Cheap engine swaps?

[hexapus]

I've been sort of shopping around for a new engine for my 87 NA, and I was wondering if anyone knew where I could get my 225K mi engine swapped out for something a bit fresher. More horses would be neat too, but primarly, I need something reliable to get me to work and back. Then again, I think any fresher motor is probably going to work a bit better than my tired old bluetop.

Also, if there's any home mechanics who know MR2s in and out, and want to cut me a deal on a swap, I'd be interested in hearing about how many you've done, and how much you'd charge me.

I'm in Riverside, BTW...so the closer to the IE, the better, but a reliable mechanic would be worth the drive!

[masagsxr]

Contact Stork... I believe they have a shop they just opened. He's in Montclair not to far from Riverside area.

[hexapus]

Yeah, I've been in communication with him. Never having done a swap before, I suppose I don't know if his estimate was "cheap" or not. Didn't seem to unreasonable, but I'm sorta bargain hunting, I guess. I am waiting on a couple quotes from him too for a couple different swap scenarios, but those are more "future goal, something to save for"-type swaps than a "get this leaky, tired, broke-a$$ engine out of my car"-type swap...which is more what I'm in the market for at the moment.

[masagsxr]

If you want a cheaper swap, I suggest you save up and put the engine you really like rather than rebuilding your current engine now and replace it again later.

[Mark_Dorman]

Do a 2zz!!!

[hexapus]

Originally Posted by Mark_Dorman

Do a 2zz!!!

Haha! I wish. A 2zz, or a blacktop+6spd would be super. Long term, I'm kinda torn between the pure grunt of a 4AGZE, eventually turboed or even twincharged....or the elegance and sexiness of a 2zz or blacktop mated to a 6 speed.

Then again, I'm fascinated by the 7agzte buildup here:
Twincharger's awesome modified Toyotas

Also, long term, I have to factor in legality...do I want to skirt the law and go for awesome? Or try to keep everything within the limits of California's inane emissions regulations? I'm all for keeping the air clean...but they should sniff my tailpipe and STFU. The bureaucracy involved is maddening. They already tax us to death...we should at least be able to spend what little they leave us on the car we WANT to drive.

[Mark_Dorman]

I didn't know you could fit a black top in the MK1. That's a sweet engine. Might be more torque than you need. The 2zz is an awesome motor...and in a car that weighs in around 2200 lbs it really moves...and I think it's cheaper than a black top and you don't have to deal with the old engine issues...

[mr220v]

A 2zzge is a good bit more expensive than a blacktop. Also, the general opinion is that you don't want to try an pair the 2zz with a 5speed transmission. Some versions of the 2zz can't stay on lift even with the 6speed. Off lift, the 2zz is basically the same as a 1zz.

Blacktop swap sets can be had for around $1000 depending what you get. They also don't have the lift issue to deal with, so not getting a 6speed is not that big a deal. You can use the c56 that comes with the BT, or even an old c50 without a problem.

I would expect the 2zzge to stay expensive. It actually went to something sold in the US, is an easy swap for newer celicas and mr2's, and is ragged hard by celica gts owners.

But for a California legal swap, short of a 3sgte, the 2zzge is your best alternative.

[Mark_Dorman]

I thought he was talking about the beams black top...

[mr220v]

Can't really fit that blacktop. A redtop would be a possibility. Cheaper than a 2zz.

[Mark_Dorman]

That's why I said I didn't know it would fit. I know it doesn't fit in the MKII. Red top is still a nice engine but you don't need as much torque in a lighter car...it would haul though...

[Gairloch]

Power, reliability or cheap. Pick two 'cause you can't have all 3.

Just so you know, "engine swap" and "cheap" really don't belong in the same sentence. What was the estimate Stork gave you?

[sw20Tmatt]

you could always go with a 1z. find a mrs that is having a 2z put in and buy his old motor for cheap! or search the junk yards for a totaled one...

[hexapus]

Originally Posted by Gairloch

Power, reliability or cheap. Pick two 'cause you can't have all 3.

Just so you know, "engine swap" and "cheap" really don't belong in the same sentence. What was the estimate Stork gave you?

Yeah...Well, like said, cheap + reliable would be my choice at the moment...and anything fresher than a 225K bluetop would give me a bit more pep. I'm not looking to burn tires yet or anything. Stork quoted about $600 in, $600 out, plus the cost of the motor. Like I said, probably not unreasonable for a speed shop that knows their way around a Two, but still outside of my budget for the time being...I'll save that kind of expertise for when I'm ready to do a 2zz or a blacktop swap...right now, I'd be happy if someone could slap a lower mileage 16v in there that would pass smog and get me to work every night without losing half a quart of oil

Anyway, I appreciate the feedback. The only reason I'd want the 6 spd w/ the blacktop is because of Marc Medina's feedback on the swap, and how these cars are just perfect for the gearing on a 6spd. How even his 16v came alive after the swap. Cool stuff.

There's the long term dreaming/goals category, and there's the "get me to work now" category. I know what I'd LIKE to do...right now, it's just a matter of what I NEED to do.

[Gairloch]

That actually sounds like a pretty decent price. It wouldn't end up being quite that inexpensive 'cause chances are the new engine will need a little work. For instance making sure that it has a fresh timing belt and water pump just make sense.