3B engine replacement options for "Deerslayer" Frankenmotor

[Ben Swann]

Resurrection is underway of the "Deerslayer"  -  '91 200Q20V with front end converted a
la V8 Quattro. Earned it name from several deer encounters.  I need to update this page:
http://gtquattro.com/200Q20V8.html  as I got from Brian and let my mom "Grand-ma" drive
it awhile.  Now is/was my spare car, but I have a lot into it and is a good fun car with
some interesting mods.

Unfortunately, the 3B threw a rod after cruise linkage jammed WOT when I lent it to
friend who did not shut down immediately. Rather than pull over and shut off engine he
took it out of gear with engine bouncing off rev limiter for an eternity of seconds
while coasting to a stop.   He removed the linkage and then continued to drive the car
wondering - what's that noise?  Must be lifters!  Eventually the racket became too much
to ignore and Oh the carnage!.   Engine still starts and runs - with rod flailin around
and bearing cap sticking out the block - amazing!  

Anyway,  I have a potential ultimate motor for this or other car - a twin turbo V8 on a
stand, but was not going to do this anytime soon.   This thrown rod incident was a
misfortunate  big oops -  fix quickly, I don't need any more projects right now deal.
So I need to do something that is more of a weekend swap, with no re-wiring or
re-engineering intake, etc.  I always try to turn lemons into lemonade so thought of
sourcing a nice 3B or other comparable block, or complete engine.  However, cost is
always a concern and this is not my vehicle numero ono dream car.

So  I sourced a 2.6 Stroker engine that became available - still has the tall 10V
Eurovan head on it.  My plans are to pull the head and install the 3B head, etc. for a
hopefully quick and relatively painless swap.  I mainly want to get it on the road with
available resources and  I have  the 2.6 known good block on stand ready to do the deed.

Before I get started, I am doing a sanity check on this.  I had heard/read the 2.6
stroker block being used for some 20V turbo engine "Frankenmotor", but want to make sure
that I'm not overlooking any major caveats.  

Will the compression be OK? To high and need an O34 gasket?  Too low?  Is the fact that
the pistons are domed a problem?

I can make certain adjustments via chip programming, fuel pressure or other adjustments
if need be.

I have a 7A head I could use if that is better - it need a little work but could make it
look like 3B for water jacket, etc.

Alternatively I could source AAN bits, but seems that would be more for the Coil on plug
setup and probably more trouble than it is worth. I'm not looking for high revs. but
more of a torque monster.  My objective is to have decent power and  hopefully better
torque - it will most likely be mated to V8Q 5 speed transmission and that dual exhaust
with quad tips really does flow well.

I don't always remember the possible combinations of I5 heads and blocks, so as always
good to consult the 'fans lists and forums.  So someone stop me if I'm overlooking
something or just to add some helpful advice.

I don't want to get off track too far with my objective being to use available resources
- on hand or easy/low cost to obtain.  I have cams from 7A, ADU, 3B.  7A head, 3B head.
Motronic systems for 3B, AAN, ABY.  Various intercoolers.  Injectors, fuel pressure
regulators.  So it does not make sense to source a complet engine if I don't have to.

I hope the stroker combination will work well and I can save the V8TT for a different
car. If it is a troublesome block, I have a eurovan I can stick it in.   So appreciate
the helpful advice I know I'll be getting  - do it, don't do it, other.

TIA

Ben