I just got a 03 lancer ES automatic with a blown motor and would like to swap in something better the only problem is I need to keep it auto (my wife can't drive stick to save her life) any tips btw paid $100 for the car sweet! thanks for the help

 

You're new to the forum. But I doubt you're new to the internet so you must know that every car message board have great search functions that usually return awesome results when used properly.

 

I'd like to swap in something "better" ...is vague, so go ahead and search/elaborate. My recommendation, find the cheapest low mile stock engine, 4g94, and just put that in. If you want more power, then turbo charge the engine, but without that don't expect it to be a racecar....even with that don't expect a racecar

 

my concern is I can't find a rightup using and auto trans. not looking to race just have fun with it

 

if I can buy a DOHC and keep the auto I guess that's what im looking to find out

 

there is a sticky thread about swaping a 4g64 into a lancer, about 1500 bucks minimum, but could go up depending on if you pay people to do parts or the whole thing. You do end up with a DOHC, but you also have a hard time getting work done on it, parts are more custom as you need to specify the engine you have, etc etc. Also, not to mention you have a few more ponies, but no real serious noticeable difference in power. DOHC doesn't automatically mean you're going to have more power or anything, a turbo is how you'll get more power and still have a good on gas car.

As far as the automatic question, I'm sure it's possible...but the benefits are outweighed by the problems/cost/headache of doing the swap in my book. If I had a 100 dollar lancer, I would buy the cheapest low mile 4g94 engine i could get, spend 1k on pistons and rods, then turbo that dude and be happy with 250hp, while still getting 28mpg or so. I guess if you have a fascination with DOHC I'm not going to change your mind though....it just sorta sounds "honda" to me.

 

^+1

I would also go this route, just put a 4G94 back in it.
It's a good engin and you can turbo if you like.

Heck of a deal though, assuming it's in good shape.