LocostUSA.com

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.

I made a new dash from aluminum w/ the turned metal finish.

I also added air horns to the intake manifold to make the runners longer. I have only driven the car about 15 miles so far w/ this change to the intake, and it feels better w/ a little more torque at low RPM.

Here is a photo of the drivers side showing the new header & exhaust system.

A few more photos

Hello,
Thread back from the dead.. If you still check in Jim, can you email me at fwdmopar@gmail.com. I have some A4 questions. Ty and what a great build!

I added a heat shield to the exhaust system. I had to make some brackets to clamp it over the exhaust.

Recent photos.

Side view.

Wow, impressive condition after a big jump in time, how many miles has it racked up to date? Still running the toyota engine? Superb vehicle.

Thanks. Yes, I have the 4AGE engine in it. I am not really sure how many miles are on it. I didn't have a reliable speedometer until just recently. I finally have the speedometer fixed with a GPS unit from Holley. It works great. I used 3 different speedometers & senders over the years, but none of the others worked reliably.

Did you consider the 3.9l v6 or 273-318-340-360 family? Too much everything?

_________________
Miata UBJ: ES-2074R('70s maz pickup)
Ford IFS viewtopic.php?f=5&t=13225&p=134742
Simple Spring select viewtopic.php?f=5&t=11815
LxWxHt
360LA 442E: 134.5x46x15
Lotus7:115x39x7.25
Tiger Avon:114x40x13.3-12.6
Champion/Book:114x42x11
Gibbs/Haynes:122x42x14
VoDou:113x44x14
McSorley 442:122x46x14
Collins 241:127x46x12

The 3.9L V6 and V8 small block Mopar engines wouldn't fit in the current chassis. I also think they are too heavy and it would be tough to get a large enough radiator in the car.

I understand. More of everything to a fault!
My understanding is the a4 block is essentially the same width and length based on the LA series and trans. I expect the heads, headers, and induction would be sticking out (forget a bonnet/hood). A Mopar locost? Those high nickel blocks wrecking my cornering ability? That sounds terrible! Oh, the humanity!

Seriously though, I agree no getting around that tiny nose to fit a decent radiator and what you've built would be much more practical and all around efficient.

_________________
Miata UBJ: ES-2074R('70s maz pickup)
Ford IFS viewtopic.php?f=5&t=13225&p=134742
Simple Spring select viewtopic.php?f=5&t=11815
LxWxHt
360LA 442E: 134.5x46x15
Lotus7:115x39x7.25
Tiger Avon:114x40x13.3-12.6
Champion/Book:114x42x11
Gibbs/Haynes:122x42x14
VoDou:113x44x14
McSorley 442:122x46x14
Collins 241:127x46x12