Crazy Engine Swaps I'd Like To Do...., Who's up for a real crazy swap in their Celica? Options

[Dr_Tweak]

You guys all know that I've been doing swaps in Celicas for a long time, and after doing enough of the 3SGTE, 3SGE, 4AGE swaps, etc, I'm feeling the need for something a little off the wall. I have a feeling that there are some Celica owners out there who are thinking the same thing, they want something a little different. I've got three projects in mind that I'd be interested in doing, and I might even give a discount if someone steps up to the plate to have one done.

1. 1UZFE swap. The 1UZFE is the 4.0 V8 engine from the Lexus LS400. It makes between 265 and 300hp depending on the version. I would like to swap this engine, FRONT-WHEEL DRIVE, into a Celica, using an E153 or E58 transmission (LSD optional). I have personally seen this done sideways in a MK1 MR2, which is no bigger, if not smaller, than the Celica engine bay. We have all the equipment needed at my shop, and besides me, we now have another expert fabricator and tig welder that we just hired.

2. AWD 3SGTE conversion. This one has been done before and there's a number of threads recently on the subject. I've been ready to do one of these for a while, so if there's someone out there serious about having it done, I'm up for it.

3. 1JZGTE or 2JZGTE swap and conversion to REAR WHEEL DRIVE. Not a typo. You know what it is, you know you want it. We can do it.

Updated 7-23-08, prices were removed. Please contact me for current pricing.

Here's some more practical swaps that I'd like to do:

2ZZGE (7th gen Celica GTS 180hp) into '96+ Celica (OBD2 emissions legal)
2AZFE (Scion tC 160hp 160ft/lbs) into '96+ Celica (OBD2 emissions legal)
2GRFE, 2GRFSE, or 3MZFE into Celica (OBD2 emissions legal)

This post has been edited by Dr_Tweak: Jul 23, 2008 - 10:31 AM

[playr158]

I don't know why people keep arguing the prices saying its gonna cost more. His prices are very reasonable. I do recall someone saying that the person who converted the black Celica in Florida to awd would charge $6,000 for the conversion. I believe that was without parts and only labor. Which is right around what Dr Tweak is charging if you add all parts needed. The shop that is doing 2jz swaps into S2000's are charging $15,000 for a complete swap all parts included. They've done 3 already.

I'd be thinking about going through with this sometime in the future. Its great to know theres a shop we can count on. 3 months is exactly what I was thinking the project would take.

don't you wonder WHY they charge 15,000 for a s2k 2jz swap.....that has a tranny tunnel and RWD already in it...a celica has NONE of these....which makes sense it should cost near 20 grand

Well, heres the thing. Those guys are looking to profit. Dr Tweak isn't looking to make a whole lot of money off of these projects. He's already said that. Those guys that are doing the 2jz swaps into the s2000's are looking to profit. Above that, people who own s2000's aren't poor like most of us Celica owners. There are plenty of 2jz and 1jz swaps done on oldschool Supra's that some shops charge $8000 parts included. Thats another price to compare. Dr Tweak wants to tackle these projects. So yeah, he's gonna give the one who steps up with their Celica a deal. He's not doing it to profit, he's doing it cause he wants to. Thats why his prices are what they are.

ok older supras you are still missing my point about your examples.....

hat has a tranny tunnel and RWD already in it...a celica has NONE of these

you need to think WITHIN the same realm of cars

so go find out the price integra owners and civic owners are paying for RWD conversions + a motor that size AND THEN you will have a better idea.....
supras + s2k = apple
celicas = orange
u can't compare the two

but if tweak does it fully 100% working ZERO issues for the listed......more power to him

This post has been edited by playr158: Mar 1, 2007 - 3:42 PM