quick motor swap question

[Klutch]

does anyone know the rules or laws for doing a motor swap in PA? i know some states require you to have the motor from the same year or newer and meet all emissions requirements but i cant find any solid info online. i live in pike county and they dont have emissions testing here so does that mean i dont have to have that emissions equipment on there? the reason im asking is because id like to just go carborated but some people are telling me i need to keep the EFI system and get all newer stuff than the vehicle. any info would be awesome, thanks.

 

[rhauf]

Seems to me like if they have inspection and/or smog testing, then you better stick with stock stuff. i tried putting a newer engine in a truck once and it was going to be a huge big deal to get it "recertified" for smog with the newer injected engine (it was originally carb'd)

on the other hand, if they DONT have smog testing or vehicle inspections, then what difference does it make? i'd run whatever you want... what are you thinking of running, a 302?

 

[Klutch]

yup either a 302 or a 351 windsor. the rings in my truck are fried and it has a knock so i figure i should upgrade lol i run these 4.0's into the ground. but yea theres no smog testing, only inspection for tires, holes in the body and frame,and they check bushings and brakes. other than that i dont see why they would even need to pop the hood. i just dont want it to be more of a hassle than its worth.

 

[rhauf]

Having done some engine swaps myself, i'll warn you that it's going to be plenty of a hastle. but if you're up to the challenge, then have at it. others on here have swapped in 302's to their first gens.

how much fab work experience do you have? are you comfortable making engine and trans mounts, modifying the firewall, cross member etc whatever is required to make it all fit? removing your heater air box? have you taken measurements yet? the 4.0 is a verry small and particularly narrow engine, with a skinny transmission attached to it. a 5.0 is much wider. a 5.8 is wider yet.

why do you keep going through engines? the 4.0's are generally pretty reliable.

 

[Klutch]

i have a bit of experience, and my dad would be helping me with it and teaching me as we go, i know a bit of cutting and welding will need to happen along with removing AC and heat and all that. id rather go carboreted cuz it would be a bit easier to me than computer stuff and i thought it might fit a little easier. im gonna wait til i get a second vehicle b4 i do this cuz i know its gonna take way more than a weekend

 

[Klutch]

would a 289 fit better?

 

[rhauf]

would a 289 fit better?

a 289 and a 302 have the same exterior dimensions. there is no way to tell them apart from the outside.

in fact, all they did was add a little stroke to the 289 (Bringing it to 3") to get the 302.

there are write ups on here on how people have done 302 swaps. i'm in the (Very drawn out) process of doing a supercharged 3.8L V6 swap into a '91. i started it at least a year ago and i've put it on hold for now. but it will be finished some day.. it is the same width as a 302 and its a tight squeeze. i'll be moving the crossmember down a bit (and doing suspension modifications) to fit the 3.8, i dont know if that will be required for a 302 or not but expect a lot of fab work.

good luck and keep us posted on your progress.

 

[Klutch]

ok guys i found my 302 but im not exactly too good with transmissions, anyone know what transmission will bolt up to the transfer case? im looking for an automatic but ill get a manual if i have to