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the v6 swap information thread - 6G Celicas Forums

Topic #45161 84 posts Started by celicaST
why am i making this thread? after seeing K-ESD's completed v6 swap, i started looking into it as an option. the v6 swap has been a popular swap in mk1 and mk2 mr2's for a while now. v6 swap information is relatively sparse for the celica community, and i want to help change that. seems to me that too many people here jump on the 3sgte bandwagon without really exploring their options. there is a reason that owners of mk2 mr2 turbos are swapping out there 3sgte in favor of a v6. a v6 (by nature of its increased displacement) will give more low rpm torque than a 3sgte will stock for stock, and such, it makes a great daily driver. with relatively moderate modifications, a v6 can be made to produce huge hp with a wide powerband. and the best part, these engine are a dime a dozen. use www.car-part.com to find them locally in salvage yards for cheap. now there are a lot of options for a swap: 3vzfe, 5vzfe, 1mzfe, 3mzfe being the most popular. i myself plan on doing this swap either summer 07 or summer 08. i will be updating this thread with lots of info ive gathered, and it will be regularly checked checked for accuracy and clarity.

purpose of this post is to generate interest in the v6 swap and to provide a one-stop place to compile general and 6gc-specific v6 swap information.

>>Engine Information:>>

3VZ-FE:
-3.0L
-cast iron block
-factory engine girdle
-overbuilt internals
-OBD 1
-return type fuel system
-non interference
-distributor ignition
-engine hp/trq
*185hp @ 5200rpm / 195ftlb @ 4400rpm
-found in USDM
*92-93 Toyota Camry
*92-93 Lexus ES 300

1MZ-FE:
-3.0L
-aluminum alloy block
-lightweight internals
-OBD 2
-returnless fuel system 97+
-non interference for non-VVTi, interference for VVTi
-COP ignition
-multiport fuel injection
-forged powdered metal fracture split connecting rod
-drive by wire certain models/years
-engine hp/trq (several revisions)
*94-96: 188hp @ 5200rpm / 203ftlb @ 4400rpm
*97+: 192hp @ 5300rpm / 209ftlb @ 4400rpm
*97+ (solara specific): 200hp @ 5200rpm / 214lbft @ 4400rpm (gains from improved exhaust/intake plumbing)
*99+ with VVTi: 210hp @ 5800rpm / 220ftlb @ 4400rpm
-found in USDM
*94-06 Toyota Camry
*99-03 Toyota Solara
*97-01 Lexus ES 300
*99-03 Lexus RX 300
*95-04 Toyota Avalon
*98-03 Toyota Sienna
-vehicles with VVTi 1mzfe
*03-06 Toyota Camry
*00-04 Toyota Avalon
*01-03 Toyota Highlander
*99-01 Lexus ES 300
*99-03 Lexus RX 300
*01-03 Toyota Sienna

3MZ-FE:
-3.3L
-aluminum alloy block
-VVTi equipped
-shares many components with 1MZ-FE
-sequential fuel injection
-forged steel connecting rod
-drive by wire
-engine hp/trq
*225hp @ 5600rpm / 240ftlb @ 3600rpm
-found in USDM
*04-06 Toyota Camry SE V6
*04- Toyota Camry Solara
*04-06 Toyota Sienna
*03- Toyota Highlander
*03-06 Lexus RX 330
*06- Lexus RX 400h
*04-06 Lexus ES 330

>>Transmission Information:>>

Manual Transmissions:

S-54: 3.285, 1.960, 1.322, 1.028, 0.820 / FD: 3.944, 4.176
-3.944 diff found in JDM/UK 2nd and 3rd gen 3S-GE
-4.176 diff found in MK2 MR2 NA and 6gc GT
S-51: 3.538, 1.960, 1.250, 0.945, 0.731 / FD: 3.944
- found in I4 Camry
E-153: 3.230, 1.913, 1.258, 0.918, 0.731 / FD: 3.933, 4.285
-3.933 diff found in V6 Camry
-4.285 diff found in MK2 MR2 turbo
-V6 E-153 upgraded from 2 to 3 synchros 93+

Automatic Transmissions:

