MrJD wrote:bradartigue wrote:MrJD wrote:If my engine went, id replace it with a toyota 3sge black top in a heart beat. There are people that would frown on it, but itd be the best under 2k you ever spent... And youd have one of the fastest most reliable 6spd spiders on earth.
And it would never leave your driveway.
Are you saying it would never get done or it would be less fun to drive?
I had a nice long reply and then my hotel internet connection went south. Probably that picture of the orange car, the Tiata, above, broke everything. Because really that's what you end up with when you throw money at things like engine swaps, body kits, and ghetto rims. Something that's not a FIAT, something that has no soul whatsoever.
There is *absolutely* nothing wrong with the twin-cam motor. If you want a super high performance once then talk to Guy Croft, and he'll make you one that will lay rubber around the block. You can get a turbo one, or fuel inject yours, or put in HC pistons. Or you can simply rebuild it to a higher spec than FIAT produced and gain a little more "go." There is nothing more fun to drive than a Spider on a twisty road with the top down, it is balanced, it sounds right, and they're quick and nimble.
The fact is a 2014 Corolla S will outrun even a Porsche made in 1979. But I am going to replace the V8 in my 928 with some millionth one made toyota engine? Hell no. Would I replace the soul of a Spider with a Mazda engine? Abso-hell-lutely no.
In the end, not my car, but if experience is anything there are two simple facts you should realize:
- Most engine swaps are never finished
- All engine swaps take away from the character of the car
Oh shoot, the second one was an opinion again. Durnit.
