Stef's 7A-FE Rebuild, up and running since 12/16/07 Options

[hurley97]

So obviously my oil problem is only getting worse, I decided it's finally time to do something about it.

so I went and picked up Defgeph's old 7A...
177,000 miles and was begining to use some oil before he swapped and it sat in the garage for 2 years.
but since I was getting it for free from a friend I decided to pick it up and hope for the best...



so I picked it up Fri (8/24) and the next day it came with me to work (I work at a Toyota dealer) where they unloaded it into the brake lathe room and it stayed hidden for a while. this past Saturday (9/8) me and one of the techs began tearing it apart. I was pleasantly surprised to find that it is actually in incredibly good condition for its age...

I will be spending close to $500 in parts replacing every bearing, seal, gasket, etc that we can think of. What I need from you guys are your suggestions as to what I can do to make this motor a little stronger and better flowing. I'm keeping the stock pistons and considering bigger cams and having the head machined.

We work for about an hour each morning before customers start coming in. Between Sat, Mon, and Tues (today) we have everything pretty much apart (except for the valves since I haven't decided to send them to the machinist with the head or not yet). This is a huge learning process for me and happy to have the oppotunity to do it. I'll add more pics and info so maybe some of you can learn some things too.

This post has been edited by hurley97: Mar 6, 2008 - 9:09 PM

[Silver94CelicaOw...]

Stef, good to see that you're on your way with the project.

I think a pretty modest increase in the I/E duration of the camshafts wouldn't be a bad idea, as long as its not so agressive that it affects the off-boost performance alot. Maybe keep the same proportion as the stock camshafts, just increase their duration slightly to allow more compressed air in, more exhaust gasses out per cycle but with good drivability?

Between a rebuilt and ported top-end, camshafts, and perhaps using some uprated 4AGE/4AGZE valve springs with the proper shims to prevent any float from the reworked head when it sees boost, you would have an awesome setup.


Looks great so far Stef, I don't think you're going to need alot of our advice with the build. It looks like you have the best help you can get with the rebuild and you already have a solid start on the bottom end.


Best of luck, I'll see you on the dark side...of boost.