Hey, this is my first time posting here but I''''ve lurked around for a while.


I have a 98 2.2L 5 spd, 2wd with poor compression on 3 cylinders and a blown head gasket. Im also going to have to pull the head and hone the valve guides as well as replace the seals. O2 sensors as well as coil packs, injectors, and fuel filter are likely in order as well. The truck is still driveable, but is consuming oil (no visible smoke) and getting poorer gas mileage as time goes on. Slightly running hot, but not terribly considering the Phoenix summer and constant AC.

I spent some time working at a machine shop when I was in highschool, and can get the head work done cheaply. With only 90k im only going to tear it down to a short block. Head gasket is no sweat...

BUT, the 2.2 (even before the issues) requires so much RPM to get up to speed that I am considering swapping in a 3.5. What is involved in the swap? Does the wiring harness need to be modified? Different trans X-member? Frame towers/mounts? Driveshaft? Etc.

I own a few old project cars that I''''ve built, but I have little experience with this stuff. Im just weighing my options here. Did Isuzu ever build a 3.5L, 2 wheel drive, 5 speed rodeo? I''''ve never seen one.

Edited by: chevy72blu