99 to 2002 engine swap vvt-i nice

[crazy4cams]

is it possible to swap engines in a 99 camry and put in a 2002 camry engine without doing anything else major and how about the wiring part..

[GA-Guy]

The engine should mechanically mount up with no issue. As you pointed out though, the electronics will be a problem.

By my research, the 5spd automatic transmissions could fit but would require a custom transmission mount and custom CV axles. The A540 and E50/150 transmissions should work fine mechanically but may introduce ECU problems with VVTi.

Personally, I don't think it would be worth it. The fuel economy gains (if any) would be small and you'd gain what 20HP?. Ask/look around, See if you can get one of the TRD 1MZ superchargers. That should give you a lot more bang for a lot less hassle modifying the vehicle.

For future reference, use search for "engine swap".

[crazy4cams]

its not the power im looking for its the engine i found one for only 1000 and has 15,000 miles so it still new i think my engine is going out so i need the best and cheapest replacement

[GA-Guy]

I'm no expert on these things but I think going with a 1mz-vvt would not be a good idea due to the reasons listed in my previous post.

What is wrong with your current engine? Mileage? What has lead you to believe that your engine is going bad and needs to be replaced? Maybe some thing(s) small is(are) wrong with it to cause it to run poorly.

[crazy4cams]

something is knocking

[GA-Guy]

Knocking... I assume you mean there is something making a sound inside the engine? Mechanical damage? Could you describe the noise a little better?

What are your skill and knowledge level with cars and motors?

Further, have you kept up with basic maintenance such as oil changes, coolant flushes or spark plugs and o2 sensors?

[crazy4cams]

Alright spent must of my day messing around with this car. Starts up fine. But has a knocking sound when on the gas. It knocks till it swicth from first gear after that I didn't hear it any more.. it gave me a head ache so I stoped

[BamZipPow]

Originally Posted by crazy4cams

Alright spent must of my day messing around with this car. Starts up fine. But has a knocking sound when on the gas. It knocks till it swicth from first gear after that I didn't hear it any more.. it gave me a head ache so I stoped

Shoot some video of it and post it.

[reluctantmechanic]

Originally Posted by crazy4cams

Alright spent must of my day messing around with this car. Starts up fine. But has a knocking sound when on the gas. It knocks till it swicth from first gear after that I didn't hear it any more.. it gave me a head ache so I stoped

very sorry to hear this...if I had to guess, I would say your number1 piston bearing is toast. You can drive the car for a very long time with the knock (maybe 20k?). As the bearing wears, it sheds small metal shavings...buy a magnetic plug (if it doesn't already have one) and make sure you are super duper religious about oil changes.

When this happened to a family members car, I found a wrecked camry with 110,000 on it, swapped the engine and trans, sold the extra parts on this board, and spent about 400 bucks total after selling everthing.

A swap with a 2002 will be a lot of work, and not worth it (imho)

Good luck, and keep us posted on what you do.

[fenixus]

I wouldn't dare to swap engines generations with limited funds. you have to keep in mind that it may (and will) be using different sensors here and there, wiring will be different and most importantly the ECU will need be different. so on top of engine swap you will have to take care of sensors mismatch and/or the entire engine wiring harness with matching ECU (and to make sure it work with the rest of your car)... not worth it IMHO (as above).

there is plenty of same gen engines on junkyards (or remanufactured ones) out there. NAPA sells Jasper rebuilt engines, I would go with it if you want something reliable, or go with a junk yard motor if you don't mind getting a mystery piece of hardware.