engine swap manual=>auto

[ddxdx]

I had a beloved 1987 Tercel 4WD manual trans that got hit right front end and totaled. I think the engine got knocked off mounts. I didn't look carefully under the hood, my grief was so great. This happened just 5 weeks ago. It was a good (117k miles , new timing belt, 29 mpg) engine.
But in my travels I've found a 1985 Tercel 4wd Automatic with a great body/ interior. The guy says the engine is bad (bearings shot).
Can I swap the engine from the Manual into the Auto? Will it just bolt in and fit? Any suggestions?

[xirdneh]

yes you can switch engines
you have to be carefull separating tranny from engine
the gear that the starter drives has some bolts in it that should be removed when engine and tranny are separated a little bit
that gear is thin and bends easily
and it bends the torque converter too
read up on the FSM

if it were me i would switch over to manual tranny
will probably have to switch rear differential too
i have done this so i can offer advice

[Petros]

Welcome to the list!

Too bad about your '87, one of the best years of this car. If it were me I would swap out both the engine and trans, and covert it to manual trans. You have a complete donor car, because there are a lot of parts to swap (brake and clutch pedals, center console, rear diff, etc.) this can be done inexpensively even if a lot of work. But it is worth it since the auto trans version makes this underpowered car a real slow start. And I think the manual trans is more reliable too.

But just swapping the engine can be done, you might consider putting the auto trans car's cam shaft since it is slightly different and put out a bit more torque.

Where are you located?

Good luck with it.

[ddxdx]

Thanks for the input. I really liked the manual trans and didn't like the idea of an auto, so that makes sense. I will first try to see what can be salvaged from the wreck.
I am in Moscow ID, panhandle. Great car for this clime. And I live on a hill.

[ARCHINSTL]

Welcome to the Club! Lots of good info and knowledgeable members here. Don't forget the FSM available for download.
Cruise the Repair Guides forum - several members have switched an AT for a MT with info.
Tom M.

[4wdchico]

If you do the swap to MT you will need to change the rear axle or pumpkin along with the rest of the drive train so that you will have the dame diff ratio front and rear.

[Petros]

That is correct, and the driveshaft assembly (drive line) might be a different length too. So do not get rid of the donor car until the conversion is complete, you never know what other minor and major parts are different and that you will need until you are finished.

[ARCHINSTL]

The rear trans mount is different - check the EPC in the Parts Forum for info on whether the body X-member for the mount is different.
Tom M.

[xirdneh]

the automatic driveline is shorter than the manual driveline