Nobody would probably want to drive a fifteen-year-old car anyway but I went crazy and decided to buy one and make a project car out of it. Unless, of course, it’s a classic or one of those super tricked out cars. When I started out with this idea of a project car, I thought I could just simply purchase a fifteen-year-old car and do just that.

Boy, was I wrong.

I have to admit I was a bit too anxious in starting the project and probably made a bad purchase. And because of that, all of my plans were thrown to mush. I was just supposed to restore the car to its old glory but I guess that would be next to impossible given that it turns out that the car’s a bit of a Frankenstein’s monster.

As I’ve said in my previous post, I’m deliberating on whether to carb it or not to carb it. As far as I’ve researched, there aren’t too many options available for my GA16DE engine. Since I believe that my car’s ECU is shot and that the wiring needs to be completely cleaned-up, I know I’m in for some real spending if I decide to push through with the project.

So as the next step to the project I have to choose between these options:

Keeping the GA16DE

• Repair/replace the ECU
• Restore the wiring

Pros: I get to keep the engine which is quite fuel efficient compared to the two other options, no paperwork needed
Cons: Might be cheap if I find a good shop who can do the repairs, or expensive if I decide to purchase parts brand new

Converting the GA16DE to Carb

• Replacing the manifold
• Install carburetor
• Rewiring the distributor
• Installing a new fuel pump and pressure regulator

Pros: I get to keep the engine, no paperwork needed, faster acceleration and throttle responsiveness, cheaper than doing a swap or purchasing a brand new ECU and wiring harness, no more problems with electronics in the long run
Cons: Fuel efficiency compromised, loss of low-end torque, diminishes car’s value

Swapping a SR20DE

• Change engine, transmission, ECU, wiring harness, axles…

Pros: A cult classic engine, more power and torque, might be cheaper than doing a swap or purchasing a brand new ECU and wiring harness
Cons: Paperwork needed, gamble on sourcing an engine in good condition, less fuel efficient than GA16DE

Now, which route to take? Decisions, decisions.