992 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections.

swap questions - s4 motor in s5

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Old Jan 1, 2005 | 09:54 PM
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swap questions - s4 motor in s5

i have a 87 5spd and a 91 auto

the 91 engine is dead... coolant seal and the car refuses to start (water inside?)

what i want to do is put the s4 engine and transmission into the s5

from what i have read, everyone says that i need to swap the ecu/harness

but what if i rip the s4 into a shortblock (do you guys call it that?) and bolt all the s5 parts in it? that way, the only difference would be the rotating assembly, and i could give the s5 shortblock the rebuild that it deserves... will i run into any problems if i do that?

and when i swap the car into a manual, anyone know where i could buy the bracket? i am not that great at making things...

think that seems to be all? i can take all the necessary part from the s4 for the s5...
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Old Jan 1, 2005 | 10:00 PM
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From: KC MF MO
think thats covered in the FAQ... but that won't work because the 89 has an electrical OMP and s4 has a mechanical OMP... plus other things too... like TPS... etc...
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Old Jan 1, 2005 | 10:33 PM
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it is not the swap that is covered in the faq...
i am keeping the s5 tps, s5 intake, etc
just the s4 bottom end...
wondering if anyone had done that, if it is possible, or run into any problems.......
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Old Jan 1, 2005 | 11:26 PM
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got some answers from kevin
thanks!
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Old Jan 2, 2005 | 02:30 AM
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Yep it's doable. I have the same swap. It works well, I had a bit of difficulty working the bugs out. I'll post links to my threads about this since I've typed it up many times.

There is a writup in the thread here that was posted by me. I found it very useful but not entirely applicable. Basicly block off the split air port on the LIM with JB Weld and remove the EGR valve and replace it with a blockoff plate which is available from Racing Beat. I have no idle issues and the car runs strong like this. You'll feel a dropoff in power at 7500 rpm without exhaust modifications. As far as passing emissions, I was successful after replacing the 15 year old catalytic converters. Now I run no cats, Hi flow aftermarket mufflers (can't remember what brand) and a CAI. Oh yeah, I also used the S5 front cover and the S5 MOP.

https://www.rx7club.com/2nd-generation-specific-1986-1992-17/omfg-s5-car-s4-engine-311548/

http://homepage.mac.com/carldavis/intake.html

Last edited by inflatablepets; Jan 2, 2005 at 02:43 AM.
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Old Jan 2, 2005 | 08:23 AM
  #6  
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I've also done this swap, car run great.
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Old Jan 2, 2005 | 12:40 PM
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From: California
excellent!
i checked my engine and i think it is... well, gone...

so i will be dissembling it soon!

just need to make the transmission bracket first....
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Old Jan 3, 2005 | 06:48 PM
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Well, I was saying you need to transfer the front cover from the old "Blown" engine and install it on the good "S4" engine. There will be a small O-ring on one of the oil passages that needs to be transferred as well. It is small and easy to overlook. When you remove the front pulley/eccentric shaft bolt, make sure the engine is flywheel side down as you don't want the bearing stack in the engine to shift. You'll have to take it apart to fully understand what I'm talking about. The reason you need to change the front cover is that the S4 engine has a mechanical MOP (metering oil pump) whereas the S5 engine has an electric MOP. You cannot de-activate the S5 MOP as it will put the engine ECU into running in limp mode. Hope this helps you. I'll post this in the forum as well.
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Old Jan 3, 2005 | 06:51 PM
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As far as the split air ports, you NEED to block the center hole under the primary intake ports otherwise the car won't run. That is if you use the S5 LIM.
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