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1991 2 door metro; parts-parts-parts
Topic Started: Jun 13 2010, 09:39 AM (848 Views)
kevireno
kevireno
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question.
I have a 1991 2 door and a 1996 2 door, both with same engines & transmissions.
I am in the process of rebuilding the 1991.
Parts swap out questions:
1. Can I use the drive axles from the 96 on the 91?
2. Do I have to do anything to the transmission from the 96 if I need to use it/put it in the 91?
3. Can I use a 96 radiator in a 91?
4. what about putting the 13 inch wheels from the 96 on the 91? anything need to be changed with the brakes/wheel bearings, lug nuts?
5. can I use the 96 hatchback lift supports from the 96 on the 91?
6. (non parts swap question); do I have to replace the thermostat in the cooling system, or can I leave it out? will this effect any sensors/preformance?
7. can I use the rear brake drums from the 96 on the 91?
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mcmancuso
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In 95 there were a bunch of changes, the 96 axles are longer, transmission will swap right over, but the gear ratio is different to cope with the higher weight of the 95 and later body see below. Radiator should be the same. The lug nuts need to be changed, you have to get oversize ones since the older car has smaller lug posts, the wheels will fit fine with oversize lugs. lift supports I don't know, someone with a hatch might be able to answer, I'd guess no since the hatches are so different. If you don't replace the thermostat the engine will take forever to warm up and stay in cold run mode for a long time and waste a lot of gas. I believe the rear brakes are larger in the 95 and later models but someone else can confirm this?

4.389 (1995+ & Convertible 993cc)
4.105 (GT/GTi & 1989-1994 993cc)
3.789 (1995+ 1298cc & XFI)
3.524 (pre-1995 SOHC 1298cc)
Edited by mcmancuso, Jun 13 2010, 02:04 PM.
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Woodie
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1) No
2) It will change your gear ratio for higher rpm's, you'll loose mileage. You should change the speedometer drive to keep that correct.
3) Donno, I would guess yes but can't say for sure.
4) 13" wheels would change the gear ratio the other way, change the tranny and the wheels together to keep everything the same. Your best bet would be to change all the brakes, bearings, hubs, wheels, tranny together.
5) No idea, they cost $20, not worth undoing two bolts.
6) You need a thermostat
7) Yes, but the rear brakes don't do anything, won't make any difference.


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kevireno
kevireno
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Thanks for the info guys! I will keep it all in mind when the time comes to get my hands dirty again
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kevireno
kevireno
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how can I tell if the transmission in the 1996 model (the one with the 13 inch wheels) is REALLY an 1996+ transmission?
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c140flyer


Hi Kevireno,

I'm in the process of doing almost the same thing! I junked a '96 and took all the parts I thought would fit my "new" '92. Assuming that the '91 isn't much different than my '92, here are my observations / answers:

1. The axleshafts are a different length. This is because the 2 cars are different widths. Axleshafts for these cars are cheap (~$50). It's worth buying new ones.

2. Not sure- sold the tranny and engine from the '96. The previous posters answered this question pretty thoroughly.

3. The radiators are slightly different in the way they mount. If you remove the mount brackets from the '96, you should be able to mount the '96 radiator in your '91.

4. There are two ways of switching to 13" wheels/tires. The easy way is to use the special oversize 10mm lugnuts and throw the 13" wheels on. The other way that involves more work is to swap out wheels/tires /brakes/ steering knuckles from your '96. This will give you larger calipers,12mm lugs and ventilated rotors. There is a how- to on this conversion that I've been following and plan to persue. Jellybean Driver has been doing this conversion and ran into a few problems. One is that the inner wheel seals from the '96 are different than the older ones. If you buy new seals for the '91, they should fit into the '96 steering knuckles and provide a good seal. Another problem which he resolved is that the camber changes so adjustable bolts must be used to replace the lower bolts that attach the steering knuckles to the struts. Total cost for these seals/bolts is about $40-$50.

5. I tried this. They don't fit! The hatches are too different.

6. Use a thermostat. Keep that engine healthy! It was designed to run at a particular temperature. Don't mess with success!

7. Yes, the drums bolt right on. The only difference is that the '96 drums have 12mm lugs on them to match the 13"wheels.

Hope this helped. I know Jellybean Driver has been through this and his experiences have helped me.

Larry
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kevireno
kevireno
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Thanks Larry. All great advise.
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metroschultz
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Please just call me; "Schultz"

#5 Yes, it takes some effort though.

Schultz' Wide Mouth Hatch
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kevireno
kevireno
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Thanks. engine is in car now and seems to be running fine...to include all drive axles, so far no odd noise or vib's.
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