TOYOTA ENGINE CONVERSION / MODIFICATION |
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All Toyota cars and trucks have always been excellent candidates for engine upgrades. This is the reason import enthusiasts have previously modified more Toyotas than any other brand. Just as other import owners are now finding out- complete engine upgrade and interchangeability is the sure way to higher performance and reliable power. For Toyota the choice of engines is much larger- in terms of models and variations.
After all the bolt-on equipment have failed to amuse or meet the performance expectations- there remain unlimited ways to raise performance levels through an all-engine build-up, complete engine transplant, or forced induction modifications. For ultimate set-ups all three options are sometimes used on the same package.
A successful conversion starts with research. Although there is a lot of information available from the internet, import magazines, and from bench-racing friends: some information is less accurate than others, there is a lot of misinformation, and some totally misdirected opinions. Qualify the source- beware of experts basing experience on a one time conversion, magazine articles are usually 60% accurate, and friends maybe even less so. Research is important, but real experience trumps all printed media and talk. Find a shop willing and able to do conversions, and expect most shops to “pass” on the job.
There are accurate step by step articles available from many websites, try and contact the site with questions- this way you will know if they are able to answer questions and support your project, if you decide to do a similar set-up. Just keep in mind that the Toyota dealer will not know how, TRD will not answer any questions, your friends may know even less. Some information will remain proprietary. Toysport will support your project, if parts are purchased here. We will provide general information and some limited instructions- but do not expect a step-by step, wire by wire installation guide. Get a Factory Workshop Manual and the correct Electrical Wiring Diagram. If you have any doubts- DO NOT ATTEMPT any modification or conversion.
DISCLAIMER: Toysport information and technical support is provided based on our experience, research, and customer feedback. While Toysport makes every attempt to provide accurate information, no reliance should be placed solely on Toysport’s advice. Toysport is in no way responsible for modification and results based upon using provided information. Parties should seek their own or other advice. Use of information supplied by Toysport is at your own risk.
The three major ways to power are (1) complete all-engine build-up, (2) engine transplant, or (3) forced induction. These of course may be combined or all incorporated in the engine set-up you decide on.
Try to stay with the same engine family. If the block is the same family, mounting will be a lot easier. For example the Toyota A engines are available in at least 6 different versions. Engines will retrofit each other with just water connection or oil pan changes.
Try optional factory engines in the same chassis. For example the Toyota Celica had multiple engine variations thru the entire model run. Stay more or less within the same generation, FWD or RWD.
As a rule- the engine has to be matched with the correct engine harness, ECU, and all EFI related switches and sensor. Since engines maybe coming from a different chassis, be prepared to interface some wires to the chassis harness on your car. Most parts coming from Japan have a different wiring layout; so figure rerouting and cutting and extending some wires to properly locate components, specially the ECU.
All Japanese Specification engines (JDM) will not meet US Smog Requirements; they have no EGR- although it will pass Emissions standards in a tailpipe test. Some engines can be retrofitted with the EGR, some cannot. Toysport sells all Japanese imported engines as SPORTS PARTS (please read the NOTICE).
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