I have a 2001 PT with the base engine and manual trans. The engine (and probably the trans as well) are shot and need to be replaced. I want to swap in a used engine, and then rebuild the old one myself, but this will take some time. To get the car back on the road more quickly, I am looking for a rebuilt engine, or an engine from a junked car. I am searching for a used engine (with or without trans at this point), and have a question regarding the possiblity of using an engine/trans from a different model year in my car. A shop has told me that the newer engines are "different" but wasn't sure if they would work or not, nor what problems might be encountered. I will be doing the swap myself, with the help of an experienced friend who has the heated garage and all the right tools.
I have poked around and found these differences... Engine cover deleted after 2001 (not important for an engine swap), intake breather tube, and coolant overflow tank. I am assuming I can keep my existing intake breather tube and overflow bottle, although those do not sound like job-stoppers anyway.
Can somebody please expand on this list above, and tell me what to watch out for? For example, is it important that I also get the PCM that goes along with the used engine? Or can I reuse my existing PCM? I don't think I have the anti-theft system which would prevent the engine from starting, but perhaps I do but don't know it!!!
How about other things like mounts, wiring, exhaust, fuel lines, half shafts..?
Same question for the tranny... will I run into any compatibility issues trying to use a newer 5-speed, assuming I stick with the manual T350?
Thanks in advance guys!!