14 yr old owner

[David48]

So, its been a while since I've been here. Registered for the MR2's but never came on here much. Well now I'm the proud owner of a '96 camry with a blown engine. I need to know where I can get an engine(4cyl.) and is it a 5sfe? I can't transfer the pics from my camera right now since I don't have the cable. But when I get home I'll post pics. I got it for free from one of my mom's friends. And yes, right now I'm only 14. So all help is greatly appreciated. I'm a n00b with camrys.

[xet]

gg cant you not even drive till like 15 1/2??

but yes you are looking for the 5sfe. you should be able to find a replacement in local junkyards. but if you have the money you can swap in the 6cylinder v6 1mz

[David48]

I wish I had enough for a V6. And you have to be 15 to drive with someone over 21. But my dad tought me incredibly early. Thanks.

[ASG14]

Yup, as you and xet said, it;s the 5SFE.

Try both Ebay and www.car-part.com for engines. Just be careful on ebay, as people sell the JDM 3SFE engine as a direct replacement, which it is not.

[David48]

I checked car-part.com and the cheapest that's still in my area is $600. My dad ownes a used car lot, and the guy that does body work there was interested, but I don't know if I should fix it and sell it, or just sell it, or fix it and just keep it.

[kmr16442]

I'd fix it and keep it.

1) It's a free car to begin with!!
2) You'll get some great knowledge about engines and cars in general by fixing this one up.
3) Insurance should be cheap when you are old enough to drive.

$600 is a good price for a used engine

[werkit217]

Originally Posted by kmr16442

I'd fix it and keep it.

1) It's a free car to begin with!!
2) You'll get some great knowledge about engines and cars in general by fixing this one up.
3) Insurance should be cheap when you are old enough to drive.

$600 is a good price for a used engine

There is no such thing as a free dog..... i mean ....free car

[David48]

Originally Posted by werkit217

There is no such thing as a free dog..... i mean ....free car

That's part of the reason why I'm so uneasy about the whole deal. I don't want to go in over my head. My dad said he once had an Intrepid that had a bad engine and he bought it for $1000. Then it turned out new engines costed almost as much as the car in good working condition itself. So he replaced it for $5000(mind you this was about 5 yrs. ago). Then he figured out the a/c was bad and replaced that for $500. Then the trasnsimssion went bad and $2000 went into that. So he took a big loss on what seemed like an easy win. So I just don't want that to happen, seeing as how I don't have a steady income.

[xpeed]

^ That's because it's a Intrepid. Dodge had some electrical, A/C, and transmission problems in the 90s. I know, I owned one of their vehicles. As for the Camry, you have less chance of encountering other big problems along the way. Unless you know the transmission, A/C, and others aren't good.

[Mr.Nutcase]

Do you have a junkyard near your

[David48]

Here's the pics as promised, although 5 days later.

























As obvious, the car isn't in the best shape. It was just used as dd. And don't get freaked out about the Montana in the 4th pic. It had a jack on the right front. And yeah, really high miles.

[Stillrunning]

You're 14, get a paper route, or whatever kids work at these days, and use the money to rebuild the engine yourself. By the time you're old enough to drive (and buy insurance) you'll have a running car with tools to keep it running. Great learning experience!

[David48]

Well right now, I'm working with a mechanic at my dad's car dealer and I get paid $50 a week, so far I have $450, and my dad's taking half ownership, so he pays for half of all expenses.

[94cylcamry]

Man, wish I could grow up getting that sort of experience. Good luck!

[DAMON]

if you have another option and can save your money instead of putting the money into a 5sfe, do it. I personally think buying a 5sfe and installing it is a waste of money, but the experience would be good i suppose...