$7k for motor, tranny, and other work....ideas? Options

[NapTown94]

So in the spring, my dad and I will be fixing up the Celica. He's basically giving me $7,000 to upgrade it. I'm dropping a new motor and tranny in, but I don't know which motor I want.

-3S-GTE isn't an option = not allowed to have a turbo'd car.

So I'm considering the 5S-FE, the 4A-GE, and possibly the Beams engine (3S-GE I think...?). I'm also going to be swapping in a manual tranny. (AT's suck!) but with this in mind, what would you all suggest? I'm thinking maybe go with the 4A-GE, and go with the same setup the Yelli Celli has. I love the clean, tucked look. I'd like to get a Koyo Radiator, an MSD ignition setup, Optima battery, stainless steel hoses, just some better parts in general.

Besides the motor, These are some other things I will be doing and buying:

-fixing rust along roof/windshield line
-buying '96-'99 front fenders, sideskirts and bumper - facelift!
-Z-Max rear lip
-Curren taillights once I find a set
-StreetGlow neons
-Full 2.5" custom exhaust setup, de-cat test pipe, possibly new muffler - suggestions?
-Infinity 6.5" speakers all around, maybe a subwoofer.
-Tinting 15% all windows and windshield
-K&N drop-in filter. taking out bottom part of airbox.
-eBay header modded to fit
-17" wheels and tires. I'm thinking 5Zigens.
-Eibach Sportline springs
-Koni Yellow shocks
-Suspension Techniques sway bars
-front strut bar of some sort

So I've got my work cut out for me. This is probably more than $7k worth of work. But it's gonna happen. Let me know what you think for a new motor and trans. thanks!
-

[NapTown94]

which V6 should I use then? I'd like to drop in the Solara V6, but I know this isn't just a drop in conversion. I need a harness, power steering, all the exra bs. I'd LOVE to do this swap though. I'd only be 6GC member #2 or #3 to have a V6.

[snapshotgt]

which V6 should I use then? I'd like to drop in the Solara V6, but I know this isn't just a drop in conversion. I need a harness, power steering, all the exra bs. I'd LOVE to do this swap though. I'd only be 6GC member #2 or #3 to have a V6.

You would be #3. I suggest you wait until my V6 swap is done. The community will know more of what is required for it. I'm using a 1mzfe (non vvti) from a '00 Solara. Picking the engine is is key. Non vvt-i is better imo because they're simpler and can be sc'd or turbo'd. Newer engines like the 3mzfe have drive-by-wire, and pose wiring issues ...but can be done.

All this said, i urge you to wait about six weeks to get a better feel of the 6gc V6 world. I also suggest you stay NA whatever you do to avoid the turbo "bugs."

edit: To answer your question - it is not a drop in coversion.

This post has been edited by snapshotgt: Nov 20, 2007 - 12:34 PM