Crazy Engine Swaps I'd Like To Do...., Who's up for a real crazy swap in their Celica? Options

[Dr_Tweak]

You guys all know that I've been doing swaps in Celicas for a long time, and after doing enough of the 3SGTE, 3SGE, 4AGE swaps, etc, I'm feeling the need for something a little off the wall. I have a feeling that there are some Celica owners out there who are thinking the same thing, they want something a little different. I've got three projects in mind that I'd be interested in doing, and I might even give a discount if someone steps up to the plate to have one done.

1. 1UZFE swap. The 1UZFE is the 4.0 V8 engine from the Lexus LS400. It makes between 265 and 300hp depending on the version. I would like to swap this engine, FRONT-WHEEL DRIVE, into a Celica, using an E153 or E58 transmission (LSD optional). I have personally seen this done sideways in a MK1 MR2, which is no bigger, if not smaller, than the Celica engine bay. We have all the equipment needed at my shop, and besides me, we now have another expert fabricator and tig welder that we just hired.

2. AWD 3SGTE conversion. This one has been done before and there's a number of threads recently on the subject. I've been ready to do one of these for a while, so if there's someone out there serious about having it done, I'm up for it.

3. 1JZGTE or 2JZGTE swap and conversion to REAR WHEEL DRIVE. Not a typo. You know what it is, you know you want it. We can do it.

Updated 7-23-08, prices were removed. Please contact me for current pricing.

Here's some more practical swaps that I'd like to do:

2ZZGE (7th gen Celica GTS 180hp) into '96+ Celica (OBD2 emissions legal)
2AZFE (Scion tC 160hp 160ft/lbs) into '96+ Celica (OBD2 emissions legal)
2GRFE, 2GRFSE, or 3MZFE into Celica (OBD2 emissions legal)

This post has been edited by Dr_Tweak: Jul 23, 2008 - 10:31 AM

[j0e_p3t]

put me down for a gt-four conversion! hah, i wish. i'd like to see the supra conversion done though.

This post has been edited by j0e_p3t: Feb 24, 2007 - 8:42 PM

[3WayStunna]

hmm, how about an sr20 in the celica, and then make it rwd.....i think thats off the wall enough, lol...but seriously the 1jz/2jz would be insane....

[Fate]

haha, would payment plans be possible?

[Nibbe]

If i just would live in the us i def would be up to 2JZGTE RWD swap. Hope someone has enough cash and wants you to make these insane swaps. I know theres someone. Btw are these already discounted prices or is it possible to get some discount of these prices?

[Hanyo]

someone needs to contact the admin. I think a mad man hacked into dr.tweaks account and started posted non-sense. LOL.. j/k

Its great to see your skills improving. If you ever do get bored, you can make the next mid-engine celica; and then... if that has not satisfied your crazy bone, you can do a dual engine celica.

if you accomplish that, you can Pm me about my crazy quad engine celica idea. muahahaha!

[Dr_Tweak]

I could probably discount the prices a little more if that's what someone needed to say "let's go for it".

someone needs to contact the admin. I think a mad man hacked into dr.tweaks account and started posted non-sense. LOL.. j/k

Its great to see your skills improving. If you ever do get bored, you can make the next mid-engine celica; and then... if that has not satisfied your crazy bone, you can do a dual engine celica.

if you accomplish that, you can Pm me about my crazy quad engine celica idea. muahahaha!

LOL

I wouldn't mind doing a mid-engine 3SGTE swap into a Celica, if someone wanted to do it.

-Doc

[CelicaGT04]

2jz is CrAzY!!

Man tweak... your CrazY! (and i love it)

I wish i had 12K to throw at you.. i would be on it in
heartbeat... but for now my car is in the shop lol.

Maybe i can get this done in about... 3 years.

[3WayStunna]

2jz swap, ftw...........

This post has been edited by 3WayStunna: Feb 25, 2007 - 11:14 AM

[K-ESD]

1UZFE/RWD ALL THE WAY !!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5C0veAb-CiM

forget about the 2JZ and the 3SGTE already !!!

[Bigmeanbulldog55]

What kind of warranty would you give with these? Would the motors be guarantied to run and for a period of time? I'm glad to know that there is a place to go to get these types of ideas actually accomplished.

[Chanh55]

Hmmm... Swapping a 2jzgte into my SC is about 10K total already... 12K total for swapping it into a Celica and converting it to RWD seems a bit too low.

[j0e_p3t]

don't complain about the good prices. i'd give up my college education money for one of those if the law didn't scare. and if i didn't care about my future. someone do the 2jz rwd conversion already. that would be siick.

[Chanh55]

^ No one's complaining... just saying it might be a little unrealistic based on the cost of swapping a 2jzgte into my car which is relatively an easier swap.

[6strngs]

I want one! any one! it doesn't matter to me!!!! I don't have 12K though... I've gotta seriously consider selling my soul...

[Nate]

I want one! any one! it doesn't matter to me!!!! I don't have 12K though... I've gotta seriously consider selling my soul...

If your that desperate, I'll give ya maybe $2500 for your soul... I guess thats a start

[99GT]

I know where to put my $1500 towards now... and start saving...give me a year or two. Damn...

[Dr_Tweak]

What kind of warranty would you give with these? Would the motors be guarantied to run and for a period of time? I'm glad to know that there is a place to go to get these types of ideas actually accomplished.

The warrantees are provided by whoever we get the engine from. In the case of a 1UZFE, it would be a salvage yard here in the US, they normally offer a 90-day warrantee. The JDM engines are provided by the importers, and they typically offer a 30-day "startup warrantee" which is pretty much worthless. The best thing you can do is buy an engine from a reputable importer. This is what we do and up to now haven't had a problem yet.

The $12,000 for the 2JZ conversion is a good price for sure, obviously I'm not making money on it, it's really just something that I'd like to do and so I'm offering it. Of course, there are quite a number of upgrades that we can do at the same time which would add to the price... and it is an "estimate".

