What’s up guys...Joined the forum today cause I’m ready to fix up my ’88 Raider (86,87,88,89 Mits. Montero). It has the 2.6L I4. Can’t remember the last time she ran strong (1998 at 65,000 maybe?). I want to put a big block in. I have no idea where to start and I need help. I want to do it right which means new drive train, new trans, new everything. I just sold my boat (stupid purchase that was) and have about 10k to spend. Where do I start??? Thanks guys!

What’s up guys...Joined the forum today cause I’m ready to fix up my ’88 Raider (86,87,88,89 Mits. Montero). It has the 2.6L I4. Can’t remember the last time she ran strong (1998 at 65,000 maybe?). I want to put a big block in. I have no idea where to start and I need help. I want to do it right which means new drive train, new trans, new everything. I just sold my boat (stupid purchase that was) and have about 10k to spend. Where do I start??? Thanks guys!

Pick up sheetmetal tools, and plan on cutting the floorboards up. The BB trans wont fit, even with a 3" bodylift.
move the radiator wayyy forward, its way back in stock location.
may have to cut inner fenders
may run into frame problems, the frame is really narrow. it should fit, but the headers and some other stuff might have to move
get welding tools for the axle swap, i'd say 35" tire max with a BB, if more go dana 60s
Pick an engine.
Pick the axle depending on side
pick a transmission
pick a transfercase setup



It will be easier if you pick what engine you want first...

What’s up guys...Joined the forum today cause I’m ready to fix up my ’88 Raider (86,87,88,89 Mits. Montero). It has the 2.6L I4. Can’t remember the last time she ran strong (1998 at 65,000 maybe?). I want to put a big block in. I have no idea where to start and I need help. I want to do it right which means new drive train, new trans, new everything. I just sold my boat (stupid purchase that was) and have about 10k to spend. Where do I start??? Thanks guys!

You can put a 4.3 chevy v6 in there. Many have done it.

You can also put a 2.6 turbo mitsu (Starion/Conquest) in there.

Others have put larger motors but the bigger you go, the more you'll need to mod it. Oh, and without a significant lift or changes to the front
(moving radiator forward) a V8 will be a tough fit.

Also, once you go big HP, you'll need to change the running gear. Unfortunately the stock Mitsu axles won't take that power. You can upgrade the front and rear to a 94-97SR model which has an 8-8.5" front axle and a pretty beefy rear axle (bigger than a D44).

If you want solid axles all around there are plenty of options but the question is... how adept are your fab skills and how much $$$ are you willing to spend.

BB Chevy and Chrysler aren't likely to fit in the engine-bay due to width, haven't measured the Ford 390/427/460 series yet. Read through this post on 4x4wire, our buddy put a 6.0L Caddy engine in a Raider:

http://www.4x4wire.com/forums/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=937155&page=0&fpart=1&vc=1

Not sure if the photos are all still active.

I have a 302 Ford Montero SWB project in the planning and parts gathering stage. I have chosen the 302 for compactness and comparison with other similar projects for adequate power using Mitsu axle parts.

Cheers,
R-