V6 Swap ECU & Trans Question, Manual ECU Options

[sandusky1977]

So,. I'm looking at the stuff I want to pickup for a V6 swap, and of course have a couple of questions.

1) If I pickup an automatic Solara $750 that is totaled as the V6 donor, I can ground out a pin on the ECU to run it as a manual correct? and this would get me a lot of parts and pieces I would have to hunt and peck for also?

2) Or,. I've found a 1mz out of 96 Camry with harness for $300, but I would have to locate a 96 era manual ECU to avoid CEL problems?

Otherwise it seems like using a 1mz out of a 01 Solara will have the same basic parts list as the 1mz out of a 96 Camry right?

3) I'm currently running 225/40 zr 18" wheels and tires on my project car, much better highway rpms, and I'm wondering if the stock GT transmission is a real option, or if I should just suck it up and find a Solara transmission too.

This post has been edited by sandusky1977: Mar 27, 2014 - 12:29 PM

[ILoveMySilly97]

I'd rather get the donor car so you wouldnt have to keep hunting for missing parts.

[sandusky1977]

I'd rather get the donor car so you wouldnt have to keep hunting for missing parts.

I'm leaning that way, called to borrow my brothers trailer for Saturday. Wish it was a manual but to good a deal otherwise.

[ClevelandGaint]

Let me know how it goes, ill be starting my swap in the next week or 2, just picked up a 97 Avalon for next to nothing, its great more people are doing this swap finally, if you have any questions kurt95gt has been more than helpful with everything

[sandusky1977]

New plan after a nice consultation. If im doing it, I'm going the extra mile with the 3mz/1mz hybrid.

I'll post the planned parts list in the morning on my build thread. Also found out today that another member from diyefi is here in Lansing and building an ecu for a simple Toyota 22r so that might be an option with some local help.

Can't wait to see your build thread!

[ILoveMySilly97]

Hmmmm....two more people....97cecelia is also just starting on his st to 1mzfe swap. Btw for the 3mz/1mz hybrid, smaay currently has that setup so he can be a BIG help. He might be able to provide you with the passenger engine mount too.

[sandusky1977]

It was a consult with smaay that pointed me that direction.. +1 for smaay and his wealth of knowledge.

[Smaay]

im going to be doing 97celica's swap.

sandusky, like we talked about, get the 3MZ engine, a 97-2002 1MZ intake manifold. you can get the VVT 1MZ manifold with the dual throttle bodies but it has no provisions for an EGR. you might be able to fool the ECU with some resistors in the plugs.

you dont want to use 98+ ecu or harness, the plugs are different and the newer is looking for a more complicated EVAP system.

what I have now,
3MZ from a 2005 Sienna
97 Camry ECU and harness
im using a 2002 Solara 5 speed transmission.
Southbend TZ clutch with Fidanza flywheel.
im using 2002 MT Solara headers. they are shaped differently and there is no CAT built in them. they clear the shift cables easier.


If you have a GT, then you need an ST throttle cable.
I drilled and tapped the fuel rails to accept -6 AN fittings and converted to a return fuel system. My regulator is static which resembles the 97 Camry non return system.

This post has been edited by Smaay: Apr 2, 2014 - 11:46 PM