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To Swap or not to swap

2.2K views 18 replies 12 participants last post by  Venom_5  
#1 · (Edited)
Okay guys, i usually don't have a problem making up my mind but...This time i'm kinda unsure where i want to go with this.


Here's the problem:

I found a great deal on a mint 1mzfe, tranny, ecu, wiring harness, everything i would need to swap to do a V6 basically.

But...

I also already own a CT-26 based turbo kit [and a 5spd manual (s54)] awaiting install on my 5SFE. I planned to do a full build on the 5SFE and turbo it around 15-18psi.

If i do the swap i'll sell the 5SFE, the S54 5Spd Manual, the 5sfe's automatic, and most of the Turbo kit (tapped 5sfe oil pan, supra green top injectors, intercooler piping, downpipe, 3SGTE manifold, mid-pipe) i would however keep the turbo and some of the more universal pieces that i could re-use on the 1MZFE.

What do you guys think cause i'm stumped at the moment. Do you think the added power and power potential is worth pulling a motor already in place
 
#2 ·
IMO it would be difficult, but sine oyu already have everything for the 5s, id say turbo the 5s. But like most people here *cough*ASG14*cough* dislike teh 5s and its potential and how say swap the v6 and turbo that. So i'll turbo the 5s since you have all the parts for it...but then again if you want more power swap then turbo
 
#3 ·
Damn only one person will talk to me :(. I feel like that awkward kid at the party that no one will talk to.

C'mon guys, i got a new job and can actually afford to start working on my car again, help me make this decision!
 
#6 ·
You won't get a lot of replies since it's Saturday and Christmas right around the corner.

IMO, if you want a V6 Camry, sell what you got and buy one.

swapping in the 1MZ would be a lot of work. If dont mind that then go for it.
 
#8 ·
that a tough descision. how far are ya plannin to go with this? the 1mz is great but id only change directions if u plan on also doing e153 5 speed as well. otherwise id just do ur origional build of the 5sfe. though i have to say, from what ive seen, ull have to do quite a bit to get the hp out of the 5sfe to match the performance of a stock V6 5 speed.
 
#9 ·
One thing to seriously consider is that once you get the 1MZ installed and running, it will be OEM reliable, vs perhaps the same amount of power from a turbo system which is all aftermarket and will give you a lot more trouble, generally speaking. So I would recommend the swap.

If you need a hand wiring it up, just let me know.

-Doc
 
#11 ·
so what's with the craze of everyone wanting to go the turbo route?
just about every thread i see is someone saying "i'm gonna turbo this" or "i'll s/c that" etc.

what happened to just keeping the car as is if it runs? and if uniqueness is the only motivating force, then block that. you think something is slow, get rid of it and get something fast out of the box. can't afford it? tough shit. no need to spend half the value of the car just to slap on a turbine and pray it doesn't blow up.

i'm not talking shit about turbo'd camrys. a select few have done amazing set-ups. but these guys have put so much time, effort, money, and sweat that at least it's justifiable. plus they had proper resources such as a shop and professional help.

regardless, faced with your situation, i'd keep the 5s in as it is, sell the random turbo bits, and move on with life. if it's speed you're wanting, the 5s is a wrong place to start anyway. if you get the v6 swapped in, don't bother turboing it. for a daily car, it's fast enough as it is. and please, don't pull the "i'm building up a road car to burn everyone" or some other shit like that.

/rant
 
#13 ·
i have to agree. there is really no legit reason for me to mod any of the cars ive owned. but i guess i just do it cuz i love doing it, the fact its a camry makes it more of a challenge.

that being said...the smart thing to do is leave the 5s and sell off the turbo stuff. but whats the fun in that:D
 
#14 · (Edited)
"Cars are a waste of money period!!!" from a realistic point of view yes, but like every car lover out there we do it just because it's fun- trying to make sense out of it is like trying to make sense out of life, just don't and just have fun doing it!!!

With all the money I spend buying crap for this car I could of had my dream home theatre setup in my room- 1080P Projector with a quality screen and upgraded my surround speakers and subwoofer to a more powerful one, oh and the rest on beer of course lol!!! But I have this common itch that goes around that makes me want to mod it no matter what. I heard there is no cure for it lol...
 
#16 ·
Whatever route i go the car is going 5Spd. I love driving manual. As far as selling my car, there's two reason's that won't happen 1. I have a Gen 3.5 coupe in excellent condition and 2. There are a lot of other mods on my car that will still work after the motor swap.

Also whichever route i go, the car is going turbo, sure the V6 has enough power, but if everyone was happy with "enough" the tuning scene wouldn't exist. Besides, i don't modify to build the fastest car, or the coolest car, i modify my car because i enjoy doing it (and more importantly driving it and feeling every change translate into performance on the road). Yeah it's a waste of money, but i don't have any other hobbies.
 
#18 ·
You not going to have the fastest something even if you go V6 turbo unless you do what Tony did and that is just the fastest camry but the point is that with the V6 the torque is much better and I feel the overall drive ability is gonna be better!!!

Do you know why some MR2's prefer swapping to a V6 and turboing that instead of just sticking with the famous 3s-gte, just take a guess!!!
 
#19 ·
i still say work with what youve got ... it wont get you the most power, but youll enjoy it and end up with a completed project that you can appreciate