I know that my best bet is going to be picking up a parts car (that's what I intend on doing at least if I decide to go through with this), but what will I end up needing?

The car everything is going into is an 83 gsl with 102k (112k? I can't remember right now) miles on the clock complete with a 5 speed. The 12a overheated (probably) and is very firmly seized.

I know I will need all the wiring from the parts car. Should I take the trans too? Will any systems need to get upgraded/changed so they will work with the new wiring?

Final question is what year parts car should I look for? Should I stay within the first generation or will a third gen motor (and possibly trans) work out?

I realize that I am going to be making a lot of my own mounts since there are no kits out (at least that I know of).

Thanks in advance

 

If you want to put a 13B in your first gen, first thinks first. You need a GSL-SE Front Cover, Oil Pan AND front Mount braket. Get all these things and your 13B will drop right into your FB AND you can even use your 12A Tranny. It bolts right up and its tough as nails. If you decide to use the 13B Tranny, you need to build a bracket for the tranny cross member because the 13B is a few inches more forward than the 12A bolt holes.

As for a 3rd gen engine. They are quite different from your run of the mill 13B. In other words, I've never seen a 3rd gen engine in a first gen. Most guys get a S4 or S5 Turbo II (87 to 91) and put it in. Its alot better, cheaper and easier to maintain and tune for more power. But ya, get those GSL-SE parts and its a peice of cake....

 

I'll be bookmarking this thread as I am also looking to drop a 13b into my 85 gs, she runs, but I'm blowing coolant from what I think is a coolant seal because the smoke emits right behind the exhaust manifold. So if using the 12a tranny will work, which is going to produce the best result for a daily driver/amateur solo II car when she runs right? I might as well buy a different car -_- mine is hopeless

 

Haha, didn't know how old this thread was... oops!

 

It contains bad advice as well.