2G 95 420a into a 98 420a Body

[hughes_22]

Hey all. I have tried searching all over this site, also through Google, and cannot seem to find the answer to the question I have, but have found many for the opposite direction. It may just be poor keywording, but I cannot seem to find the same situation I'm in.

Long story short, I own a 98 GS/RS stock 420a, with manual trans, that the timing belt broke on while driving home one night. Due to timing restraints and funds, I have chosen to search for a donor car with a good engine to swap out for the time being just to get it back on the road. Since I believe the transmission is also going out in my car, the donor car I have found happens to have a good transmission in it already as well. The donor car is a 95 GS. My question, can I remove the engine and trans from the 95, and drop it into the 98 body as nearly a "plug and play"? My wiring harness and ECU in the 98 work just fine, and is all there, never been messed with. Will this work with the 95 engine also?

I have found many threads about the 4g63 swaps, and even swaps going the opposite way (97-99 engine into 95 body).

Thanks for any input and replies!

 

[ThunderChild]

Yes, but I believe you'll have some sensors to transfer from the 98 motor/trans to the 95 motor for it to work. If you just take the long block, swap all the 98 sensors and whatnot onto it, should be essentially a direct swap.

 

[hughes_22]

Okay, I'm hoping that's the case. I had just bought all new sensors thinking that was the reason for it running lean and rough idling. Little did I know the belt was on its way out.

Now, more for confirmation than anything, should I just install a new timing belt, pulleys, and water pump on the donor motor while I have it out?

 

[silvreclips]

I would unless it has been done recently and you have proof

 

[ThunderChild]

Okay, I'm hoping that's the case. I had just bought all new sensors thinking that was the reason for it running lean and rough idling. Little did I know the belt was on its way out.

Now, more for confirmation than anything, should I just install a new timing belt, pulleys, and water pump on the donor motor while I have it out?

Yes. 100%