7a-fe fix or swap Options

[rave2n]

Well as it turns out, it was time for a oil change, decided to check the oil on the stick and see how it was looking after 5k. Well, there was no oil on the damn stick! Turns out I could get the "valve seals" re-done for around 2500, along with the head gasket for 180. To me that is basically purchasing a new damn engine...

I have no issue with the power of the 7a-fe, not looking to race, just get light to light quicker and look good while doing it, but if i'm going to pay the same for a engine swap why not just swap it, is the way I look at it. Whatcha guys think? Engine runs fine, i'll just have to put a quart in every now and then, no where near a major leak.

[GriffGirl]

Drive it till it dies and revisit the swap idea when it's closer to death. 7AFEs are known to have leaky valve seals over time. It's typical for me to have to add a quart or two of oil between changes - I have no leaks, and other than the sometimes puff of smoke upon startup (that's also known to the 7AFE), my engine runs great.

If you feel particularly compelled to replace the motor, you can replace it with the same motor for WAAAAAAAAY less. I wouldn't drop that kind of money into the motor you've got. If you do consider replacing the motor, you might check around locally for a Silvertop (it will still cost WAAAAAY less). For the money, you can get yourself up to Savannah and have Dr. Tweak help you with a very nice motor swap.

[laff09]

ffs, 2500 for valve seals?



...go to toyota and save $1600+

[rave2n]

Yea i'm not positive what the problem is, just know there was no oil in it this morning before i went to get a oil change. I'm not a mechanic by any means, nor know all the terms. I just shown the issue to the mechanic and he dropped a price, claiming it would be near rebuilding the engine.

What Griff mentioned is identical to what mine does, a little puff of smoke on start up, and thats it. I figured it was nothing important. The Valve head gasket, if that is the correct name, I can actully do that. Is leaking a bit, which I figured might be the source of some of the leak. I see no actual leakage under the car where i park it daily, so I think i'll do as said, and wait til it dies, just take care of'er for now, then swap out. So I think adding a quart in between changes might be a good idea, just to make sure it doesn't run out. When it is swap time...and yes i know there are a ton of threads about this, and i apologize in advance, which one would be a okay one to swap too, don't have to put alot of information, just the engine name. I'll look up the rest =).

[BonzaiCelica]

id go for a engine swap. prefferebly a 4age blacktop with 165hp and 120 lbs of torque. Engine with ecu and complete swap will cost you $1500. the motor is a direct swap into your celica. Its just a matter of you doing it yourself or taking somewhere to do it for u? Which could be another $1,000-$1,500.

[rave2n]

I like that idea - Sounds good.