Cheapracer:
I made the change to the 4AGE since I already had the engine (my daughters old '87 Corolla GTS), and I wanted something more driveable for street use. My daughter also wants to drive the car and I don't think she should w/ the Mopar engine. I also told my daughter that I will give her the car someday.
The Mopar engine was very fast, but I always found that is was so loud that it gave me a headache (combination of really loud exhaust and the vibration w/ solid motor mounts). It really needed a bigger radiator, larger fuel tank, larger mufflers, larger tires, better brakes, different ignition system, isolated engine mounts, milder camshaft, and fuel injection. Most of these changes are not really doable w/ the existing car & the budget at this time. I also think I needed a roll-cage on the car w/ the Mopar engine.
The Mopar engine is about 230-240 lbs. including the motor plate, water pump, alternator, distributor, intake manifold w/ carb, and dry sump pump. In street legal trim, the entire car was 1,410 lbs. full of fuel w/ the Mopar engine. The AX-15 transmission was also pretty heavy at about 125 lbs. w/ the starter, flywheel & clutch.
I have not had a chance to weigh the car yet w/ the 4AGE engine. The car is much more streetable, runs cool, and is reliable enough to drive anywhere.
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