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 90 isuzu trooper engine swap
#887002
05/22/08 05:35 PM
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 30
OP
Getting the Wheeling Fever
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I have a 1990 isuzu trooper LS. It is equipped with the 2.8 gm motor, which is worn out with 180,000 miles and in need of replacement. I have been looking into an engine swap to a bigger v6 mainly for more power and torque to get through more stuff off road. And would like to know what is the best option. I use my trooper as a daily driver, and a trail rig whenever i have a chance. I have read that it isn't to difficult to drop in a 3.4 liter gm motor. I was also wondering though if i could go bigger with like a 3.8 buick, or would it not bolt up to my trans. So if anyone has done this or knows what they are talking about, can u please help me find a good power plant to put in my trooper that would bolt up to my stock gm trans without much difficulty. I would also like to keep it fuel injected.
Thanks, KYLE
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Re: 90 isuzu trooper engine swap
[Re: kmattinson]
#887003
05/23/08 01:03 AM
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Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 945
Rock Warrior
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I did a 3.4 swap and am very happy. Ed Mc has all the info you could ever need on a 3.4 swap. The 3.8 Buick has the B-O-P bolt pattern, would need a different tranny / t-case. GM 3800 series shares the 60* bolt pattern. But requires much more work, 3800 has been done supercharged! Welcome to the 4x4wire 
Curt B 89RS Calmini Header Delta Cam 33x10.5 BFG MTs & 90 Trooper 3.4 v6, SAS D44 ARB/Hobart 5.38s 35s my pictures
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 Re: 90 isuzu trooper engine swap
[Re: maxwell417]
#887004
05/25/08 03:16 AM
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Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 1,035
Body Damage is Cool
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Yeah, what Curt said! The 3.4 swap is the best Bang for the Buck$ when it comes to these rigs, Bar None! Kyle, sent you a Private Mssg, check it out if you're interested in that swap info. Cheers............ed <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" />
'90 Troop 3.4 LS
'89 Troop RS (Has Valve Issues, needs Counseling)
HI, I'm Ed and I'm a Trooper-holic!
Keep On Troopin'......
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Re: 90 isuzu trooper engine swap
[Re: kmattinson]
#887005
06/02/08 10:14 AM
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Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 239
Wheeler
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My 3.4L is still kicking! I have a lot of info on it as well. Feel free to email me if you want the info.
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Re: 90 isuzu trooper engine swap
[Re: Ed Mc]
#887006
12/21/08 06:57 PM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3
Need a Spot
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Yeah, what Curt said! The 3.4 swap is the best Bang for the Buck$ when it comes to these rigs, Bar None! Kyle, sent you a Private Mssg, check it out if you're interested in that swap info. Cheers............ed <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" /> Howdy, I just joined the forum and I am already asking for some advice. I bought a 91 trooper with a shot 2.8 and after doing some research I am liking the idea of putting in the 3.4, soooo I would greatly appreciate all the advice and info you would be willing to give. One big question, does anyone know if installing this will cause any problems getting through Cal smog?? Thanks in advance. Dean
2000 Montero Endeavor
1989 Trooper LS
1150GS, XR650R, YZ250 (smoker)
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Re: 90 isuzu trooper engine swap
[Re: deano]
#887007
12/21/08 08:24 PM
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Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 1,035
Body Damage is Cool
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I've seen some discussion on the S-10 forums that would indicate they had no problem passing emissions. That being said, you'd want to make sure that you have a fresh O2 sensor, your EGR is working properly, the cat is either new or recent (you'll want a larger exhaust and upgraded cat anyway); and your exhaust air injection pump/system is installed and functioning.
Externally the only clue to the larger engine is a big "X" in the casting on the driver's side, pretty easy to miss unless you know what you're looking for. Other than that you'd never know any different.
So if it's looking Bone-Stock there'd be nothing to raise the Smog Cops' suspicions.
Might be a good idea, though, to install a heated O2 sensor so she'll stay in Closed Loop and burn cleaner for the smog sniffer.
I've been driving my Troop around in the cold quite a bit this last week, and I can tell my sensor drops out on periods of prolonged idling. Exhaust gets kinda stinky. There's just not enough heat back at the "wye" to keep it cooking.
If you're looking for swap info the offer's still open; just P.M. me with e-mail address enclosed and I'll forward the info..........ed
'90 Troop 3.4 LS
'89 Troop RS (Has Valve Issues, needs Counseling)
HI, I'm Ed and I'm a Trooper-holic!
Keep On Troopin'......
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Re: 90 isuzu trooper engine swap
[Re: Ed Mc]
#887008
12/21/08 10:02 PM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3
Need a Spot
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Thanks Ed. I will follow your advise on the O2 and egr, cat and exhaust, and I am thinking I will bolt all the old stuff (intake etc) on the 3.4 engine and it should look original. Any suggestions on where to get one (a 3.4)?
I bought this truck for $600 this week at a towing yard where they accept donated cars. He had it on Craigs list in the Bay Area. "Runs and looks good" for a $1000. Kind of a stretch on both counts. But, it did run and I drove it home, even managed 75mph on the freeway. Pretty weak on the hills. Oil coming out in several locations and when i ran a compression check, the first cylinder I checked was 20 psi, the coolant looks like liquid rust. All that said I feel good about the deal, cause when I got it home and scrubbed the dirt off it, polished and waxed it, it really does look pretty good. All original, white with 139k miles. Interior a pretty dirty but overall good shape. Oh yea, it had new Mich LTX all terrain tires all the way around.
