Engine swap for Celica GT

[av8coupe]

We have a 2001 Celica GT (1ZZ FE) with VVTI (variable valve timing) and 5 speed that was diagnosed with a bad piston. It was run with low oil several times and has a knock. I located a '99 Corolla engine with an automatic. It is non-VVTI. Is this a candidate for a swap or a no-go? If it is a no-go, are my only options 2000-2005 Celica GT and MR2? What about the stick/automatic difference? Thanks, Dave

[fishexpo101]

Depends on what you will utilize from the donor engine. If it is the short block (bottom end) + new pistons, might work. As a straight swap - that is a no-go. Better to go with at least the same model year Celica engine or newer - doesn't matter if it is an auto or standard (more an issue with ECM and transaxle swaps, ie. auto to manual swap).

Also, if the Celica only had a bad piston - assuming that the block and head are true, I'd look into rebuilding the one you have. Likely the valvetrain is still OK (check chain for stretch, sprocket wear), replace bearings, new rings, new pistons, machine crank if necessary, check for square, clean or replace the valves, etc. Be like a brand new engine instead of a used engine with possible unknown history.

[ctaylor7510]

03 to 04 matrixs corollas and pontiac vibes have the same engine as 00 to 05 celica Gt. But same thing happened to mine and I got it replaced with an 03 Celica Gt engine