Suzuki: Convert 4 cylinder engine to 3 in 98 Swift?, shift linkage, question thanks

Question
QUESTION: Hey Scotty!!

         Will a 3 cylinder engine bolt up to the automatic trans in a 4 cylinder '98 Swift... And/or.. is it a real pain to convert it to a 5 speed? Mounts, etc fit.. ECM issues? I've been wrenching for a few years.. and did an auto trans R&R on a 92 Geo a year ago.. ( on the side of the road! Drove away! LOL!)

 Thanks!



ANSWER: I've never tried, and have no idea. A 3cyl mated to an auto trans?  Why?  If you just HAVE to, why not get the trans that matches the engine?  Then you can modify mounts, and it will work.  I've got a '91 1L 3cyl with a 5speed, and that's just barely adequate.  You could get a 3cyl in the 97 metro, why not go that way?
scotty

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the quick reply!
 I'm considering buying a clean, low mileage '98, and they say it has a noise in the lower parts of the motor..  I'll check it out later today, but I was just wondering if one direction to consider would be: yank the "problem" engine, and put in the 3.. They are readily available for cheap..

  Thanks again!

      Tyler

Answer
The issues I see are:
Engine mounts
Shift linkage
You'll need the fuel system ecm from the 3cyl, wiring harness for engine, and possibly other stuff.
You'll need Air cleaner assy, and a whole bunch of other stuff
Personally, I wonder if it wouldn't be easier, and probably no more expensive to repair the existing motor....
scotty