J35 Swapping my Del Sol

Posted by Guichito@reddit | projectcar | View on Reddit | 37 comments

This started as a budget swap since I picked up an odyssey with a bad transmission for cheap but I splurged on a couple of things like the harness and ecu. It's hard not to order cams, pistons and rods and build this thing but I'm trying to keep it simple before I go down that rabbit hole.

Anyway, I've been slowly gathering parts to swap a J35A4 swap into my 97 Del Sol. I'll be running a 2004 TL 6 speed LSD transmission. So far I have the following:

Engine

Transmission, shifter cables, clutch, flywheel

Pj's custom harness

Haltech 750

Haltech EGJ1 mounts (still waiting on these)

P2R big tube headers

The plan is to go through and replace the timing belt, tensioner, pulleys, gaskets and reseal everything. The motor was extra dirty so I used some elbow grease and a pressure washer to clean it off.

[-]

BeaverMartin@reddit

I look forward to seeing this one come together. I just love the J series and have visions of one day swapping one into one of my MG Bs.

[-]

DocWilly84@reddit

One of my dream builds is an MGBGT with a 4.0 rover v8, 4-sp manual and limited slip in a safari build

[-]

BeaverMartin@reddit

I have a GT and two roadsters. Currently swapping a GM 60 degree v6 in one of the Roadsters. I just happen to also be a Honda fan so I’m saving up for a B18 swap into my 76 Mini. The J series MG may be a retirement project.

[-]

DocWilly84@reddit

Nice. 20 years ago or so, I had an 80 MGB roadster that was given to me non-running, no top, etc. Required a bunch of mechanical work, rebuilt carb, put a top on it, wiring. Ran it for a few years and passed it on. Always dreamed of getting another. There’s a guy doing a swap to a Miata frame.

[-]

BeaverMartin@reddit

The British cars are something of an addition. The Mini was my first and they just sort of multiplied from there.

[-]

DocWilly84@reddit

Nice. I’ve got a 59 Studebaker Silver Hawk the I just got. Been off the road for quite some time so lots of work.

[-]

BeaverMartin@reddit

Sweet! Studebakers are awesome! I would love a Champ to drag all my projects around.

[-]

DocWilly84@reddit

Yeah - I want a two door lark viii wagon to restomod. For a truck I want either an old Dodge power wagon or Jeep j2000

[-]

BeaverMartin@reddit

All solid choices.

[-]

Syscrush@reddit

I hated FWD Hondas for about 30 years but lately I've seen the light. This is an exciting project and I hope it goes extremely smoothly for you. The V6 with single exhaust, 6MT and LSD is an almost perfect combo.

[-]

Financial-Newt2291@reddit

This will be fun! Will it fit? What are you doing for engine mounts?

[-]

Guichito@reddit (OP)

It sort of fits. The engine sticks out of the hood so I'll have to do some kind of cut out or run it without a hood. I ordered Hasport mounts specifically for a J series engine in my chassis. Hasport also sells mounts that allows the engine to sit low enough to run the hood but you lose ground clearance.

[-]

KdF-wagen@reddit

Build a cowl induction for it!

[-]

Guichito@reddit (OP)

🤔 that's not a bad idea

[-]

Syscrush@reddit

It's the only way, IMO.

[-]

TunaOnWytNoCrust@reddit

Cut the hood man, running without a hood is so annoying

[-]

AngryScottish@reddit

Not annoying, just shows that the person half-assed the build.

[-]

TunaOnWytNoCrust@reddit

Yeah that's the annoying part. You modified the vehicle and now you're missing a body panel because you didn't finish the build.

[-]

Financial-Newt2291@reddit

Super interesting, how close to the ground is the sump? Are you going to need a dry sump?

[-]

Guichito@reddit (OP)

I don't have the mounts to measure clearance yet but it should be plenty. My car isn't even lowered.

[-]

FatalSky@reddit

Hey I also work on J35’s against my will. Depending on the mileage the front Cam Thrust Plate O-rings like to bake from heat off the EGR and stop sealing. They’re $4? a piece.

They’re fun motors, we’ve had a AWD MDX since new in 2004, it’s seen nothing but aggressive driving and ketchup since about 2010. It was at 310,000 miles when I sold it last month and my buddy before me did 3,000 miles oil changes and 6,000 miles transmission flushes to get it there. We’ve also put 10,000 miles on a 06 MDX with a horribly destroyed main bearing. It just stayed full of Lucas and kept knocking down the road until a guy wanted the body.

[-]

ZaMelonZonFire@reddit

I wish I fit in cars like this. It’s going to be a rocket.

[-]

FiddlerOnThePotato@reddit

I wanted to throw one of these in my NB Miata a long time ago. That's a great swap for a chassis this size, the engine is very light for what it is and 250 or more wheel horsepower is very nice. And the J sticking out of the hood is always fun to see. I remember when people first started doing these swaps back in the day, it was so fun seeing a valve cover poking out of the front of the hood.

[-]

Guichito@reddit (OP)

I didn't realize how popular the swap was in other chassis. I agree, it's perfect for these cars and Miatas. I was hoping there were mount kits for my 1st gen RX7. It would be fun in that as well.

[-]

Successful-Clerk-811@reddit

I would love to do this to my 93 civic, I’m interested to see the final product and how it all came together

[-]

Guichito@reddit (OP)

Stay tuned!

[-]

GringoSancho@reddit

From del sol, to del chingón. Seriously, these are the kind of projects I’m here to see.

[-]

6inarowmakesitgo@reddit

Oooooo. This one is really going to be fun.

[-]

everyoneisatitman@reddit

This is going to be amazing. The J35 in a minivan is quicker than it should be for soccer moms. Dropping 2k lbs would be mental. Please please please detail this install. The only problem I see is everytime the sun comes out you will need front tires.

[-]

Guichito@reddit (OP)

They're very torquey. What I love about the J series is they pack a decent punch right out of the box

[-]