Hi,

Before we start, how much do you know about the swap already? If you’re just starting to look into it, you may want to do a google search as this used to be a common swap and many have gone down this path before. The physical install is pretty straight forward, but the devil is in the details to make it work. It’s been a long time since I’ve read up on it, but the information is well documented.

More to your questions, the parts should almost all swap, but if you’re getting a used engine, I’d use those parts and keep yours for spares. If you are getting a used engine, I’d be more worried about the head gasket than the trans at this point, but if you get the gasket dealt with, the trans is really the next limiting factor. On the cheap, you could get a free flowing exhaust, shim the wastgate to near fuel cut and it will be a not bad runner. Not super powerful, but certainly more fun than stock, and the automatic won’t likely blow up. From there, the only real option is a 5 speed swap and you can then get into the real money pit as you look to build more power. A bone stock used engine will not do well if you want to go this direction.

Other alternative swaps - 1jz, 2jz - both have higher reliability as used engines go, but much higher costs and harder to fit, and you can still get a lemon. Going na-to turbo, you need most of the other parts for a gte anyhow, and you have a ton of other headaches, so usually cheaper to get a gte from the get go. If it were me, I’d look to get a doner car and you’re better guaranteed to have everything you’ll need.

Bob

 

Before we start, how much do you know about the swap already? If you’re just starting to look into it, you may want to do a google search

I've been reading on it some but can never have too much info. The more perspectives the better.

I realize going faster is a bottomless black hole, I'm not trying to build the baddest The Fast & The Furious monster on the block, just make it more fun. The stock 7MGE gives pretty decent performance but that GTE seems like a doable swap without having to spend a king's ransom, and a path to end up with a unique ride that has enhanced fun factor.

 

If you ever want more than 200bhp, then go for GTE from start. Those can easily reach 300-350bhp with bolt-on mods. Beefier internals than NA engine can handle more power easier with higher overhead.

Be aware of tech-bulletin that came out revising heat-bolt torque by +10-15%. Any GTE you get, might as well rebuild with new rings, rod-bearings, seals, and MLS hesdgasket using studs and higher torque rating. Then you'd be all set for future high-power mods.

 

Be aware of tech-bulletin that came out revising heat-bolt torque by +10-15%.

.nod That's the case with the 7MGE as well, which I found out after I blew a head gasket - the factory manual head bolt torque specs are too low.

Is the transmission for the 7MGTE different or is it the same A340E? Will the A340E work? Can it be beefed up to handle the extra hp long-term?

Are all the peripheral electronics - ECU, etc. different?

 

Same transmission. They are pretty reliable up to fuel cut type power, but not known to go much farther in the long run. Say 300 ish before you would be looking for either upgrades or swapping a manual gearbox in.

The electronics from the gte would be required.

 

Same transmission. They are pretty reliable up to fuel cut type power

Can you clarify the term "fuel cut" and what you're referring to in the context of your comment - "up to fuel cut". I have shadetree mechanic experience but I've never had a turbo engine, not familiar with the nomenclature.

Say 300 ish before you would be looking for either upgrades or swapping a manual gearbox in.

Dang, I'm sure if I could get a true 300 out of it, it would be great, at least for now.

The electronics from the gte would be required.

Okay - is there some reference to get the fine points of getting it hooked up and making it all work with the Cressida with more than adequate oil and fuel supply, make sure the gauges work, connections to the injectors, etc.? I don't profess to be an expert on how it all comes together, happy to learn as I go and expand my auto tech knowledge.

From what I've been reading I gather there are other issues - making dissimilar wiring connectors work - i.e. whatever harness connectors I have now are of course made for a 7MGE.

I read somewhere that there might even need to be more than one brain box - one for the engine, one for the transmission. Do you know anything about that?