Just got a '91 Stealth base model with the SOHC engine and shorly after getting the car the serpentine belt broke. We had the car towed and a mechanic looked at it and said that when the belt broke the timing belt must have broke too and the engine is shot-WOW what a bummer! Is this an interference engine? Is this possible or likely that that is the case? The trans is also messed up, the overdrive doesn't work and possibly first gear is gone too because it's very slow from a dead stop leading me to believe 1st gear is gone. So, can anyone suggest where to get a good engine and trans to swap the old one with? Also, is there any problem putting a DOHC 24V engine in instead of the SOHC engine? I found a JDM motor and trans that I can get for $1300 plus shipping but it's from a '93. Can I put this engine and trans in my '91? Lot's of questions, I know, but I've never had such bad luck and I need some help. Thanks in advance[sm=thanx.gif]

 

Supposedly the SOHC engine can withstand the t-belt breaking without destroying the engine. No, the SOHC engine is not zero-tolerance. I would get a second opinion. New end clutches will fix the OD issue, but the first gear issue could be any number of things.

 

Thanks for the speedy reply.

Do you know if the '93 DOHC JDM engine and trans that I found could be put into the '91?

The '93 comes complete with everything on the motor including the ECM and the exhaust manifold. Would the exhaust on the '93 DOHC motor bolt up to the '91 pipes or would I need custom exhaust pipes or an adapter or???

If it needs a different wiring harness, can I buy that somewhere or do I need to get one from a junk yard?

Also, I talked to another mechanic just now who said that the motor may not be hosed. I really don't know if the first mechanic knows what he's talking about or not? I read some threads in this form about the SOHC engine and it's mentioned several times that the 3L SOHC engine is real solid- "bulletproof"is how it's described several times, so I was surprised when the first mechanic said the engine was toast. It was running great before it quit. I had an '88 Dodge Caravan with the Mitsubishi 3L SOHC engine that was running at 183,000 miles when I sold it.

 

I do believe the wiring harness is different, but not 100% sure. You would likely have to get one from a junkyard or maybe a new one from a dealer, if they can even be purchased. A DOHC engine should bolt in with no problems, exhaust and all.

I would definitely get a second opinion on your current engine though.

 

One more question. Is there a reference source or sources on the internet where I can look up things like which engines are compatible with which model years and what the difference is between first generation and second generation engines are etc.? and what are the features/options that make the Stealth ES and RT different than the base model? what is the HP of the different engines etc? which transmissions bolt up to which motors?

 

Yes there is... Stealth316. There is a wealth of information on this site, although much of it is geared towards the TT models, there is still quite a bit that can be applied to the other models as well. Happy browsing.

 

Any suggestions on where I can get a wiring harness for the DOHC engine?

I'm also going to need an ECM for the DOHC engine. I located a replacement DOHC engine with trans, but it doesn't come with the ECM or the wiring harness. My base Stealth has the ECM and wiring harness for the SOHC engine.

Looks like we're going to have to put around $2,500 or a bit more into this car to make it right. When it's done it'll have a nice shiny new paint job, DOHC engine and it'll be a sweet car, but we'll have around $4,200 into it. The interior is mint and the AC blows ice cold. It'll be a real nice daily driver that will turn heads. Looking forward to posting some pictures.

 

...as a matter of fact I do. Stealth/3000gt Salvage His name is Kevin and he should have the parts you are looking for. I have purchased a few items from him and never had a problem, although, at one time about a year ago he did have some issues getting things shipped out in a timely manner. To my knowledge, he has made right with those people. Like I said, I have purchased some parts from him with no problems...but as they say, buyer beware.

 

Well here's an update for anyone who might be interested. Turned out that the motor was NOT hosed. When the accessory belt broke it got caught in a pulley or some such thing. The first mechanic didn't even take off the timing belt cover as far as we could determine. The timing belt and water pump got change along with both CV axles, total $800 beans. The engine is running fantastic now.

Now we need to work on the trans. I took it to a trans shop and he drove it. The overdrive clutches are toast and the 2nd gear band is not engaging. He wants $1400 to do a complete trans rebuild including the solenoids. That's a lot of money to me although it's a decent deal from what I've been told. The car is driveable now although there is no overdrive so no long trips on the highway, around town it's fine for basic transportation.

I hate to put more money into the car than it's worth, but I know some folks put big bucks into their engines or paint jobs or both. I'm reluctant to get a junkyard trans because who knows what you're getting and even a low mileage JDM trans isn't going to save me much if anything because again who knows what the heck you're getting and it still needs to be installed.

I did call Kevin the used 3000GT and Stealth parts guy and I would not hesitate to buy from him. Very nice guy and very knowledgeable. Thanks for the tip.

 

Japanese Engine Exchange, they usually have tranny's 2. The engines for japanese cars have 50 KM on them because of their smog laws. There is a list of 15 importers at this site http://www.gamesbbs.com/~dmoore/jdm_importers.htm. or u could do your own Search.