doin ure own swap, how many of you guys have done ure own? Options

[Celicam8]

yes, one is heftier... blacktop is like a heavy duty version... but unless you are hammering the gas to the floor, you wont need it... Silvertop is the newer version and you have a better chance of getting one and rebuilding it (if you decide to) also, it has a different compression rating if I remember, Silvertop also has DOHC and its 20v... blacktop isnt... (I could be wrong)

[thespacepanda]

The blacktop if I'm not mistaken is actually the newer version made from 95-98 with a higher compression (11:1) vs the silvertop's 10.5:1. They both have DOHC 20V and they both have VVT. But the blacktop also has a map sensor and the diameter of the individual throttle bodies is increased.

[hurley97]

Manny has done swaps but not to his own car. He's a 5sfte guy. And YES Manny is a 6th gen celica GOD.

Manny, I feel a cult following coming on. Take advantage of this
I'm going to sacrifice some mobile-1 motor oil in your name. I hope its fumes rise up to the 6gc heavens and please you.

hahaaaa this is the best thread everrrr because of the above
oh Manny, I'm honored that I was your first 7A swap experience.

but I agree with Art, I'm a big believer in people doing all their own research and work. I learned by watching and getting involved where I could, eventually that gives you enough confidence to not be afraid to undertake almost anything even Manny can throw at you (haha). you also get that good feeling of accomplishment that adds to the feeling of pride in your car.

[Kwanza26]

yes, one is heftier... blacktop is like a heavy duty version... but unless you are hammering the gas to the floor, you wont need it... Silvertop is the newer version and you have a better chance of getting one and rebuilding it (if you decide to) also, it has a different compression rating if I remember, Silvertop also has DOHC and its 20v... blacktop isnt... (I could be wrong)

Unfortunately you are wrong... =(

Blacktop 20V is newer, lighter, more revvy and more powerful than the silvertop 20V. Both are DOHC, blacktop has more compression, more cam and a better designed, better flowing head. The only thing the silvertop has that may be a benefit over the blacktop, is the bigger rods.

Anyways... everyone starts somewhere... although I don't really count in the question. I kinda grew up around mechanics so... yeah. Doing a swap and fixing cars is a skill ANYONE can learn. It's a matter of time investment and practical application.

[Celicam8]

yes, one is heftier... blacktop is like a heavy duty version... but unless you are hammering the gas to the floor, you wont need it... Silvertop is the newer version and you have a better chance of getting one and rebuilding it (if you decide to) also, it has a different compression rating if I remember, Silvertop also has DOHC and its 20v... blacktop isnt... (I could be wrong)

Unfortunately you are wrong... =(

Blacktop 20V is newer, lighter, more revvy and more powerful than the silvertop 20V. Both are DOHC, blacktop has more compression, more cam and a better designed, better flowing head. The only thing the silvertop has that may be a benefit over the blacktop, is the bigger rods.

Anyways... everyone starts somewhere... although I don't really count in the question. I kinda grew up around mechanics so... yeah. Doing a swap and fixing cars is a skill ANYONE can learn. It's a matter of time investment and practical application.

so why choose silvertop over blackotp, bigger rods doesn't seem to have any effect on the power or how the engine feels...

[easternpiro1]

Funny how I get to work and this topic is bumped to the top. I was driving to work and I took a turn a bit hard and my battery came off the tray and fell on my distributor, breaking the lead off. The wire is fine, but I was running on 3 cylinders for a while, and it sounded awful. </story>
Well for the time that it was riding rough I started thinking:
I want to do a 4A blacktop swap. I'm thinking about pulling a loan out and not only buying the engine/tranny but also a beater car for daily driving (gotta get to work), maybe an aw11 or a 5th gen, I dunno. I found a site online that will sell a blacktop with tranny, ecu, harness, etc. for 900 plus shipping. Question is, is this a decent price for a blacktop and if i pull a 4K loan and get the beater for 1k, will 3K cover the cost of the engine and all the things necessary for the swap? It's not turbo so I assume it's going to be a little less work/money to get everything right. Any opinions?

Don't take out a loan... this money will be lost no matter how you look at it... save money and do it... for 3k you can do a 4a swap correctly.... also I'd recommend getting a frontendclip...

btw, why blacktop?

x2 As manny and art said its a great acomplishment when you do it yourself. DONT get a loan. saving and waiting makes it all worthwhile, i FINALLY understand what art was talking about when he insists i be patient and take my time. im over halfway to swap #2 and if i had a nearby celica guru to help i would attempt doing it myself, knowing that alot of the guys here (ESPECIALLY finding out manny didnt know much back in the day) has emboldend me

[DEATH]

The blacktop if I'm not mistaken is actually the newer version made from 95-98 with a higher compression (11:1) vs the silvertop's 10.5:1. They both have DOHC 20V and they both have VVT. But the blacktop also has a map sensor and the diameter of the individual throttle bodies is increased.

Panda - also take into consideration which 4A's have parts easily available in the US. IMO Get an older 4A-GZE - it's FI but it's got parts available in the US and because it's FI it will be built better. I got my friend a 4A-GZE clip from a Levin that was in beautiful shape for only $1500. Not sure if I can find one that cheap again but I would try.
Also - you have a bunch of people here in Houston that would def help out, who have done engine swaps before [all s series motors but the same rules apply] and you have Tweak to make the wiring harness right the first time. My friends and I would be more than willing to help you all throughout the swap process.
Your only problem - you live clear on the other side of town from all the rest of us. Might have to find a garage over here to do the work in if you want constant help.

[thespacepanda]

Well we may have access to a garage very soon and I would greatly appreciate any help you guys would throw me. As far as the gze goes I've thought for a while now about what kind of options I have and in the end It would be nice to have a 4agze, but honestly (and this may sound strange), i'm putting the blacktop in my celica to be my daily driver. I want another ST or an AW11 and build a 4agte out of a newer gen 4agze (the one with the beefier block) and make a sweet project car.

But honestly this is just to replace my daily driving motor if my 7a blows. It is an upgrade, but not a racecar. That's why I'm going black....

*slap*