Let's Discuss Engine Swaps for the Budget User!

[Ivan141]

Dont give up so soon with the 4AC. I firmly believe that it's the only engine you can put in there PROPERLY (meaning, fully serviced) for under 500 dollars.
You could find a 4AGE, but all the modifications and parts you need with it will end up costing you lots. I think a bare 4AGE with all new belts/filters/seals would end up costing you about 5-600 dollars. Add the ancillaries, fuel system modifications and perhaps a GTS rear axle and your looking at 1000-1500 dollars.
If you want serious power in the long run, look for a CA18DET. It's one of the easier swaps, but I dont think your ready for that quite yet. It involves custom made parts.

So take my advice on this one, there are plenty ae86 owners in cali, you'll find them on several forums around the US, but club4ag is the best place to start. Just post a thread asking if anyone from your area has a 4AC engine that they are willing to part with, I would say it shouldnt cost you more than 150-200 dollars "(if it's a mint engine, dont count on it though).