Let's Discuss Engine Swaps for the Budget User!

[generalachoo]

^^Answered all my questions and brought up great points. Thanks

However, I do have a reasoning behind putting the 4AGE in:

First some more information: I have shocks on it (Tokico Blues), and I actually can get a prothane bushing kit real easily (Here its only about 50 US Dollars). The point is though that the engine is blown and I have to replace it. A good 4AC engine will run me around 250 US Dollars, maybe less if I scrimp and save. Furthermore the 4AC engines are not in great condition. This is the main reason...why use scotch tape when you will have to use duct tape in a little while?

My goal is to do the whole engine swap for around 400 US dollars. Heck, my ultimate goal is to make the best out of the 86 for under 1500 USD total (already spent 500 USD on the car so that leaves 1000 for the rest). If you had 1000 bucks and a non running SR5 how would you build it up (shocks and bushings aside). The next logical step would be the engine right? I would think the LSD axel would be the last step.

This car is for the long run as I am very young (1. Not really looking for it purely as a drift car/cheap thrills (very nice bonus), but moreso because I want to learn about cars (newer cars everything electronic), and I want to have something sporty. Initial D aside, the AE86 is a very sensible car to start with. They are also easily available in the US (especially in California), and there is a bunch of aftermarket support!

The owner claims his mechanic said the engine was unfixable...I forgot the specific problem.

Lastly, I don't think I will be using the stabilizer bars at this stage (at least not until I get the LSD axel).


In organized format:

1) Suspension/Bushings/Brakes/Wheel Alignment (big deal for me)
2) Decent Engine since the 4AC would become a sunk cost.
3) Rear Axel, LSD
4) Stabilizer Bars, Seats, Steering Wheel, Paint Job

That's my order from browsing these boards. Please tell me if I am wrong.