Of her!
Nha, seriously.
I am wondering if I should sell my car or not.
As of now, I'm in the process of getting a '89TI long block from a previous L-body that had that swapped 15 years ago.
I do get the '89 electronics at the same time.
Since that engine was sitting for that long in a shed with the humidity, the winter, etc. it will need an engine overhaul.
Not planning to do a full rebuilt but I would at least change the gasket, the valve seal, the valve spring, the water pump and would check the ring, etc.
That engine had low mileage and was filled, with oil, to the cork before it was put away.
I will convert that engine to be intercooled.
Things I have:
-2 piece intake.
-A568 big shaft tranny
-T2-T3 clutch
-A nice turbo with the 3'' exit ...
What I am missing:
-The oil and water line (New)
-'89-90 Auto driveaxles
-Modified smec
-an OBX
-TU manifold
-Custom 3'' exhaust system
What I found myself questionning is, I found a complet '08 CSRT4 swap for $1500. It wouldn't go straight in the car but I would put the effort of putting the engine as is in and I would like to keep the 6 speed that come with. ECM is not frightening me. Axles can be customized so that is not a big deal either.
I'm just questionning of what to do.
With that engine in, I wouldn't need to add more hp since I considered it fast enough as is in my Caliber (since I have one). I just can't imagine that package in the L-body...
I don't want to destroy the car too much but I already did modified the hole on top of the strut tower to add camber plate...
I want to keep some originality without going ''all race'' so keeping the 8v would keep me in the right direction but the CSRT4 engine is so tempting and it bring a big grin in my face everytime I press down in the Caliber.
Can I bring my 2.5T in some way close to what the CSRT4 would without spending let's see, $5k?
For sure, an intercooled 2.5T close to 220hp would certainly bring a big smile vs the stock 2.2T that has probably has seen better days.