A-541E:
A-140E:

>>Swap Troubleshooting and Guides:>> to come

>>Dynos and Engine Specifications:>>
3VZ-FE vs 1MZ-FE
IPB Image
94 1MZ-FE vs 97 1MZ-FE
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97 1MZ-FE vs 99 1MZ-FE with VVTi
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VVTi 1MZ-FE vs 3MZ-FE
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>>V6 Discussion Forums:>>
-mr2boards
-mr2oc (membership required)

>>6gc V6 Swaps:>>
-K-ESD with 3MZ-FE
-1MZ-FE swap (pics only)

>>Pictures>>
3VZ-FE vs Eagle 22R vs 1MZ-FE
IPB Image

This post has been edited by celicaST: Mar 1, 2007 - 8:03 AM

I think Bigfoot is blurry, that's the problem. It's not the photographer's fault. Bigfoot is blurry. And that's extra scary to me, because there's a large, out-of-focus monster roaming the countryside.
I've researched a bit and I leaning toward the 3vz.

<--- I miss :'' (
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QUOTE(My2Celi @ Feb 5, 2007 - 9:35 PM) [snapback]524289[/snapback]
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I've researched a bit and I leaning toward the 3vz.


im going back and forth, havnt decided yet. hard to pass up the 3vzfe because you can find them so cheap. here are some pros and cons of each.

3vz pros: heavily built, wide powerband down low, cheap, easier to wire with obd1, great engine for FI, receptive to tuning cons: heavy, older engine, less power up top, illegal

1mz pros: lighter with aluminum block, great for NA, newer engine (presumably more fuel efficient), available with vvti, available trd supercharger, legal swap cons: more expensive, weaker internals, knock sensor problems, sludge problems pre-03, harder to tune

This post has been edited by celicaST: Feb 6, 2007 - 12:55 AM

I think Bigfoot is blurry, that's the problem. It's not the photographer's fault. Bigfoot is blurry. And that's extra scary to me, because there's a large, out-of-focus monster roaming the countryside.
man, forget my beams swap. i now want a 99+ 1mzfe.

ss-iii splitters and 404 skirts areon. which means i need to update my sig.
Seems a no brainer to me to go with a 04+ 1mzfe. Lighter is better. Tuning will be harder at first, but there is more potiential to make it not only a powerful motor but a reliable one too.

Live Free, Be Happy
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QUOTE(Bigmeanbulldog55 @ Feb 6, 2007 - 10:02 AM) [snapback]524345[/snapback]
> Seems a no brainer to me to go with a 04+ 1mzfe. Lighter is better. Tuning will be harder at first, but there is more potiential to make it not only a powerful motor but a reliable one too.


I've seen K-ESD’s swap, its not for the light hearthed ! the 04+ 3mzfe features tons of electronic, just on top of my head, you need to get misc parts like the immobilizer and the whole plastic pedal assembly as its a drive by wire engine. If you somebody is willing to sacrifice a little HP to for easier swap, go a little older. But hey, what do I know laugh.gif

This post has been edited by Rayme: Feb 6, 2007 - 10:52 AM

-Rémy02SiR, 08250R
hmm .. a few notes ..

i highly reccommend getting a manual ecu 1mz or at least 94-95 1mz due to less wiring and will blend better with 94-99 celica ..

auto tranny for v6 may work if you have a auto but front and rear mounts may be an issue have not confirmed for all you auto 6gc's

some 1mz ecu's have immobilizer and some dont .. you have no way of knowing until it is plugged in but they are out there .. if you buy a motor get the vin from car and dealer can run a check on it to see if it have immobilizer ..

if you are not good with wiring then forget this swap .. 10-15 hours of wiring work or more ..

here are some things to note ..

custom y-pipe must be made and dont waste time using oem gt/st exhaust ..

forget about using 5sfe tranny .. mr2 guys breaking these trannies and it is half ass anyway.. just get a proper solara tranny with rear 205 mount .. all 205 if possible .. use poly mounts as well as motor torque will make engine move and hit rad .. uise 205 cable as well ..

have to use a ST throttle cable as it will bolt right to t/b but will need to mod bracket a bit ..

there is a lot more... full write up with pix coming in next few weeks . i am 33 and been working on toyota engine for years so any info i give is coming from my experience working on this swap and others and will be a complete as possible .. i will say done right this motor looks like oem install .. fool just about anyone .

