Your thoughts (Insert Here), Need your advice guys Options

[Random_Stranger]

So you have a celica that you didn't care for before. It grew on you and your heart swells with love for it. You decide you want to modify it. What's that? Your state frowns on modification to your vehicle? Who gives a $#!t. Let's do this!

I ask your thoughts. You have a stock 95' GT Hatchback Celica. You have $2300 (I realize this isn't a whole lot, but dude, it's free money) ready to dump into it. What do you do first? So many things I plan on doing in the future, but would like to save up more before getting into swaps, just because I do not have the proper tools or the knowledge of doing so at this time. Unless you know people :-D Even still, I doubt $2300 can get it done. So would anyone like to be the best 6gc friend to a stranger and send your thoughts this way?

Thanks,
Faust

[Random_Stranger]

Honestly, you guys have given some really great advice. Question is, if someone hasn't done a swap before, and you speak on experience, how should I gain engine swap experience then? Just wondering. Or is the 3-s engines too delicate? Anyways, does anyone know about the whole drivetrain issue regarding this AWD conversion? The same engine you are all speaking of or not? I hate having a front wheel drive car. Hell, I would even settle for a RWD celica. As far as laws go, I am not concered with California no longer. If I am going to modify then I am going to go all out and just pay for the pass. California sucks anyways when it comes to modifying cars.


Okay, so generally, how much should this swap cost me? Because I can save up for it, but I want to plan ahead so I can take care of things now. Also, do I do exhaust after I do turbo or can I get a turbo exhaust prior to installing the turbo? Because I seen a turbo kit for under a grand.... if it is still available. I have no idea what they run for, but I did see a supercharger kit for the celica that is a little over $6k. Details guys, details.


Again, thank you all who are posting. I really, really appreciate it and impressed.


---Faust

[Rayme]

Honestly, you guys have given some really great advice. Question is, if someone hasn't done a swap before, and you speak on experience, how should I gain engine swap experience then? Just wondering. Or is the 3-s engines too delicate? Anyways, does anyone know about the whole drivetrain issue regarding this AWD conversion? The same engine you are all speaking of or not? I hate having a front wheel drive car. Hell, I would even settle for a RWD celica. As far as laws go, I am not concered with California no longer. If I am going to modify then I am going to go all out and just pay for the pass. California sucks anyways when it comes to modifying cars.


Okay, so generally, how much should this swap cost me? Because I can save up for it, but I want to plan ahead so I can take care of things now. Also, do I do exhaust after I do turbo or can I get a turbo exhaust prior to installing the turbo? Because I seen a turbo kit for under a grand.... if it is still available. I have no idea what they run for, but I did see a supercharger kit for the celica that is a little over $6k. Details guys, details.


Again, thank you all who are posting. I really, really appreciate it and impressed.


---Faust

For a swap, be at least ready to spend 5000$, getting the engine is one thing, then you need all the other parts that comes with it..exhaust, driveshaft, fuel pump, a FWD transmission, a clutch and related item, the airbox and sensors are often not included on an engine. Then you realized you just bought a engine with no history and unknown mileage, it should be really wise to change the timing belt, and all the seals in the cams area, water pump..etc...and then you can call it a day..!

And if you want to consider AWD and you're asking if you can afford it, seriously, try to live with FWD or get something else. This is no picnic and you're looking at months without cars and alot of troubleshooting...not to mention the risk of doing something wrong and hardly reversible

This post has been edited by Rayme: Feb 2, 2008 - 12:31 PM

[Random_Stranger]

Honestly, you guys have given some really great advice. Question is, if someone hasn't done a swap before, and you speak on experience, how should I gain engine swap experience then? Just wondering. Or is the 3-s engines too delicate? Anyways, does anyone know about the whole drivetrain issue regarding this AWD conversion? The same engine you are all speaking of or not? I hate having a front wheel drive car. Hell, I would even settle for a RWD celica. As far as laws go, I am not concered with California no longer. If I am going to modify then I am going to go all out and just pay for the pass. California sucks anyways when it comes to modifying cars.


Okay, so generally, how much should this swap cost me? Because I can save up for it, but I want to plan ahead so I can take care of things now. Also, do I do exhaust after I do turbo or can I get a turbo exhaust prior to installing the turbo? Because I seen a turbo kit for under a grand.... if it is still available. I have no idea what they run for, but I did see a supercharger kit for the celica that is a little over $6k. Details guys, details.


Again, thank you all who are posting. I really, really appreciate it and impressed.


---Faust

For a swap, be at least ready to spend 5000$, getting the engine is one thing, then you need all the other parts that comes with it..exhaust, driveshaft, fuel pump, a FWD transmission, a clutch and related item, the airbox and sensors are often not included on an engine. Then you realized you just bought a engine with no history and unknown mileage, it should be really wise to change the timing belt, and all the seals in the cams area, water pump..etc...and then you can call it a day..!

And if you want to consider AWD and you're asking if you can afford it, seriously, try to live with FWD or get something else. This is no picnic and you're looking at months without cars and alot of troubleshooting...not to mention the risk of doing something wrong and hardly reversible

Very good point. I would like at least a rear wheel drive celica. But even if not, I guess I will have to live with FWD. You are right, is it worth the headache?