Quick background:
This project was "started" by a board member from Ohio. After a year of frustrating stories and miss leading information i decided it was time to transfer the my car to Speed-Source to be completed.
Upon arrival to speed-source we soon realized the reality was much worse than first anticipated. The problems ranged from exterior damage, terrible wiring, torn apart interior with missing parts etc etc etc.
I was on the verge of parting out this project. Literally trying to decide between continuing or selling the shell and spare parts. This was a tough time. Especially realizing the wasted year of turmoil and money i had just been dragged through. It was not cool, and I'm still very upset, disappointed and devastated.
So, what's the plan now then?
The plan is already in effect. The swap has started over. The engine is out and being torn down and gone over. After seeing the level of craftsmanship that this project had been subject to, it was the only option.
At this point, I'd like to thank Carl at Speed-Source for being willing to take on this project. They're top quality guys and will make sure things are done right. They've worked on members cars here like jgreening's past 3sgte Celica.
The pictures:
**pictures taken of project after being received by Speed-Source.**
Exterior:
Wiring:
Exhaust welds:
Interior:
Engine bay (nowhere near complete):
Where the **** did you have the celica before! It looks like a toddler soldered those wires!
yea that soildering looks terrible. Are you doing a V6 5spd swap though?, or are u swappin an auto tranny in? It looks like it will be a nice project when its done, but sorry to hear about all that other stuff you had to go through.
it looks like soldering and welding are not the guys specialty, however everything else looks perfectly normal.
now that its in carl's hands, im sure it will be finished to perfection.
wow dude, wondering where you have been, sorry to hear about the troubles.
good luck with the new place.
DAM!, wasn't your car just repainted a while back? those morons should not operate a swap shop if they cant keep your car scratch-free! I hope you get this done swiftly now..
Thanks guys for your support. It has been tough in many ways. I might need the local 6gc Ohio community to give me a hand and go pick up some parts for me. Drop me a PM if you're near Cinci. Thanks.
man, sorry to hear about all this bad luck, man.
without a doubt carl will take care of you.
everything ive ever seen from him has been nothing but top notch.
hopefully you can prod him enough to join and participate in the thread, i'd love to see him around.
anticipating the finish product!!
Good LUCK! That is going to be a beast when finished. BTW Keep us updated, Even though I don't have a 6GC anymore, Ive always dream'd about a V6-6GC.. [this was before K-ESD had it, we talked about how it is a sick swap...]
Good luck,
isn't your engine some kind of 1mz -3mz hybrid? I hope you get that figured out, it's all in the wiring after all.
Colin, I'm glad to see this on the road to completion.
In the end it will be worth it
can't wait t'ill it's done !!! V6 FTMFW !!!
I wish you'd be around here, I'd help out to speed things up.
Once you get it you will soon forget about the pain you had to go through to get it.
Best of luck
The 3.3L engine is shot. Compression tests show uneven compression, and further inspection shows very poor craftsmanship - e.g. rust was even inside the engine. The guy who built this maybe had an eye for spray paint, but no skill what-so-ever at being capable in the area of rebuilding engines.
I will pursue legal action if Derek and i do not reach a reasonable agreement of reimbursement for my losses. I have already spoken to a lawyer.
A 1mz-fe 5sp V6 engine from a '00 Solara is the route we will be taking. It is a non vvt-i engine, 3.0L engine with 200 net HP @ 5,200 rpm (149 kW), and 214 ft·lbf (290 N·m) of torque.
I'll post pictures of the "new" engine once it gets in.
ahhh NO !! Thats bad news
Holy mess! Those pics are ridiculous! I would have punched the guy in the face with a baby for that shoty work! My first welds ever were much better than that mess! I wouldn't trust that guy to hold my dog! )alright, enough bashing, I just feel your pain)
Hopefully you can reach an agreement with that guy and not have to take it to court.
Good Luck with the new motor/shop!
Remember, VIDS and lots of PICS!
It sad that you lost some money but I'm pretty sure getting a complete new engine (and hopefully a new harness) will make the whole thing way easier now. Hope you get some cash back on that amateurish at best, job!
