2TG/3TC Hybrid into a Mtisi Sigma? (abomination! lol)

[bunkyt18]

Hey folks. I recently picked up a '81 GL Sigma in very good condition for $10. It has a long rego and is all good except for a suspected blown head/ head gasket. I had an idea to do a conversion for it with a 2TG/3TC Hybrid that I have hanging around here. I don't like any sigma motors as they have weak heads and corrode way to quickly.

How hard would it be to do this conversion? Any body done anyhting like it?

[Rinmax]

I must admit, its a strange kind of conversion. Just a few questions that I think would need to be answered first.

1. To keep the EPA happy, is it going to be legal to be fitted into this model car?

2. Will it physicly fit? - I imagine it would but do you have enough room for the carbs?

3. Are you changing the g/box to toyota too? if not what bellhousing is going to work?

4. Are you or do you know someone, who is good at manufacturing engine mounts and other installation bits.

5. Is the fact of being different worth all the work or would it be better to save some dosh for a project ke25 or ta22 that would be a more traditional use for a hybrid 3TG.

I wish you all the best with the plans. There will always be cheap cars that could be the basis of a project car, but I belive its better to do that sort of workload on something that means something to you.

Keep us posted if you go ahead.

[bunkyt18]

Yeah thanks for the input. I had been keeping the motor for a KE but I thought it could be worth a look with this sigma bunky. Had considered all your thoughts you have listed. It's likely I will not go ahead with this conversion as the work will not equal the joy I think. Still interested in any more thoughts on this though.

[thechuckster]

it would be easier to adapt a more modern mitsu engine to the smegma... they're all based on the same 4Gx block ...

Having owned a GC galant, and had a G/F with slightly more advanced Sigma - i understand the pain and annoyance of their glass-like headgaskets and a predisposition to badly corrode around water-jacket holes...

i'd get prices for a twin-cam motor/head from wreckers and see if your gearbox will bolt up to one of them.

cheers,
Charles.

[Enchanter]

There are two width blocks for these cars, the 2.6 manual is the odd one out with a wider bolt pattern than all the rest so the 2.6 box won't bolt up to anything exept the 2.6 manual engine, the 2.6 auto is a normal narrow width.

The later model 2.6 manual Sigmas went down the narrow block path though (same as the magna), but Im not sure when. The 81 model would be a GH or GJ, (early type).