Which way to swap??

[NigelStu]

I bought my 87 ES (w/ manual trans) with plans to make a 2.7i out of it for a fun DD and occasional track car with an eventual conversion into a Chump car.

Instead of individual parts, I found a 87 is (w/ auto trans). Initially I thought the chassis was so bad on the 'is' that it would only be good for the parts, but it turns out the chassis is straight with no structural rust. So now I'm at a cross-roads.

Which car do I use to make my 2.7i M/T?????

I know all the info on a e - > 2.7i upgrade is on here. and I know all the info on a A/T to M/T swap is on here.


But which swap is easier, takes less time and leaves less chance for an F-up? Would you rather swap the head, wiring and diff over or would you rather swap out an A/T for a M/T?

Either way, engines will be coming out of BOTH cars and proper parts put back together to make the 2.7i.

[xwill112x]

which ever one looks better. you could even put the is on the es decklid. lol

[NigelStu]

As this car will eventually be a Chump car, I'm not terribly concerned on appearance. most of the car will likely be covered with wood-grained vinyl...

[nando]

seeing how they're 87's the 5-speed swap is pretty simple (hardest part on an airbag car is the pedal swap). So I'd go with whatever chassis is in the best condition for racing.