Aspire/Festiva motor compatability questions

[Spuds]

Hi Guys
I posted this over at the Aspire forum as well, but any info that can help this noobie would be greatly appreciated.

I know the basic B3 motors were more or less the same for Festivas and Aspires, but I have a couple of compatability questions.

Question 1
I just bought a like new (2,700 original miles) almost complete (except distributor) 1995 Aspire 5 speed motor at a salvage yard nearby my place. I own a 1997 5 speed Aspire, will this engine retrofit without much hassles? What would I need to swap from the 97 motor? Will the 97 distributor work on a 95 motor?

Question 2
I have a 1993 Festiva 5 speed, with a bad motor. The same place has 5 more almost complete (except distributor) Aspire motors, 94-96, will these work in the Festiva? Will the Festiva distributor work on an Aspire motor? Will I need to swap the intake stuff, or will the Aspire stuff work?

Thanks in advance for your help!!!

[Tim]

#1 - yes, it should work fine. The only difference is 2 years.

#2 - The Aspire motor will work, as well as the Festiva distributor. I'm not too sure about the intake, but it wouldn't hurt to be safe and use the Festiva intake.


Regards,

Tim

[Spuds]

Thanks for the info!

[timmytooth]

Hey, if that place has any 5-speed transmissions I would like to get my hands on one.

I put an Aspire motor in my 89 Festiva 4-speed, I used the intake and everything off of the Festy including distributor. Only thing was on the Aspire motor (1996) the keyed timing gear had to be wire edm'd for a larger shaft. I don't remember any other issues.

[Spuds]

I did the Aspire motor swap with the Festy, I swapped all the parts around. It runs but kind of rough like it is missing. I'll have to get some new wires and plugs and go from there. At least it runs.