Engine Replace or Swap

[casenickles]

I found a 1991 Toyota Camry LE sitting on a car lot. In mint condition. Only 1 person ever sat in it I'm told and the backseat and trunk were never used. Anyhow. It's got the 2.0 L engine. I believe that is called the 3F-SE (I'm learning). I would like suggestions on what I can do to make this car better (say bar, struts, more power, etc). First I would like to address the issue of the engine. Is it possible to take the 2.0 L out and drop in the 2.5 L 6 cyl. Also where can I find lots of information on the 1991 model, like prices on parts and such. I have around 2-3 K to put into it right away.

[Dr Tweak]

Your best bet is the 3SGTE, 250hp, 2.0 turbo from the JDM Celica GT-4.

It will need custom wiring and intercooler piping, and the best tranny to use is the Camry V6 5-speed, though you *could* use your stock one.

[88 LE]

Originally Posted by casenickles

Is it possible to take the 2.0 L out and drop in the 2.5 L 6 cyl. Also where can I find lots of information on the 1991 model, like prices on parts and such. I have around 2-3 K to put into it right away.

Its possible, but the 2.5L (2VZ-FE) will not mount in place of your 2.0L (3S-FE). The left side engine mount is different.

If you get it to mount up (use a custom mount) you still have to deal with the wiring.

You can buy a low milage JDM 3S-FE for $200 - $225. Its a drop in replacement for your current engine.


For struts you have 2 choices. KYB GR-2 and Tokicos. However the Tokicos are cartridges, so they'll only work if you have serviceable struts.

Lowering springs: Intrax

Front and rear swaybar: Whiteline

Front strut tower bar: Look on eBay. IIRC a guy named meganracing sells them.

[toysarefun]

With gas prices on the way up and down all the time why don't you challenge yourself , drive the car, and tune for gas mileage just this one time. The car was likely bult with strict Japanese labor and workmanship, go with it..

[jefe]

Originally Posted by 88 LE

Its possible, but the 2.5L (2VZ-FE) will not mount in place of your 2.0L (3S-FE). The left side engine mount is different.

If you get it to mount up (use a custom mount) you still have to deal with the wiring.

You can buy a low milage JDM 3S-FE for $200 - $225. Its a drop in replacement for your current engine.


For struts you have 2 choices. KYB GR-2 and Tokicos. However the Tokicos are cartridges, so they'll only work if you have serviceable struts.

Lowering springs: Intrax

Front and rear swaybar: Whiteline

Front strut tower bar: Look on eBay. IIRC a guy named meganracing sells them.

Where, and how low is the mileage?

Thanks!

[Deuce]

typically no more than 36000 miles

[jefe]

Don't mean to postjack....

But how do you get one of those engines?
They require higher octane fuel?

[fredk]

if he puts a 3sgte or 3sge in it, he will need the wiring harness and ecu, but im pretty sure his camry is auto, a ge motor with auto ecu? good luck

[adroe3]

Originally Posted by casenickles

I found a 1991 Toyota Camry LE sitting on a car lot. In mint condition. Only 1 person ever sat in it I'm told and the backseat and trunk were never used.

the dealer is full of shit

[88 LE]

Originally Posted by jefe

Where, and how low is the mileage?

http://www.attarco.com


http://www.attarco.com/enginesale.htm

The page above hasn't been updated, but the last time I called them a 3S-FE is $225.

[jefe]

Originally Posted by 88 LE

http://www.attarco.com


http://www.attarco.com/enginesale.htm

The page above hasn't been updated, but the last time I called them a 3S-FE is $225.

Thanks 88LE