[valitank]

I haven't even picked up my Sierra yet but I can't help but wonder what some motor swaps are available, and nope I'm not talking about the typical 1.6 conversion

I have had a couple of thoughts..

A 4g63 motor from a Mitsubishi lancer, these motors are generally FWD format but have been used in RWD sigmas

An astron 2.6 from a Magna, whist it may sound stupid they are a very torquey motor

I have also heard something about a twin cam Hyundai motor conversion, is this possible?

[sideways]

Out of those, I'd try and make the Hyundia motor work. Swift guys have used excel gearboxes in swifts for more strength so there's probably a g motor to hyundia adaptor plate or something somewhere, at least in cad form.

[Gwagensteve]

The motor isn't really relevant. There are many, many possible candidates. One way or another, almost every 4 cylinder and most V6's have been run in a sierra, some V8's, and rotaries with varying degrees of success, along with a bunch of small diesels.

However, The real issues in a sierra engine conversion are gearbox choice, gearing, and driveline strength. They are what make or break a conversion, not the motor.

There are adapter plates to bolt the sierra or vitara gearbox to a VW petrol or Diesel 4 Cylinder.
It might be possible to adapt the Hyundai motor as Sideways noted.

Other than that, you are pretty much committed to using the gearbox from a donor RWD car. That's a bit complicated because most RWD gearboxes have very long tailshaft housings. This then commits you to move the transfer case back, and/or make a very short jackshaft.

There's nothing stupid about using an astron 2.6. They would be a better swap than many of the "performance" engines people choose because of their stroke/torque. It's the same reason 3RZ hilux motors are such a good choice.

However, the Sierra driveline was designed for 100Nm. Double that and you may not have a very reliable driveline and may need to upgrade, and that's a process that ends in building what is effectively a hilux with a cramped cab, only 15 times the work.

At the end of the day, if you want to build something different and know exactly what you want to achieve, go for your life, but there's a reason that the G16B/G13BB/G13B/G16A/J20 swaps are preferred. The end result is still quite balanced and functional, and that's as much about the gearbox as it is the engine.

Steve.

[jimbo_jones]

Very well put Steve

[KEENSY85]

Well put Steve I never thought of it like that