2G 420a to Stratus 2.4 swap

[SilentSilver]

Hello everyone just started working on this project. Got a free 2.4 Stratus block for free, going to build it and swap it into my 98 Eclipse GS. Just got the block torn down all the way next step is machine shop as it had been sitting and cylinder 3 has a bit of rust. I'll keep updating as the build goes on and any tips from anyone who has done this swap would be appreciated, thanks

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[Canadian_CD9A]

There are a lot of threads about this already, but the general impression is that it's not worth it. It needs a motor mount fabricated, the oil pan heavily modified to clear the exhaust, modification to the cooling system, custom brackets for the alternator & power steering, possibly oil filter relocation, wiring work, bigger fuel injectors, and a bunch of other things. If the 2.4 is from a 2003+ NGC car, it just won't work at all due to the crank trigger. A successful swap won't make any more horsepower; just a torque gain, which the car doesn't really need. Even in Neons, where the swap is easy, people prefer complete, running junkyard engines to make it reasonable on cost. If you have to do machine work, it's a total waste of money.

 

[BLACK'98DSM]

@97egl should have some input on this. IIRC he's done the swap.

I wouldn't say it's a total waste, it would be a fun project at least. At one point I considered a build like this, but I stuck with the 420a for higher revving capabilities. With another 420a car I'm tied up in a v6 swap to get some extra torque.

 

[SilentSilver]

well with the 2.4 and pretty much all neon srt4 parts it should be better for boost don't you think with even more displacement? I know displacement isn't the end all when boost is a factor but it cant hurt.

 

[97egl]

well with the 2.4 and pretty much all neon srt4 parts it should be better for boost don't you think with even more displacement? I know displacement isn't the end all when boost is a factor but it cant hurt.

The SRT-4 engine cannot be used since they are all 2003 or newer and have a different style crank pick-up. You can use the rods and pistons from an SRT-4 which are about the only upgraded part on turbo 2.4 vs the n/a 2.4. If you plan to run off the stock 2.0 computer you really need the turbo rods. Rev limiter is 7500ish on the 2.0 and the crappy N/A rods will make a window in the side of the block pretty quick at those RPM. If you plan to be boosted you need to run megasquirt. If you are running boost you'll have to use the SRT-4 rods and pistons or aftermarket. The stock N/A rods are thin and weak.

I ran mine in N/A form so I just used the stock computer. I also used the 420a cylinder head on the 2.4. If you want to use the 2.4 head you will have to chop the floor/firewall up to make room for the exhaust)

Here's everything I had to figure out when doing mine. (I used an 01 PT engine so some things may be slightly different for you with a stratus engine)
-Custom fabricated passenger side motor mount.
-Pistons have to be turned 180 degrees on the rods (If running 2.0 Head)
-Oil pan needs to be cut and welded shallower to allow exhaust to run underneath (You can custom make a header for side exit out the front bumper to avoid cutting the pan)
-Water pipe has to be cut and lengthened
-Injectors have to all be rewired to 1 injector over
-Plug wires swapped (1/4 swap with 2/3 or you can re-wire the coil)
-Install 25% larger injectors
-Swap alternator and bracket from 420a on to the 2.4

I didn't run power steering but if you want power steering it's probably going to require custom made lines. I'm sure there are a few other things you will run into but these are the main issues

I was running my 2.4 set-up in a circle track car and it wasn't really any better. The power band comes in sooner but also falls off sooner and the engine didn't wind up like I wanted it to. I'm not trying to discourage you from trying it but don't expect some sort of huge power gain when you are done. Boosted set-up would be a different story and I can't speak to that. Like Black98DSM said It should be a fun project. I can say it was fun to do something different but it just didn't work great for my purposes.

 

[jesse12345]

I to was able to pick up a 2.4 cheap, but I decided to keep the 2.0. Mine has been a project even with the stock engine in it. I am running neon pistons which lower the compression a hair. It handles boost pretty well and is very enjoyable, everything is stock except fuel pump and adjustable fmu. I also have a spare 2.0 block I'm going to experiment with and see just how much boost a stock rebuild can handle. It'd be nice to make an actual bolt on turbo kit for the 420a, but I doubt alot would sell now days.

 

[SilentSilver]

@97egl yes I understand that the neon srt4 block just wont work without heavy modification, but that's what I was getting after using the stock crank but srt4 rods and pistons for the bottom end. also heard that you can cut the center member a bit so the exhaust will clear the oil pan, or is it cut both? power steering would be nice but not a necessity I've driven cars without it and its not too bad unless you parallel parking. seen people use the ac compressor mount from the stratus with small modification and get it to work. If this larger block runs off the stock ecu couldn't you upgrade the fuel pump and run a fmu for a turbo setup? fmu I know is probably not the best option but would it work? Thanks for the responses everyone