How Hard?

[MyFirst240SX]

Ive read numerous post about people who install this themselves, several faqs, and a couple installation guides.  Im a beginner mechanic by far.  I live with my father and he knows all about domestics.  Would it be smart to try a Engine swap in my 1989 FB?  Or would i just be screwing my self over a good 2500?

[MyFirst240SX]

I guess not many people have done the switch themselves?

[crazycuban]

this is my first experience with engine swaps, and its not too bad - then again, ive easily pulled 12 or 13 hours straight working on my other car...working on cars is really the only thing that keeps me entertained...so if you like working on cars, its not impossible.  if you're not crazy about it, or if you're indifferent, then don't do it - i love it, and even so i get frustrated as shit sometimes.  just have patience.

[DJ Machine]

One of the biggest issues is having the proper tools.

[HippoSleek]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Quote: from MyFirst240SX on 2:36 pm on Jan. 14, 2002
Im a beginner mechanic by far.
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I'm all for do it yourself projects, but I think you are better off spending the $1400 and getting it done by a reputable shop. &nbsp;It's not like bolting up a suspension - which will more than test the beginning DIYer's wits.

[Drifting Ricer]

If I knew what the #### I was doing I'll go for it. For now I'll just drive the #### ouy of it.

[MyFirst240SX]

SO far all i have done to my car is take off the bumper cover(the front spoiler) and that took alot of patiance and taken off tranny, im working on replacing the clutch.
People say to keep some money around incase shit breaks, how much money would that need to be? &nbsp;I was wanting to do this to learn more about my car, BTW what specail tools would be required for this project?
Ok thanks

[sykikchimp]

most people recommend $500-$1000

[AceInHole]

tools i would say are needed: &nbsp;
engine hoist.... air tools are a plus too. &nbsp;
then a pretty complete 3/4&quot; (i've disintegrated 1/2&quot; socket wrenches... not fun... ) socket set, pliers, clamps, breaker bar, assorted screw drivers, a good floor jack and jack stands......... &nbsp;that's off the top of my head for lifting an engine at least.

I'm waiting for my backup KA to dig into <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':p'> &nbsp;Although i might go SR.... aargh... decisions decisions.

[MyFirst240SX]

I just bought a new sit of 3/8 drive metric sockets...My dad has a huge air compressor. &nbsp;I know a guy with a engine Hoist(they are 100 at autozone if not) &nbsp;Ive got 2 ramps to drive my car up on that is high enough to take out a tranny and 4 jack stands. all the other stuff i have. &nbsp;So with a few honest opinions would this be a good way to learn to work on my car or would it be a stupid mistake?

[AceInHole]

if you're willing to be patient with it, and be careful with it, and also have a lot of knowledgeable friends/ family, and a spare car or don't mind the down time.... i'd say go for it. &nbsp;if you really want to get it done, you'll eventually get it done, and if you're patient, hopefully you won't break anything or screw something up. &nbsp;at the very least, you have access to the message boards to ask opinions on every single step, and the swap is pretty well documented. &nbsp;It won't be easy, but you'll definitely learn a lot. &nbsp;Just be prepared to spend more than the usual amount of money on it (because lord knows if you screw something up...), and take more than the usual amount of time (since even little things might leave you scratching your head). &nbsp;Working on cars can be really frustrating at times.... it won't be worth it if you don't enjoy it. &nbsp;
Basically, if you're looking to do it as a learning experience and not just trying to shave off a few bucks, you'll be fine. &nbsp;

also... an engine hoist for $100?? The cheapest I've seen is like $200 used....

[crazycuban]

yeah, hippo's doing the swap with me, so i guess it really depends on the person. &nbsp;you learn a WHOLE lot, but at a price - a long time, a lot of frustration, and a bunch of really annoying little nicks on ur hands. &nbsp;go for it man. &nbsp;dont listen to the peeps who say not to - ull be wishing u didnt go for it, but u really learn a lot.

something else u'd really want is an impact wrench, or at least a set of impact sockets, and an FSM.

[Drift Style S14]

Would the Ka clutch work in a Sr motor? if not then does centerforce or act make a clutch for the sr

[crazycuban]

the engine would come with an sr clutch, but the ka clutch doesnt work. &nbsp;i'd be safe and get an act street clutch.

by the way, ace is right, definately have peeps help u - i'd be lost without mark and matt (hippo and uuninja). &nbsp;ur dad would be fine, assuming he's done anything like this on domestics. &nbsp;

[AceInHole]

he said his dad has an air compressor... so instead of an electric impact wrench (my uncle has one and it's pretty big) a good set of air tools would be better. &nbsp;good air tools are decently adjustable so you aren't stripping things to ####... and an air-socket wrench is compact enough to get at pretty much any nut or bolt (with extensions and such). &nbsp;also, make sure to use impact sockets with impact/ air tools. &nbsp;normal sockets might shatter/ explode dangeriously if used with such a tool.