My summer project : Swapping a 4E-FTE.

[expertmax]

Hi there !

I know the subject has been covered multiple times on this forum but when I need to invest money in things I'm not 100% sure they will work, I'm worried.

I have a 1999 Toyota Tercel 5E-FE 5-Speed and I want to swap the engine for the 4E-FTE. I was wondering if there is things I should consider before the swap.

As for mounts, everything fits bolt-on. The tranny fits bolt-on too. But what about the engine harness. Is there any way I can just cut and solder some wires from my original harness to fit the new ECU or the layout is not the same and I really need the new harness ?

I'm thinking about putting a bigger turbo because the 4E-FTE turbo is the worlds smallest turbo. Do you have suggestions ?

Thank you and I will keep you up with the updates and post pics !

[Tercel GTS]

Actually some Saab and Volvo have smaller turbos on larger engines. Personally I'd build the 5e and boost it. More displacement and compression makes for a more driveable power range and doesn't need a large turbo to be impressive. Check out http://board.tercelonline.com to talk with several people running that build. 5e's are not difficult to get 250hp from.

[expertmax]

I was thinking of a bolt-on setup since I don't have time to custom make things. If it's not that hard building up from my 5E-FE. Is it easy to turbo a 5E-FE ?

[Tercel GTS]

Since it's the late version I'd swap in earlier rods or forged if you have some money to put in it. Pretty much your call on pistons but forged would be nice. Yours will take 6psi well, turbo version to around 15psi but lag at lower rpm. Get a good manifold like the wepr and a decent turbo. You'll need the proper map sensor and handle some fuel issues but then you're on your way. The guys at TO can pretty much tell you step by step how to do the whole setup. It's what they do.