-Doc

This post has been edited by Dr_Tweak: Feb 26, 2007 - 8:49 AM

[spolski07]

that V8 sounds badass....
man i wish i wasnt poor
haha

[BigAl_UK]

Is there enough room to get a 2JZ into a Celica engine bay? That would be a wicked conversion

[Chanh55]

Is there enough room to get a 2JZ into a Celica engine bay? That would be a wicked conversion

The IS300 engine bay doesn't seem much bigger than the Celica but it fits the 2JZGTE with a few adjustments... I definately think it's do-able for a price. The RWD conversion will be interesting. If anyone does a Celica with a 2JZGTE in it... it will be on all the magazine covers for sure.

[playr158]

only problem with the comparison of engine bays with the Supra to the IS or even SC...is that those cars come with a transmission tunnel....thats your problem the MOTOR of a 2jz will SQUEEZE in there hardcore...but you would either have to sit the motor REALLY REALLY low (i don't think its possible to sit that low in the frame) or (realistic and most plausible option right here) cut out a section of the firewall dead center and make a concave curve into the floor pan + firewall inorder for the bell housing to fit.

its plausible and fully doable...but it takes LOTS of fabrication and the price of a life worth of trust in your mechanic

[pokemeintheeye]

How long would it take to do one of these projects? Everyone is just so excited to here about what projects you wanna take on that people forget some things. I think one of the very important questions is "how long?" How about adding a blacktop Beams and rwd conversion to the list?

The only problem now is. Almost no one on here has those kinds of money to spend on the projects. How would you handle paying? Is it cash/credit up front or a deposit and pay the rest when the project is done?

[Dr_Tweak]

Is there enough room to get a 2JZ into a Celica engine bay? That would be a wicked conversion

Not stock, the body would require some serious modification.

-Doc

How long would it take to do one of these projects? Everyone is just so excited to here about what projects you wanna take on that people forget some things. I think one of the very important questions is "how long?" How about adding a blacktop Beams and rwd conversion to the list?

The only problem now is. Almost no one on here has those kinds of money to spend on the projects. How would you handle paying? Is it cash/credit up front or a deposit and pay the rest when the project is done?

Time would have to basically be a non-issue. You have to either have a second car or a girlfriend or whatever to drive you around. The LAST thing I'm going to do with any of these conversion is rush I would say count on three months for sure.

100% of parts and 50% of labor must be paid up front, and the remaining 50% of labor before the car is picked up. We accept credit cards as well as cash.

A BEAMS Blacktop/6-speed/RWD conversion is GREAT idea!

-Doc

This post has been edited by Dr_Tweak: Feb 26, 2007 - 4:08 PM

[Fate]

tweak i would love to be one of the people with one of these crazy swap-i'm just not sure if i want to sink 12 grand into a 13 year old car all in one shot. true it would be practically one of a kind (depending on how many you did) but if something were to break what would be the insurance on fixing it? like i'm talking about within a month of the swap for example?

[BLINKYxMUNKEY]

3. 1JZGTE or 2JZGTE swap and conversion to REAR WHEEL DRIVE. Not a typo. You know what it is, you know you want it. We can do it. Total cost including everything: $12,000.

WHO'S UP?!

I know a couple of guys in town that are looking for a Celica rolling chasis to do this. Just for a full blown drag car though.

This post has been edited by BLINKYxMUNKEY: Feb 26, 2007 - 4:22 PM

[Dr_Tweak]

You know what project I just remembered that I've been wanting to do for a REALLY long time?

RHD CONVERSION!!!

tweak i would love to be one of the people with one of these crazy swap-i'm just not sure if i want to sink 12 grand into a 13 year old car all in one shot. true it would be practically one of a kind (depending on how many you did) but if something were to break what would be the insurance on fixing it? like i'm talking about within a month of the swap for example?

Honestly I garantee my work for life (as far as I'm concerned). I can only thing of a few very rare situations where something went wrong BECUASE of my work (a couple of hoses blowing off before I switched over to t-bolt clamps, for example). As for the mechanical parts on the car breaking, well, it's a car, that is going to happen sooner or later. But as long as we use good parts and take our time, get the engine from a reliable importer, etc, then longevity should not be a problem.

-Doc

This post has been edited by Dr_Tweak: Feb 26, 2007 - 8:28 PM

[lagos]

how about you be the first one to do this in your own car, tweak? at the very least you would have a prototype for future swaps and it would generate more business for your other projects.

honestly, i think a project like that would cost around 24k, not 12. people forget that fact that you would pretty much be building a car from the ground up. EVERYTHING would have to be stripped, and fabricated. that motor is just too big for our engine bays.

[celicaST]

1uz would be badass. one of the best v8's made. even though its an aluminum block, im guessing its still a relatively heavy engine and would throw off the balance.

[playr158]

RHD isn't too hard.....

but i'm with lagos y don't u try it on your own then get someone else to foot the bill...i see this just ending in lots of problems and law suit...
but lagos motor will fit....tranny will not thats the problem

[InfamousChappy]

All these swaps are estimated at twice if not 3 and 4 times what a 3SGTE swap is estimated at. Plus the troubleshooting you'll inevitably run into. Face it..the people that are interested in modifiying their celicas do not have this kinda money. What should be happening is figuring out how to make a swap cheaper!

I'll be in Savannah for that kick ass St. Patty's celebration ya'll throw...If you wanna drop a V8 in my celica while I'm down there have at it!

This post has been edited by InfamousChappy: Feb 26, 2007 - 11:47 PM

[H8DC3lica94]

how bout i send you the celica, pay you $500 a month until i come up with enough money to do the supra swap? ha!

[Bigmeanbulldog55]

If Dr Tweak isn't making much on them, I think the price is reasonable. He has a shop were he can get stuff cheaper, like motors. On top of that, he will do the custom fabbing and most likely have an abundance of scrap metal, tools, and supplies to get the job done. If someone was going to make some money on it, it would have to cost more.

