I searched a bit, but could not find much info on swapping a 5sfe long block for a 2nd gen 3sfe.
What little I did find suggests:
1. The swap is dead-simple for an 8 bolt 3sfe Gen 2 Camry
2. The 3sfe intake manifold, EFI components and exhaust are up to task and bolt oin
3. The manual transmission can easily take the moderate increase in power and torque
Requirements:
1. More torque for hills and mountains
2. Similar gas mileage, say 30 MPG or better on highway
3. California emissions compliance, including visual inspection
Current Camry mechanical condition:
1. Engine runs great, slight smoke on startup, lots of minor leaks, consumes < 1/2 quart every 3k miles
2. MPG good, ranging from 30 to 36 MPG in mixed driving
3. Mild complications from oil leaks - short air filter life, oily residue everywhere under hood, front control arm bushings and motor mounts oil soaked, radiator hoses a bit swollen and slimy, etc.
I want new springs, struts, and bushings for the suspension. I hate sloppy handling.
But
It seems like fixing the suspension before the oil leaks is dumb. I could just fix all the leaks on my original engine and put in a new timing belt, maybe replace an oil soaked clutch?, etc. My next timing belt will be needed in about 6 mos. That means the engine is coming out in the near future.
I am tempted to do a 5sfe swap at the same time.
Is there some reason why I should keep my 3sfe longblock?
What little I did find suggests:
1. The swap is dead-simple for an 8 bolt 3sfe Gen 2 Camry
2. The 3sfe intake manifold, EFI components and exhaust are up to task and bolt oin
3. The manual transmission can easily take the moderate increase in power and torque
Requirements:
1. More torque for hills and mountains
2. Similar gas mileage, say 30 MPG or better on highway
3. California emissions compliance, including visual inspection
Current Camry mechanical condition:
1. Engine runs great, slight smoke on startup, lots of minor leaks, consumes < 1/2 quart every 3k miles
2. MPG good, ranging from 30 to 36 MPG in mixed driving
3. Mild complications from oil leaks - short air filter life, oily residue everywhere under hood, front control arm bushings and motor mounts oil soaked, radiator hoses a bit swollen and slimy, etc.
I want new springs, struts, and bushings for the suspension. I hate sloppy handling.
But
It seems like fixing the suspension before the oil leaks is dumb. I could just fix all the leaks on my original engine and put in a new timing belt, maybe replace an oil soaked clutch?, etc. My next timing belt will be needed in about 6 mos. That means the engine is coming out in the near future.
I am tempted to do a 5sfe swap at the same time.
Is there some reason why I should keep my 3sfe longblock?