1988 (2nd Gen) Camry Mod Assistance?!

3918 Views 16 Replies 5 Participants Last post by randomroen, Jul 21, 2004

randomroen

Discussion Starter · Jul 21, 2004

I have a 1988 Toyota Camry CS. The cars' just gone into the workshop, and it turns out that the engines prettys ****ed.

The engine is (apparently) a 1.8L 1991 engine... But it looks like an older model of engine, still EFI though.

Anyway - I was wondering if it was possible that if i could find a 2.0L Camry Engine of around the same year, could I exchange my old engine for the 2.0L one?

And also, could anyone tell me if there was any perfomance upgrades that I could do to the 1.8L engine? (if the engine turns out to be repairable).

Thanks.

1 - 17 of 17 Posts

88 LE

· #2 · Jul 21, 2004

What engine is it?

We never got a 1.8L in any Camry in the US.

Our gen 2 (87 - 91) Camrys came with a 2.0L I4 (3S-FE) or 2.5L V6 (2VZ-FE).

If your Camry is the same as our gen 2 Camrys a 3S-FE will fit. But you'd have to check your engine mounts and where the engine mounts to in the engine bay, since you have a different engine (1.8L).

randomroen

Discussion Starter · #3 · Jul 21, 2004

That’s interesting... I’ve heard that from nearly everyone, I wonder if the car I got has already been severely modified... Because no one can understand the type of engine that’s in this particular model...

All I know is that (apparently):

Make: Toyota
Model: Camry
Style: Sedan
Year: Sep/88
Transmission: 5 Spd Manual
EFI
91 engine (I guess the previous owner replaced it for some reason)
That’s its a 'SV20' ?

88 LE

· #4 · Jul 21, 2004

Gen 2 w/I4 (3S-FE) = SV21

Gen 2 w/I4 (3S-FE), LE model = SV22

Gen 2 All Trac = SV25

randomroen

Discussion Starter · #5 · Jul 21, 2004

ive just come across another site suggesting that i may have a 1S-Ci 1.8-litre SOHC engine, (cars that were built between 1987 to 1989).

Are these types common over there?

terrynham

· #6 · Jul 21, 2004

yep its a SV20

: and according to the site below, its a 1S-Ci engine....
ive never heard of them before until now, but apparently they do exist here in Australia

http://www.carsales.com.au/pls/carsales/!cs_content.research_results?current_rec=101&keyword=camry
scroll to bottom of page.

randomroen

Discussion Starter · #7 · Jul 21, 2004

haha, phew!

at least now i know my car is 'normal'

88 LE

· #8 · Jul 21, 2004

randomroen said:
ive just come across another site suggesting that i may have a 1S-Ci 1.8-litre SOHC engine, (cars that were built between 1987 to 1989).

Are these types common over there?

We never got that engine in a Camry.

The only engine we got in a Camry thats SOHC is the 2S-E in gen 1 (83 - 86) Camrys, but its 2.0L. All the other engines are DOHC.

randomroen

Discussion Starter · #9 · Jul 21, 2004

Anyway, Back to one of the q's....

So does anyone know what i could do to my 1988 Toyota Camry 1S-Ci 1.8-litre SOHC engine?

For example:

Would a 'pod' air filter increase performance?
Would better spark plug leeds make any diff?
etc...

88 LE

· #10 · Jul 21, 2004

Re: Anyway, Back to one of the q's....

randomroen said:
Would a 'pod' air filter increase performance?

A little bit. But you'll lose performance on the low end from sucking in hot air. However on the high end you'll gain a little bit due to less restriction from the filter.

Would better spark plug leeds make any diff?

No, unless your current ones are in need of replacement. But, even then upgrading your sparkplug wires makes no difference.

EggBeater59

· #11 · Jul 21, 2004

try new preformance plugs, and possibly a new ignition system. i definately noticed the difference, and you should too. then again, my plugs were long overdue for a change...

randomroen

Discussion Starter · #12 · Jul 21, 2004

EggBeater59 said:
try new preformance plugs, and possibly a new ignition system. i definately noticed the difference, and you should too. then again, my plugs were long overdue for a change...

ignition system? has that got anything to do with the EFI? And how much do they usually cost? AU$ ?

Talisman

· #13 · Jul 21, 2004

I would just scrap the 1.8. From what I remember they don't make any power. I think they are rated int he 90hp range. This is pretty sad seeing as how the 2.0 in the 2nd gens is such as [email protected] engine. I would think the 1.8 would be unbearable. If I were you, I would swap it out for a 3sge or a late model JDM 3sfe. I picked up a late model 3sfe and it is rated at 140hp stock. That would be leaps and bounds above your 1.8. If you get a 3sge, you will have anywhere from 145hp to 200hp. The cheaper 145hp,156hp, and 177hp 3sge's are your best bet though. The only thing you might want to check is if the motor mounts are compatible from your car to the 3sfe and 3sge engines. Since we never got the 1.8 here, I really have no idea.

randomroen

Discussion Starter · #14 · Jul 21, 2004 (Edited)

awww sick, thanks.

is there anything else besides the engine mount positions? i was told that the manifold might also have to be replace if i got a new engine...?

p.s. it is front wheel drive... would it be rediculous to put a more powerful engine in? wouldnt the wheels just spin on acceleration?

Talisman

· #15 · Jul 21, 2004 (Edited)

You are gonna have to use the manifold off the new engine. You need everything from whatever engine you are buying. Basically, you want an entire front clip from the donor car. What this means is all engine accesories, uncut wiring harness, ECU, engine, etc.

These engines are not that powerful where you need to be too concerned with wheel spin. I can spin the fronts in my car if I try but it's not an issue during normal driving. We are not talking about some 300+hp monster here. Really, until you get to around 200hp, you shouldn't even be thinking about it. I have around 160 crank hp by the way.

88 LE

· #16 · Jul 21, 2004 (Edited)

randomroen said:
is there anything else besides the engine mount positions?

Nothing that I can think of at the moment.

i was told that the manifold might also have to be replace if i got a new engine...?

Yes, you would need a complete engine (longblock) with both manifolds and accessories intact. You also need a complete wiring harness, engine mounts, ignition system, etc...

If you get lucky you might be able to find a clip of a Celica or MR2 with a 3S-GE. The clip would have everything you need (engine, tranny, ecu, etc..)

p.s. it is front wheel drive... would it be rediculous to put a more powerful engine in? wouldnt the wheels just spin on acceleration?

Only if your making tons of power and drive it like you stole it.

200HP in a fwd car is fine.

Edit: Doh... Talisman beat me to a reply.

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randomroen

Discussion Starter · #17 · Jul 21, 2004

haha, thanks anyway 88 LE! lots of helpful information being put forward here!! :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

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