Quote:
Originally Posted by Kuler2.0
So this question is for anyone who has done an engine swap into their 2G Camry (White90dx, this means you). I want to start to get the ball rolling for an engine swap next summer or early fall. So my questions are, where did you get your motor? Specifically I am looking for a 3S-GTE but if someone else has swapped something else in, I am willing to consider other options. I am looking to get over the 200 HP mark though. Next, besides transmission (which seems to come with most motors) and axles, what other components am I going to need to think about upgrading and making stronger? Also, assuming I go with the 3S-GTE, which car should I get one from (MR2, Celica) or does it not matter? And lastly, cost. How much am I looking at spending. I was planning on having about 2,500 set aside for this project. Is that going to be enough? Thanks,
Jay
|
Phew... lots of questions to answer here.
The 3s-gte is your best bet for a motor swap. I got a complete ST205 Celica front clip from Ron@Motors Unlimited - I'm not sure if he is still around (951-283-3778). I also know that C&T Engines is a good place (
http://www.ctjengines.com/ I know one of the guys who works there - he and his wife each have MR2 turbos). I have also heard good things about Jarco on the Celica forums. You can also research the "where to get a clip" question on the Celica forums...
Over 200 crank horsepower is easy with the 3s-gte. Over 200whp is even easy - exhaust and a boost controller will get you there with an otherwise stock motor. I probably have around 240hp at the wheels right now with an intake, 3" downpipe/2.5" mandrel bent exhaust, and boost controller on my 3rd gen 3s-gte.
The transmission that comes with a Celica all-trac clip will be AWD and un-usable unless you get it rebuilt to have a 2WD diff with the MR2 output shaft cover. With that, you will need new axles and axle carrier (V6 gen2 Camry axles with an MR2 axle carrier work). You can also convert an MR2 turbo transmission to have the shift cables come out the back with parts that will be on the Alltrac transmission. Or you can use your stock transmission if you have a 5-speed, though you run the risk breaking it. I do know of a couple guys around SoCal who ran a stock gen2 5-speed with a 3s-gte successfully for a few years...
At an absolute minimum, you will need $2500. That is if you find a cheap clip and do all of the work yourself. Make sure you budget for maintenance on the motor (new gaskets, timing belt, water pump, ignition parts, etc.) along with incidentals (motor mounts, axles, replacing broken parts). I spent around $6k total (after selling a bunch of parts from the clip!) doing all the work myself other than installing a Kaaz LSD in the transmission (got a deal for $1200 installed). If you have a shop do it, add a minimum of $2k for labor and other incidentals, along with the likely outcome that they will not do it to your standards. In the end you can go from about $2.5k (cheapest of the cheap) to about $10k (clean, nice fast and reliable).
You also want to make sure that the rest of your car is in good shape. I have V6 rear disk brakes, full upgraded suspension (springs, struts, swaybars, bushings, etc), new wheel bearings, new brake master cylinder, new steering rack, new tie rod ends, new ball joints, gauges (boost and egt), turbo timer and many other little bits. Once you go down this route, your car will be a money pit forever...
Hope that helps.
-Charlie
Engine Swap!!!
Linear Mode