[QuintinGT]

Would the 1UZ bolt up to the AWD tranny? An AWD V8 would be sweet. how well would this motor respond to boosting? or is it more of a NA type motor like the 1MZ? would there even be room?(for a turbo)

[95celgt]

hmm, i want 4wd added to my 3sgte.

Yes just the 4wd as I have already built my 3s, how much would that be?

[pokemeintheeye]

I don't know why people keep arguing the prices saying its gonna cost more. His prices are very reasonable. I do recall someone saying that the person who converted the black Celica in Florida to awd would charge $6,000 for the conversion. I believe that was without parts and only labor. Which is right around what Dr Tweak is charging if you add all parts needed. The shop that is doing 2jz swaps into S2000's are charging $15,000 for a complete swap all parts included. They've done 3 already.

I'd be thinking about going through with this sometime in the future. Its great to know theres a shop we can count on. 3 months is exactly what I was thinking the project would take.

[playr158]

I don't know why people keep arguing the prices saying its gonna cost more. His prices are very reasonable. I do recall someone saying that the person who converted the black Celica in Florida to awd would charge $6,000 for the conversion. I believe that was without parts and only labor. Which is right around what Dr Tweak is charging if you add all parts needed. The shop that is doing 2jz swaps into S2000's are charging $15,000 for a complete swap all parts included. They've done 3 already.

I'd be thinking about going through with this sometime in the future. Its great to know theres a shop we can count on. 3 months is exactly what I was thinking the project would take.

don't you wonder WHY they charge 15,000 for a s2k 2jz swap.....that has a tranny tunnel and RWD already in it...a celica has NONE of these....which makes sense it should cost near 20 grand

[Bigmeanbulldog55]

Would the 1UZ bolt up to the AWD tranny? An AWD V8 would be sweet. how well would this motor respond to boosting? or is it more of a NA type motor like the 1MZ? would there even be room?(for a turbo)

I've thought of the 1mzfe turbo and AWD before. But I was thinking of it in a st185. A V8 AWD would be pretty cool. I don't know how useful it would be at all, but still cool. Something to laugh about and wish you had. Not much fun as a daily driver I bet.

[6strngs]

V8 + AWD would equal something VERY heavy wouldn't it?

[Dr_Tweak]

how about you be the first one to do this in your own car, tweak? at the very least you would have a prototype for future swaps and it would generate more business for your other projects.

Because I don't have 12k to put into my Celica

1uz would be badass. one of the best v8's made. even though its an aluminum block, im guessing its still a relatively heavy engine and would throw off the balance.

Actually, the 1UZ is about 30 pounds lighter than a 3SGTE. (Not a typo).

Would the 1UZ bolt up to the AWD tranny? An AWD V8 would be sweet. how well would this motor respond to boosting? or is it more of a NA type motor like the 1MZ? would there even be room?(for a turbo)

It's possible, and a great idea as well. A well-designed low-boost turbo system could definetely work on the 1UZ with great results.

hmm, i want 4wd added to my 3sgte.

Yes just the 4wd as I have already built my 3s, how much would that be?

Is the 3S already in your car?

-Doc

[easternpiro1]

[quote name='Dr_Tweak' date='Feb 27, 2007 - 9:50 PM' post='531058']
[quote name='lagos' post='530642' date='Feb 27, 2007 - 2:41 AM']
how about you be the first one to do this in your own car, tweak? at the very least you would have a prototype for future swaps and it would generate more business for your other projects.
[/quote]

Because I don't have 12k to put into my Celica


DOC YOU HAVE A CELICA?!?!?!?? i didnt know! lol

[jcbass7]

How much for a RHD conversion? parts labor etc.

[Dr_Tweak]

how about you be the first one to do this in your own car, tweak? at the very least you would have a prototype for future swaps and it would generate more business for your other projects.

Because I don't have 12k to put into my Celica

DOC YOU HAVE A CELICA?!?!?!?? i didnt know! lol

I picked up a 5th gen the other day, yeah

How much for a RHD conversion? parts labor etc.

Well a full, unmolested front-clip is like $3500 shipped. If you're already swapped, you can sell off the engine set for like $2000 or so. So $1500, plus say, $2000 for labor, and another $1000 or so of odds and ends. So under $5k.

-Doc

This post has been edited by Dr_Tweak: Feb 28, 2007 - 6:26 PM

[95celgt]

Of course the 3s is in my celica, its my daily driver, only have like 1,000 miles on the motor though...I dont drive much(made the motor back in august)

[Dr_Tweak]

Of course the 3s is in my celica, its my daily driver, only have like 1,000 miles on the motor though...I dont drive much(made the motor back in august)

I guess around... $8000 for everything to convert to AWD.

-Doc

[LewFX]

is it possible to drop in a 350z engine in out car!?

[celicaST]

is it possible to drop in a 350z engine in out car!?

id rather have the 2grfse

[Toyoca]

cool, but yea, as others said i think u should try it on your own car first.

[Fastbird]

3. 2JZGTE swap and conversion to REAR WHEEL DRIVE. Not a typo. You know what it is, you know you want it. We can do it. Total cost including everything: $12,000.

WHO'S UP?!

Woah.......may be time for another project car!

[playr158]

Well a full, unmolested front-clip is like $3500 shipped. If you're already swapped, you can sell off the engine set for like $2000 or so. So $1500, plus say, $2000 for labor, and another $1000 or so of odds and ends. So under $5k.

-Doc

where are you finding a 3rd gen for 3500? everyone i see is +4500


1000 for odds and ends? you don't need anything "odds and ends" everything you need is included in the clip....except you'd have to MAYBE lengthen wiring harness which ~50$ maybe

so i'd like to know where 1000 comes from?
i mean i know i don't have to do as much stuff since i'm putting in a 3rd gen 3s.....but **** if you are putting in RHD you might as well just put the 3s that it came with in as well...
100% plug and play....

