I am considering purchasing a Raider with a blown motor. The
rig seems to be in grat condition with the exception of a dead engine.

I have two questions:

(1) I know that the Mitsubishi 2.6 motor was used in many different makes and models of vehicles in the 80s, but can anyone give me a complete list of potential donors cars to assist me in my search for a new motor? I need to be able to bolt all the accessories like A/C and power steering up as well.

(2) I haven't actually sat in the Raider yet, and I have never sat in one before, but I am worried about room. I am a pretty big guy (6'4", 300 pounds) and need to know that I will fit in a Raider comfortably before I go through the trouble of driving 250 miles to purchse this vehicle with a dead engine.

Any tips or comments would be welcome. Thanks!

Size wise, no problem. It's got plenty of headroom for you. As far as comfort goes, it's not the most comfortable ride - but it's a utilitarian 4x4 not a Cadillac. Some come with bouncy seats which help a little.

Engine choices are a bit more limited. Raider, Montero, Ram D-50, and Starion/Conquest are direct bolt ins. The 80s Dodge /Plymouth minivans have these engines, but I believe that there are some minor differences that would prevent a direct bolt in - not positive on that. The Caravan engines have been discussed on here so you should be able to search the answer for that out here or in the archives. The Mazda 2.6 are very different - exhaust on the opposite side and will not work without swapping over the fuel injection and computer.

A lot of people have been doing engine swaps in these vehicles to enhance performance and get better parts options. The Starion/Conquest turbo engines are a direct fit and give you a nice boost in HP. They bolt right up to your existing transmission but you'll need to swap computers and wiring harnesses if you go the turbo route. Non turbo is a direct swap. Other people have been doing complete drivetrain swaps to other engines like the 4.3l. It's more work, but there is a lot of experience to help you out if you decide to go that route.

I believe there's a company in Dallas that sells rebuilt shortblocks for $500. Clearwater Heads sells new castings without the dreaded jet valves. The Carburetor is more complicated than most, but some people on here swear by it if they can get a properly rebuilt one or have spent the time to learn it themselves.

The 2.6 has a tendency to crack it's heads when it overheats. It's very sensitive to overheating. It's possible that you can use your existing engine and just swap the head. The block is pretty stout. In any case, check out your radiator. It's possible that it needs to be bored or replaced which is what caused the engine to go in the first place. It would really suck to replace the engine and then kill another one.

Good luck with it. I love my SWB Raider!

I can't help you with the engines, both my 86 Montero and 88 Raider have the 2.6L and it is adequate. Seating is a problem, I am near 6'1" and cramped (the Raider has the bouncy seat) but I drove two Jeeps before I bought the Raider and leg room was similar. I think you will not find it pleasant on long drives, due to your size.

The vehicle is very similar to a 4 cylinder Jeep in driving and performance.

Hmmm. Food for thought.

I am not looking to buy a serious 4x4 or street truck, just a reliable daily driver for putting around town. A four banger motor would be fine with me and I am pretty good at rebuilding carbs (or swapping on a Weber conversion). The Raider does have the bouncy seats and for long drives I have a 84 Ford e-150 conversion van.

So it sounds like as far as a direct bolt in swap would go I need to find another D-50, Montero, or Raider?

Thanks for the help! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

What do you mean by "blown motor" ? Most of the time a 2.6 only needs a new clearwater head. The bottom end is very durable, I think it's a old diesel design.

Anyways the Raider has lots of headroom but it's narrow. I don't know if the bouncy seat will do you any good as the max weight range is 225.

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

"blown motor" = (according to the current owner) hard to start, once running runs like crap and has loud knock from bottom of motor, eventually stalls out.

225 pounds max weight? I haven't weighed 225 lbs since 7th grade.

Sounds like I'm looking for a jeep or ramcharger.

Thanks for the help guys, I appreciate it! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Well, I'm not giving up just yet. Can anyone tell me if it is possibel to drop the oil pan on a raider with the motor in place and roll in new main and connecting rod bearings?

You MIGHT be able to do that if you pull the front differential, and crossmember out of the way.

Good idea though. your crank may need to be turned as well?

ACK!!! Thats more work than I am up for right now.

I need to be able to get this running as quickly as possible.

It can be done by just dropping the cross <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/angry.gif" alt="" />member, the diff can stay.

However ... Odds are on a vehicle that is as old as yours just putting in inserts is not going to be enough.

Kevin