New to FWDs, Blown Engine, Need HELP!

[Mopar440_6]

I have spent most of my time around muscle cars and trucks so my FWD/import/tuner knowledge is limited. I recently purchased a 1992 Laser 1.8L N/T, 5spd to use as a commuter car. It ran great until Thursday.

It started knocking about a half mile from my house so I put it in neutral and coasted into the garage. Pulled the head and oil pan. Two pistons have chunks missing and there was about a gallon of water in the oil. I'm guessing the water jacket cracked internally since the head is clean.

Since I want to use it for a commuter I would like to keep it N/T but I would like to put a 2.0 in for a little extra performance. My questions are as follows:

-How difficult will this swap be? (Should I try to find another 1.8?)
-Will the 1.8 trans work with a 2.0?
-Should I find a low mile junkyard motor or build off a rebuilt longblock?
-What parts do I need to complete this swap?

 

[pitbull419]

I have a complete 1.8 car with 92,xxx ORIGINAL miles.
It has a new head,head gasket,head bolts,plugs and wires.
It needs put in time and a radiator.I cant find the title for it.So it would make the perfect donor car.

 

[mrtalon40]

I have spent most of my time around muscle cars and trucks so my FWD/import/tuner knowledge is limited. I recently purchased a 1992 Laser 1.8L N/T, 5spd to use as a commuter car. It ran great until Thursday.

It started knocking about a half mile from my house so I put it in neutral and coasted into the garage. Pulled the head and oil pan. Two pistons have chunks missing and there was about a gallon of water in the oil. I'm guessing the water jacket cracked internally since the head is clean.

Since I want to use it for a commuter I would like to keep it N/T but I would like to put a 2.0 in for a little extra performance. My questions are as follows:

-How difficult will this swap be? (Should I try to find another 1.8?)
-Will the 1.8 trans work with a 2.0?
-Should I find a low mile junkyard motor or build off a rebuilt longblock?
-What parts do I need to complete this swap?

its real simple especially if you buy another bottom end, just buy a 2.0 cylinder head, hopefully you can get one with the intake manifold and everything, i think the transmissions are different though so you might need one, if you dont wanna replace all that just stick to the 1.8, for the horsepower increase it would be that much worth it, if you do you might need an exhaust manifold to, I remember some other guy doing this and thats what he changed to make it a 2.0

 

[timloomis]

Transmissions are the same, wiring harness is different, ecu is different, and probably some other things. But the n/t engines are easy to come by. Your only talking about ~35 horsepower for all that work.

 

[mrtalon40]

Transmissions are the same, wiring harness is different, ecu is different, and probably some other things. But the n/t engines are easy to come by. Your only talking about ~35 horsepower for all that work.

yeah thats true i was told the tranny is different! O well but I forgot the harness and ECU and pulling harness is no joke I just pulled mines on my GS and it was a headache

 

[timloomis]

I was always told and read the trannys were different too. Untill I helped a buddy with a 1.8 swap one out. It was f5m22 just like the one in my old 92 gs.

 

[mrtalon40]

I was always told and read the trannys were different too. Untill I helped a buddy with a 1.8 swap one out. It was f5m22 just like the one in my old 92 gs.

O OK, I would swap it though dude to the 2.0, I remember trying to turbo mines I bought a bunch of parts till I came to my senses and said im spending too much darn money!!

 

[pitbull419]

I have a complete 1.8 car with 92,xxx ORIGINAL miles.
It has a new head,head gasket,head bolts,plugs and wires.

^ = no headach or surprises and certified low miles.

 

[aceofriches]

^ = no headach or surprises and certified low miles.

Are you saying you giving the car away or selling it cheap... If he doesnt want it--- I could use it