TylerC161

Okay. As of tonight i decided to go for the DOHC swap.

Im going from a 1997 Automatic SOHC SW1, to a Manual DOHC.

Im betting this was asked 100 times, but im asking once more. please be kind in replys, keep flaming to a minimum.. all i want are some simple answers.

questions

1) i heard something about sohc pistons in a dohc block.. whys this?
2) whats really the best way i should go about this swap, just make it easy, buy the entire setup and drop in, or, build it up with sohc parts involved into it
3) if i build it up, what parts do i need, and what do i not need?
4) my friend has swapped over 30 hondas he says, he said saturn shouldnt be a problem
5) how hard is adding the manual tranny? as far as pedals, shifter, lines, ect
6) i want the MP3 tranny right? isint that the best?
7) find myself a 92 header.. right?
Cool what years engines can i use? 95-99?
9) can i use the sohc pcm?
10) if i cant, will i need new harness's?

god im such a f**k noob to this, im so clueless.. he knows what he's doing tho.. so please, offer your advice like i said on building a dohc VS just buying one and problems i can run into swapping and what all i REALLY need to buy.. (dont want to buy things i dont need) So see, i need a list basically of EVERYTHING needed.. from wires to bolts.. all of it.

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1997 Sw1.. many mods

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/723864

PurdueGuy

Ok, first you need to know what you want. If you just want a well-running DOHC, and don't plan to go high compression or forced induction (either of which would require getting some extra equipment for tuning), then that's much simpler. I'll answer questions assuming you want that. If you're wanting high compression or forced induction, you'll need to do a lot of reading on TSN before you do anything.

This usually comes up with head swaps (as opposed to engine swaps). In the '91-'98 engines, the SOHC and DOHC use different pistons. This means when people do a head swap, they still dont' have a true DOHC, because they have SOHC pistions. This combo means lower compression and lower power, but can be a good combo for people planning forced induction. The '99+ engines use the same pistons DOHC and SOHC, so a head swap results in a true DOHC.

No SOHC internal parts if you can get a good whole DOHC to swap in, unless you have forced induction plans

I don't feel I can give a complete list, so I won't try.

Probably not a problem

Not sure, but those who've done it that I've seen have reported relative ease (prob on the same level as an engine swap), so with your friend's help, should be doable.

"the best" probably isn't the right description, but for a non-forced induction engine, it probably is the better choice. Some forced induction guys like the longer gearing of the MP2 for helping them get traction.

'91-92 header & downpipe will fit '91-'98 engines - good way to go.

another one I can't give a good answer on, but the closer to the original year, the easier, most likely.

If you get it re-flashed to the dohc specs you need. The dealer can do this, but may be reluctant. Some parts stores can, but not many. The one I know of is a small local chain that caters more to businesses & dealers than to the walk-in customers.

Not sure, might depend on engine year

My .02

scottyr94

The only reason you would want sohc pistons and sohc tranny (MP2) would be if you are planning on going forced induction. Otherwise I would just stick with dohc components and use an MP3 if you just want quick n/a power.

TylerC161

thanks for the help. yes, for now, i want a fast dohc.

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1997 Sw1.. many mods

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/723864

the Shaolin UWP

On a completely related note, I've decided to turn this pencil I am holding into a pen.

I'm going to need to custom machine the outside, buy 3 or 4 donor pens for parts, and spend twice what my pencil is worth on this project. I'm not going to buy a new pen, because I am oblivious.

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1986 RX7
2000 SC1
15.846 at 86.08 N/A
14.526 at 98.08 on the juice

Killer Kopec

Ive herd some strange stuff about the 95 engines but it Just may be for the sohc’s. also I could not get the Saturn tech to re-flash my pcm. I believe that the 95 cars were the last year of the obd I pcms so im not sure if it would work. So with that in mind, I had the engine in and figured what the hell and started it up. withthe cohc pcm in it. It ran, and still does run fine with the sohc pcm and the dohc engine. A 96 duel in a 97 car. But that’s all that I know about that. Stay with a 96 to 99 engine. There will also be some small stuff like different length hoses but it was no big deal at all. And, supposedly there is no dohc Saturn that came with out power steering. That’s just what they tell me. (Advanced auto) so I got a belt that was 1 and ½ inches longer than the sohc belt and that worked fine. Also without power steering.

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http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2414924

Satyllac

+1.

Either just swap in a complete DOHC, or sell your SW1 and get a SX2, or any other vehicle you're interested in.

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*Note To Self*
Spend less on car, more on guns.
*/Note*
-Randy

Killer Kopec

if i could go back in time i would have just bought a 94 or 95 sc2 saturn.

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http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2414924

TylerC161

what im interested in is my wagon.. so thanks, but no thanks

__________________
1997 Sw1.. many mods

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/723864

scottyr94

I found my swap to be fun and a great learning experience in finding out how these cars operate. I know lots of people say just sell the car and buy one with a dohc, but where is the fun in that? I can maybe see it if the engine runs good yet. But I blew up my sohc, and the car was in great shape otherwise, so I decided to swap, and now I can say I have the experience of going from TBI SOHC to MPFI DOHC under my belt. Otherwise I would have never pulled an engine from an s-series, and wouldn't be confident to do it in my SC2 when I get bored with the limitations of the stock engine.