Retain the 4wd swaps?

Alright guys, i have a question.... I know it has been asked frequently... But cant get any straight information from searching and google......

I have an 89' b2600i lx...... My g6 engine is very old... And i am thinking about retiring it.... Is there any possible engine candidates that i can swap in, which will let me retain the 4wd system?... I think 4wd is awesome and i have to use it constantly... Out of searching, i came to the conclusion of an mpv v6 would fit and bolt on..... But have not found much info.... Do you guys have any suggestions or ideas on any swaps..... (Maybe a toyota 22r would fit?)... I know they have similar 4wd system... Any ideas?.. Thank you

You can do a 350 small block with all the 4x4 stuff just need to do some fab work.

dealwithit over on Mazdatrucking did an OM617 Turbo Diesel out of a 82 Mercedes 300TD into his B2600i. His was 2WD but he retained the use of the stock B2600i transmission. He had 2 clearance issues, one on the front crossmember (which he notched and strengthened) and the steering linkage hitting the oil pan at full lock (which he notched.) Assuming that the axle housing for the 4WD models is lower than the steering linkage, you should be able to get this motor to work in yours. 123hp @ 3800RPMS (I think) and 188 ft/lbs of torque @ 1800 RPM. Easy to wire up and great on fuel.

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The 350 or 302 was a dream of mine... But it seems the fabrication is alittle extreme... Way beyond anything i am willing to take on... The diesel seems like an interesting swap option... The only thing i am concerned about on the diesel is the parts availability.. Glow plugs and injector pumps are also not cheap....

injector pump rebuilds are not cheap, that is correct. Parts are easy to come by for the Benz @ The IP rebuilds can be prevented though, with proper fuel filter maintenance and a good fuel supply. Glow plugs, also while not cheap, rarely die.

All sounds good... But would like to retain as much accessories as i can, keeping my speedometer... Ect.... I was thinking something more practical... Anything easier?

easiest way to keep the speedometer would be to use the stock transmission and rear end. What Ken did on his was to mate the two flywheels together to use the stock Mazda clutch, took some plate aluminum to make a spacer, and had the engine backing plate milled to the appropriate dimensions. This could be done for any engine in reality, and your stock gearbox is strong enough to handle around 250hp easily. A Ford 5.0 uses a front mount distributor and does fit in the engine bay.

So diesel.... Or 5.0 huh.... I do like v8's lol..... But i dont believe the tranny would match to the v8.