Hello to all, I'm a fellow Mitsu loyal person (have 3 in garage, 2 in driveway & 3 for parts), and also a member of StarQuest.com. I just spent a good 2 1/2 hours checking out assorted posts and (actually using) the 'search' function. So, knowing the fear that is posting a prior asked question to a forum...I proceed carefully.

Here is my question:

I recently obtained a 90 Montero LS with the 3.0 12v SOHC in it. Well, it had been sitting for a while...due to blown head gasket/cracked head (unsure as of yet), and an engine noise. Now, upon checking out alternatives to repair, when I do find 3.0 Mitsu engines, they are seemingly a bit higher in $$$ then the same engine, say from a Caravan/Daytona FWD.

Granted, most all the externals are different, but the heads & block seem VERY similar. Question being: What ARE the differences between the FWD Chrysler version & the Mitsu RWD version? Not just obvious, but concerned of things like engine mounting bracket bosses, trans bolt pattern on block...the unchangeable MAJOR issues is what I am looking for.

NOTE: I asked this question of the members of StarQuest.com, and one member replied with a link to the allpar.com site:

http://www.allpar.com/mopar/3.html
scroll down and theres a 3.0 swap info section

Upon reading this...it looks to me as though the side mount oil filter boss is being blocked with an engine mount bracket, and the Mitsu oil pump w/front oil filter is being used. IS this the only difference? And if so...wouldn't there be another way possibly to block the oil filter mounting off, like with a threaded cap with a seal inside or something of that sort? With that all said...are there any other differences??? I'd be glad to document closely & take pics of the swap-out on my Montero, and submit them. BUT FIRST, I really need to know if this is feasable before I try it.

Sorry, it just seems like a LOT of information really needed on this is not present. I have also 'searched' within 3si.org (3000GT/Stealth forums), yet to no avail.

Thanks for the opportunity to ask this...maybe with answers found, it could be helpful to others with the same need for an engine swap. BTW, the Montero I am working on is bone-stock, and will see off-road probably LESS than 1-2% of time.

A quick word of thanks to "jimbotsi" from StarQuest.com for suggesting this site/forum, very nice! And Pre-Thanks again to all, any/all suggestions are appreciated!

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Holy Mitsus!

Welcome to the 'wire! I know they've talked about the carvan 3.0 Block in a Montero.. I haven't paid much attention though. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I will have to send you a PM sometime when I'm not falling asleep. If you're parting any of those quests.. I need a harness and some other small things.. but not for at least another 2 months when I can touch that project again financially. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Anyways, just wanted to extend a welcome. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Brendan

I am finally installing my 91 Stealth engine in my 89 Raider, today ( delays due to moving). It has the oil filter mounted on the front ( but needs to be changed to the Raider one due to pickup & interferance w/ AC bracket).
As far as I know right now, it's just the pan, pump/filter/pickup that needs to be changed.
I'll let ya know later today.

Ed

<<Granted, most all the externals are different, but the heads & block seem VERY similar.>>
Block interchanges:

A 91-96 Stealth SOHC
A 88 Galant
A 97-99 3000GT W/O turbo sohc
A 89-90 Sigma
B 92-96 Diamante SOHC
B fits A difference is B has knock sensor mounted in valley
Above from Hollander Interchange. Interchanging Stealth (which works for me).

Direct fit for 89 Raider
90-91 D-50
90-94 Mitsu P/U
89-94 Monty
89 Raider

Heads 89 Raider:
92-96 Diamante 92-96 SOHC
90-91 D-50
97-99 3000 GT SOHC W/O turbo
90-94 Mitsu P/U
89-94 Monty
89 Raider
91-96 Stealth SOHC

That all said, I pit the engine mounts, pan, oil pump/pickup from the raider onto the stealth engine.

Go mix & match thru all of that & build an engine.
Hollander is showing that Chrysler/Dodge blocks do not interchange, but may work.

By what I see, the oil filter is mounted on the passenger side & might be able to be blocked off & you might be able to remove/add plugs to make the Mitsu filter/pump work.

PM me for any questions....

Ed