engine swap thoughts, so I want to do someting to my celica Options

[Maxtumare]

Yeah so I'm just throwing thoughts around. I'm a big fan of the Rotary engine, so I assume that with lots of work it could be done. The question is any idea of how much, a shot in the dark would be appreciated. This is all because after wanting to sell my celica for a while but then recently I started putting small amounts of money into it at a time. It got me interested in the car again. So yeah get back to me if you will thanks. I will most probaby just cave in and go for the 3sgte swap.

[Taskbot]

Oh man, Hahahahahah Rotary.
Good laugh.

Yeah, I too am obsessed with spinning triangles however it would be REALLY tough to make a front wheel drive Wankel engine. Since Mazda only ever made one and it was completely different from the 12A/13Bs we are so used to. So I assume it would cost you a lot more than buying a Mazda Luce R130

From Wikipedia:
13A

The 13A was designed especially for front wheel drive applications. It had two 655 cc rotors for a total of 1310 cc. This was the only production Mazda Wankel with different rotor dimensions: Diameter was 120 mm (4.7 in) and offset was 17.5 mm (0.7 in), but depth remained the same as the 10A at 60 mm (2.4 in). Another major difference from the previous engines was the integrated water-cooled oil cooler.

The 13A was used only in the 1969–1972 R130 Luce, where it produced 126 hp (94 kW) and 126 ft·lbf (172 Nm). This was the end of the line for this engine design: The next Luce was rear wheel drive and Mazda never again made a front wheel drive rotary vehicle.

Applications:

* 1970–1972 Mazda R130

I bet that's probably enough to deter you from trying a FWD Rotary in a Celica. 3SGTE is probably the best bet if you want power. The 3SGE would probably be good too if you want a revvy screaming N/A motor.

Your rotary idea could be done but it would cost you more money than its worth. You could probably even find a JM1FD (Third Gen North American RX-7) for less money.

[DEATH]

I've often thought about installing an I-16 CAT engine on my skateboard too but one thing always stops me - reality.
Listen seriously, you have to put some thought into these swaps first. The old saying "Anything is possible with enough money" is true but then again sometimes you have to think about why would you even want to do that? The Rotary engines are badass - it's true. But ask anyone who truely mods his RX7 for any length of time and they all tell you not to get one. Why? Cause they are maintenance nightmares. They need to be rebuilt or resealed waaay more often than normal engines just driving like a normal human being. If you get on them at all they break - constantly. Everyone I know who has an RX7 also has a Miata for a DD and you almost never see them drive the 7.
And what the hell is so wrong with the 3S-GTE? I personally think it's one of the best designed motors with huge potential out there - it still holds it's own today in the world of stock 300HP AWD beasts. And if you think it's boring or "old news" come on down here to Houston and I'll give you a ride in my car - I gaurantee it's a ride you won't forget soon.

[Taskbot]

I've often thought about installing an I-16 CAT engine on my skateboard too but one thing always stops me - reality.
Listen seriously, you have to put some thought into these swaps first. The old saying "Anything is possible with enough money" is true but then again sometimes you have to think about why would you even want to do that? The Rotary engines are badass - it's true. But ask anyone who truely mods his RX7 for any length of time and they all tell you not to get one. Why? Cause they are maintenance nightmares. They need to be rebuilt or resealed waaay more often than normal engines just driving like a normal human being. If you get on them at all they break - constantly. Everyone I know who has an RX7 also has a Miata for a DD and you almost never see them drive the 7.
And what the hell is so wrong with the 3S-GTE? I personally think it's one of the best designed motors with huge potential out there - it still holds it's own today in the world of stock 300HP AWD beasts. And if you think it's boring or "old news" come on down here to Houston and I'll give you a ride in my car - I gaurantee it's a ride you won't forget soon.

hahaha I agree, my friend's brother has an RX-7. Most of the time I've seen it, its been in his garage. However despite the fact that its high maintainance, its the most beautiful RX you will ever see. That being said, Rotaries are not that bad if you don't maintain them. There's just certain procedures that help extend the life of the seals. I think it involves putting oil in the intake charge. I should ask him.

Regardless there are just WAY too many fun options for the celica to even consider a rotary.

[Maxtumare]

I have no problem with the 3sgte. Excellent engine, great power and tiny. I was just thinking outloud, yeah I still need to save up some money to buy a front clip then I can really start messing around with car seeing as the 5sfe is a boring engine. Yes of course things can be done to it so that it can gain more power but why spend that money there when one can swap in a more power friendly engine this being the 3sgte. One last thing to add, the rotary engines just sound sick as hell, yes problems may pop up but with care you shouldn't encounter anything as is with most cars. Not the 5sfe because that engine can take all the abuse you can give it. Shoot I've been off-roading with that car more times than I can count on both hands. Keeping those rpm's hig. My mother drove her camry (same engine) for two weeks with no oil . Toyota's simply amazing machines. by the way what other cheap engine swaps should I take into consideration?

[bringindaheat573]

I defently say the hell with rotary we have been working on my best freinds 13 B t-2 for like a year now and so many terrible little bugs always pop up i think they are a hassle unless u have alot of time on your hands or you go the exspensive route and have a dealership deal with you everytime something goes wrong i advise to try a better option like a v6 or 3s or do one of those crazy swaps tweak wants to do those i would rather consider than a rotary

[Taskbot]

Haha rotaries are fun though. I don't care about what everyone says about the small problems. You get small problems with every engine. However the idea of a 1 power stroke per revolution is pretty awesome. I wish I had an RX sometimes.

[Maxtumare]

yeah Rotary is nice and the 3s nice too. Before I can do any swap i need money lol. I was actually thinking for a while about selling my celi for a bit. Found a nice 2nd gen rx7 with a jdm engine swap several upgrades and stock turbo. So yeah, but I'm happy with the celica now just don't like the current lack of power and that it is a front wheel drive.