Expenses of an engine swap?

[Jamezzy]

Hello friends! For you people who have swapped an engine before for your car or those looking to and have experienced this, just how much was it to swap your engine? With all the modifications to the engine bay, hoses, transmissions, sometimes these procedures are exempt if you're lucky to get an exact fit right?

So how much did it cost you?

For me, I'm looking to swap to a 1UZ-FE Lexus engine. Any tips/pointers/comments will be GREATLY appreciated.

Thanks so much.

-Jamezzy

[stepho]

Which generation Celica do you have?
Most of the early RWD Celicas can be converted without too much drama.
But the FWD and 4WD models will be haaaaaaaard.

- Stepho

[Pineapple]

Engine swap could be done from a few hundred dollars to over $10000.
Every one is different.
Your question is the same as asking "How much for a V6 car?".

[Jamezzy]

I have a 4th Gen as seen on my avatar and signature. I've seen many Gens of Celicas with this swap, all except for my 4th Gen. I wonder why, it's such a beautiful gen. So that's why I'm asking for pricing and hopefully tech pointers as there are probably less than 20 in the world that have done this.

And unfortunately, my car is a FWD. I've asked around and even to a mechanic it shouldn't lead to problems in the car, taken that they aren't giving me false information. But I'm not going to stay FWD for so long, it's going to be converted to RWD soon, if the budget's heavenly. I also might just take over this swap myself. As working on your car doesn't have the same feeling as just buying the engine and taking it to a shop. Many people say it isn't worth it and to just buy a newer vehicle. But I have a passion for doing these kinds of these and I find them enjoyable, you know? I'm sure many others may relate.

[Pineapple]

FWD to RWD conversion will put you in the $10k range. Lots of cutting and welding. Also rewiring.
Get price for engine, tranny, ECU and wiring harness. Time 3 and that's your budget.

Too many people has big hope for their car and end up selling it for parts.

[Jamezzy]

I understand it's difficult but we'll see what happens. And hope's what keeps you going with modding your car up man. Without it you'd put on an exhaust and just give up after. Besides, I've seen so many cars with this swap, and some with a conversion. Lots of rewiring to do and welding, etc.

Check out this guy with his 1UZ-FE v8 swap. He did everything himself and documented everything he did.

http://www.fourwheelforum.com/showthread.php?t=248

This may be very helpful to those thinking about a swap. As it shows that money is not the only obstacle in the process. Took him months to finish. But the outcome was so much more sweeter and resulted in him getting what he always wanted.

This guy has the know-how as you can see, but he also has alot of hope! Never give up on your project

edit:
Oh, I also found a good price for a 1UZ-FE for $350! They say it's in good condition and ready to go. I've contacted many junkyards and others report having $980 for the engine and trans both included. Though, gonna have to check it out in person and given that they aren't lieing about the condition about the engine, I won't have to purchase a new $3000 1UZ. I'm excited about it, I'll get this up and running soon!

[hatchy_gt-s]

Ya Im not going to lie $350 for a motor is kind of fishy... Ive never seen a running motor for that price range. For that price I would want to see the millage, condition of the bottom end with oil pan off, compression on all cyl.

[Jamezzy]

Originally Posted by hatchy_gt-s

Ya Im not going to lie $350 for a motor is kind of fishy... Ive never seen a running motor for that price range. For that price I would want to see the millage, condition of the bottom end with oil pan off, compression on all cyl.

Right, seeing mileage and condition would be of great help. Although it's a good thing people don't know the great potential this engine has, like the 2JZ which is probably keeping the price for this engine low. It's cheaper lighter and has more stock Hp than the 2JZ.

I'll have you all know before buying something, know the condition, parts needed/missing with the engine, parts needed in the future so you can get a bang for your buck. Know that things may not go as planned. Get different opinions and tips. This to help some of you out over here. Thanks for the replies guys