Update!
Still no V6's here collin. We did a Tercel used engine the other day, but that doesn't help. Hope you find a solid engine package for the swap. Have a Merry X-Mas and keep us posted.
thread edited per collins request.
please keep this on topic guys.
Purchased '99 5spd 1mz-fe. Its coming with wiring harness, ecu, tranny, emissions stuff, etc - essentially a clip. It was hard finding one of these engines that had not been processed by the junk yard already. Engine will be tuned up with gaskets, timing belt, etc etc.
yay !!!
glad to see it on it way !!!!
!!!!
update please.
Okay, update.
Tune up is done. I'm told it is on a rolling plateform waiting on the lift to become available. Carl's got a st185 on there right now, so later next week this project will hopefully get rolling full force once its on the lift.
For pics of the progress, click: http://www.speed-source.net/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=2366
NOTE: First 12 pictures ARE NOT of the engine we're using. Those are of the bad engine we ordered and returned. Pics 13 on is the "real" engine.
Glad to see that your project is moving ahead Collin.
-Doc
just a question, how do you know it will fit, i know somebody did it before, but gosh it amazes me.
is there work involving the engine mounts...
what is the total cost of the swap
is there axle modification
can you turbo this?
Yes i know too many questions, but i bet somebody else is curious as me. There arent many stickies about v6, and i find this amzing....
Keep it goin man!
Hope its done by the time the meet comes!
snap, you are going to have a great celica once this is done. With all you have been through and to finally see this through is remarkable.
respect.
looking forward to it. just don't end up selling it a couple weeks after its completed.
i think i know what im saving for, in the next year, yay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
thanks for your answers. ill keep checking...
Pictures of "test fitting" are up: http://www.speed-source.net/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=2536
Mounts are being worked on now. In the future, i'm not going to post everytime new pictures are loaded. I'll post updates periodically, and link pictures when its something "big."
Make sure those guys know that if they want to save themselves some time with the wiring, I can make a plug and play harness for you.
-Doc
My god that's a massive lump of engine
I know you're gonna enjoy that when it's all over.
One thing I see tho - it's gonna be a lot of work just to change something as simple as the alternator.
or a spark plug on the rear side
access on this engine is not compromised, there is plenty of room between the firewall and the rear bank, same with the front back and the radiator. The engine is pretty much dead center in the engine bay.
the alternator is super easy to remove, no sweat there, pretty much the same deal as with a 5SFE alt.
rear spark plugs require a bit of maneuvering but can be taken out and back in with ease. there is plenty of room under the intake manifold to pull out the coils/wires.
that motor looks like it just belongs in there cant wait to see it once its all cleaned up and looking nice.
Looks great. Whats the ETA?
Maybe when you come to pick it up Colin, we could meet for lunch or something... I need to talk to Carl about a new project anyway.
Jay
NVM
Can't wait to see the final results
man that mount is BEEFY
nice job man glad things are workin out
UPDATE:
Exhaust is done. Using a Greddy sp2 catback + speed-source magic up front.
I need these two parts asap though: http://www.6gc.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=55670
Please PM me if you can help.
Ive been waiting for this like Duke Nukem Forever.
Good to see some progress!
nice mount, now, how much are thye charging you... this is some nice work...
UPDATE:
First off, found the parts I needed. Now, I'm looking for a full wiring diagram book for a 94-95 Celica. Please let me know if you might have one, or have some leads to one.
I also just wanted to post and let you guys know 40 new pictures are up. Read the disclaimer up top once you click the link.
http://www.speed-source.net/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=2366&g2_page=5
...Look at that beefy cross-member Carl made.
NICE!!!!
+1 to me for hooking you up with Speed-Source!
I want a ride in that bad boy.
man, i am continually amazed by carls work.
impressive.
i would love to spend a day just marveling at the great work this car is gonna have into it when its done.
its not gonna be the fastest car on 6gc, but it WILL without a doubt be one of the best built!
looks great man, loving the custom crossmember.
Time for an update.
Thats great.
http://www.speed-source.net/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=2366&g2_page=10
Lookin good, Snap.