This post has been edited by playr158: Mar 1, 2007 - 1:12 AM

[K-ESD]

odds and end often include: timing belt, water pump, gaskets, hoses, line, fittings, fasteners, fuilds, preventive maintnance parts, shop materials.

1000 is a resonable margin

[playr158]

odds and end often include: timing belt, water pump, gaskets, hoses, line, fittings, fasteners, fuilds, preventive maintnance parts, shop materials.

1000 is a resonable margin

talking about a rhd swap....not a engine swap

This post has been edited by playr158: Mar 1, 2007 - 8:50 AM

[pokemeintheeye]

I don't know why people keep arguing the prices saying its gonna cost more. His prices are very reasonable. I do recall someone saying that the person who converted the black Celica in Florida to awd would charge $6,000 for the conversion. I believe that was without parts and only labor. Which is right around what Dr Tweak is charging if you add all parts needed. The shop that is doing 2jz swaps into S2000's are charging $15,000 for a complete swap all parts included. They've done 3 already.

I'd be thinking about going through with this sometime in the future. Its great to know theres a shop we can count on. 3 months is exactly what I was thinking the project would take.

don't you wonder WHY they charge 15,000 for a s2k 2jz swap.....that has a tranny tunnel and RWD already in it...a celica has NONE of these....which makes sense it should cost near 20 grand

Well, heres the thing. Those guys are looking to profit. Dr Tweak isn't looking to make a whole lot of money off of these projects. He's already said that. Those guys that are doing the 2jz swaps into the s2000's are looking to profit. Above that, people who own s2000's aren't poor like most of us Celica owners. There are plenty of 2jz and 1jz swaps done on oldschool Supra's that some shops charge $8000 parts included. Thats another price to compare. Dr Tweak wants to tackle these projects. So yeah, he's gonna give the one who steps up with their Celica a deal. He's not doing it to profit, he's doing it cause he wants to. Thats why his prices are what they are.

[Dr_Tweak]

is it possible to drop in a 350z engine in out car!?

Just as possible as the rest of these swaps, yeah. The VQ35 (350Z engine) has been put into the Sentra, which aren't any bigger than the Celica. However, as mentioned, I'd much rather do a 2GR.

-Doc

[playr158]

I don't know why people keep arguing the prices saying its gonna cost more. His prices are very reasonable. I do recall someone saying that the person who converted the black Celica in Florida to awd would charge $6,000 for the conversion. I believe that was without parts and only labor. Which is right around what Dr Tweak is charging if you add all parts needed. The shop that is doing 2jz swaps into S2000's are charging $15,000 for a complete swap all parts included. They've done 3 already.

I'd be thinking about going through with this sometime in the future. Its great to know theres a shop we can count on. 3 months is exactly what I was thinking the project would take.

don't you wonder WHY they charge 15,000 for a s2k 2jz swap.....that has a tranny tunnel and RWD already in it...a celica has NONE of these....which makes sense it should cost near 20 grand

Well, heres the thing. Those guys are looking to profit. Dr Tweak isn't looking to make a whole lot of money off of these projects. He's already said that. Those guys that are doing the 2jz swaps into the s2000's are looking to profit. Above that, people who own s2000's aren't poor like most of us Celica owners. There are plenty of 2jz and 1jz swaps done on oldschool Supra's that some shops charge $8000 parts included. Thats another price to compare. Dr Tweak wants to tackle these projects. So yeah, he's gonna give the one who steps up with their Celica a deal. He's not doing it to profit, he's doing it cause he wants to. Thats why his prices are what they are.

ok older supras you are still missing my point about your examples.....

hat has a tranny tunnel and RWD already in it...a celica has NONE of these

you need to think WITHIN the same realm of cars

so go find out the price integra owners and civic owners are paying for RWD conversions + a motor that size AND THEN you will have a better idea.....
supras + s2k = apple
celicas = orange
u can't compare the two

but if tweak does it fully 100% working ZERO issues for the listed......more power to him

This post has been edited by playr158: Mar 1, 2007 - 3:42 PM

[celicaST]

hell while were talking crazy swaps, why not just go balls out and swap a 1gzfe... a man can dream

[lumbercis]

Well, maybe it's not that crazy, but I'd still like to see a plain old 3sge blacktop swap into a FWD GT. Ive heard of some people attempting it, but never seen one running, mostly because of wiring/electronics issues. Tweak, how much to get one of these running for me?

[pokemeintheeye]

I don't know why people keep arguing the prices saying its gonna cost more. His prices are very reasonable. I do recall someone saying that the person who converted the black Celica in Florida to awd would charge $6,000 for the conversion. I believe that was without parts and only labor. Which is right around what Dr Tweak is charging if you add all parts needed. The shop that is doing 2jz swaps into S2000's are charging $15,000 for a complete swap all parts included. They've done 3 already.

I'd be thinking about going through with this sometime in the future. Its great to know theres a shop we can count on. 3 months is exactly what I was thinking the project would take.

don't you wonder WHY they charge 15,000 for a s2k 2jz swap.....that has a tranny tunnel and RWD already in it...a celica has NONE of these....which makes sense it should cost near 20 grand

Well, heres the thing. Those guys are looking to profit. Dr Tweak isn't looking to make a whole lot of money off of these projects. He's already said that. Those guys that are doing the 2jz swaps into the s2000's are looking to profit. Above that, people who own s2000's aren't poor like most of us Celica owners. There are plenty of 2jz and 1jz swaps done on oldschool Supra's that some shops charge $8000 parts included. Thats another price to compare. Dr Tweak wants to tackle these projects. So yeah, he's gonna give the one who steps up with their Celica a deal. He's not doing it to profit, he's doing it cause he wants to. Thats why his prices are what they are.

ok older supras you are still missing my point about your examples.....

I got your point but you're not adding things up with what I'm saying. Doesn't matter anyways. He comes up with the numbers. If anyone wants to go through with it then they will.

[Chanh55]

Edited.

