Jason.MZW20's 1MZ V6 Project

Specs:

Engine
2000 Solara 1MZ, CA spec
- Fully rebuilt: honed, re-ringed, extensively cleaned, resurfaced, new main, rod, and thrust bearings, new head bolts, ported heads with valve job, new water pump, new thermostat, new timing and accessory belt, new valve stem seals, new engine gaskets incl. MLS head gaskets, completely resealed with Permatex Ultra Copper RTV.
Injen Jet Black 1MZ intake system (CARB certified)
Stock cams

Transmission
2001 Solara S51 w/ swapped center casing and reversed shifter linkage, fully rebuilt
Fidanza Lightweight flywheel
OEM 1MZ pressure plate w/ OEM S5x clutch
Stock N/A axles and hubs

Fuel
Walbro 255L/hr HP fuel pump
Stock returnless fuel system
Cleaned, balanced injectors
- Flow rate: 295cc/min average at 50psi

Exhaust
1MZ M/T exhaust manifolds
Semi-dual exhaust
Magnaflow single entry, dual exit muffler (like the stock muffler) with 3" tips on the driver and passenger side

Miscellaneous
1.6KW starter from Cold Area Spec package
Stainless Steel coolant hoses
SS braided clutch hose
Fully OBDII compliant
CA smog legal (pending completion of swap)

Why I did this project:
In the summer of 2004, a spark plug blew out of my 5SFEs head and demolished the threads. I bought a 93 replacement head and was going to just slap a new head on my 5S when I started reading about Brad Bedell, Mitch Barbato, and Dave Mush's V6 swaps. Naturally, I wanted a challenge, and this was it. I had always loved the smooth power delivery of the 1MZ, having been in many Camrys and Solaras with the engine. I wanted N/A power with N/A reliability for a daily driver, and this was very suitable. In reality, I was over the teenage obsession with low displacement 4 cylinders. I hated the buzz, drone, and exhaust tone. I wanted something more mature, something that sounded a little ballsier in a car that deserves such an engine with such a sound.

With the MR2s looks, you expect something exotic sounding, ... or at least, I do. So, when I hear a farty 4 cylinder tone eminating from the car, it throws me into disbelief. No, it can't be! If you take away the 3SGTE's vrrooom pshhhh (for those that added a BOV), it sounds just like any other 4 cylinder: nasty. I didn't mind the 5SFEs tone that much. It actually sounded decent for a 4, but it still didn't have enough oomph.

Okay, so I wanted something that sounded better, but what about drivability?

I particularly liked the 5SFE's torque. It made it feel faster than it really was at the low-mid range. So, I looked at the 1MZ's dyno. It's a big 5SFE with 2 nice torque peaks, and a flat torque curve all the way around. This is absolutely great for drivability. It'll get up and go without any fuss, and it can light up the tires when I'm looking to have a little fun. That's something the 5SFE could never do.

Time
I started sourcing the engine and other stuff in 2005. It's now nearing the end of 2007. Am I almost done? Yes. Will it be running before 2008? Yes. Will I get to enjoy it? No. It has to go to the body shop for repairs and paint.

Pictures