The car is getting close - the ECU was just sent off to get the immobilizer programmed out. By the time it gets back late this coming week, i think we should be ready for start up. Don't quote me on that, but Carl is pushing to finish her up.
supershannon says, this roxors.
carl is the f'in MAN!
wow, that looks clean. Looks like that motor was a factory option
Glad to see it getting there
Update:
Well, just thought i'd let you guys know that Carl just got the ECU today... Oh, and btw he plugged it in and started her up first try. I got to hear her running on the phone. I'm so pumped.
its about damn time. now get over there and take some pics and vids.
Great News!
Yes, it is GREAT news. The check engine light did not even come on! Carl says it sounds like we have an exhaust leak coming from a bad rear gasket (not something he has touched yet) ...so after he takes care of that and some other misc. things, she's going for a spin.
that is fantastic news
if all goes well (no set backs) when do you think you're getting the car back in your possession ?
maybe even make it to the meet?
fantastic!
outstanding!
i would expect nothing less from carl.
hes awesome.
It's about time !! Finally, I have a little brother
You're going to love it ! BIG TIME ! I'm glad you didn't give up despite the bad things you went through.
Glad to see it finally came together
so the v6 came out of a solara, now solaras have a digital mile counter and we dont have digital, was that a problem. where is mileage stored, in the digital display memory or the ecu...
It always puzzled my mind...
Sweet thread, just about to get a V6 on mine
I sent mine off to "Mitch" from the mr2oc forum. He calibrated mine for a very good price. Talk to him, he's an awesome guy to deal with.
My speedo works and for some reason my sensor craps out whenever it feels like it. One day it works, the next it doesn't. Probly just a defective sensor, you shouldn't have any problems with yours if its good.
what years engine are you guys using?
cause the 3MZ-FE features VVT-i. right?
2004-2006 Toyota Camry SE V6
2004- Toyota Camry Solara
2004-2006 Toyota Sienna
2003-2007 Toyota Highlander
i been following this thread , and just like any V6 swap it keeps giving me hope with my car , i want to do something to it and the only Legal swap is the V6 .... its a bit more work than a 3s swap and i dont think i can do it. SO , i have to ask u how much did this project cost you ? disregard variation , just give me a rough figure of how much it cost ... and GL with the car , cant wait to see the final product !
Quick update:
The car is essentially done. It will be going in for an alignment and rotate/balance in the next couple days. Just sent in the tach and A/C stuff to Mitch for adjustment - he should have those back fairly quickly.
sweet. can't wait till its done. you must be pretty amped.
Update please
(not that I know one is due or anything)
Jay, you're up to no good! Esp when i PM you updates!!!
4/2/08 Update:
Picked up the car last Wednesday the 26th. Carl and the gang are cool guys. I then left the following day on my 1000 mile drive back. About 2.5 hrs into the trip, the drivers side axle popped off in St. Louis. This was strange because we had used the EXACT same axle setup as others with 3s + e153 trannys. Once i got it to a shop there, they could see no damage was done. Then, Carl machined a .55" spacer and sent on the next greyhound bus. It was lucky that this happened there because i have relatives located in St Louis, and it was one of the few "larger" cities i crossed. After the spacer was installed, i made it home just fine.
Anyway, about the car...
PROS: All i can say it that it's pretty darn quick. The engine feels amazingly strong while you glide through the gears - torque at every corner - all V6 with no boost lag. It also sounds awesome - again, pure V6. The tone is pretty tame and not too loud when cruising, but when start it, or step on it, it lets you know who is boss. The suspension is pretty stiff now with sway bars, bilstein struts, F&R strut braces etc. I will say i have yet to really take it out and enjoy it on a curving country road. Hopefully i will get some time soon for this. Mitch did a VERY good job on the tach calibration, as well as the AC inverter he built us.
CONS: These are somewhat temporary or "smaller" cons. Right now, the car shakes pretty heavily when at idle (800 RPMs). This is due to my one piece poly mounts. I have a few solutions... First, i will probably bump the idle up to 900, or 1000 RPMs. I talked to Carl, and this should be ok. The other solution is to change the mounts back to rubber stock ones. Most likely, i will go with bumping up the idle a little bit more for cost reasons atm. My check engine light is also on throwing codes for the EVAP emissions system. This is something that probably will not go away. Its tough, and Carl did not know how it would turn out. The Solara gas tank is TOTALLY different than ours - its plastic and has all of its own baffling for the crazy OBDII sensors... So, if the exact pressure value etc is not reached, it throws the code. I also sometimes have a bouncing idle. This looks like a Solara/Camry issue because i see people report this issue on their boards - it is not really a big issue though...according to Carl. I will nevertheless have this looked at by a long time toyota ...well now ex-toyota service mechanic.
Current stuff: Right now, i'm going through and un-installing/re-installing the interior to match OEM quality. Things were not fitting too well when Carl got the car from the other guy. I am also deep cleaning EVERYTHING i install. Even down to the insides of the vents. I'm also looking for interior parts to complete the re-install. I'm either missing some stuff, or the plastics were painted poorly by this other guys... or they have been abused with bad scratches. So, i am slowly trying to repair my life.
Here are a few pictures of interior fun:
...
.....
.......
Oh wait, where are the engine pics?
You're going to have to wait for those! Yes yes, videos too.
I will make sure to periodically post updates here with pics. Right now, i'm all about getting the car back to daily driver status after 1.5 years of pain and anger.
Sweet!!! I can only imagine the pain you went through. But nice to see that the car is in running condition. Can't wait for the Vids.
Collin, glad you made it home safely. Can you give some more detail on your driving impressions? Explain the torque / power band and how it differs from the stock engine. What RPM are you reving to? Does it pull all the way through the power band? Does the car "feel" any faster? If so (I assume it does), can you quantify it? Also, are you breaking the tires loose with spirited driving? What tires are you running?
bouncing at idle I would look at your Idle air control valve (if you have one) as a source of the problem.
Glad to see you finally got the car back and running! enjoy it
thats special treatment. I did that too, and everybody thought i was crazy at home.
Are you going to tell us the recipe so we can put it in the cookbook. Meaning i want to know if you can def post the parts you used like in a list or somthing .
Please, like how you did the axles, wiring, etcs. etc. You know everybody wants this... I want it
Finaly, it's been like 2 1/2 years since you took on this swap.
Congrats, you made the right choice not to give up !
bet you're happy now
Bad ass man - enjoy her and treat her right and the 1MZ will treat you right back. I never had an issue with my Camry V6 XLE other than axles giving out at 150K - should have been rebuilt by that time anyway.
Side note: I have all the interior plastic components in doublicate or triplicate. PM me with the parts you need. A friend of mine needs a GT front tranny mount - maybe we can work something out for your old one?
congrats on getting the car back!
woooo you made it!! congrats man
Congrats on the V6 swap. Sounds like alot of fun. I might have to try it some day.
Now tell me more about this:
Have fun roasting tires
That'd be cool. Just PM me the info when you have a chance.
wow at that soildering and weld job
but looks like an interesting project! :applause:
Just a quick update...
Passed OBDI inspection today (w/out any shady "passing of money").
Interior mostly complete, just looking for a few more unmolested plastics.
Carl is sending me an MR2 AC idle-up setup to be installed to help the AC idle.
Also working slowly to clean up the engine bay with powdercoating valve covers etc...
I had no idea you had a Celica.
Bout time you got it back.
Congrats man
Look forward to hearing what you have to say about the V6
Finally!! Now post some vids. Dude send me some info on that guy too.
what did you used as axles.
and how much did the mount cost...
Alright guys, this past saturday i took the car out to film some "spirited" driving for y'all. In the process, i popped the shifter out of the cable! After taking the whole center console out i found out the shifter rod was not secured with the clip over the ball and socket. So now, i am getting the clips from toyota to fix it. In the process i had to tear down and uninstall the short shifter totally to get the cup that goes in the socket on.
Anyway, I've got some kick butt video to post.
Oh, and here is the interior. Once what was all together is now apart:
Click http://www.6gc.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=57671 for the V6 video.
Quick update w/tons of pics.
Got the clip for the shifter i needed:
Now, i'm looking for this little washer:
That goes here:
LOTS of cleaning :
The vents were not even spared from getting cleaned :
Plastics getting screwed down with all OEM screws (this is a restoration, no homedepot), seats going back in etc:
COMING NEXT: ENGINE BAY PICTURES.
go snap!!! love this car
hope to really see it soon
when exactly will we see some engine bay pictures?
No sh*t man, id love to come see this thing!
Your in Austin right? We need to set something up so me Spolski and DDawg can come check it out since we're right down the road!
Oh yeah, my dad and his friends at Champion Toyota in Austin wanted to see it too, so maybe we can meet up around there to stop by and let them check it out too if you dont mind.
5/20 Update:
Got the AC compressor replaced with a re-manufactured denso one - old compressor leaking. AC is painfully pricey to fix, but here in texas it is a must with 100+ degree days. But, now its blowing ice cold.
Now, hood gap issue with brace: http://www.6gc.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=58674&pid=675684&st=0&#entry675684
edit: removed engine pic b/c of new pics 2 posts down.
sweet. that engine bay really looks complete. can't wait to see more. plus some vids.
Engine bay pictures WORTH THE WAIT! Hope you guys enjoy!
Btw, valve covers powder coated by jazzcornet via great group buy! Thanks.
nice! looks real clean. now how about some vids of that beast in action?
radiator hose looks nutts.
Looks real clean
it's like it belongs in the bay.
pitty that intake manifold and exhaust manifold dont compliment the engine bay at all! those need to be coated too
lookin good
Thats a clean looking interior, the only thing it need is a 7th gen Celica steering wheel. that wheel is hideous. its the same one that came in the Supra. i changed mine out and it looks so much better
WOW! i cant wait to see this in person. Thing looks great.
Wish i could see it in person.
Awesome!
i wsa lurking around in celica uk, and somebody is copying you, putting a v6 and all in europe. hes going to be the 1st in europe or something. haha
very cleanly done, looks great.
sorry, i haven't read the whole thread but do you have any plans to add the TRD S/C?
i know JPP made some very nice aftermarket headers for the 1MZ but they were for a Camry/Solara so i'm not sure how much custom work you would have to do to make the piping route correctly for a 6GC.
they weren't the cheapest things to buy but the quality was top notch. a Camry friend of mine got them so i have seen them in person.
they may be well discontinued now - i'm not entirely sure.
I think if you are gonna SC it you are definitely gonna have to reinforce the front end a tad more and do some heavy suspension mods...it would put your car into "godly" status.
good to see all the hard work has finally paid off, colin!
looks amazing!
Its been awhile. Update:
Interior = done
Just fixed suspension issues with struts. Details with pics and vid can be found http://www.6gc.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=58972&st=0&start=0.
Changed fronts from bilstein to kyb. Also changed springs from tein to eibach prokit.
Next thing on the agenda - my drivers side CV boot keep tearing open. I have replaced it twice already since the swap. This time, i'm going to try to find a larger one. The issue is coming from the fact that the axles are over-extending the factory st185 boot.
you need a bigger spacer.
when speedsource did your swap, did they lower the engine when they made that custom crossmember?
I'm just curious cause my intake manifold is way higher in my engine bay. Could be just the difference between a 1mz and 3mz.
I'm starting to dislike updates... No news = good news.
Fixed:
Yesterday cylinder #3 (middle, by the firewall) went down. Replaced the spark plug wires, but it was the injector. All rear injectors (3) replaced because of pain-in-the-ass location. $150 a pop. But, fixed and drives 110% like new.
Coming monday:
Flex pipe on exhaust leaking (y pipe), taking in for replacing.
I'm officially done with my car atm. At least for some time...
Latest (sideskirts - amazing cell phone picture):
GOOD JOB with the restoration going on. I'm glad the v6 trend is starting to pick up a lil bit in this community.
I'm curious were they able to get your ac working?
just beautiful!
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