Snap's WEAK! =D

This post has been edited by Chanh55: Mar 2, 2007 - 1:36 PM

[2slow2nervous]

how about a 350??? is that a possibility for the celicas? what would some1 thing if they roled up next to a celica and just heard a 350 growl in their face!

This post has been edited by 2slow2nervous: Mar 1, 2007 - 4:34 PM

[lagos]

the whole point is this... you are asking someone to take a HUGE risk with their car, invest a lot of money, and put a ton of faith in your fabrication skills (jb weld? ). why dont you buy a 6th gen, and swap it with something. im not talking about this 2jz nonsense... but im sure you could pull off some type of swap for next to nothing with all the spare parts you must have around the shop from the cars youve worked on. i always thought it was strange that you work on all these 6th gen swaps, yet you dont have one of your own.

if you really want to do an awd or rwd conversion, it shouldn't be the type of thing that you just weld/bolt on in a few months and hand it over to some kid thats going to do awd launches and 150mph runs on the highway. you would need at least 6months to a year of test driving to make sure that everything holds up over time, so that this doesn't end up killing someone. so, do it to your own car, weed out the bugs and show people that this isn't just talk. once you have something amazing to show, im sure people will start taking out loans and you'll be making even more money.

[Dr_Tweak]

Well, maybe it's not that crazy, but I'd still like to see a plain old 3sge blacktop swap into a FWD GT. Ive heard of some people attempting it, but never seen one running, mostly because of wiring/electronics issues. Tweak, how much to get one of these running for me?

Just to do a plug and play wiring harness? $350 plus $30 for shipping, if you have both uncut harnesses.

-Doc

[snapshotgt]

the whole point is this... you are asking someone to take a HUGE risk with their car, invest a lot of money, and put a ton of faith in your fabrication skills (jb weld? ). why dont you buy a 6th gen, and swap it with something. im not talking about this 2jz nonsense... but im sure you could pull off some type of swap for next to nothing with all the spare parts you must have around the shop from the cars youve worked on. i always thought it was strange that you work on all these 6th gen swaps, yet you dont have one of your own.

if you really want to do an awd or rwd conversion, it shouldn't be the type of thing that you just weld/bolt on in a few months and hand it over to some kid thats going to do awd launches and 150mph runs on the highway. you would need at least 6months to a year of test driving to make sure that everything holds up over time, so that this doesn't end up killing someone. so, do it to your own car, weed out the bugs and show people that this isn't just talk. once you have something amazing to show, im sure people will start taking out loans and you'll be making even more money.

Very good point Art. People need to look at this logically.

This post has been edited by snapshotgt: Mar 1, 2007 - 5:26 PM

[Dr_Tweak]

the whole point is this... you are asking someone to take a HUGE risk with their car, invest a lot of money, and put a ton of faith in your fabrication skills (jb weld? ). why dont you buy a 6th gen, and swap it with something. im not talking about this 2jz nonsense... but im sure you could pull off some type of swap for next to nothing with all the spare parts you must have around the shop from the cars youve worked on. i always thought it was strange that you work on all these 6th gen swaps, yet you dont have one of your own.

if you really want to do an awd or rwd conversion, it shouldn't be the type of thing that you just weld/bolt on in a few months and hand it over to some kid thats going to do awd launches and 150mph runs on the highway. you would need at least 6months to a year of test driving to make sure that everything holds up over time, so that this doesn't end up killing someone. so, do it to your own car, weed out the bugs and show people that this isn't just talk. once you have something amazing to show, im sure people will start taking out loans and you'll be making even more money.

What you don't understand is that I work a TON of different cars. Supras, Celicas, MR2s, Corollas, Tercels, Pickups, Echos, etc. I can't go and buy EVERY SINGLE CAR I WORK ON, do a swap in it for myself, so that I can go on each forum and be like, "oh yeah, I did that swap on my own car, check it out...". Let me put this very plainly:

If you live at home with your parents, or are in college, or are in a lot of debt, or don't have a good job, or you don't have much common sense, leave this thread now, this kind of conversion is not for you. On the other hand, if you have some clue about what's going on when I say that I'm going to turn your FWD Celica into a RWD, and you have the ability to pay for (or at least pay off) a large amount of money, and you want to do something crazy with your Celica that hasn't been done before, then we can do it.

I know for certain that while the 6th gen Celica is a first car for many people here, and the only car or second car for a lot of people who don't have a lot of money, or the only car of a college student, there are also some people at least watching who STILL have their Celica from when they were in that situation, but now they've graduated college, they're getting older, getting more money and buying power, have another (new) car or two, and maybe want to do something cool with their Celica.

-Doc

[lumbercis]

Well, maybe it's not that crazy, but I'd still like to see a plain old 3sge blacktop swap into a FWD GT. Ive heard of some people attempting it, but never seen one running, mostly because of wiring/electronics issues. Tweak, how much to get one of these running for me?

Just to do a plug and play wiring harness? $350 plus $30 for shipping, if you have both uncut harnesses.

-Doc

I meant the whole swap. From what I've read, it's a hard swap because of fitment issues trying to get a RWD engine to work on a FWD setup. Then comes the wiring headaches. One or two people have got it to almost work by sourcing redtop BEAMS manifolds. But i'd rather get someone to make the original stuff work as I imagine finding redtop parts would be a huge headache. Finding a blacktop BEAMS itself would be hard, but I only have to do that once.
j.

[lagos]

What you don't understand is that I work a TON of different cars. Supras, Celicas, MR2s, Corollas, Tercels, Pickups, Echos, etc. I can't go and buy EVERY SINGLE CAR I WORK ON, do a swap in it for myself, so that I can go on each forum and be like, "oh yeah, I did that swap on my own car, check it out...". Let me put this very plainly:

oh, so your on here strictly as a vendor, not as an enthusiast?

you have a good reputation for basic bolt in swaps and harness work, but no one has ever seen you do any form of fabrication. you're going to have a hard time convincing people that you have the skills to do a project of that caliber without giving them a real world example. this is the reason why many shops/vendors have shop test cars of their own. to show what they can do and to weed out the bugs. i mean, whats going to happen if, half way though cutting up someones car, you find out that you cant finish the project due to a mechanical issue or a financial one?

