I have a 72 Spider 124 Conv and somehow I fouled up the engine and I wanna do a swap. I'm thinking about buying this engine
http://www.lowmileageparts.com/1980-FIA ... 5_VSDbD-M8
What I wanna know is will this fit to the existing transmission... thanks for any help avail. MJ

if the ad is true it is a carb'd 2.0l it will fit the bellhousing. you will / may have some hood clearance issues with the distributor, I have never had issues. but some have.

Where about's are you? I'll be pulling a 1608 from a 72 before it goes to the crusher....
I'm in / near Penticton BC
Chris

somehow I fouled up the engine

Slow down a step.

Is the motor shot? What's wrong?

These engines are very strong. Unless you ran it without oil, or broke the timing belt, fixing it could be a better choice than replacing it.

Anyway, give us the story.

And good luck by the way.

I'm in US, North Carolina (Ft. Bragg) I need the engine cylinders honed and new pistons I suppose. I'm not a super mechanic but I am mechanical... I just pulled the engine and trans today and it was a so and so to get out... what happened is I bought it for cheap as the previous owner said the engine seized. well I got it loose put head back on and would not fire... then suddenly it seized again... took it back down and somehow a washer was dropped in on top of a piston and it scarred the top of the piston and pressed the edge of the top of the piston to the cylinder wall... its gonna be a job huh??????

Cool. I live like 30 min south of you. Always makes me nervous getting another engine. Could have major issues. Having some engine work done and knowing what you have is nice.

Yes, you can install the 2 liter engine. You will have to move the alternator to the driver's side, so be sure to get the alternator bracket with the new engine, mind you finding a used one is easy.
Move the alternators wires to the left side while the engine is out. You will have to rotate the distributor so the wires point forward, and maybe a bit to the passenger side to get more hood clearance. The timing belt cover may rub the center hood bracing. I had to notch my TB cover.
We sell some motor mounts that lower the engine some, it helps with clearance.

If you can get the distributor and coil/module combo with the 2000 engine than that's an easy upgrade to electronic ignition.