I want to swap a V6 engine into my 92 amigo. I need to know what is the best year to look for, and if it is possible to use the same transmission that I all ready have in my amigo, I know that there is going to be a lot of work to do it, but I know that's what I want. I was also wondering if a 98 engine would be fine or if a year closer to mine is better. I would really appreciate your advice. Thanks

The good news is you could keep the suspension. You could also keep the existing frame, body, seats, pedals and steering wheel. Oh yeah, the carpets too.

The bad news is everything else would have to go.

Welcome to the forum, do some searches, but most importantly stay motivated.

You could do what rubo did. He took a Rodeo with a V6 in it and cut the frame to fit an Amigo body on it and swapped bodies. Oh and he put a 90 Amigo body on a 96 Rodeo chassis and then reinstalled the 96 dash and seats and interior for the 96 into the 90 body.

Or you could go the swap route. Find a 4.3 chevy engine for cheap and pay a shop to do the work.

Lots of options none of them cheap or easy.

you should also keep the front and rear differntials <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" /> unless you are adding a d44 up front <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/evil.gif" alt="" />

here are my thoughts.

If you can't do it yourself (fab it, plumb it, and wire it), and will be paying a shop to do all of the work. Save yourself time and money and buy a 98+ Amigo, lift it, add tera-lows and a locker...it will cost less than paying a shop to swap your engine.

If you can do it, GO FOR IT!!! The trans will have to be changed out, but there are many options for the 3.2. start with the Dakota Bellhousing thread

Engine wise, I would look for a pre 96 (less emissions stuff), or a 98+ (more power). You could also look for a Trooper 3.5 V6.

No matter how its done, its going to be expensive and time consuming. But thats why it is a HOBBY <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Plus you'll learn lots!

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />
Good Luck
Mike W

I have a question concerning a swap. If I use a 4.3 w/trans and put it in a '90 Amigo, will it bolt to the transfer case or will I have to swap it out to. If I have to swap the transfer case how will it match up to the differntials. I know I can have the shafts custom made, but will the ratio be ok. I plan on putting a lift kit under it, (only about 3") so I don't want to do to much to the suspension yet. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

what transmission where you planning on with the 4.3L? doesn't matter, the answer is no. An isuzu tcase is not going to bolt to any trans behind a 4.3. First off, if your isuzu is a manual, then your tcase is integrated into the tranny. The automatic isuzu's do have detachable tcases, but doubtful this will go to any 4.3L tranny without tons of work (ie not worth it).

If you're able to get a 4.3L/tranny/tcase in your Isuzu, then driveshafts are going to be the least of your problems.

-Rob

So, you're saying pull the whole thing, including transfer case. Otherwise it will just be a pain in the rearend. Has anyone done this yet and how much modifying of mounts is involved. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />