7afe Turbo Options

[Cevax]

Well I didn't want to start this thread yet since I am still sourcing parts but I really need help getting parts since I am not sure what to buy. I have a 7afe now but i believe it has a rod knock and was told by a mechanic that to change the piston and rods the whole block has to be machined and will cost too much money, even though its only 350 dollars on parts or so for OEM pistons rods and rings he recommended me finding a new engine which I cannot find for less than 750 including shipping.

but if I buy piston and rods why wont they just drop right in?

I also have a 4age blue top head in my house that I got for the build before I found out my engine might be blown but if I have to buy a new engine its going to cost way to much to even begin the 7age conversion. My engine has a constant "knocking sound" coming from the cylinder head at around 1500 rpm it goes away at high rpm, It has 155k, abused but still runs strong. But during all this time looking for a motor (and saw a 7age with 115hp) personally started thinking that going with just the 7afte idea might more cost effective and since the 7a gets to peak torque so quick it should be more fun to drive( thoughts please), but anyway anybody with any experience on building a motor does it really have to be completely machined.

thanks

This post has been edited by Cevax: Jan 6, 2009 - 3:38 PM

[trd94]

if i were you , i would rebuild my motor if you wanted to stay with the 7a, or look at swapping a 3sgte for the same or cheaper cost. to rebuild your 7a you will need to get the pistons, and have the block machined. i built up a little d15b7 motor in my honda, for around $1500.00 ,that is new oem pistons(.020 oversize), wrist pins, rings, main and rod bearings, Stainless steel valves(with a 5 way angel grind), the head was port and polished, and the block was milled out .020 for the pistons, crank was micro polished, and i had the head and block decked to bump up compression. all that was done for $1500.00 . i know it was a honda not a toyota, but i am building a 20v 7a motor right now ,and i got the pistons (oem .020 oversized) and the bearings, wrist pins for 150.00 and i was charged 130.00 to have the block milled for the pistons, and the crank micro polished. i am doing all the tear down and rebuild work myself so i know that saves alot , but the machine work is not real exspensive. in the end if you rebuild it then you know what it has and where you stand , no " well i think it wont blow a rod, or i think the rings and pistons are ok" . this is just what i would do.

if you do a price differance of the 7a v.s the 3s swap wont be much differance.
7a rebuild $ 1700.00
turbo kit$2000.00
a good tune $1500.00
total= $5200.00

3s swap $5000.00 - $6000.00
this is just a very ruff price quote ,but it may help in your disision

This post has been edited by trd94: Nov 27, 2008 - 3:20 PM

[Cevax]

if i were you , i would rebuild my motor if you wanted to stay with the 7a, or look at swapping a 3sgte for the same or cheaper cost. to rebuild your 7a you will need to get the pistons, and have the block machined. i built up a little d15b7 motor in my honda, for around $1500.00 ,that is new oem pistons(.020 oversize), wrist pins, rings, main and rod bearings, Stainless steel valves(with a 5 way angel grind), the head was port and polished, and the block was milled out .020 for the pistons, crank was micro polished, and i had the head and block decked to bump up compression. all that was done for $1500.00 . i know it was a honda not a toyota, but i am building a 20v 7a motor right now ,and i got the pistons (oem .020 oversized) and the bearings, wrist pins for 150.00 and i was charged 130.00 to have the block milled for the pistons, and the crank micro polished. i am doing all the tear down and rebuild work myself so i know that saves alot , but the machine work is not real exspensive. in the end if you rebuild it then you know what it has and where you stand , no " well i think it wont blow a rod, or i think the rings and pistons are ok" . this is just what i would do.

if you do a price differance of the 7a v.s the 3s swap wont be much differance.
7a rebuild $ 1700.00
turbo kit$2000.00
a good tune $1500.00
total= $5200.00

3s swap $5000.00 - $6000.00
this is just a very ruff price quote ,but it may help in your disision

so you are putting together a 7ag as well. your putting together a lot of projects. I would also take the top end off your hands with the t4 manifold if you are going to swap a ge head if in good condition.