the v6 swap information thread, UPDATED 3/1/07 Options

[celicaST]

why am i making this thread? after seeing K-ESD's completed v6 swap, i started looking into it as an option. the v6 swap has been a popular swap in mk1 and mk2 mr2's for a while now. v6 swap information is relatively sparse for the celica community, and i want to help change that. seems to me that too many people here jump on the 3sgte bandwagon without really exploring their options. there is a reason that owners of mk2 mr2 turbos are swapping out there 3sgte in favor of a v6. a v6 (by nature of its increased displacement) will give more low rpm torque than a 3sgte will stock for stock, and such, it makes a great daily driver. with relatively moderate modifications, a v6 can be made to produce huge hp with a wide powerband. and the best part, these engine are a dime a dozen. use www.car-part.com to find them locally in salvage yards for cheap. now there are a lot of options for a swap: 3vzfe, 5vzfe, 1mzfe, 3mzfe being the most popular. i myself plan on doing this swap either summer 07 or summer 08. i will be updating this thread with lots of info ive gathered, and it will be regularly checked checked for accuracy and clarity.

purpose of this post is to generate interest in the v6 swap and to provide a one-stop place to compile general and 6gc-specific v6 swap information.

Engine Information:

3VZ-FE:
-3.0L
-cast iron block
-factory engine girdle
-overbuilt internals
-OBD 1
-return type fuel system
-non interference
-distributor ignition
-engine hp/trq
*185hp @ 5200rpm / 195ftlb @ 4400rpm
-found in USDM
*92-93 Toyota Camry
*92-93 Lexus ES 300

1MZ-FE:
-3.0L
-aluminum alloy block
-lightweight internals
-OBD 2
-returnless fuel system 97+
-non interference for non-VVTi, interference for VVTi
-COP ignition
-multiport fuel injection
-forged powdered metal fracture split connecting rod
-drive by wire certain models/years
-engine hp/trq (several revisions)
*94-96: 188hp @ 5200rpm / 203ftlb @ 4400rpm
*97+: 192hp @ 5300rpm / 209ftlb @ 4400rpm
*97+ (solara specific): 200hp @ 5200rpm / 214lbft @ 4400rpm (gains from improved exhaust/intake plumbing)
*99+ with VVTi: 210hp @ 5800rpm / 220ftlb @ 4400rpm
-found in USDM
*94-06 Toyota Camry
*99-03 Toyota Solara
*97-01 Lexus ES 300
*99-03 Lexus RX 300
*95-04 Toyota Avalon
*98-03 Toyota Sienna
-vehicles with VVTi 1mzfe
*03-06 Toyota Camry
*00-04 Toyota Avalon
*01-03 Toyota Highlander
*99-01 Lexus ES 300
*99-03 Lexus RX 300
*01-03 Toyota Sienna

3MZ-FE:
-3.3L
-aluminum alloy block
-VVTi equipped
-shares many components with 1MZ-FE
-sequential fuel injection
-forged steel connecting rod
-drive by wire
-engine hp/trq
*225hp @ 5600rpm / 240ftlb @ 3600rpm
-found in USDM
*04-06 Toyota Camry SE V6
*04- Toyota Camry Solara
*04-06 Toyota Sienna
*03- Toyota Highlander
*03-06 Lexus RX 330
*06- Lexus RX 400h
*04-06 Lexus ES 330

Transmission Information:

Manual Transmissions:

S-54: 3.285, 1.960, 1.322, 1.028, 0.820 / FD: 3.944, 4.176
-3.944 diff found in JDM/UK 2nd and 3rd gen 3S-GE
-4.176 diff found in MK2 MR2 NA and 6gc GT
S-51: 3.538, 1.960, 1.250, 0.945, 0.731 / FD: 3.944
- found in I4 Camry
E-153: 3.230, 1.913, 1.258, 0.918, 0.731 / FD: 3.933, 4.285
-3.933 diff found in V6 Camry
-4.285 diff found in MK2 MR2 turbo
-V6 E-153 upgraded from 2 to 3 synchros 93+

Automatic Transmissions:

A-541E:
A-140E:

Swap Troubleshooting and Guides: to come

Dynos and Engine Specifications:
3VZ-FE vs 1MZ-FE

94 1MZ-FE vs 97 1MZ-FE


97 1MZ-FE vs 99 1MZ-FE with VVTi

VVTi 1MZ-FE vs 3MZ-FE



V6 Discussion Forums:
-mr2boards
-mr2oc (membership required)

6gc V6 Swaps:
-K-ESD with 3MZ-FE
-1MZ-FE swap (pics only)

Pictures
3VZ-FE vs Eagle 22R vs 1MZ-FE


This post has been edited by celicaST: Mar 1, 2007 - 8:03 AM

[Jeremiah]

Look - Hit up the DMV web site, or go to the DMV for all information regarding the law on engine swaps. Since California is one of the strictest places on the planet when it comes to SMOG regulations - GO TO THE SOURCE. If you don't read it, and you spend thousands of $$$ and your time to do a swap, and the ONLY research you did depend on this thread, I will mock you later when you can't get your blue sticker.


That said - I plan on going with an automatic when I do the swap anyway. I've driven auto V6's in yotas before, and I'm very pleased with how they function.

I'm still not sure what direction I want to go in. I was sold on the OBDI because of ease of install wiring, and the engine is supposed to be mechanically easier to work on. However, sounds like they have sludge issues in those years, and I'm not sure how to combat / correct for that

[celicaST]

That said - I plan on going with an automatic when I do the swap anyway. I've driven auto V6's in yotas before, and I'm very pleased with how they function.

I'm still not sure what direction I want to go in. I was sold on the OBDI because of ease of install wiring, and the engine is supposed to be mechanically easier to work on. However, sounds like they have sludge issues in those years, and I'm not sure how to combat / correct for that

i looked into the automatic option a little bit. i *think* the mounts are the same for the e-153 and the a541e. issue would be coming up with a solution for axels. forgmann sent me a pm of what might work with axels but i deleted it.

only the 3vzfe is obd1 and those do not have the sludge problem. the pre 03 1mzs are the ones with the sludge problem. its oil passageways through the head that cause the problem, but i doubt its a huge issue. if you change your oil regularly and run seafoam through it occasionally you should be fine.

[Jeremiah]

i looked into the automatic option a little bit. i *think* the mounts are the same for the e-153 and the a541e. issue would be coming up with a solution for axels. forgmann sent me a pm of what might work with axels but i deleted it.

Yeah, the axles in any application are what puzzles me. I'd really really like to do an auto, as I spend too much time in stop & go traffic these days The auto is vastly superior in those conditions. And, I've driven several V6 w/ auto's... they're much Much MUCH better than people give them credit for. The auto's on our little 4 bangers suck... but the V6 is a totally different animal.

only the 3vzfe is obd1 and those do not have the sludge problem.

Good to know 'cause I'm really leaning towards that motor. It's supposed to be much easier to swap / maintain and the weight difference isn't that significant - not when I'll have 200 HP on tap. The bottom end power is just AMAZINGLY better compared to a turbo setup, and being NA it'll last much longer. I can always add an illegal turbo if I want more vroom