Swap/Overhaul Planning - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

cipher93 · 10-16-2009, 11:37 AM

I'm considering doing an engine swap for my 1993 Corolla. right now it has a 1.6L 4AFE and the 3Speed auto. The car itself is in good shape. Needs minor cosmetic stuff (dings beat out, could use paint) but as a whole, the chassis is intact and straight, and rust free. The car is likely to go in for fuel lines in the next month, so that will be taken care of. the reason I'm not just buying a new car as this one is more practical (can actually fit a full stack guitar amp in it believe it or not), insurance is lower, and I need something easy to drive in winter. I'll be going to college in the next year or so and an AE86 is simply not practical.

So that leads to engine swap options. I know the easiest are 4A series motors. So right now I'm looking at a Blacktop, Silvertop, or 4AGZE (JDM if possible). I was wondering if there are any reasons to pick one motor over the other, or any reasons one might be harder to install (IE the need for special motor mounts or space issues).

Finally, what are my options for transmissions? Is there anyone I should pick over the other? I know the 20 valves came with either 5 or 6 speeds, and I would prefer the 6 speed gearbox for my area (lots of hills, so you can never have too many gears lol). I was also wonderring about what I would need to do aboutt he axles, as I assume they would be a different size.

Next, I also plan on upgrading the suspension, though coil oveers are likely not an option. I see TireRack seels Koni struts for these that are around $180 each. Are these going to upgrade handling or are they just an OEM replacement? Next, what springs are going to offer increased handling abilities without lowering the car too much? Also, what are the most common disk brake swaps for the rear brakes? And when I say better handling, I mean less body roll in general, and that need to seemingly turn the wheel just a little less to get it to corner (you know what I mean? lol).

Anything I'm forgetting about? My budget is about $5000 for this, allowing myself around $2000 for the engine, plus the cost of having the harness setup, $1500 for suspension parts (about $800 for the Struts, $200 for springs, $500 for rear brakes/unforseen costs), and $1500 for unforseen costs. If I don't use up too much of the last $1500 I would likely put it into wheels/tires or paint.

My priority is the engine/driveline. Suspension would be nice but if funds run low for some reason I would abandon plans for the struts and just go with springs as there is nothing wrong with what is on the car, just looking for improved handling/stiffer suspension. Cosmetics are very low on the list, as the car looks fine from a distance and I'm not bothered by a sleeper look as long as it doesn't look like total crap.

Any thoughts, tips, or suggestions?

BTW, swapping an engine shouldn't do anything to insurance/street legality right? Our cars in Lancaster County PA have to pass emissions, but it is not a sniffer test on the exhaust, only a visual one for the cat. converter, charcoal canister, PCV valve, etc (and gas cap, but that isn't related to this). I'll be alright there even with a JDM engine, correct?

iToaster · 10-16-2009, 08:04 PM

You'll flunk visual on your emissions if you swap a 20v as they won't be able to find some bits, like the EGR... and street legality is questionable. I can't comment on the 4AGZE, I'm more 20v inclined. Any A series engine will fit, nothing special needed except custom power steering and AC fittings for the 20v 4AGEs. The axles are the same size, don't worry about them. The 4AGZE would probably be the harder swap as far as space constraints go given the top mount intercooler. I plan on doing a blacktop swap as soon as I have enough money to buy a front clip, which would be the better choice as far as swapping because you get everything in the entire front of the car, but they tend to be slightly more expensive than just the engine, wiring, and computer. As far as transmissions go, your preference, the 6 speed would be ideal as you can better keep the engine in the power band with it, but the 5 speed isn't bad and it also comes in automatic if you want (tends to be easier to keep the same tranny type, tranny swaps require one mount to be changed).

cipher93 · 10-16-2009, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iToaster

You'll flunk visual on your emissions if you swap a 20v as they won't be able to find some bits, like the EGR... and street legality is questionable. I can't comment on the 4AGZE, I'm more 20v inclined. Any A series engine will fit, nothing special needed except custom power steering and AC fittings for the 20v 4AGEs. The axles are the same size, don't worry about them. The 4AGZE would probably be the harder swap as far as space constraints go given the top mount intercooler. I plan on doing a blacktop swap as soon as I have enough money to buy a front clip, which would be the better choice as far as swapping because you get everything in the entire front of the car, but they tend to be slightly more expensive than just the engine, wiring, and computer. As far as transmissions go, your preference, the 6 speed would be ideal as you can better keep the engine in the power band with it, but the 5 speed isn't bad and it also comes in automatic if you want (tends to be easier to keep the same tranny type, tranny swaps require one mount to be changed).

