Can I put a new engine & computer in an older vehicle?

Question:

I would like to swap the engine in an older vehicle for a late-model, front wheel drive GM Flex Fuel V-6 engine using the complete drive system in cradle as a package but I have been told that any modern engine will be OBD II compliant with traction control and antitheft. Re-programming the computer is available for the stubby 4-cylinders for around $5000.

Is it all that much trouble to use a modern engine with a computer in an older vehicle to gain the improvements, like use of today’s fuel and oil, more horsepower, a 6-speed automatic transmission, disc brakes, availability of parts and better gas mileage? The mechanical part is not the problem, just the computer.

Answer:

It is not a problem to get an OBDII computer reprogrammed and the cost should be way less than $5000.

You can even re-flash it yourself with a system available for that purpose from various vendors,including industry leader OBD Diagnostics, Inc. (http://www.mefiburn.com) and PCMPerformance (http://www.pcmperformance.com).

And by the way, you don’t need a modern engine swap to enjoy many of the things you mention, such as use of today’s fuel and oil, use of a 6-speed automatic transmission, and disc brakes.