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

[yarik83]

So I have been lurking in the shadows but never straying away for last 8 months. I come back here once per week to check on how things are and how my fellow guys are doing.

Then I see this thread and it hits me like BAM BAM BAM Finally someone able to do super crazy conversions. So I spent next 6 hours plus 1 hour in traffic anticipating reading this thread at home as i could not read it at work.

I see this conversion, that conversion, and in the back of my head I see dollar signs lighting up.

Then I see lagos's and player's posts.. both of whom i met on several ocasions and learned to respect them for their ability to think critically and their knowledge on the specialized car matters.

Although I have a stack of money sitting next to me I am extremely hesitant to call you.

Yes I do want a car thats capable of some major butt whooping but I also want a car that is safe, reliable and will be in my possession as soon as possible. I called XAT racing and have been quoted a price along with a 7 percent state tax AND a quote on time it will take. 6-8 weeks from moment you contact them (meanwhile you are drivign a car for almost 2 months) then 2 weeks in their shop and back in your hands. Yes ladies and gentlemen this means that in 10 weeks time I dont have to rent a car nor send it far away from me and keep driving/modifying/upgrading it to my liking and when the shop is ready you just park your car ans walk away for 2 weeks time.
I also asked a local performance shop.. I have been quoted 2 weeks time as well.

Giving up your car for up to 3 months.. out of state, i might add, and at a risk of it have never been done before by non toyota racing team is scary, hairy and a huge risk to take.

I am not concearned with price at all.. that is something worth investing in.. but the thought of entrusting my vehicle to another person for 3 months is just plain frightening.

If this was a 2 week matter than I am sure more people would be interested.