I will send you that pm right now.
Thanks again for your prompt response.
2000 Montero Endeavor
1989 Trooper LS
1150GS, XR650R, YZ250 (smoker)
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Re: 90 isuzu trooper engine swap
[Re: kmattinson]
#887009
12/22/08 07:01 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 90
Getting the Wheeling Fever
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"Worn out"
Do a leak down test on it and see what kind of presures you come up with. We have a trooper in the family with 350K on it. brought it back from the dead several times. 327 valve springs and a new timing chain can work wonders. Low compresion dont bother.
3 90 Trooper V-6's, 5 speed, 4.3L TBI, 31" BFG AT's, Fender Flairs, Bored intake, 1.6 roller rockers, MSD Coil, Jacobs Omni ignition. Heavy duty torsion bars, Rancho 9000 Shocks CAN'T SPELL, TO OLD TO LEARN, GOD BLESS YOU IF YOU CAN.
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Re: 90 isuzu trooper engine swap
[Re: JohninLV]
#887010
12/30/08 08:15 PM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3
Need a Spot
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Well looks like I am changing directions a little. I found a "brand new" 2.8 complete engine. It has everything on it, intake, TBI, distributor, water pump, plugs, wires, oil pan, valve covers, flywheel etc, and is ready to be dropped in as soon as I get the old one out. Not remaned, but actually new with a warranty. At $1550 I could not resist. This is my first engine swap, I figure this might be more manageable than the 3.4 I will save that for the next one if and when it needs it....
See, I found another Trooper and brought it home. An 89 LS loaded with 122000 one owner miles. This one is in really good condition inside and out. Everything seems to work as it should. It has fairly new Mich LTX M&S tires and nice working CD player. Kind of wish I had found it before the other one, but hey having a two Trooper II family
has a nice ring. The remarkable thing was the price. I only paid $800 for it.
It has been mostly sitting for the last 3 years. Any tips on what I should before putting it back in regular service full time? I drove it home last night. Seems to have decent power. Runs fairly smooth. Sounds like it might have an exhaust leak and it idles high on start up and then still kind of high at times when warmed-up. I plan to go through and change all the fluids first thing, run a compression check, change the plugs etc.
The one really noticeable thing is what feels like excessive driveline slop. Any suggestions on what to look at?
My wife thinks I am starting a repair and recovery program for wayward Troopers.... she might be right
2000 Montero Endeavor
1989 Trooper LS
1150GS, XR650R, YZ250 (smoker)
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Re: 90 isuzu trooper engine swap
[Re: deano]
#887011
01/11/09 02:35 PM
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Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,281
Body Damage is Cool
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Well looks like I am changing directions a little. I found a "brand new" 2.8 complete engine. It has everything on it, intake, TBI, distributor, water pump, plugs, wires, oil pan, valve covers, flywheel etc, and is ready to be dropped in as soon as I get the old one out. Not remaned, but actually new with a warranty. At $1550 I could not resist. This is my first engine swap, I figure this might be more manageable than the 3.4 I will save that for the next one if and when it needs it....
See, I found another Trooper and brought it home. An 89 LS loaded with 122000 one owner miles. This one is in really good condition inside and out. Everything seems to work as it should. It has fairly new Mich LTX M&S tires and nice working CD player. Kind of wish I had found it before the other one, but hey having a two Trooper II family
has a nice ring. The remarkable thing was the price. I only paid $800 for it.
It has been mostly sitting for the last 3 years. Any tips on what I should before putting it back in regular service full time? I drove it home last night. Seems to have decent power. Runs fairly smooth. Sounds like it might have an exhaust leak and it idles high on start up and then still kind of high at times when warmed-up. I plan to go through and change all the fluids first thing, run a compression check, change the plugs etc.
The one really noticeable thing is what feels like excessive driveline slop. Any suggestions on what to look at?
My wife thinks I am starting a repair and recovery program for wayward Troopers.... she might be right Have your radiator cleaned at a radiator shop. NO sense in wasting a new engine by getting it overheated from a clogged up radiator. I would flush all the fluids out of the different systems while I was at it. Brake fluids, power steering fluids, 5 speed tranny fluid.... yadda yadda yadda. It just makes good insurance. Best of luck with it! Curtis J Oh, and I can't remember if you said or not. But, if your Trooper has an automatic tranny, change the tranny fluid over time, not all at once. There is varnish build up in old trannys that will wash off with new fluid and clog up the check valves. If it a standard 5 speed then you have nothing to worry about. On a high mileage auto trannys you want to do a filter change and just replace the fluid that falls out. Do several of them over time and that will help wash the varnish out slowly. It usually takes at least three changes to get it all clean again. DO NOT go to a Jiffy Lube and let them tap into your tranny coolant lines and flush your system. That will cause more headaches than you want. Just do a gradual fluid swap on the Auto Tranny and your chances will be better it will keep working. That or don't do it at all and keep your fingers crossed. On newer low mileage auto trannys varnish is not as big a problem. BTY, the 4wd auto tranny for the 2.8 are rare and hard to rebuild and make live long. Hope this makes sense?
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