Hello I have a 1997 20 valve non turbo 850 wagon that I spun the timing belt. I found a engine from a 1998 70 with 122,000 on it .The question I have is could I swap an engine FROM a 1998 70 to my 1997 850 ? Will the 98 hook up to my 97 850?

 

Would one one know if this 1998 engine will hook up to my 850? I do not want to be out the money that it will cost me and be stuck with an engine I can't use. I am put a new engine in the car for my young son that will be getting his license soon. Any input would be great . Thanks in advance for your input

 

I believe it would, especially if it's an early '98 with the hydraulic tensioner. Make sure it's a non-turbo car.

I would pull the head and make sure the pistons are not damaged. At that point I would likely just get a new head from somewhere. There is a place in Clearwater FL that ships rebuilt heads for these cars for something like $430 or $480, well worth it.

 

Hello rspi, How can you tell if it's a turbo motor? Also what do you mean hydraulic tensioner? Do you mean the piston tensioner for the timing belt? I was going to buy just a used head but this person dropped me an e-mail and said he had a whole motor for $600. I figured by the time I bought a head, sent it out to be cleaned and checked then a gasket set, new bolts, ect. the whole motor would be cheaper fix. That's why I was looking to see if it would be able to inter change that year motor

 

If it's a turbo engine, it will say turbo somewhere inside the engine compartment and have a inter-cooler line. See attached picture. The Hydraulic tensioner is the piston tensioner.

Indeed a whole motor is a cheaper fix. I seem plenty of good motors running for $150 at u-pull junk yards and all the way to $500 w/ warranty. If you get a motor for $600 it better have 180+ psi on all cylinders and warranty.

I say to go w/ RSPI's route, changing the head will guarantee a good long-lasting motor (assuming that pistons are ok). If your budget is tight, go for a used motor, there are plenty of good ones out there.

Turbo Engine:


N/A Engine: