Yep , I've got the old age , senility , denmentia , etc. etc.,going on, but,,,,
Maybe living in KY during the early years,,,nothing but raiders there. I've never seen a motero with manual hubs..

I have more questions.

I read that the Gen-1 Monteros built from 1984-1988 had 4 cyl motors 4G54 which was carbureted with a 2bbl Hitachi.

But I've also read that there is a fuel injected motor. Seems that the Australian version had an EFI.

Were there any Monteros sold in the US with EFI 4 cyl motors? If so which years was that engine offered? I read that the EFI 4 makes 131hp? Is any of this info accurate?

One more thing. I read that Clearwater makes a suitable non-jet replacement head for the 4cyl motor. I understand that the Jet was an emissions feature designed into the OEM head.

How does the non-jet head effect emissions? Is it necessary to have the jet for those of us who live in strict counties.

I read that when replacing the head, a Conquest head gasket should be used in place of the OEM Montero gasket. Does anyone know why? Does anyone know which years should be used?

Cheers.

2.6s were carbed- with a Mikuni at least in later years. (Not sure who made earlier.)

Don't know about EFI on 2.6 in OZ. HP of 131 sounds reasonable for that if it exists. OZ did get a 2.0 with (pretty sure) EFI on the Starions back in the day when US had 2.6 EFIs.

The US SWBs running around with EFI are pretty much those with the SQ turbo swap. Then on top of that a few have gone MPI.

Many here go with Clearwater for replacement. Not sure on emissions part. For mine in Ohio I passed fine. The jets have more to do with early/cold running I think?

Fel-Pro turbo block gasket is highly recommended even for NA motor.

So to be clear. There were NO Monteros sold in the USA with fuel injected 4 cylinder motors.

The Jet on the Clearwater head is used for cold staring and does not effect emissions controls.

Fel-Pro head gasket w/ a turbo block is recommended. How does one ask for this gasket at the autoparts counter. Do we ask for a Conquest/Starion Turbo Block head gasket? Is there a year or a part number that would assist us?

Thanks for putting up with my questions. But I noticed that many folks are interested in this thread and felt I should ask for some more specific info.

So to be clear. There were NO Monteros sold in the USA with fuel injected 4 cylinder motors.

Correct, the aussie Magna had an MPI setup, some of which have been imported, modified (move tb to other end of plenum and address manifold (intake) water port issues), and figure out a fuel management system (aftermarket ecu).
Or use a magna head and manifold....
The Jet valves on the Clearwater head is used for cold staring and does not effect emissions controls.

It is used to make a stratified combustion chamber charge with a heavy swirl to assist emissions, and you'll probably pass fine without it if everything else is ok.

Fel-Pro head gasket w/ a turbo block is recommended. How does one ask for this gasket at the autoparts counter. Do we ask for a Conquest/Starion Turbo Block head gasket? Is there a year or a part number that would assist us?

Get the Mitsu 88-89 Starion/conquest turbo head gasket alone, and the conversion set to take a oem type head gasket to a head gasket set. Felpro is pretty good, too.

No Gen1 Monteros with a cyl and EFI were sold in the US. I know there was one in 1999 with a 2.4 liter 4.

I have a Magna EFI manifold for my turbo 2.6. It's in a box.. Its a bit down on my project list.

Kevin

OH, So we not only ask for the 88-89 Starion/Conquest Turbo head gasket, but we also have to buy a kit that is used for converting turbo'ed motors into non-turbo'ed motors. I guess that this conversion kit is what actually blocks the turbo hole?

No one has given a reason as to why we should use this head gasket combo. Does this head gasket last longer, is it thiner for higher compression, is it made better due to the turbo feature? What makes this head gasket better than the one designed for the Montero?

The turbo gasket will take more abuse than the stock non turbo gaskets. Therefore it should last longer and or be more toleraant to severe operating conditions.

The other gasket I like is the standard gasket you get from a dodge dealer for the 2.6. I think the Dodge PN's are all the same turbo or not. That gasket is a graphite based gasket and has worked well for me in the past.

My experiance with the lower cost gaskets in not as well known kits has been poor. Some brands take a lot more of a set after a few heat cycles and are more prone to crush problems.


Make sure the block and the head surfaces are flat and in good condition. Magnaflux / crack check the block especially around the bolt holes on the exhaust side. Blocks can crack on a severe overheat and its hard to know the history of a 20 year old motor.


Summary:

Either Felpro will work, but the turbo gasket will take a bit more abuse. The factory Dodge 2.6 gasket is a good part as well.

Stay away from the gaskets in the rebuilder kits.

Kevin

As far as block strenght goes turbo or non turbo you wont see a differance.

The turbo blocks are drilled and tapped for oil squirters to halpe contro piston temps under boost.

There was an early blcok that did not have the bosses for this. Almost all other 2.6 RWD drive blocks are the same, turbo or not.

If it was made after 87 the block should be the same.

Kevin

Thanks Kevin C. Your a welth of knowledge and your in my hood. When things return to normal and I get my Montero I'll hook up with you and the Pacific Northwest Montero group. Thanks