I posted this in the all motor forum with no replies so I'm trying here to.

So I have done some searching and read lots on different engine swaps and different scenarios and most people swap their motors/trannies because they want more power or a 5 speed/6 speed or what not. I have a 2000 SE 5 speed that burns oil to the tune of about a quart every 4-500 miles and it is starting to get annoying filling it up every other Saturday.

I am going to stick with the 3.0 and just do a straight swap and want to know what other things I should do while I have it all out. I will do the clutch and want a mild upgrade from stock, any suggestions? Also will do things like plugs and small stuff like that but I have only had the car for a year and don't know what else to look for like seals that will be easy to do while the engine is out.

Looks like I can get a motor for $600-800 with pretty low miles from local junk yards, is that the best route or is there something else? I probably have a budget of $1000-1200 for everything so keep that in mind.

Its my commuter and it is a great car but I probably won't do any major mods to it, I already have a Y-pipe but that was more of necessity. I may do some suspension and or exhaust down the road. I am more of a if it breaks, up grade it to something better but I don't do much upgrading just because, I have 5 kids.

Seems like I should know this too but just want to make sure, since mine is a 5 speed it doesn't matter when buying the motor if its from auto or not right?
Anything else I am forgetting?

I am not interested in doing any 3.5 swaps or other different options, just a straight easy swap.

Thanks in advance

 

I bought my 2000 vq30de-k from car-part.com and had it shipped to a hub near me. I paid like $750 total which I thought was a great deal. If you can get a low mileage one for less, good on ya! You can pull the lower oil pan to make sure there no sludge in it.

Yes you can use an engine from an auto or a 5spd car. The engine from an auto car will have a flex plate and the engine from the 5spd car will have the flywheel. If you get one with a flex plate, you'll need to pull that off and put on your flywheel. Use the torque specs when bolting the flywheel back up to the crank. Run the bolts in by hand. No impact here. If you mess these threads up, you are done. I also used loctite. If your flywheel hasn't been turned, I would get it turned since you are getting a new clutch.

Since you are doing a direct swap, it should be fairly straight forward. Just keep track of all your bolts and where they go. Use a torque wrench. Don't go tightening everything like rambo, you'll strip stuff out or break something. Trust me on that.

Look the FSM over and familiarize your self with what needs to be done. Do it methodically and stay organized. Use jack stands, dont rely on a jack or multiple jacks.

Good luck!