Most potent swap option for 2.6liter Montero w/4*4 trans.

agrabau · Post by **agrabau** » Sun Apr 08, 2007 2:12 pm

Hi everyone.

This marks my second post here. Thanks to Bill for email advice also. I just picked up my Dodge Raider G54b 2.6 liter SWB truck yesterday. It's a great little truck. I bought it with the intention of starting to work on an engine swap this summer, perhaps starting the motor build while still using the truck.

I'd really like to keep it 4wd but will abandon that if I can't fill my power requirements another way.

The options I can think of (and maybe there are more)

Are....

Diesel JDM motor (turbo diesel)
4G63 stroker 2.4 liter motor, low boost big turbo with Bill's adapter (RWD)
Built Starion motor (nice because I can keep it a 4x4) (not so reliable maybe)

In a perfect world I'd have the same block with the 4g63 head and turbo, fuel injection and that'd be awesome.

Thoughts?

Alex

jeffball610 · Post by **jeffball610** » Sun Apr 08, 2007 4:32 pm

It might cost a little more, but keeping your motor and building it into a turbo ready block isn't a bad idea. I'm assuming this is a wide block motor? If it's a narrow block (not likely) then you can just plop a turbo or 2.4L in there and go. Not sure on the torque capacity of the 4x4 tranny, but keep that in mind no matter what route you go.

agrabau · Post by **agrabau** » Sun Apr 08, 2007 5:43 pm

I'm not really an offroading enthsiast. I picture using this truck for a daily driver and for some ice racing, maybe a rally-x. I want to be able to drive fast in the snow and rev the engine high enough to be able to slide the car without constantly shifting.

I think that the block is a wide block. I thought that all the G54b were wide, no?

agrabau · Post by **agrabau** » Sun Apr 08, 2007 6:12 pm

I guess I really would like to confirm that a wideblock 4g64 engine block will:

Bolt to a G64B 4x4 transmission in my truck

and

Accept the 16 valve head from the 4G63.

That would probably be the perfect setup.

Group_B · Post by **Group_B** » Mon Apr 09, 2007 2:32 am

yes, the 2.4 will bolt to your KM145/KM148 tranny. You should want to know that those of us who have done the starion swap in our SWB Monteros/Raiders have been having problems with the input shaft bearing in the manual (KM145) transmissions. If you are planning on going turbo it would be best to get used to replacing input shaft bearings or find yourself an auto (KM148). I had one go out in 6 months and other guys have had to replace three inside a year, though it probably depends how hard you're driving it.

agrabau · Post by **agrabau** » Mon Apr 09, 2007 6:37 am

Very good point. I have some experience on that very situation actually. I didn't think of it. I think then, with the 4g63 swap that a RWD transmission would be a must.

What about those who have done turbo starion swaps into the truck, I haven't heard much about bearing problems with their swaps. Is it because the rev limit is lower, or simply because the AWD trans is somehow different?

Hopefully the latter.

Post by **DJpowerHaus** » Mon Apr 09, 2007 3:44 pm

Pretty sure the B2600 transfer case comes out the opposite side of the engine which means the diffs and floor pan would probably need to change as well. To much work.

I have had similar input bearing problems with the 2WD Mitsubishi truck transmissions. Most likely due to revs.

agrabau · Post by **agrabau** » Mon Apr 09, 2007 6:11 pm

How high does the Starion rev? 6k?

Can we get confirmation on the R series transmission and t case placement? That looks like a good option.

Alex

agrabau · Post by **agrabau** » Mon Apr 09, 2007 8:06 pm

I'll self-confirm that T case issue. It is on the opposite side. Are there any improved input shaft bearing options? This is beginning to look like a RWD project by the sound of it.

Group_B · Post by **Group_B** » Tue Apr 10, 2007 10:01 am

What about those who have done turbo starion swaps into the truck, I haven't heard much about bearing problems with their swaps. Is it because the rev limit is lower, or simply because the AWD trans is somehow different?

Comparatively speaking the KM-145 is a weak transmission, weaker than Starion transmissions. A few have swapped Starion transmission guts into the KM-145 and have had fewer problems with them, but the manuals are not as bullet proof as the automatics.

Basically the turbo G54B puts out more torque than the KM-145 can handle.

Here is a very helpful link to the Turbo Conversion Bible over on 4x4wire.

agrabau · Post by **agrabau** » Tue Apr 10, 2007 9:11 pm

Group B, thanks for your responses. I actually got to read that whole thread the other day. I want to approach this project as a "one shot" deal. I want to be able to build it once, and strong enough so it lasts, thus taking no chances on the potential under strengthened transmission.

I installed some Bride seats in the truck today. What a contradiction.

agrabau · Post by **agrabau** » Wed Apr 11, 2007 9:52 am

agrabau · Post by **agrabau** » Wed Apr 11, 2007 8:49 pm

I ran the Montero on the dyno today. Sweet results

41hp in 4wd mode
55.2 in rear wheel drive mode. 90 ft lbs tq.

What a ripper.