This post has been edited by lagos: Mar 1, 2007 - 5:41 PM

[jgreening]

What you don't understand is that I work a TON of different cars. Supras, Celicas, MR2s, Corollas, Tercels, Pickups, Echos, etc. I can't go and buy EVERY SINGLE CAR I WORK ON, do a swap in it for myself, so that I can go on each forum and be like, "oh yeah, I did that swap on my own car, check it out...". Let me put this very plainly:

oh, so your on here strictly as a vendor, not as an enthusiast?

you have a good reputation for basic bolt in swaps and harness work, but no one has ever seen you do any form of fabrication. you're going to have a hard time convincing people that you have the skills to do a project of that caliber without giving them a real world example. this is the reason why many shops/vendors have shop test cars of their own. to show what they can do and to weed out the bugs. i mean, whats going to happen if, half way though cutting up someones car, you find out that you cant finish the project due to a mechanical issue or a financial one?

Out of curiosity Art, why are you bustin his balls so much?

[Dr_Tweak]

Well, maybe it's not that crazy, but I'd still like to see a plain old 3sge blacktop swap into a FWD GT. Ive heard of some people attempting it, but never seen one running, mostly because of wiring/electronics issues. Tweak, how much to get one of these running for me?

Just to do a plug and play wiring harness? $350 plus $30 for shipping, if you have both uncut harnesses.

-Doc

I meant the whole swap. From what I've read, it's a hard swap because of fitment issues trying to get a RWD engine to work on a FWD setup. Then comes the wiring headaches. One or two people have got it to almost work by sourcing redtop BEAMS manifolds. But i'd rather get someone to make the original stuff work as I imagine finding redtop parts would be a huge headache. Finding a blacktop BEAMS itself would be hard, but I only have to do that once.
j.

Oh I gotcha. I'd have to quote it all out, but it's true that the manifold, among other things, would need to be changed. We could tig-weld up a custom manifold easier and probably cheaper than tyring to find one from a red-top. Just off the top of my head I'd put it around $5900 or so.

What you don't understand is that I work a TON of different cars. Supras, Celicas, MR2s, Corollas, Tercels, Pickups, Echos, etc. I can't go and buy EVERY SINGLE CAR I WORK ON, do a swap in it for myself, so that I can go on each forum and be like, "oh yeah, I did that swap on my own car, check it out...". Let me put this very plainly:

oh, so your on here strictly as a vendor, not as an enthusiast?

you have a good reputation for basic bolt in swaps and harness work, but no one has ever seen you do any form of fabrication. you're going to have a hard time convincing people that you have the skills to do a project of that caliber without giving them a real world example. this is the reason why many shops/vendors have shop test cars of their own. to show what they can do and to weed out the bugs. i mean, whats going to happen if, half way though cutting up someones car, you find out that you cant finish the project due to a mechanical issue or a financial one?

Give me a break, of course not. I'm a TOYOTA ENTHUSIAST.

Anyway, I'm not going to argue with you all night on this subject. Your point of reasoning is that I should do it on my own car before I do it on someone elses. My point is: No. I probably am not going to. If the customer decides that they don't want to have it done because I haven't done it before, then they won't bring it to me to have it done and I won't do it. Simple as that.

Thanks for dissing my work by saying that I only do BASIC BOLT-IN SWAPS.



-Doc

This post has been edited by Dr_Tweak: Mar 1, 2007 - 6:03 PM

[lagos]

Out of curiosity Art, why are you bustin his balls so much?

because hes asking someone to "set up to the plate", but hes not even a player in the ball game.

Thanks for dissing my work by saying that I only do BASIC BOLT-IN SWAPS.

im really not trying to diss you or give you a hard time. but i have seen your work first hand and there were areas that in my opinion could have been done better. my impression was that you did a "quick and dirty" basic swap. i didnt see anything that stood out as "wow". please dont take that statement the wrong way tho... its just my opinion from what i saw. i know your customers are very happy with your service .

[Zimluura]

i'm very interested in a swap + awd conversion. i had no idea your shop could do the awd.

i've got the cash, at present. but, i bought a house in january and am fixing it up and spending tons on it right now. also, as of right now, i'm not very good at manual transmission, and only have my 1 car to drive. also not sure how much the governments will want from my tax-wise this year.

i think after 2-6 months i'll be ready for this. i should have gotten a manual transmission truck to practice with (and drive while my celica is with you), and spending on the house should have stabalized.

questions:
1) i am really paranoid where the law/government is concearned. i want a 100% legal (egr and newer than 1999 engine), also preferably a engine that toyota still produces for the us market so i can get replacement parts easily. which engine would you recomend, considering i want awd and hope to get a 250-350bhp depending on engine tuning and modification (which i know very little about). i'm leaning v6 or v8.

2) one of the reasons i bought the house was the hope of making a garage so i could do some stuff myself. would there be anyway i could be present and/or help out in the process? i understand if the answer is no.

3) i assume the shop is located in Savannah, GA, is this in fact the case?

This post has been edited by Zimluura: Mar 1, 2007 - 6:20 PM

[Dr_Tweak]

i'm very interested in a swap + awd conversion. i had no idea your shop could do the awd.

i've got the cash, at present. but, i bought a house in january and am fixing it up and spending tons on it right now. also, as of right now, i'm not very good at manual transmission, and only have my 1 car to drive. also not sure how much the governments will want from my tax-wise this year.

i think after 2-6 months i'll be ready for this. i should have gotten a manual transmission truck to practice with (and drive while my celica is with you), and spending on the house should have stabalized.

questions:
1) i am really paranoid where the law/government is concearned. i want a 100% legal (egr and newer than 1999 engine), also preferably a engine that toyota still produces for the us market so i can get replacement parts easily. which engine would you recomend, considering i want awd and hope to get a 250-350bhp depending on engine tuning and modification (which i know very little about). i'm leaning v6 or v8.

