OK, the engine blew in my 88 Montero in November 2014, and its been sitting around ever since. I have searched high and low for a running 2.6 or a rebuildable block locally, to no avail. The other day I was driving down the road and passed by a 1986 Ram 50 for sale for $500. I checked, it runs and drives. I only really care to get the engine, though. I popped the hood and saw what I initially thought was the same, but closer inspection revealed it is a G63B, 2.0 liter (121.9 CID).

How much of a dog is this engine compared to the 2.6? Its rated at 16 hp less than the 4G54. Would it be worthwhile to make the swap, or should I hold out for my other idea, getting a wrecked late-80s S10 or Blazer with a 4.3/700R4 (or Getrag 290) and going all-out on a swap?

How did you miss the 87 that was in the junkyard there in March or April. It turned over, that's all I know.

Have you looked here in the 4X4Wire sale page? How about the Mitsubishi Montero USA Garage Sale page on facebook? In fact, it seems like the fb groups are broke down into pages for each vehicle. I've seen a Raider page, a Ram 50 psge, and a Mighty Max page. More options. BTW, how far can you travel for one?

That engine is a narrow block so no, you want to look for wide block motors. The drop in's are carby 2.6 (not in front of a 3 speed auto) then the bolt ins with some wiring are the turbo 2.6 from the Starion, the 2.4 from the Mighty max trucks (all MPI), and the best motor is the 2.4 from a Montero Sport (most power). All of these motors are far more powerful than the carby 2.6

Toasty do you have or know of any 2.6 available? In the big picture, you aren't that far from him

So common once, what happened?

You pay shipping, I have a 97k mile short block you can have. Source is an 86 Montero.
96035

There are some swap alternatives here, but see Toasty about the 2.4L FI.
El Paso CL

El Paso CL

In Mar/Apr I was working 55 hours per week and going to college full-time. Now I am in college full-time and just moonlighting a bit. More free time, but less money.

Let me check in on that. I moonlight with a cargo expedite dispatch, he might be able to get me a really cheap rate as long as the pickup date is very flexible (have to wait until one of the guys is passing by the area coming home).

BTW, what is wrong with yours?