So, the wife's 70K original mile LeBaron 'vert p00ped the bed. Long story, but basically a bad combination of events including a bad cluster, highway driving, and the rubber seal at the cam end popping off. I honestly didn't want to mod this car, as it was so nice, but the engine issue kinda forced my hand; a good running turbo 2.2 or a rebuild will cost close to the price of a 2.4 swap from what I have read.
So now I need to swap a motor. Been hearing about hybrid 2.4/2.2s over the years, and now when I did a little digging, it appears the 2.4 swap is the better choice. I have found a bit out about the trans fitment "issues", and see that I can overcome those in a couple ways (her car is an automatic, and I will be keeping it auto for her) including the "angle bracket" and just swapping a Neon automatic in. I'm not worried about mounts, either, as that appears to be fairly simple. However, much of the rest of the swap is still a bit fuzzy to me. Can I just swap a SRT4 or PT Turbo engine in? (using the LeBaron's electronics and SMEC with a suitable cal, some fiddling with the wiring for the dizzy and a mod to the cam end and a mount) I want to make sure I at least start with a decent base for the swap without having to swap off manifolds and such from the engine I get.
How much better would driveability and mileage be after the swap? I have heard rumors of better mileage, and while that really isn't my main concern, it sure wouldn't hurt. I assume the driveabilty would be better from what I have read, and f course the performance is supposed to be night and day better than a stock T1.
if there are any build threads you can send me to that would give me a better overview, it would be greatly appreciated; I have been mostly getting bits and pieces from my searches so far.