1997 celica st swap to 2zzge or 1mz-fe, whats the best option for a swap and gain more horsepower? Options

[97cecilia]

Well my goal is set by the end of this year I wanna have a 2zzge engine with 6 speed transmission or a 1mzfe into my 1997 toyota celica st, however my big predicament here is witch one of those two motors will fit best in the bay of my celica 97 and which motor will produce more horse power here is the tricky part. I don't wanna spend more then 3 thousand on it but if I have to in order to do the job right I will.

If anybody got any ideas please let me know. Oh yea one more thing since I live in California with all these strict smog regulations. I have to make sure i swap all the emission components from the vehicle (motor) that I'll be installing into my 97celica. bummer right, but oh well I figure its worth it to avoid the law from harassing me.

hopefully someone here might have experience doing something like that. I will really appreciate the help. I'll be uploading photos of my car later today or tomorrow just for an idea of what I'm working with lol

[Smaay]

the 2ZZ is a terrible choice for engine in a 6th gen. Yes the engine is an upgrade HP wise but not torque wise. the 6th gen is a heavy ass car. Not only that the 2ZZ is reverse to the 7A meaning the intake is in the front and the exhaust is in the back. There is a steering column right in the way of the header. but then again, same with the V6.

now lets talk cost. good luck finding a 2ZZ engine with manifolds for less than $2000, plus you need the ECU and harness. and the wiring is going to be a total nightmare!!!!!

the V6 engine with everything needed will cost less than $1000. since you are coming from an ST you will need a transmission. but same with the 2ZZ, and the C60 (6 speed) isnt cheap either. the S54 or E153 is much cheaper.

in a nutshell, do the V6, I can help you since you are in CA. I make the passenger engine mount, and can do the custom exhaust you will need.