Total time for engine replacement?

[Cruiseomatic]

About how long would it take to do a complete engine replacement with engine and parts at hand?

'96 Camry
4 cyl.


Thanks.

[Eye8Pussies]

depends if you've done one before...

if it's a direct swap, you can do it in a day with experience with the specific engine.

no experience, but experience with other engines, a weekend should suffice.


it'll also depend on how fast you work personally

[Cruiseomatic]

No experience,I might have a weekend to spare.

Do they sell kits for all the gaskets and everything else needed for the swap? If so,Where at?

Thanks.

[Eye8Pussies]

if you have no experience at all...then you'll need at least a weekend.

it's not rocket science, but it takes time if you don't know exactly where to look when doing stuff.


the main piece of advice that I can give is to pull the wiring harness out at the ecu and keep it with the engine instead of taking the time to disconnect it at each sensor point

as for seals, etc. Toyota is the best, but if you want to save money, then ebay carries plenty of seal kits

[Kep]

If that's your only ride you might want to check if your local rental car places deliver, just in case it takes longer than you plan for.

Kep

[Cruiseomatic]

I just bought an engine from Japanese Engines Inc (Ebay) guy said it is the correct engine,but on the email he said,he called it a 3SFE. Will it work just a smaller engine or is it completely different? I thought the engine required for this vehicle is 5SFE?

[Eye8Pussies]

DO NOT use a 3sfe...ask him for you money back and get a 5sfe...

the 3sfe is a possible swap for the 5sfe, but the majority of people have problems with the crank sensor, which you need to swap from the 5sfe. In the end, it often turns out to be a big headache and not worth it for LESS power. It is not a DIRECT swap.

tell the seller that he's lying and get your money back or an actual 5sfe.

sellers always try to pawn the 3sfe off as a direct 5sfe swap with no problems because they can get them for dirt cheap and low mileage from japan.

[Cruiseomatic]

This is what he told me in the email he sent me:

"DEAR SIR,
SORRY,IN JAPAN MOST ENGINE IS 3SFE.
NO PROBLEM,YOU JUST DO THE MODIFICATIONS ,IT WORKS,WE SOLD HUNDREDS OF THEM ALREADY.

THANKS
TOM LIN
888-886-8898
JAPANESE ENGINES,INC"

And how much power am I losing by losing .2 litters?


Added:
I just sent him anouther message stating:
"What all Do I have to do for "Modifications"? I know the mounts,but what else? What if it doesn't fit in my vehicle? Can I send it back for a actual 5SFE?"
I did a search on other toyota and automotive forums and some people say it didnt hardly take anything,just take everything off the 5 and put it on there 3 (Sensors,accesories,etc..) ,some people say its way to much work. I dont know,Im fairly new to toyota's. I hope I didnt make one hell of a mistake. Its already on its way,What do yall think? Could it possibly work without to much extra work? Could I possibly get lucky?

[Eye8Pussies]

you could get lucky...

and you lose torque with the lost displacement for sure...but I don't think that's too much of an issue to you anyway though, right? since you just need a car that drives


long story short, it seems that people continually have problems with the crank sensor...even people who take the swap to their mechanics come back and ask why their car doesn't run right...and nobody knows what's wrong since it should work, and it works for some people, and not others...

keep your fingers crossed!

[ECale3]

get your money back and get the right motor.

Remember, common sense dictates that just because it can be done does not mean it should be done.

[Cruiseomatic]

This is the cheapest deal I could find for an engine for this car since im on a tight budget and your right Eye,I do just want a car that drives. We'll see when I come home in a month and can tear into it......29 days and a wakeup and I'm back home for a month then off to Iraq for who knows how long......

Thanks guys.


P.S. Where can I find material to do the swap because im pretty sure haynes and chiltons only covers from one engine to anouther just like it.

[Kep]

You're already in way over my head. It sounds like if you haven't committed yourself on the engine you should put it on hold. You're going to have 30 days to research this. I don't know but I'd sure want to know what is going to be different.

If it isn't too late check with Juan at Julio's Garage 713-223-5320. Scotty Kilmer used to recommend him for replacing japanese engines a couple of years ago, he may still be in business. If you already have the 3SFE he may be willing to help you out. If you can get out of the engine try John with Japanese Motors, 6015 N. Shephard (713-695-6336). Another old reference but check to see if they're still there...

Kep

[Cruiseomatic]

Its on its way now,I talked to the one who sold me this chunka shit and this is what he said;
"HI!
BASICALLY JUST DRILL TWO HOLES ON THE AXLE'S BRACET.
CHANGE OVER YOU INTAKE,EXHAUST,AND DISTRIBUTOR.
CHANGE YOUR OIL PUMP TO MY LONG BLOCK TO GET CRANK ANGLE SENSOR.
ALL WE HAVE IS 3SFE,THEY USE IT IN JAPAN.
WE SOLD MORE THAN FIVE HUNDREDS OF THIS ENGINE ALREASY.
NO NEED TO WORRY.YOU CAN RETURED IT,JUST SHIPPING YOU NEED TO PAY BOTH WAYS,THAT'S TOO EXPENSIVE."

Ill call them 2 places tuesday and see what happends,Thanks guys.

Edit: If I can figure all this out and get the 3 in,can the ECU on the 5 run the 3 and compensate for the smaller engine?

[Cruiseomatic]

Bump,Anyone?

[Eye8Pussies]

well, to the best of my knowledge, what he said is correct...and the reason why you have to do all that is so that you can use the 5sfe ecu...if you had a 3sfe ecu to go with it, then you wouldn't have to worry about sensors not being compatible, etc and only have to worry about the physical fitment