NOTE .. ANYONE WHO WANTS TO SAVE TIME AND MONEY PM I HAVE 1MZ AND 3MZ PASS SIDE ADPATER PLATE FOR SALE .. .. YOU USE PASS SIDE FRAME MOUNT AND PART OF 5SFE MOUNT AND THEN MY PLATE BOLTED TO 1MZ/3MZ .. $20 SHIPPED .. MAKES ENGINE A BOLT IN AFFAIR WITH 205 MOUNTS ON SOLARA TRANNY ..

This post has been edited by FORGMANN: Feb 6, 2007 - 3:16 PM

Old guy with the toys95 ST205 WRC (the real deal)94 MR2 HARDTOP Supercharged 2GR/6SPD 22 owned
the V series engine is best for Forced Induction. 3VZFE and 5VZFE
The M series are great if you plan on staying NA although TRD has a supercharger for the. 1MZFE and 3MZFE

Wiring for the newer engines might be the biggest problem for these swaps. Don't worry so much about will it fit.. theres room.

MR2OC has a huge collection of V6 MR2s and very good articles about them. This type of build would be a great track car.


I believe there are 2 accounts recorded for V6 Celicas.. Adrian with his 1MZFE [MKV] 5gc and K-ESD with his 3MZFE [MKVI] 6gc
correction make that 3 .. and btw there is just enough room not a lot of room front to back

details by end of month.. here is a teaser pix..


IPB Image

This post has been edited by FORGMANN: Feb 6, 2007 - 3:44 PM

Old guy with the toys95 ST205 WRC (the real deal)94 MR2 HARDTOP Supercharged 2GR/6SPD 22 owned
^nice.

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QUOTE(FORGMANN @ Feb 6, 2007 - 3:37 PM) [snapback]524447[/snapback]
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correction make that 3 .. and btw there is just enough room not a lot of room front to back

details by end of month.. here is a teaser pix..


IPB Image

OH SNAP !!! wink.gif

my st205 swapandour Beams swap
more pics!

ss-iii splitters and 404 skirts areon. which means i need to update my sig.
Nice write up.

This post has been edited by Chanh55: Feb 8, 2007 - 11:36 AM
here is y pipe .. you have to run something similar to this pipe due to fact oem or anything resembling it will not work do to front to rear brace ..

this pipe is made for solara so it will be modded slightly as well as headers to clear brace and rear crossmember to mount just a like a 5sfe pipe .. using this pipe i had to cut zero on chassis and everything mounts like oem

you can't buy these pipes anymore but if you do swap just have shop do something simlar .. 2.5" and we are using like new v6 cat and mates right to greddy SP after modding the extra test pipe included with y pipe.. no cutting or modding needed of SP ..



IPB Image

This post has been edited by FORGMANN: Feb 8, 2007 - 1:36 PM

Old guy with the toys95 ST205 WRC (the real deal)94 MR2 HARDTOP Supercharged 2GR/6SPD 22 owned
isnt 13 an unlucky number? wink.gif
new and revised info added

I think Bigfoot is blurry, that's the problem. It's not the photographer's fault. Bigfoot is blurry. And that's extra scary to me, because there's a large, out-of-focus monster roaming the countryside.
bump

ss-iii splitters and 404 skirts areon. which means i need to update my sig.
nice you should do one on boost , there a afew solora's turobed ....

This post has been edited by Punch: Apr 8, 2007 - 3:05 PM
If it were me doing this swap... 1/3MZ or nothing. There is no advantage going for the 3VZ... and no... an iron block is not an advantage.

"It's ok to be naked girl... I'm an artist!"1995 AT200 Celica ST:stocked out daily driver...1984 AE86 Corolla GT-SR5:silvertop 20V 4AGE project car jacked up with goodies...1991 SW2x MR2 n/a:bare bones hardtop model soon to be...
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QUOTE(Punch @ Apr 8, 2007 - 3:04 PM) [snapback]544540[/snapback]
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nice you should do one on boost , there a afew solora's turobed ....


