semi newb planning engine swap

[andrw]

i recently purchased a 2.3T out of an 84 thunderbird and am considering attempting the swap myself. however, i have no previous experience doing anything this in-depth and am curious as to whether or not it would be a better idea to take it to my mechanic and have him do it. would this be cost effective? i read stingers site, and maybe it would make more sense if i was actually looking at the stuff, but it doesnt just reading it.

the wiring seems like the most complex part.

i didnt quite understand, do you have to clear the freon out of the a/c system, or can all that be left in? thanks.

 

[89lx2.3]

tough call man... its gonna be crazy expensive if someone else does it for you. these cars are kinda learn as you go and plan on doing all the work yourself. before i did my swap i had never attempted anything of this sort (I also did a rebuild on the engine). my advice to you is to hang out on here and on turboford and read everything you can about it before you do anything. i would also suggest getting an engine rebuild manual and read through it. if you know little about an engine's operation i would suggest rebuilding just so that when something goes wrong you understand why and how to fix it.

If you had trouble with stingers site i would read it, read it again, then another time until you understand it because it is an excellent guide for this swap (probably one of the best resources you will find). also get a haynes or chiltons so you can get another look at the parts and a more detailed idea of how it all goes together (or comes apart).

as far as the wiring goes, its way easier than you probably think. only like 6 or 7 pins for an 84 -> 88 swap. i studied the pinouts and diagrams for months before i ever changed anything and it was a piece of cake...

yes you can leave the freon in the ac system... switching to a v-belt (unless you were planning on converting the engine to serpentine) means you will have to change out the pulley on the compressor, but you dont have to evacuate the system, just move it all out of the way.

I would say go for it, but do your research and take your time.