Hey guys:

New member. I am about to pick up a very straight '90 Montero Sport 5-speed that has a weak or dead engine. The existing engine has 340,000 on it and I doubt is worth repairing, so it needs another one.

Before I get into something that is unsolvable without a lot of money, I wanted to get some absolute answers to a few questions.I searched and searched and didn't really get anything more than vague answers, so here goes-

1. I know there are differences between the minivan 3.0L and the RWD version as far as oil filter location is concerned. Van is on the side of the block, RWD at the front.

Can the FWD engine be used in the RWD truck by leaving the side mounted filter in place, or will it not fit that way at all?

2. Assuming I buy a used FWD engine, which are numerous and cheap, will the crank be drilled for the pilot bushing? How about the bellhousing bolt pattern? Motor mounts?

3. What is the significance of the '97-on gen 2 montero engine and will it work in an early Montero?

I'm not worried about the work involved...I do that stuff all the time. I just don't want to buy an engine I can't use and a vehicle I can't find an engine for.

I'm not interested in swapping to a larger engine, just another 3.0L for now, with plans for a diesel swap down the road.

Thanks for your time and advice.

Why not another RWD block and rebuild?

Because you can't find one here.Gen 2 engines are easy to find, van engines are easy to find, not truck, Raider or Montereo 3.0's. I'm also not equipped to overhaul an engine where I live and have no inclination to do so.However, if someone has a good running example located near me for a reasonable price, hit me up...but I bet you don't lol.

Not being mean, but this'll probably go like Volvo threads go where nobody knows the actual answer, so gives other answers instead.

Otherwise, I see people claim they've made a FWD engine work in a RWD. Have they? How?

Thanks.

Ok, but I only asked a simple question and don't deserve a sarcastic response. I am not in your area, granted, but the RWD 3.OL was used extensively. Have you shopped on Carparts.com? This is a nation-wide connection to wrecking yards that do handle your needs.

Also, you could become a buddy to your local wrecking yard guy and ask to see the interchange manual. Perhaps the later Montero sport engine fits? I only seek to aid, and admit my preference for the G54b.

From what I remember ...

There are more differences between the SUV (Montero, Montero Sport) and the car and minivan engines than just what's been mentioned so far. AFAIK, the SUV engines have significant differences involving bosses and accessory locations.

Everyone on the 3G/Eclipse/etc. forums always strongly recommend staying away from the SUV engines "because stuff isn't located in the same places and there are boss differences between the SUV engines and everything else" that makes fitting an SUV engine a real PITA. I seem to remember reading that retrofitting a SUV engine requires grinding and some welding.

That was plenty enough for me to hear to convince me I didn't want to find out they're all correct.

Edward

The bosses for accessories and oe side motor mounts (I forget which) are different.

Isn't the alternator for everything but our SUVs mounted on the top instead of the bottom?

Edward

Hi, I recently did this and yes you can use a 3.0 mini van motor. You will need to do the following.
1. Get a Montero oil pump
2. Plug FWD dip stick hole in block
3. Drill hole on opposite side(There is a casting mark for the dipstick.
4. Use the Montero motor mounts, you will need to seal the drivers side to prevent an oil leak.
5. Use the Montero oil pan and pick up
6. Pilot bearing is on the flywheel
7. Use everything else motor related from your Montero, everything bolted up for me.
8. The mini van cams will be different, you can swap out the cams if you want to.
Take your time and good luck.