It would have to be older V6, VVT-i engines do not like boost to my knowledge. wink.gif

This post has been edited by snapshotgt: Apr 10, 2007 - 4:13 PM

Past: V6 Swapped 6G Celica, E46 BMW M3, Jeep Wrangler TJCurrent: 850rwhp C6 Corvette Grandsport, Gen1 6.2L Ford Raptor
I'm planning on swapping in a 5VZ-FE into my 94 ST. Are there any major fitment issues? i know i'll have to change motor mounts. but thats expected for any non "A" block. And since the 3vz in the Camry comes with the e-153 tranny, the e-153 should then bolt up to the engine, right?

This post has been edited by stephen_lee: Apr 10, 2007 - 5:16 PM

QUOTE"And, as always, your friendship, help, and dedication to the advancement of Texas Celica dominance is GREATLY appreciated. Thanks bro." -DEATH1994 GT:V6 swap, 5speed E53 W/ LSD, All Power, now RED1995 ST:SOLD @273k miles, Auto, all power, CarPC, White1994 ST:Totaled, 5spd, all power, RedRIP 07/09/09 @ 241,8101994 Lexus LS400:This is my new DD
the one issue you may have is the height of motor in relation to height clearance you have for hood ..

the front bank on a 3mz/1mz is 1/2" or so from hitting in front..

i would reccomend a 94-95 1mz with return fuel set up so you wont need to mod fuel lines just toss in a

walbro ..

the 1mz is a failry easy install (engine /tranny bolted in with adapter plate and using st205 mounts)

i personally like the 1mz-3mz motors over 3vz/5vz motors even though wiring is more involved ..


Old guy with the toys95 ST205 WRC (the real deal)94 MR2 HARDTOP Supercharged 2GR/6SPD 22 owned
Hmm, okay. i was leaning towards the 3MZ at first, but its harder to find. How complicated would the fuel situation be for the 3MZ? What tranny would be best?? and the wiring, i don't exactly understand why/how this is done..

QUOTE"And, as always, your friendship, help, and dedication to the advancement of Texas Celica dominance is GREATLY appreciated. Thanks bro." -DEATH1994 GT:V6 swap, 5speed E53 W/ LSD, All Power, now RED1995 ST:SOLD @273k miles, Auto, all power, CarPC, White1994 ST:Totaled, 5spd, all power, RedRIP 07/09/09 @ 241,8101994 Lexus LS400:This is my new DD
How did you fabricate your adapter plate? Will it be like the guys on the mr2oc forum? and what did you do with the axle?

<--- I miss :'' (
Awesome! more v6 celicas. I'm planning to do this in the future forsure. The more info the marryier!
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QUOTE(Kwanza26 @ Apr 10, 2007 - 2:08 PM) [snapback]545284[/snapback]
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If it were me doing this swap... 1/3MZ or nothing. There is no advantage going for the 3VZ... and no... an iron block is not an advantage.


not true. if you plan on turbocharging (although a turbo v6 isnt the greatest idea in a fwd car), the 3vz is a much better option. it is cheaper on average, easier to wire, easier to tune, no sludge problem. then there is this thread. a little biased, but the general consensus is FI=vz and NA=mz. considering most on here would swap a v6 and leave it stock, the mz is the better choice i agree, but that doesnt mean the vz has no advantages.

stephen, yes the 5vz will bolt up to the e-153, and you shouldnt have any fitment issues. its been done in an sw20. great motor with lots of low end torque. there is a manual 5vz 5 miles from me with only 70k i can get for cheap. tempting, but i myself am leaning towards the 3sgte again instead of the v6. been driving lots of cars at my new job, and i must say i love boost. i live at a mile in elevation, and a boosted car is the only way to go up here. im sure ill change my mind several more times before i commit to buying an engine (if i even do).

