Question on replacing a blown engine - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

PushingPSI · 04-06-2011, 07:53 PM

My parents have a 1999 Camry four cylinder that blew a rod out the side of the motor while driving. It has sat outside for five years. I asked them if I could have it and they agreed, I'm a big DIYer and I'm really good with cars, but I've never swapped an engine before. I'm a little nervous about purchasing a used engine because I don't want to deal with sludge. Does anyone have a checklist on swapping a motor or can give me any tips?

PushingPSI · 04-07-2011, 09:19 PM

Anyone know of a write-up on an engine replacement? Also can I swap the engine and leave the tranny in?

Chris Crash · 04-07-2011, 09:36 PM

I've done this swap way too many times on my 97 with the same engine. It's actually really easy, just takes time and brute force. Easiest will be to remove the engine and transmission together. Then take the transmission off and put it on the "new" engine and then drop it back in.

Like I said, it's very easy to do. Just find a bolt and take it off

If you have any trouble, PM me please.

PushingPSI · 04-07-2011, 09:39 PM

Thanks for the info, do you know where to locate an engine?

Fortified Souls · 04-07-2011, 09:47 PM

Your local junkyard maybe. You should also browse your local craigslist for a totaled camry that may be getting parted out. If I recall correctly there is no Jdm route for the camry because they used smaller engines in Japan. It would also be good to take a quick search of 5sfe's on ebay. Here's one I saw http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1997-...#ht_500wt_1182 I have also done this process and completely rebuilt the engine about the same time as Chris if you have any other questions you can Pm me also.

Chris Crash · 04-07-2011, 10:04 PM

You can source a JDM 2.0 L engine usually around 30k miles about $600. But a direct swap would be easiest. Shouldn't be more than a couple benjamins. Look on craigslist and junkyards.

Junkyard would be good because then you get the practice of how to remove it before you do it on your car!

carsrus · 04-08-2011, 03:57 PM

Junkyard would probably be the best(and cheapest) route. For the most part all 5sfe engines will work (90ish-01). Since your head is good I would just pull the engine and trans, separate them and put your old and new engine on a stand. Then if your new engine is not fro ma 97'+ swap the head and do a full gasket kit with new timing belt etc.

You should be able to find a block on the cheap, however if you have never rebuilt an engine just go the junkyard route. It is not that easy.

Frodo65 · 04-08-2011, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PushingPSI

My parents have a 1999 Camry four cylinder that blew a rod out the side of the motor while driving. It has sat outside for five years. I asked them if I could have it and they agreed, I'm a big DIYer and I'm really good with cars, but I've never swapped an engine before. I'm a little nervous about purchasing a used engine because I don't want to deal with sludge. Does anyone have a checklist on swapping a motor or can give me any tips?

Rock Auto has a long block for 1800 or so (after core charge). If you're concerned about sludge on a used engine, a re-manufactured unit may be the way to go. Frankly, I'd go that way only if the rest of the car is super-clean and all the other components are recent, or if you REALLY like the car. A used engine with a decent warranty from the wrecking yard, will be quite a bit cheaper.