Alright guys and gals, here is my situation-

My car is an 86 760 turbo wagon, and it developed the dreaded “like getting rear-ended” shift from first to second about a year ago. I have been driving it and it doesn’t seem to be getting any worse, but its very annoying, and I would like to see it gone. Also, my engine has 234k miles on it without ever having been rebuilt (as far as I know). It has tons of valve clatter, assumedly from warn out quieter things. It leaks oil from a location which in three years of looking, I have not been able to find. Don’t ask, because I’ve replaced rear main seal, all front seals, oil cap seal, distributor seals, pretty much everything, and checked 1000 times over my ventilation system. And so, we come to the main point.

I just talked to someone at a yard about 60 miles from my house about an engine and transmission that he has from a 1993 940 turbo. They have 100k miles on them, and he says that the engine ran great before they took it out of the car. The engine was listed for $600 and the tranny for $250. He said that he would take $125 off the total price for the package. The engine does include the turbo. Basically, I want to buy this stuff. I would pick up the engine and check it out, if the seal looked good, maybe pop it right in the car with the tranny, and just replace pieces. Or, if it looked like it could use a refresher, maybe buy the two complete gasket sets from IPD or FCP or someone else. I do have an engine hoist that I could use, so that’s not a problem. As far as I know, for $750, I woulbe getting
1) 134K less miles on my engine
2)A transmission with 134k less miles, and no more “like get rear ended”.
3)A stronger engine in case I decide to get a few more mods, at least strong enough to instill a little more confidence than my current engine. (Oil squirters, thicker conn rods, ets.)
4)A turbo that I could either sell or use.
5)A big, fun summer project.
6)Maybe an old engine to go through and sell cheap.

Could I get some opinions on this? Will swapping the engine require more that I just don’t know about? I do expect a few little expenses here and there, but pretty much, it seems like a good deal to me. I don’t know how many 1993 Engine/trannys there are out there with only 100k. Let me know what you guys think.

Thanks,

Chris Neville

PS. some people have told me just to get a new car. Trust me, not gonna happen, man.

Well, I sure appreciate the enthusiastic responses from everybody. Just so you know, I have already replace the engine wiring harness with a newer one, so that should not be an issue. Now, on the issue of the Turbo. From what I have read here and on Turbobricks, my current turbo may be able to give me some better performance on the highway and stuff, while the Mitsubishi that will come with this engine would give me better low-end. If I kept my old one I would have to alter the exhaust manifold a little, buty I think that would be easier than getting all-new coolant and piping lones for the turbo. The Garrett that is in my car now is water-cooled. Anyone have anything to say about performance benefits between the turbos when attached to the 93 exhaust manifold?

Go for it. Buy and install the engine/transmission assembly. Use the turbo which is on the newer engine. Throw the old stuff away except for the Garrett T3, which has value.
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john

Oh Boy!!! The transmission out of that 940 should be the AW-71L. -Basically the exact same transmission as what you have in your wagon right now, but with a lockup torque converter. It should bolt right in with no problem since it's the same case and housing as your standard AW-71. I'm looking for a pair of AW-71L trannys myself to upgrade my 780s. You'll notice a significant improvement in your highway gas mileage.

If you end up having to re-use your old transmission for some reason, you can fix the "rear-end" feeling in the 1-2 shift. Pull the tranny pan, remove the valve body (bolted to the underside of the transmission), seperate it, and change out the little nylon check balls. Problem solved. More info in the Brickboard tranny FAQ.

If you decide to get rid of your old engine and can't find a buyer for it, consider keeping the head. It seems like people on the board have occasional overheats that result in a warped head and keeping a spare would be a good idea. (or to be able to offer it to someone else at a later date)

God bless,
Fitz Fitzgerald.
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'87 Blue 245, NA 238K

Go for it! Idle your car for a week or two, arrange to drive something else so you don't have to be hurried. Redo and refurbish everything. Look at water pump, timing belt, radiator, turbo hoses (maybe machine the better Mitsu exhaust manifold to accept your Garrett so you can stay with your hoses and oil lines. Look at your harness, drain your power steering, check suspension and engine mounts,change the heet valve, perfect the A/C. Do everything to refurbish your '86 for another 10 years, if you love it. A transmission job alone is more than what you are paying for the whole package. It seems easier to take the hood off and lift motor and trans out and reverse with everything intact and ready. Like you say a great project and very satisfying. All you need is time and initiative. Tell your junkman you'll be back for particular pieces and you need him to cut you some slack. For less than $1500 you will have a really good 740 Turbo wagon you know is right. That is a great value in todays world!

Get the computer too. It is probably different. Get the engine harness too. It is not too good on an 86

Well, I'm doing the same thing: swapping the 239K mile B230FTr from my '87 for a 65K mile '94 motor.
I didn't get the trans or turbo, and paid $850.
I'd say it's a good idea.

P.S.
The FI temp sensor is different from LH 2.2 to LH 2.4.
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Jim McDonald