Possible Swap (Need Advice Please)

[renmike]

Now that I've got my car looking externally like I'd want, its time to concentrate on its performance. Going turbo sounds like fun, but the time and effort needed to 'tweek' it is something that I can't do at this time. So, my next option is for a v6 swap. I have the tools and ability, I just don't know if I have the right surroundings to do a complete subframe swap. I wouldn't even know how to move the car away from the subframe (or vice versa) after I drop it. If I find an answer to that though, then I feel like its a possibility.

Here's my question, I know that a couple of TN'ers have done a swap of this type and what I'm wondering is:

1) Which years are the best to use for this type of swap? I know the v6 changed during the gen 3/3.5 run, but what would be the best to use for this swap in terms of reliability and upgradability?

2) What would be the best way to go about getting a complete car to do the swap? I'd like to find a rear-ended car to use, then I can just scrap out what i don't use. Around here, it's hell trying to get a complete car, the junkyards only part out everything. Is there a way to get get a car that has been totaled out by an insurance company? Just asking because I don't know anyone who tried this personally.

3) Big ifs here, but IF I were to find a v6 to swap, what would I need to check out/replace on it before I swap it out? I'm thinking at least the valve covers and anything that would be a normal bitch to get to on the back of the engine.

4) I've read that it's best to find a like year/model. I have a 95 DX model. Were the v6 offered in the DX's? Would there be a big difference in wiring?

I know that's a lot of vague questions, but I've read a lot of conflicting information, so I thought I'd get a more definite idea of what I need to move forward with this.

Thanks

[bigbird]

1. anything from the 3vz to the 01 1mz will work. the 97+ has a little more power and gives u the option of installing the TRD S/C, all the motors are reliable, some like the 3vz more though for its stronger bottom end.

2. just find a wrecked car and swap either the engine or the sub frame, id just swap the whole subframe to avoid having to replace motor mounts and what not since ur goin from 4 to 6.

3. depending on the damage/milage of the engine u may only have to replace seals but u may have to go so far a a complete rebuild, it all depends what the engine is like when u get it.

4. there was no dx v6, its gonna be a pain to rewire it but if u take the entire subframe out it will simplify it somewhat. as far as year u can go 94-96(94 has different ignitions setup).

honestly, ur gonna need to decide how much power u want out of the car, if u just want the power of the v6 then sell the car and buy a v6 camry and save the hastle, if u want a high performance v6 then plan on gettin a 97+ for the s/c or plan out a turbo setup. also look into a manual swap that makes a WORLD of differance with these cars.