I think Bigfoot is blurry, that's the problem. It's not the photographer's fault. Bigfoot is blurry. And that's extra scary to me, because there's a large, out-of-focus monster roaming the countryside.
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QUOTE(celicaST @ Apr 11, 2007 - 7:48 AM) [snapback]545532[/snapback]
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QUOTE(Kwanza26 @ Apr 10, 2007 - 2:08 PM) [snapback]545284[/snapback]
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If it were me doing this swap... 1/3MZ or nothing. There is no advantage going for the 3VZ... and no... an iron block is not an advantage.


not true. if you plan on turbocharging (although a turbo v6 isnt the greatest idea in a fwd car), the 3vz is a much better option. it is cheaper on average, easier to wire, easier to tune, no sludge problem. then there is this thread. a little biased, but the general consensus is FI=vz and NA=mz. considering most on here would swap a v6 and leave it stock, the mz is the better choice i agree, but that doesnt mean the vz has no advantages.


A bunch of opinion. Kinda like when Freud came up with the super ego "theory" to justify his "love" for his mother... heh. j/k... but you get what i'm saying? I've been around engines for too long, highly modded, ones, stock one, doesn't matter... and having an iron block doesn't automatically make that engine stronger for boost. Take the Sr20 for example. Is it any weaker than the 3SG? most would argue no. Easy question... when boosted engines blow up... is it ever because the the "BLOCK" gave out? No... never. The block sometimes takes a beating, but that's always because a rod broke and punched a hole through it, or a piston flew apart or something. It's never.... oh just because it's alluminum it's gonna break while the rods and pistons are intact. The alluminum block itself actually feels very little friction, aside from heat... but that's the same as an iron block... however, the iron block, most of which are closed deck, do feel from friction. I still say... go with the newer engine. There's absolutely no reason to go with the VZ forced induction or otherwise... besides maybe a money matter. Even still... they're not that different. Anyway... i'll be slowing tearing down a 5VZFE at the shop and I'll be sure to save the rods just to make a comparison in the future.

And... some those MR2 guys are noobs. A mirror polish on the intake ports = Bad for performance... not to mention he bothered to do the polish job and not clean the head... =O lol... each to his own I suppose.

This post has been edited by Kwanza26: Apr 11, 2007 - 10:14 AM

"It's ok to be naked girl... I'm an artist!"1995 AT200 Celica ST:stocked out daily driver...1984 AE86 Corolla GT-SR5:silvertop 20V 4AGE project car jacked up with goodies...1991 SW2x MR2 n/a:bare bones hardtop model soon to be...
guys i will tell you the absolute best set up is a 94-96 1mz or 97-99 1mz if you cant find other years ..

why .. wiring, return fuel set up, similar functions to 6g compared to later camry's etc.. and you have a lot

less emissions components to deal with and most of all they are cheap .. will save a ton of $$$$

On 3vz/5vz why put a older motor in car ? ..80's designed motor .i should point out packaging a turbo in

v6 celica can be done but very very tight space . will have to place where battery goes .. twin turbo ? forget

it .. use 2 small turbo's but lot of work to make fit and still have oem feel ..


Old guy with the toys95 ST205 WRC (the real deal)94 MR2 HARDTOP Supercharged 2GR/6SPD 22 owned
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QUOTE(FORGMANN @ Apr 11, 2007 - 3:29 PM) [snapback]545692[/snapback]
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guys i will tell you the absolute best set up is a 94-96 1mz or 97-99 1mz if you cant find other years ..

why .. wiring, return fuel set up, similar functions to 6g compared to later camry's etc.. and you have a lot

less emissions components to deal with and most of all they are cheap .. will save a ton of $$$$

On 3vz/5vz why put a older motor in car ? ..80's designed motor .i should point out packaging a turbo in

v6 celica can be done but very very tight space . will have to place where battery goes .. twin turbo ? forget

it .. use 2 small turbo's but lot of work to make fit and still have oem feel ..


woulndt a 97+ 1mz be better for 96-99 celicas since they are obd2 and returnless i believe?

I think Bigfoot is blurry, that's the problem. It's not the photographer's fault. Bigfoot is blurry. And that's extra scary to me, because there's a large, out-of-focus monster roaming the countryside.