I saw a Trooper the other day that looked like it hadn't moved in a while. I spoke with the owner and could probably have it for the very little--maybe even as little as free, just to get it out of his driveway.
It's a first-gen body and I didn't get to look at it too closely. The engine has been removed--it was a 4 cyl and about 1000 miles after a 'valve job' the engine self-destructed. It hasn't run since.
The body is reasonably straight, though the owner did tell me that it was rolled onto the roof early in life. There was no noticeable rust. The passenger seat is in the back seat, and some of the under-dash wiring is definitely out of place.
I'm thinking frame-up rebuild. It'd probably take me two years to get it right, as it's not something I could devote time to every day.
My biggest question has to do with my engine options. Obviously, a replacement identical to the stock motor would be easiest. If it was originally a 2.3L, the upgrade to a 2.6L shouldn't be too difficult. I've read enough here to know that the 4-cyl to 6-cyl swap is more trouble than finding a basket case rig that was a 6-cyl to start with. Frankly, I'm about done with domestic vehicles and the 6-cyl option doesn't hold that much appeal. I'd prefer my vehicles to be all metric or all SAE, not a mix of both! So if it's gas, I'm guessing I'll want the 2.6L 4-cyl.
What about diesel engines? I know that diesel Troopers are rare and sell for way too much. I also know that Isuzu diesel powerplants aren't all that rare in other vehicles (mostly pickups). Is finding an appropriate Isuzu diesel and installing it into what was once a gasoline-powered Trooper as bad or worse than going from 4-cyl to 6-cyl? What Isuzu diesels would be easiest to use?
If I decide to do this, I've probably got lots of time before I get to the powerplant. I'd have plenty to do stripping this one down and getting it ready for the new engine.