2) one of the reasons i bought the house was the hope of making a garage so i could do some stuff myself. would there be anyway i could be present and/or help out in the process? i understand if the answer is no.

3) i assume the shop is located in Savannah, GA, is this in fact the case?

1. If you want a federally legal swap, then you are correct, the engine must be from '99 or newer. That being the case I would suggest one of the newer LS430 V8 engines (FWD or RWD) or one of the new V6 engines, like the 2GRFE out of the new Camry (AWD, FWD, or RWD). Since you said you want AWD, I would strongly recommend the V6, which makes 260hp stock.

2. I'm afraid that our insurance will not allow customers to spend time in the shop. You may, however, stop in from time to time to look at the progress.

3. That is correct.

-Doc

[K-ESD]

yup....

[K-ESD]

hey doc
do you know if a MZ block fits the alltrac/gt-four trans?

[FORGMANN]

1mz and 3mz will mate to st205 box but issue is rear transfer case and engine clearance . I think it should fit but no way to tell until you bolted up ..
guy in uk who did 3v swap st185 with awd had to use a bunch of diff combo of parts from rav4 etc..

[Dr_Tweak]

hey doc
do you know if a MZ block fits the alltrac/gt-four trans?

Yeah, as mentioned it could be done but it would likely need some modification.

-Doc

[nate95]

you should choose a lab rat (one of us) and do it for free to show the non believers you can do it.. i'd be willing lol i know thats a long shot, but just thought i'd bring it up. good luck!

[Valo666]

I think if you wanted to do somethin really rediculus, you should do a dual engine swap into some ones celi...like they do in alot of Renaults. a dual 5s powered celi? Use an MR2 tranny so you wouldnt have to mess around with the oem celi one. or better yet just use a mr2 5s. Maybe?? I think that would be more badass than a 4.0L or a AWD conversion. I still like the idea of the 2j though

[Dr_Tweak]

I'd be willing to do that. I'm not going to do it for free though, because I'm already pretty much doing it for free

-Doc

[95CelicaST]

I think if you wanted to do somethin really rediculus, you should do a dual engine swap into some ones celi...like they do in alot of Renaults. a dual 5s powered celi? Use an MR2 tranny so you wouldnt have to mess around with the oem celi one. or better yet just use a mr2 5s. Maybe?? I think that would be more badass than a 4.0L or a AWD conversion. I still like the idea of the 2j though

There is a Tiburon somewhere on the net that has one engine powering the front wheels and another in the back powering the back wheels. That was some sick s***

[Chanh55]

I think if you wanted to do somethin really rediculus, you should do a dual engine swap into some ones celi...like they do in alot of Renaults. a dual 5s powered celi? Use an MR2 tranny so you wouldnt have to mess around with the oem celi one. or better yet just use a mr2 5s. Maybe?? I think that would be more badass than a 4.0L or a AWD conversion. I still like the idea of the 2j though

There is a Tiburon somewhere on the net that has one engine powering the front wheels and another in the back powering the back wheels. That was some sick s***

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yofZIcTkCiw

[jcbass7]

Hows this doc

I'll give you my 94 GT COUPE so you will have a 6th gen to toy with
and you can make my 94 GT HATCH RHD

This post has been edited by jcbass7: Mar 2, 2007 - 5:07 PM

[yarik83]

So I have been lurking in the shadows but never straying away for last 8 months. I come back here once per week to check on how things are and how my fellow guys are doing.

Then I see this thread and it hits me like BAM BAM BAM Finally someone able to do super crazy conversions. So I spent next 6 hours plus 1 hour in traffic anticipating reading this thread at home as i could not read it at work.

I see this conversion, that conversion, and in the back of my head I see dollar signs lighting up.

Then I see lagos's and player's posts.. both of whom i met on several ocasions and learned to respect them for their ability to think critically and their knowledge on the specialized car matters.

Although I have a stack of money sitting next to me I am extremely hesitant to call you.

Yes I do want a car thats capable of some major butt whooping but I also want a car that is safe, reliable and will be in my possession as soon as possible. I called XAT racing and have been quoted a price along with a 7 percent state tax AND a quote on time it will take. 6-8 weeks from moment you contact them (meanwhile you are drivign a car for almost 2 months) then 2 weeks in their shop and back in your hands. Yes ladies and gentlemen this means that in 10 weeks time I dont have to rent a car nor send it far away from me and keep driving/modifying/upgrading it to my liking and when the shop is ready you just park your car ans walk away for 2 weeks time.
I also asked a local performance shop.. I have been quoted 2 weeks time as well.

Giving up your car for up to 3 months.. out of state, i might add, and at a risk of it have never been done before by non toyota racing team is scary, hairy and a huge risk to take.

I am not concearned with price at all.. that is something worth investing in.. but the thought of entrusting my vehicle to another person for 3 months is just plain frightening.

If this was a 2 week matter than I am sure more people would be interested.

[j0e_p3t]

these aren't some lil projects that can be done by just any shop. dr tweak has a good rep and does great work. i'm pretty sure he's not just gonna rush through the project so you get it back half*ssed. these things take time in order to make sure you get the highest quality of work. i live in the west coast and someday i'ma ship my car all the way over to tweak cuz i know he'll take care of my car and do great things to it. unless i find someone better and closer.

This post has been edited by j0e_p3t: Mar 2, 2007 - 8:13 PM

[yarik83]

Ohh no doubt he knows his stuff but my point still could be summarized in one sentence.

For a person with one car and or a college student and or a person with work and or a person with family and or a person not leaving next to public transportation and or anone i forgot to mention.. can not afford to part with his or her vehicle for 3 months.

True if you have 2 cars then this is not an issue.. but for most of people here (age 16-26) that option does not apply as we only have 1 car.

[lagos]

So I have been lurking in the shadows but never straying away for last 8 months. I come back here once per week to check on how things are and how my fellow guys are doing.

