OK, I'd like a newer Frontier, but my wallet says otherwise ($17K for a 2001 Frontier 4-cyl 2wd??? ). So, we fix up Rocky.
Rocky (the Flying Squirrel) is a 1990 hardbody, 2wd, std, 4-cyl (KE24) with 300,000 kms on it. Not much REALLY wrong, but lots of little things. Engine is still OK, reliable, lots of power, 9-10km/L, but starting to burn a bit of oil (1L per 1000kms).
What I'd like to do is drop in a new 200x Frontier KE24. I still want the fuel economy of the 4-cyl, and the power is OK - I just want a newer engine. I've discussed this with a few local "engine replacement shops" and one dealer, but they all say "it can't be done" and mutter things about wiring harnesses and Black Boxes. Now, if the mechanic can't modify a wiring harness, I don't want him working on my engine! So - is it a big problem?
Other things I'd like to consider:
1. Can I replace with an auto trans? I'd have to replace the clutch in any case, and I'd like an auto for those steep, slow hills (First gear is too high: I sometimes have to slip the clutch to go slow enough).
2. What about AC? I assume dropping in an engine with AC wouldn't be a big problem, but what about the stuff inside the cab?
Finally, what should I look out for in terms of things that might go POP after I've replaced the engine, making it a waste of money?
Comments, please?
druid
Last edited by druid : Aug 15th, 2006 at 05:36 PM.
It'll be a money pit trying to do all that to it. You wouldn't be able to resell it for half what you put into it, regardless of how much time and money is spent on it. I'd just run it until it dies...replace what's necessary and look for another truck with AC and an auto if you really want one.
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'88 Pathfinder: 6" of lift, 33x13.50 Swamper LTB's, Rancho 9000's, L&P Stage 3 steering system, K&N, Pacesetter headers and 2.5" exhaust, Lock-Right locker, 110A alty and electric fan swap, dual batteries, 700W+ worth of PIAAs, etc.
I would simply look for another used truck with the options you want. You will save time and hassle by not having to swap this and that out of the truck. I was on craigslist's vancouver and saw a 02' Frontier king cab, 4 cyl, automatic and A/C for $12.5k cdn. You might want to check that out. 2002 Nissan Frontier KingCab XE pickup
Doing the things you want to do is not a practical choice, compared to buying a newer truck.
For the a/c system - yea, you can drop an engine in there, and that'll include the compressor. You'll still need the hoses, condenser, dryer and, the most pain-in-the-ass component, the evaporator. That is located inside a box, inside the dash, and requires dash removal to install.
Where I work, we install custom a/c systems in hot rods and stuff like that, and the systems alone are very costly, typically well over $1,000.
But yea, I'd just look at another truck.
__________________ ASE-certified technician by day, metal musician and computer nerd by night, and avid Nissan HB lover
It sounds like old Rocky is not in bad shape. If you plan to keep it for another year or so, than an engine rebuild might make economic sense. Maybe a rebuilt KE-24 will run about 1,800 us?
The 2000 Frontier engine conversion would be like building a custom truck as far as time and money goes. There isnt a manual to follow.
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). So, we fix up Rocky.
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