Motor swaps?

danzo70 · Post by **danzo70** » Sat Apr 29, 2006 9:33 pm

Has anyone swapped a different engine into their Spider? I am about to purchase an '80 model and thought a Toyota 22RE would be an ideal candidate.

Please no flames.

Danny

So Cal Mark · Post by **So Cal Mark** » Sun Apr 30, 2006 1:22 am

why use an old slug like that? No real benefit over the Fiat motor. I could see it if you're going to put in something like a Honda S2000 or something technically advanced. If you want a convertible Celica, it'd be easier to just go get one

danzo70 · Post by **danzo70** » Sun Apr 30, 2006 3:15 pm

That "old slug" has about 50% more power than the stop 124 motor. And if that 124 motor is toast then the 22re has 150 more hp. Plus they are bulletproof, have good aftermarket support and can easily handle a turbo.

I would never touch an S2000 motor, esp since a good used one I'm sure sells for big bucks. Technically advanced = expensive to fix

So Cal Mark · Post by **So Cal Mark** » Sun Apr 30, 2006 4:45 pm

I disagree on the "bulletproof" 22re, they suffer from several problems that are common to all the Toyo models; blown head gaskets, oil pump leaks, cracked exhaust manifolds and exhaust stud breakage, and timing chain wear. If you want to make your Spider semi-worthless, swap one in.

danzo70 · Post by **danzo70** » Sun Apr 30, 2006 7:35 pm

The problems you mentioned will happen at some point in any car, but in Toyota motors they happen less often. That's why the 22re has been around forever - because it works. Any human being alive today is familiar with Toyota's legendary reliability.

One of the added benefits to this swap is the many tranny choices.

I am not concerned about the value of my car if I do a swap; indeed a $500 car can't devalue much. If I put forth the effort I wouldn't plan to sell it for a long while anyway.

YeLLoWBoAt · Post by **YeLLoWBoAt** » Sun Apr 30, 2006 8:58 pm

danzo70 wrote:. Any human being alive today is familiar with Toyota's legendary reliability..

I have to disagree with you on that. I have 3 members of my family that have bought them new and had major things happend too them b4 they had 3k miles on them. Motors blowing up, fried wireing and a axle that broke on thier new "heavy duty" truck with only 93 miles on it. Nothing ever in th bed, never towed anything. it just broke going around a corner it and the wheel went flying off ~ 8k in damage when the frame hit the street.

danzo70 · Post by **danzo70** » Sun Apr 30, 2006 9:15 pm

Yello-

I am sorry that your three family members had (anomoly) bad experiences with their Toyotas, you didn't specify what models but they do not sound like they had the motor I am talking about. I am talking about 22re motors.

Damn guys, who doesn't know Toyota builds great stuff?!?? They didn't get to be one of the top auto manufacturers in the world for no reason! Next thing you will be saying Honda doesn't know quality??

mdrburchette · Post by **mdrburchette** » Sun Apr 30, 2006 9:28 pm

I know nothing about the 22R motor but my 77 Celica had the 20R and it was a strong engine. A friend of mine runs the 22R in the 4 cylinder division at the local race track and he won his division. I do have to wonder why someone would want to swap out their Fiat engine for another make though. These engines are practically bulletproof and in my opinion, easily modified for more hp.

danzo70 · Post by **danzo70** » Sun Apr 30, 2006 10:17 pm

The motor in the car I am thinking of purchasing is ruined.

So Cal Mark · Post by **So Cal Mark** » Sun Apr 30, 2006 11:11 pm

so why put all of that swap effort into a $500 car? I'm sure you can find a Celica in that price range

fiater · Post by **fiater** » Mon May 01, 2006 9:19 pm

Other than Fiats, I only buy Toyotas. I've had a total of 13 since '88 ( I have 6 drivers in the family and have had as many as 7 on the road at one time) and unless they rust away (here in the "rust-belt") I always get well over 200,000 mi. out of them. They're the best cars that I've owned or worked on. I have a 22R with 300,000mi on it and it's going strong. Untill now I've only heard a few neg. Toyota stories,so this is surprising. Even though I love Toyotas, I woudn't put anything but a Fiat engine in a Fiat, but that's just me.[/list]

So Cal Mark · Post by **So Cal Mark** » Mon May 01, 2006 9:27 pm

I also have had several Toyotas, currently drive an 88 truck, and work on lots of them daily. The 22R doesn't have any technical advantage over the Fiat motor, it's only larger displacement. I could only see a swap if it's for something technically advanced or has gobs more power than a Fiat could produce.

If for no other reason than ability to resell at some point; no Fiat enthusiast would be interested in the car, and I doubt if a Toyota devotee would be sold on the combo either

Danno · Post by **Danno** » Mon May 01, 2006 10:35 pm

i see excellent potential with the fiat and a toyota engine. I'm thinking an L series Diesel like maybe the "2L" (2.4L). That would be an excellent combo for a daily driver with today's expensive fuel. Throw some veggie oil in that badboy and drive from one fast-food joint to another to fill it up. That would be awesome!!!!!!

fiater · Post by **fiater** » Tue May 02, 2006 8:14 pm

From what I understand, a car that's run on used veg. oil has an exhaust that smells like french fries. An Italian car that smells like french fries hmmm...... I'll have to think about that one. Now, if it smelled like linguini and clam sauce, that would be awesome!

Danno · Post by **Danno** » Tue May 02, 2006 8:21 pm

fiater wrote:From what I understand, a car that's run on used veg. oil has an exhaust that smells like french fries. An Italian car that smells like french fries hmmm...... I'll have to think about that one. Now, if it smelled like linguini and clam sauce, that would be awesome!

maybe if you get the right source it would just smell like garlic breadsticks or something