Molesting the 7A-FTE..., NEW UPDATES Options

[SwissFerdi]

:drool:

[Stambo]

how much those suckers run yea?

[OOBE]

$583 shipped. They got here in a week. Pretty quick if you ask me. In two weeks, I order the pistons.

[SwissFerdi]

OOBE...start convincing. Jim is throwing the Gen3 sermon on me.

[OOBE]

Go for the 3S, man. I'm only doing this to see if the 7A is capable, but it's not cheap. I already was heavily invested in this engine, even though it was on just repeat external mods, which is why I kept going. My tuner has gotten 400 WHP on stock internals with the 2nd gen 3S and a standalone EMS. It's a strong engine. To get that on the 7A, which I'm not sure if it'll hold that power because it hasn't been done, you need to do everything.

My turbo has put out 431 WHP on a 7th gen Celica, I only need to order forged pistons, and I have enough fuel and flow for that power. So one might think that my engine doesn't have anything to envy from a 3S. Well, what about a tranny that holds the power? Most important, not knowing if the engine will physically hold itself together at that power level.

What I'm saying is that while the 7A will probably be on its physical limits, the 3S will not be even breaking a sweat. Now, I'm assuming here. Nobody knows yet. We're just going by the "7A is a weak engine" mentality. Who knows if this engine is stronger internally than what it is believed. Just by its looks is not enough. We can only assume by our ignorance. I have proven that it can take good boost with good tuning and that the rods don't let go before the pistons. Now I have to see if the block will hold. This is another level now.

Something else that needs to be taken into consideration now: what if I get valve float. Will I need better valve springs? See? Little by little, more factors come into play. Once you iron a wrinkle, you get another one.

[SwissFerdi]

I completely understand what you're saying. However, I'm not sure I need the power. I'm not looking to drag the car and I'm not even purely looking for numbers, just a little more kick in daily driving and a little extra power to cruise around local roads. See, if the power limit of the 7A-FTE was 300HP, it would be no question. But since it seems to be right at 240, it makes me wonder if I'll get the power bug and want more eventually, which we know is not feasible. Is 200WHP enough for me? Yes. Will it remain enough? I'm not sure. That crucial point where the internals start being bothered is what bugs me.

If I definitely knew that the 7A-FTE was much cheaper (which is what I originally thought) or if I'd be satisfied with it in the long term, it'd be different. I applaud the route you're going, but it's not for me to open the engine and strengthen every little thing. I want reliability (only car, DD), and a reasonable level of fun.

This post has been edited by SwissFerdi: Nov 15, 2009 - 6:59 PM

[OOBE]

In that case, a swap is your best bet. When you get tired of the stock power, you can bump it while staying reliable. EVERYBODY craves more boost. You'll start feeling your car getting slower, which is just an effect of getting used to the power. A turbo car is not like a naturally aspirated car. Why do you think I keep breaking my engine? I could've left it at 10 PSI and be done with it, but the same day it started feeling slower. When I first turbocharged it, at only 3 PSI the car felt way faster and I said to myself, "Wow, this is enough for me." BS. I wanted only 200 WHP and was going to stop at that. Now I want more.

[SwissFerdi]

You're probably right. Still...a 7A-FTE is pretty unique, and for some reason...seems more special than a Gen3.

Well, if I ever get a GT-4, I sure hope the novelty won't have worn off.

[OOBE]

It seems more special. yes. That's one reason that keeps me going. For one, I don't like the exhaust note of the 3S. I love the exhaust note of the 7A. Personal likes. Life is about joys, and little things like that bring joy.

[SwissFerdi]

I do like how the 7A sounds, even in stock form.

But y'know what, I need at least a year to collect funds, I'll keep my mind open and think about my options. In the meantime, I'll just keep following this thread & others like it.

This post has been edited by SwissFerdi: Nov 15, 2009 - 8:35 PM

[Stambo]

You think forged internals is necessary for even 8-9 pounds? You did say that 8-9 pounds is fine, but for the DD think forged is the way to go?

[SwissFerdi]

Pretty sure forged isn't necessary unless you're going over 10 PSI.

[OOBE]

Don't go by PSI. Every turbo is different. But yeah, with a T3/T4, 10-12 PSI on stock internals is fine for daily driving...as long as it has good tuning.

[richee3]

Good info in this thread. Keep doing your thing, OOBE.

[CelicaST_CALI]

mmmmm assembly lube....

[Stambo]

aint a t3/t4 little to big?

[OOBE]

NO!

Not for my goals, but for someone else, it might be too big. I'm sacrificing spool.

[SwissFerdi]

At least you're pushing it properly.

I'd probably go for something small, even power across the board.

This post has been edited by SwissFerdi: Nov 19, 2009 - 7:46 PM

[OOBE]

An hour ago I was exchanging e-mails with a JE rep.
[i]Ramon,

We do not shelf stock these pistons, however we can certainly make them for you. The lead time is about 3 weeks and the price is about $165 each piston with pins, locks, and rings.

Thanks,

Nick

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
The skirt coating is $20.50 each piston, and the ceramic crown coating is $26.00 each piston.

Thanks,

Nickolaus DiBlasi
Sport Compact Specialist / Technical Sales
JE Pistons / Sportsman Racing Products
15312 Connector Lane
Huntington Beach, Ca 92649



I'll probably go with CP, though. I'm a sucker for their piston design, and they're lightweight, too. Plus, that's what my tuner runs in his 3S-GTE. He'll work on my engine happier if I sport some CP gear too.

[keison2000]

OObe, you are doing an outstanding job on your 7A... I hope you are done with it before the spring. I am thinking about just turboing my 7A instead of swapping a 4agze and replacing the supercharger with a turbo... I think with only 122k on my 7a it should be prime for a turbo....

This post has been edited by keison2000: Nov 20, 2009 - 12:14 PM