Early Camry AWD Questions...anyone?

[lexusmech]

I have a Lexus'90 ES250 which comes stock with the V6. I plan on a 3vz-fe swap but was also considering and AWD conversion. Converting the rear would be easy, just find parts from the AWD camry.

The questions I have are for the front transfer case. Does anyone know if it's built into the trans or is it a separate unit? I understand I would have to make a custom intermediate shaft and adapter if it's a separate unit. I would consider using the 2.0 L trans but I would probably blow it up.

Just thinking about it, how is the final drive ratio done? Is it a 1:1 diff front and rear? If anyone has any specs on this stuff I would appreciate it.

I did think about a 4cyl conversion with a turbo, but doing that engine swap would probably be even more involved than the 3VZ-fe swap.

thanks

[HomeGrown]

I don't think the AWD swap is as easy and straightforward as you think it may be. I don't know for sure myself, but I have seen the same question asked / answered a couple other times here.

If the Gen 2 is anything like the newer Toyotas with regards to AWD, I know for fact that the rear-member frame components are NOT the same part from FWD to AWD. There are additional support brackets for mounting the rear components to the rear member. Even the front-side-member frame components have differences between FWD & AWD.

[white90dx]

Yeah, this is nothing like a straighforward swap.

The complete floorpan, gas tank, rear suspension including swaybar, exhaust, and subframe is different between FWD and AWD Camrys.

Rear diff and transfer case ratios are the same for all Celica and Camry alltracs (2.93:1), so parts are interchangeable there. The AWD automatic is based off the V6 automatic, not the 4-cylinder automatic. The transfer case somewhat bolts on, but it would be better to just buy a complete transmission - there are differences, as far as I know. The AWD manual transmission is a similar story (based on the beefy V6 components), but it can be converted between FWD and AWD. I converted an '95 JDM Celica GT4 manual transmission from AWD to FWD, effectively turning it into an E153.

Beyond that, the transfer case on most of Toyotas AWD transmissions will interfere with the V6 block.

You would be fighting an uphill battle on just about every front if you wanted to do this - at least with the AWD conversion part.

Unless you are crazy, stick with FWD or buy an Alltrac Camry. If you want your current car fast, a 3s-gte swap would be easier than you think... If you have a 5-speed ES250, it would work out well (no need for custom mounts anywhere, re-use your axles, etc). At 3vz swap would still require wiring if you want to run the 3vz electronics and turboing a V6 takes a lot of work (and clutters the engine bay!).

-Charlie