to swap or not to swap
04-08-2010, 07:08 PM
#1
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to swap or not to swap
I keep on switching back and forth between keeping my good compression 1.6 with not a lot of miles, and wanting a 1.8 for better lower end torque and better reliability; or, if I ever wanted to build it or put a 99 head on it.
-what does decent condition 1.8 go for on average, how about one with a 99 head?
-how much does the total swap cost on average?
-is it really worth it if I plan on not hitting anywhere above 250whp?
My next investment over the next couple of days will be an ms, which I undersand if it is built for my 90 harness will work with a 1.8 no problems Assuming I will use the same harness for the swap.
-what does decent condition 1.8 go for on average, how about one with a 99 head?
-how much does the total swap cost on average?
-is it really worth it if I plan on not hitting anywhere above 250whp?
My next investment over the next couple of days will be an ms, which I undersand if it is built for my 90 harness will work with a 1.8 no problems Assuming I will use the same harness for the swap.
Last edited by frostyllama; 04-09-2010 at 10:46 PM.
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04-08-2010, 07:26 PM
#3
I just gained .4 Liters of displacement, keeping the same compression ratio. The difference is night and day!
DO IT!
Cost of a 1.8? Don't know.
The 99 head is highly recommended. It flows much better in stock form than even a ported 94-97 head.
My cost to swap was $180, plus the cost of the motor. It can be done for much less. I bought a used FM swap kit, and am using a 1.6L clutch and flywheel. You could even use the 1.8 throttle body if you'll be controlling idle with MS. Just get a pigtail for the IAC and TPS sensor.
The amount of low end torque you gain with the increased displacement = Instaspool for the smaller turbos.
DO IT!
Cost of a 1.8? Don't know.
The 99 head is highly recommended. It flows much better in stock form than even a ported 94-97 head.
My cost to swap was $180, plus the cost of the motor. It can be done for much less. I bought a used FM swap kit, and am using a 1.6L clutch and flywheel. You could even use the 1.8 throttle body if you'll be controlling idle with MS. Just get a pigtail for the IAC and TPS sensor.
The amount of low end torque you gain with the increased displacement = Instaspool for the smaller turbos.
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04-09-2010, 04:56 PM
#5
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I went from 1.6 to 1.8 when I blew up my 1.6. I was concerned about losing a bunch of $$ by not being able to reuse a bunch of my stuff, but the difference in power between the 1.6 and 1.8 was really noticeable. Definitely do the 1.8
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04-09-2010, 10:35 PM
#6
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i'm really starting to lean towards the 1.8... if i find one for a good price and relatively locally i think i will jump on it and sell my good condition 1.6. of course i say this now, tomorrow i will "decide" to 1.6 it lol.
i'm still very open to all input
i'm still very open to all input
Last edited by frostyllama; 04-10-2010 at 01:10 AM.
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04-10-2010, 06:25 PM
#7
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Do the 1.8L swap I did it after my second motor popped and it was the best thing I ever did. I got the FM swap kit and I picked up a used motor and trans with 65K at the junk yard for $300 so a grand total of $500 and I was off. I got the motor and trans from Crazy Rays you have to pull it your self and the car had an brand new exeedt clutch in it so all was good there.
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04-10-2010, 07:58 PM
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Do the 1.8L swap I did it after my second motor popped and it was the best thing I ever did. I got the FM swap kit and I picked up a used motor and trans with 65K at the junk yard for $300 so a grand total of $500 and I was off. I got the motor and trans from Crazy Rays you have to pull it your self and the car had an brand new exeedt clutch in it so all was good there.
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04-12-2010, 03:27 PM
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that's about what i was looking at, great.
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04-12-2010, 09:42 PM
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emissions, otherwise the decision would have been made by now. no way to get an exhaust manifold that doesn't look modified. and for those of us who don't live in california the fe3 has "high port runners" just like the 99+ heads... search "fe3 and handling" for proof.
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04-13-2010, 01:54 PM
#15
I'm only saying this because I now know this about myself having been there. And yes I live in an emissions county, although I understand CA inspections are different. Regardless, if you wanted it bad enough you could do the work to make it look OEM. So here goes:
You're a ***** if you don't swap an FE3 in there.
That was purely for your benefit, nothing personal.
You're a ***** if you don't swap an FE3 in there.
That was purely for your benefit, nothing personal.
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04-13-2010, 02:30 PM
#16
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I'm only saying this because I now know this about myself having been there. And yes I live in an emissions county, although I understand CA inspections are different. Regardless, if you wanted it bad enough you could do the work to make it look OEM. So here goes:
You're a ***** if you don't swap an FE3 in there.
That was purely for your benefit, nothing personal.
You're a ***** if you don't swap an FE3 in there.
That was purely for your benefit, nothing personal.
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