Just getting into Google, bought the an 09 S40 and love it! Tracked down super clean 98 GLT that previous owner said oil in coolant and it needed a radiator that the oil cool was leaking and the resevoir looked it. I am extremely mechanically inclined and figured maybe but probably head gasket and boy was i right. Beat the guy down from a grand to free figuring the engine work needed. Now here is my question my Vin is 56 and I have located many engines with 55,57,etc to include a 98 T5 manual that is wrecked. Would I be able to use that motor? Basically I am trying to find out what other Vin codes will work. I apologize for the story book but any help is appreciated. I guess can i use a turbo motor just from any 98 or by specific Vin. Thank you.

 

I would stick with the motor SN. If you go with a different motor, T5, you'll likely have to do other things like turbo, ECU and maybe other things as well. You may be better off just doing the head gasket and other things needed there. That way you'll know that you have a strong motor.

 

Ok i appreciate that I am in the process of removing the head now but may need a new engine because it hydrolocked on me when i turned it over before i realized that cylinder 1 filled with coolant. I am going to bring each piston TDC and measure distance to top of block with a micrometer to see if one is a little short I.e bent rod . After the lock I drained the oil pan and removed the plugs and the engine still spins freely with no noises. How tough are these rods? Think i should hold out any hope?

 

I have never heard of anyone bending rods. I would look at the top of the pistons and if they are not damaged (split) you're probably fine.