Ah well that kills that. Needs to pass emissions. Guess I can still dream LOL

EDIT Actually I guess I could go with a US 4AGZE, but not sure if it is worth the trouble for 40 more HP. I have a 3 speed auto now... so they made a 5 speed auto for the 4AGZE? That would maybe be an option. Thanks for your advice either way.

gold94corolla · 10-16-2009, 08:30 PM

Maybe you can point it out to them lol.

I was/am looking to do the 4agze swap.... it needs it's own transmission, while the 4age can use your stock transmission if needed. The 4agze should have upgraded axles due to the extra power/torque.... and you need a hood scoop or a front-mount intercooler..... the 4age would be a lot easier, but the 4agze is built for boost! And lots of it. Keep in mind that these JDM engines need expensive gas and stuff.

cipher93 · 10-16-2009, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gold94corolla

Maybe you can point it out to them lol.

I was/am looking to do the 4agze swap.... it needs it's own transmission, while the 4age can use your stock transmission if needed. The 4agze should have upgraded axles due to the extra power/torque.... and you need a hood scoop or a front-mount intercooler..... the 4age would be a lot easier, but the 4agze is built for boost! And lots of it. Keep in mind that these JDM engines need expensive gas and stuff.

How hard would a front mount intercooler be? Shouldn't be more than just moving some pipes and finding a place to mount the intercooler itself I assume. Premium gas isn't an issue either. Also, why does the US 4AGZE make so much less power?

Bitter · 10-16-2009, 09:14 PM

iirc swapping an engine from a newer model is legal, you can get a 1zz-fe to put in there with a little work which would pass emissions AND have 130-140hp.

1jzdreamer · 10-17-2009, 11:54 AM

With the work of putting a 1zz in, id swap a 2zz with the 6 speed in it. 180hp, more hp and torque then a blacktop 4age with the same 6 speed as the blacktop came with but only missing the lsd. Came in the XRS so it should be legal.

Suspension, I am running the Hotchkis sway setup off the 8th gen on mine, koni's, trd springs, and I was pulling ~ 1.3g's on r' comps at autox. I have bushings done as well.

cipher93 · 10-17-2009, 07:49 PM

So what would I need for a 1ZZ-FE or maybe even a 2ZZ-GE? Custom motor mounts, AC/Power steering lines, anything else? Could the super charger kits of the 03-04 1ZZ-FEs work/be shoe horned onto the 1zz-FE in my '93?

Bitter · 10-18-2009, 12:49 AM

if anything you'd have more room for the supercharger.

trife96 · 10-20-2009, 10:20 PM

1ZZ-FE is not a common swap, mounts are different. I feel this will become a much more coplicated swap than what it's worth

I'm planning a BT swap with 6 speed. The BT 5 speed will fit no problem, but the 6 speed needs a custom tranny mount. Custom throttle cable and A/C lines

CV's are NOT the same and really are not designed to handle the torque. Passenger side CV is a two piece for the BT 20V instead of the 7AFE or 4AFE one piece CV shaft.

Bitter · 10-21-2009, 07:18 AM

so in reality he should just save the $6000 this would end up costing and buy the car with the engine he wants in it already from the factory with the rest of the car around it that will support and handle the power output, yea?

cipher93 · 10-21-2009, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bitter

so in reality he should just save the $6000 this would end up costing and buy the car with the engine he wants in it already from the factory with the rest of the car around it that will support and handle the power output, yea?

Well this plan went on hold yesterday actually, because I may get an offer to buy a family-owned 2004 Dodge Dakota SLT for around $3500. If I get that then I'll have more than enough vehicle to get a non-street legal car and just tow it to where I want, which would entirely change the game.