Hello all;

I am new to this forum. I retired this year and as a gift/project, my wife bought me an æ87 Raider. Even though it shows a quarter million miles on the odometer, it is in great shape. It (ôRobbie Raiderö; I like to name my vehicles) is bone stock with a 2.6 4 banger, 5 speed manual, 31ö tires, auto hubs and (I think) limited slip/locking rear axle.

This last week I took him to Colorado for some serious off roading in the Rockies. I was very impressed. In stock form this is a very capable 4wd vehicle, BUT, power wise, he is a real wimp!! Highway performance sucks!!! I am able to cruse on the interstate at 70 to 75mph on the flat, but any type of grade and I am seriously grabbing gears and getting as far to the right as I can.

NOTE: There are NO smog regulations where Robbie is regestered.

Of course, the best possible solution to the power problem is a small block chevy V8. There appears to be enough room in the engine compartment but what about the drive train??? This would probably turn out to be a very major modification. I have read about vortec V6 conversions but it seems that the whole drive train needs to be replaced. If I have to do that much work, I'll drop in a V8 and go from there. Nothing sounds better than an American V8!!!

I also understand that the Radier/Montereo of this vintage also came with a V6. If I can find one, will it mate to the standarad transmission? What are the possible problems with this upgrade?

Lastly, what about the 2.6 4banger? What can I do to improve its highway performance? I would like to be able to cruse at 80mph on the interstate with enough pedal left to do some climbing. I know cooling is an issue so I replaced the radiator with the best one I could buy. How strong is the bottom of this engine? Is there an aftermarket head available that is able to breathe better? What is the difference between jetted and non-jetted heads? How about a Turbo or supercharger?

If I go with the 2.6, I will have it built from the from the crankshaft out with the objective of 150hp at the rear tires. Not a lot, but certianly enough to keep up with any metroplex rush hour freeway situation.

Thanks
Bob

bob-stith@earthlink.net