Engine Swap Thread

[KTMspeedFreak]

Hey Everyone, I’ve created a few other threads and a bit disappointed at the limited responses the forums seem to get. So rather than asking about an engine swap i’d like to share some information with others here in an effort to generate some discussion!

So i’ve done much research on engine swaps for my 800cc buggy, and my ideal swap would be a suzuki swift gti engine, however they seem to be rare and very expensive if you can ever locate one. The only ones i’ve seen are going for $3500+ which is completely rediculaous becuase the purpose of an engine swap should be to get an inexpensive engine that parts are available for, the suzuki swift is neither.

So in my research, i’m specifically looking for a naturally aspirated lightweight aluminum engine that produces “acceptable” power. Far as I can tell such a thing rarely exists in the US, which is probably why the G13b engines are so redicualously overpriced.

What I have found, and present to you is a  Mitsubishi Mirage 1.2L It’s an all aluminium, lightweight 3 cylinder NA engine that’s producing 74HP and 74ft lbs torque. Not crazy power numbers I know, BUT for an NA 170lb readily available, AND cheap engine those are not bad in its stock form. Certainly those of you looking to get a little crazier than I can drop a turbo in and up those base numbers. 

Far as I can tell in my research No one has done this engine swap to date, so I suppose I will have to go fist... I am not quite ready to take on a project of this magnitude but will likely make this my winter/spring project and hope to have it completed by early/late spring next year.

I will of course document the install and process once it gets under way. In the meantime please feel free to use this thread to discuss other possible engine swap projects or ideas for such! I love me some buggy action and can’t wait to get this swap underway.

[DJ530]

Small and powerful?  Kinda spendy but why not drop a KTM 1290 v twin in it?  Will be easier to find parts than a gti lump, water cooled, 100+ HP, chain drive, 6-speed, what more could ya want?  Gonna be spendy though, around 3-4K for a wrecker.  Any old street bike twin may be good candidate,  but many are $$$ and hard to find parts like the gti.  

[Vernon Brown]

How would you hook up the independent rear suspension, just got a 07 joyner sand viper 1100cc dont know if the motor is good, missing the tranny. Was thinking of a engine, tranny swap with a Geo metro. Never had a buggy b4. So all will be new to me!

[KTMspeedFreak]

The geo is not a bad option, but it’s going to be heavier than the mirage for same or less power numbers. If I needed an engine/tranny combo i’d look no further than the mirage, going to be the lightest most powerful combo you’ll find for cheap cheap cheap. Keep us posted! 

[Old Outlaw]

Any Progress?

[Vernon Brown]

Havent had time to even think about my buggy, but speed freak I need thinking about a street bike motor & tranny. Even intertwined the thought of a Harley motor & tranny. Just cant seem to figure out the independent suspension ( yet).

[Vernon Brown]

On 6/14/2019 at 11:43 AM, Old Outlaw said:

Any Progress?

Havent been able to pick up a motor & tranny yet, but maybe in the fall I'll have time.

[KTMspeedFreak]

On 6/14/2019 at 12:43 PM, Old Outlaw said:

Any Progress?

It’s funny you ask because I was just pricing engines and trannys on this the other day, unfortunately work has had me crazy busy lately.

The thing that’s stoping me from pulling the trigger isn’t cost weight or creating the custom engine mounts but actually figuring out all the small computerized details of mounting a modern engine without a full donor vehicle, like ECU, ignition, wiring, and fuel injection.

So if anyone had any tips on how that all can be done simply without a full donor at my disposal i’m all ears 😆 

[KTMspeedFreak]

Guess what I picked up today fellas...

FYI if anyone would like to keep up on this build series you can follow my youtube channel 

https://m.youtube.com/c/dirtgeartv

[Travis]

What manufacturer is that engine?mitsubishi?

[KTMspeedFreak]

Yes it’s  Mitsubishi 1.2L 

While we’re discussing engine swaps, I really need some help from anyone that’s done any sort of engine swaps Geo or other. My MAIN concern is going to be the final gearing ratios. I’d hate to put all the time and money into this build to find out the final gearing is useless. Does anyone know how well a manual car tranny will preform on a swap like Geo or other small engine? 1st gear in the tranny I have will be appx 3.5 2nd is 1.9 etc... with a final drive of 4.05. It’s reasonable low for a street car but of course I’m not driving on street and on east coast I need a nice low gear ratio for slow trails...

[KTMspeedFreak]

Well y'all are getting the updates even before I publish on YT! A lot left to do but I will say the test fit was a success. Im going to have to figure out how to fab my own engine mounts since the mirage mounts are crazy expensive,  Like $1000. So I'm trying to find a way to adapt my current F8B mounts to bold onto the aluminum block of the Mirage. More updates to follow... Or you could always just sub me too 🙂

[Travis]

SUBSCRIBED!!!! 👍👍