87 740 motor exchange.

[bloonman]

Howdy from Texas!

I am hearing some grumbling that seems to be coming from under the hood. I've heard main bearings groan before and this sound is very similar. Even though it only has 235,324 miles on the clock(at least three to six months of them spent with no forth gear), I am considering rebuilding the original motor in my 87 740, but still want to drive it too. It's my very first volo. I think that I am going to go looking for a junkyard motor for an interim solve and was wondering what all motors will fit in as easily as the original one. Would it be better to consider doing the motor AND tranny at the same time? Since I will be putting in a replacement, I will have plenty of time to redo them both.

Here's where the mechanics can scare me away from trying this on my own. What all tools would I need to redo them? Am I biting off more than I can chew? I've rebuilt several VW motors; swapped out trannies; totally reworked front ends; do my own brakes, water pumps, alternators, starters and (shudder) some rewiring.

Shucks, if a bigger motor will buckle right in, I may wind up liking the extra get up and go so much that I may just end up leaving it that way.

Although, I would love nothing more than to be able to tell people I know that my car really has gone 999,999 and have the picture to prove it. Then to ice the cake by asking, "Did I mention that this is all the original running gear that came with the car?" would be OVER THE TOP!!!!!!!!

Sorry. I'm back.

John

[M Jarve]

I removed my engine before, and it was not especially diffcult; this even though I am no mechanic. The I-4 engine in the 740 (and others) is remarkably easy to work on. Basically disconnect all the lines, hoses, and wires, put support under the engine and tranny, remove the engine mounts, and un-bolt the transmission.

I admit, I had the great fortune of having a friend with an engine jack and just about any other tool I could want, but the project itself was not too difficult. Infinitely easier than replacing the engine in my 1998 Bonniville.

You should be able to install just about any turbo (if your 740 has turbo now) or non turbo (even if your 740 has turbo) B230 series engine. Maybe track down the 16-valve B230F; this is almost a drop-in replacement for the standard B230, but will give almost as much power as the turbo 8-valve B230FT.

If looking at a bigger engine, I think the Ford 302 V8 fits in with little or no modification. Of course you will want the later version (the standard 302 V8, like that used in the Lincoln Mark VII) is only 140HP; the 16-valve B230F is 153HP, and gets better mileage. You will have to replace the computer and probably the tranny with the larger engine too.

I would not look at getting a turbo engine if yours has no turbo now... The air intake and cooling systems are different, not to mention you will have no intercooler, which is all but required.