$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!
-

[Fate]

4age blacktop 6spd-for the win.

[Rayme]

how about a V6? They are under 1000$

[NapTown94]

how about a V6? They are under 1000$

V6's are an option. I would need some things like the harness and motor mounts and such, does anyone make these?

[bccentaur3]

Go v6 man. If you're getting 7,000 to do the celi up might as well do the v6 over all those minion motors. I mean you cant go 3sgte might as well go v6.

[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

[95CelicaST]

Blacktop 6sp FTL....

Silvertop has more torque. Blacktop puts down 10whp more, and has 110tq. 6sp is not needed.

4A-GE is a good route to go, however if you want to tuck the engine bay, please do not put your fusebox upside down.... in the fender... unless you want to invite water in to play with your fuses and relays

[frosty]

wow, I wish my parents gave me money like that for my first car! (though my first car was an '86 chevette and it wouldn't have been worth it)

For an all-motor set-up I would suggest the v-6 swap or beams swap (leaning more towards the v-6 since they have more room for power for less $ and parts are cheaper/easier to find)

Celicas were made to have bigger motors IMO.

[NapTown94]

yeah, I'm leaning towards the V6 swap right now. I'm gonna wait it out and see how his swap turns out, and get some pricing and other info I'm going to need. thanks for the advice, guys, keep it coming!

[spolski07]

k20 from a ITR














i joke i joke!!
lol anyways i say go either blacktop/silvertop... and itb's on the 4age
that would sound amazing and have more pep than your tired 7afe
and engine tuck FTMFW

[supra12big]

jdm k20a would be a god motor, very hard to swap, but fastest thing u could go for na, and the mods are crazy, so many out there

[NapTown94]

future engine swap for the 6gc....k20???

not likely. But would be very cool to see someone do.