Starting from scratch. Need advice!!!

[brokenbones]

I have recently came across a 1994 Eagle Talon ES at no cost. It has 114k on the 4G63 non-turbo with a busted piston and a manual transmission. The block is fine upon first inspection. I'm a newbie when it comes to dsms and I need all the advice I can get. My goal with this car is keep it as a second street vehicle and put some ponies behind it to have a little fun in. However, I don't want get screwed when I go to resell it. What would you guys suggest? I have a couple suggestions and would like all the feedback I can get.

1. Can an ES be "easily" converted to AWD? I've seen TSi's on ebay for less than 2K with motor problems. Is there room for the driveshaft and suspension from the TSi on the ES models?

2. If I bought a parts car, will my manual transmission connect to a motor that had an automatic transmission on it?

3. Are there any other motors that will bolt up to the ES besides the 4G63?

4. When looking for motors, do I need to stay with the 90-94 or will second generations bolt up? Or any earlier models for that matter.

I'm open for any idea's. Thanks.

-Eric

 

[prplhz96]

Sell it now and save for an AWD.

 

[Stainbox12]

yes, save to get an awd turbo. they are probably just a little bit more expensive. You would have a lot of troubles racing an ES, and since its a non-turbo, you would be dissapointed, at least get a FWD turbo, but if you can go with awd, go for it. If you plan on keeping the ES, you can turbo it, but it will cost a lot, and you probably won´t be able to boost it that much, without changing internals (pistons, etc). not to mention that a NT engine with a turbo has a NT transmission, and they are not made to handle abuse like an AWD tranny (even if you think, that you can put all the ponies behind your engine, you would probably have a lot of traction problems, and NO an AWD swap is not for amateurs, you need more than money, you will need someone that knows what he is doing). you can also throw a nitro shot at it, but its not the same thing than having turbo + nitro + AWD. BTW stay with the 1st gen engine, they are way better than 2g ones. don´t think about swapping an engine, its a PITA, and it costs a lot (again, too much power = traction issues). start the right path now, and you won´t loose money later. Good luck.

 

[dsmputz]

If you have some money stashed under your mattress buy a 6 bolt turbo motor and do the swap, it's not hard at all. There's a guy on this site that has an awsome write-up that will guide you through the whole process, I think his name is Mavisky. Search for "turbo swap" there will be like 30 pages on the subject. good luck.

 

[brokenbones]

I'm not looking to get too crazy with this car. I'm not looking for boost or anything like that. Will a used jdm turbo engine and trans suffice?

 

[Stainbox12]

if thats your decision thats fine. Yes, you can buy a used JDM engine and tranny and do the swap. here´s a very good guide that will help you get started: http://dsmtuners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=55457. best wishes.