Then I see this thread and it hits me like BAM BAM BAM Finally someone able to do super crazy conversions. So I spent next 6 hours plus 1 hour in traffic anticipating reading this thread at home as i could not read it at work.

I see this conversion, that conversion, and in the back of my head I see dollar signs lighting up.

Then I see lagos's and player's posts.. both of whom i met on several ocasions and learned to respect them for their ability to think critically and their knowledge on the specialized car matters.

Although I have a stack of money sitting next to me I am extremely hesitant to call you.

Yes I do want a car thats capable of some major butt whooping but I also want a car that is safe, reliable and will be in my possession as soon as possible. I called XAT racing and have been quoted a price along with a 7 percent state tax AND a quote on time it will take. 6-8 weeks from moment you contact them (meanwhile you are drivign a car for almost 2 months) then 2 weeks in their shop and back in your hands. Yes ladies and gentlemen this means that in 10 weeks time I dont have to rent a car nor send it far away from me and keep driving/modifying/upgrading it to my liking and when the shop is ready you just park your car ans walk away for 2 weeks time.
I also asked a local performance shop.. I have been quoted 2 weeks time as well.

Giving up your car for up to 3 months.. out of state, i might add, and at a risk of it have never been done before by non toyota racing team is scary, hairy and a huge risk to take.

I am not concearned with price at all.. that is something worth investing in.. but the thought of entrusting my vehicle to another person for 3 months is just plain frightening.

If this was a 2 week matter than I am sure more people would be interested.

you bring up a really good point.... but.... there is an old saying that i think applies here. if a mechanic tells you 2 weeks, he really means 2 months. if he says 2 months, he really means 2yrs.

there have been countless of horror stories of people taking their car to some mechanic, thinking it would take a few weeks, only to end up without a car for a year or more. i think this even happened to coomer, if i remember correctly.

if you really want a crazy/unique swap, you have to give up some things. one of them is time, and the other is money. you also have to forget about something like that being reliable or a daily driver.

[jgreening]

there is an old saying that i think applies here. if a mechanic tells you 2 weeks, he really means 2 months. if he says 2 months, he really means 2yrs.

My .02 is that not all mechanics are the same and this is an unfair critism of Doc given his track record. You might argue that you weren't necessarily talking about him - but this is his thread.

[lagos]

there is an old saying that i think applies here. if a mechanic tells you 2 weeks, he really means 2 months. if he says 2 months, he really means 2yrs.

My .02 is that not all mechanics are the same and this is an unfair critism of Doc given his track record. You might argue that you weren't necessarily talking about him - but this is his thread.

no no no ... i was talking about the shops yarik said that quoted him "2 weeks" .

i know i give tweak a hard time sometimes, but i totally agree that, in general, he is an honest and trustworthy guy.

[6gsillyca]

Ohh no doubt he knows his stuff but my point still could be summarized in one sentence.

For a person with one car and or a college student and or a person with work and or a person with family and or a person not leaving next to public transportation and or anone i forgot to mention.. can not afford to part with his or her vehicle for 3 months.

True if you have 2 cars then this is not an issue.. but for most of people here (age 16-26) that option does not apply as we only have 1 car.

I would have to disagree. Anyone with $10 000+ to spend on a swap, could afford to buy a temporary car IMO, and if they can't then they shouldnt be swapping. I have a $1500 car to drive around here during the winter, because of all the salt and snow...

[Dr_Tweak]

Ohh no doubt he knows his stuff but my point still could be summarized in one sentence.

For a person with one car and or a college student and or a person with work and or a person with family and or a person not leaving next to public transportation and or anone i forgot to mention.. can not afford to part with his or her vehicle for 3 months.

True if you have 2 cars then this is not an issue.. but for most of people here (age 16-26) that option does not apply as we only have 1 car.

I would have to disagree. Anyone with $10 000+ to spend on a swap, could afford to buy a temporary car IMO, and if they can't then they shouldnt be swapping. I have a $1500 car to drive around here during the winter, because of all the salt and snow...

100% correct. Anyone who's thinking that they're going to spend $10,000 on a conversion like this put won't spend $1500 on a car to drive around in the meantime doesn't have all their screws tight. You can EASILY purchase a decent, reliable Corolla, Tercel, or even a Celica for under $1500 and have a super-reliable daily driver. I bought a 6th gen last year for $750, drove it for a few months without putting a penny into it, and sold it for $1600. Never had a hint of trouble with it.

And as Lagos made clear in his post, there is NO POSSIBLE way that XAT Racing, or any shop for that matter, will have one of these conversions done for you in two weeks. That right there is a SERIOUS warning sign that says STAY AWAY!

i know i give tweak a hard time sometimes, but i totally agree that, in general, he is an honest and trustworthy guy.

*sniffle* *sniffle*

I LOVE YOU MAN!!!

LOL. I just may have to put that in my sig though.

-Doc

[lagos]

LOL. I just may have to put that in my sig though.

permission denied !

[lagos]

I LOVE YOU MAN!!!

hmm that would make a great sig....

[Dr_Tweak]

What do you think:

[InfamousChappy]

I think several man laws just got violated.

[lagos]

not bad.... i like mine more.. . .hahaha

[playr158]

hrmmm i smell fruit

[Blakout16]

//puke.

[K-ESD]

This thread needs to be locked

disappointing....

[Dr_Tweak]

I think several man laws just got violated.

Now, you do know the origin of "I LOVE YOU MAN!!!", right?



This post has been edited by Dr_Tweak: Mar 5, 2007 - 8:07 AM

[95CelicaRacer]

Would you be willing to do a 1gz-fe swap! If so, how much?

[Dr_Tweak]

Would you be willing to do a 1gz-fe swap! If so, how much?

Yeah sure, FWD, right? I'll do it for $2000 for labor. I'll have to price out the engine and whatnot, but just off the top of my head, if we can get a nice engine for $2000 you're looking at around $8000 for everything.

-Doc