engine swap
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,925
Likes: 441
From: Albuquerque NM
Should be a direct bolt in I believe. You ought to be able to use either ECM with either wiring harness but there might be a few wiring differences, but nothing major. Might be easier to just swap the 86 long block in and keep the 89 TPI and wiring harness.
I think the main issue might be the cold start injector stuff.
You looking at that red 86 in Albuquerque NM?
I think the main issue might be the cold start injector stuff.
You looking at that red 86 in Albuquerque NM?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 6,192
Likes: 750
From: near the thumb in the mitten
It will physically bolt in but there were improvements made between 86 and 89. In 87 the sbc got roller lifters, roller chain, and coupes got aluminum heads. The engine management is different, both ecm. and engine wiring harness. The 86 engine isn't as powerful as your 89. Unless you're a getting a super deal I would pass. What is wrong with the engine that is in it?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 810
Likes: 30
From: Topock AZ
The 89 needs a complete rebuild and i have that 86 on my stand in very good condition that i bought out of a recked car with only 45k on it and got it really cheep? so was thinking that would be the way to go ??
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 6,192
Likes: 750
From: near the thumb in the mitten
if the 89 is a keeper I would get the 89 engine out and apart then decide. I really wouldn't want to give up the roller cam and so much better heads. If the the 89 engine is done , I would get the 89s aluminum heads redone and put them on the 86 short block. Possibly replace the cam and for sure install a roller chain.
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Pro
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 517
Likes: 142
From: Caribbean/Florida
Pro
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 517
Likes: 142
From: Caribbean/Florida
Like others have suggested, just swap the heads and intake over to the 86 block, run all the 89 sensors and ECM. New head gaskets, freshen the heads with new valve seals and as a few others suggested a roller chain and a small cam upgrade would not hurt. with roughly 10hp difference between the two motors, I don't think you would notice any difference. Well good luck with your temporary swap.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 1,689
Likes: 726
From: Stay dangerous my friends
Gary, the 86 will work fine with the 89 ECU, you can use the 1989 intake or get a plug for the cold start valve, a lot of people did this anyway, and it was common to swap 1989 ECU into the earlier cars, it was better mapping. Don't know about the Automatic part, I avoid automatics in a sports car.
If you do have the rare 1986 TPI with iron heads, you can swap the heads if they are good.
