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

[Zimluura]

i'm very interested in a swap + awd conversion. i had no idea your shop could do the awd.

i've got the cash, at present. but, i bought a house in january and am fixing it up and spending tons on it right now. also, as of right now, i'm not very good at manual transmission, and only have my 1 car to drive. also not sure how much the governments will want from my tax-wise this year.

i think after 2-6 months i'll be ready for this. i should have gotten a manual transmission truck to practice with (and drive while my celica is with you), and spending on the house should have stabalized.

questions:
1) i am really paranoid where the law/government is concearned. i want a 100% legal (egr and newer than 1999 engine), also preferably a engine that toyota still produces for the us market so i can get replacement parts easily. which engine would you recomend, considering i want awd and hope to get a 250-350bhp depending on engine tuning and modification (which i know very little about). i'm leaning v6 or v8.

2) one of the reasons i bought the house was the hope of making a garage so i could do some stuff myself. would there be anyway i could be present and/or help out in the process? i understand if the answer is no.

3) i assume the shop is located in Savannah, GA, is this in fact the case?

This post has been edited by Zimluura: Mar 1, 2007 - 6:20 PM

[Dr_Tweak]

i'm very interested in a swap + awd conversion. i had no idea your shop could do the awd.

i've got the cash, at present. but, i bought a house in january and am fixing it up and spending tons on it right now. also, as of right now, i'm not very good at manual transmission, and only have my 1 car to drive. also not sure how much the governments will want from my tax-wise this year.

i think after 2-6 months i'll be ready for this. i should have gotten a manual transmission truck to practice with (and drive while my celica is with you), and spending on the house should have stabalized.

questions:
1) i am really paranoid where the law/government is concearned. i want a 100% legal (egr and newer than 1999 engine), also preferably a engine that toyota still produces for the us market so i can get replacement parts easily. which engine would you recomend, considering i want awd and hope to get a 250-350bhp depending on engine tuning and modification (which i know very little about). i'm leaning v6 or v8.

2) one of the reasons i bought the house was the hope of making a garage so i could do some stuff myself. would there be anyway i could be present and/or help out in the process? i understand if the answer is no.

3) i assume the shop is located in Savannah, GA, is this in fact the case?

1. If you want a federally legal swap, then you are correct, the engine must be from '99 or newer. That being the case I would suggest one of the newer LS430 V8 engines (FWD or RWD) or one of the new V6 engines, like the 2GRFE out of the new Camry (AWD, FWD, or RWD). Since you said you want AWD, I would strongly recommend the V6, which makes 260hp stock.

2. I'm afraid that our insurance will not allow customers to spend time in the shop. You may, however, stop in from time to time to look at the progress.

3. That is correct.

-Doc