Is a 2.2L TI in a '92 Spirit ES 2.5L TI possible?

[moparjim]

I have searched the forums for an answer to this question, perhaps I'm not searching the correct way. I have recently bought the spirit with a "knocking then a hard stop" engine problem. I already have the 2.2L TI from a '90 shadow and was wondering if it is possible to put that motor in because that would save me time and money. Also, I have a MP SMEC computer for a 2.5L TI and realize that the spirit is SBEC, Will that work with this car? Thank you

[89turbodude]

the 2.5 computer will not work with a 2.2 motor, not even on common blocks

[moparjim]

How come though? Wouldn't the o2 sensor be able to adjust the injector's so that it wouldn't be running so rich or is it some other sensor I have to worry about? Everything looks to be very similar and I plan on using the 2.5 head and sensors. Also I found out the motor is out of an '87 shadow but I believe that is still a common block

[89turbodude]

It will only be a common block if the block is an 89'+, check the back side of the block near the power steering area. The timing with the 2.2 and the 2.5 is going to be off because the 2.5 has the longer stroke. Also the 2.5 having the balane shafts may or may not be a problem. I have tried to put a 2.2 computer in with a 2.5 and it ran horrible.

[phantomrt]

It will physically install no problem considering the only difference is the pistons and crankshaft.

The problem I see here is that the all the T-1 engines from 1989 up were 2.5L engines. If that engine really is from a 1990 Shadow, it is a 2.5L already. 2.2L turbo commonblock engines only existed as T-II's in 1989, in T-IV in 1989-1990, 1989 Maserati 16v, and 1991-1993 T-III's, which are their own block but based on the commonblock.

One favor to ask of you, I want the part number off of your 1992 SBEC that you have. It is on the sticker on the "neck" of it. It'll be something like 465 (in small letters) 2125 (in big letters) An SMEC can be made to work, but the SMEC has two electrical connectors and the SBEC has just the one. With enough re-wiring, it'll work just fine but the work could be substantial.

Depending on years, the 2.2 and 2.5 heads are identical. There will be no timing issues because all the hardware between the two is the same. Fuel and spark maps may annoy things a bit. Balance shafts will not be a problem because after all, some 2.2's also came with them.

[Sittn86]

^+1 The sensors are all the same, too.