Interested in an engine swap in a '99 GSX

[Zaku III]

So, when looking through local deals for a 95-99 GSX, I find that anything I find has had the engine stressed past 150k miles, or has had it swapped in addition to other mods - which I shall not trust. Ergo, I figure I can find a cheaper one, then swap in a different engine. However, in the matter of what goes under the hood, I am the uttermost newbie. I am aware that it takes much more than just getting a new engine and literally switching them, so I am aware of my own ignorance - but ignorance it still is.

The first engine I thought of was a VII - VIII Evo engine, just due to their performance. However, I was very unable to find one, and while searching, I came across a well priced 2JZ GTE engine. Now, from what I have gathered, that would be impossible - is this true?

In any case, I shall simply list my questions.

1. How difficult/costly is the procedure?
2. What else would I need to switch to swap in a different motor?
3. On a scale of 1-10, how impossible would the 2JZ be>
4. What motor would you suggest?

Thanks in advance,

-Zaku

 

[turbosax2]

A 2JZ-GTE is a Supra engine, you know this right?

1. How difficult/costly is the procedure?
Completely custom - very hard, very expensive.
2. What else would I need to switch to swap in a different motor?
Depends what motor you're putting in - research about dropping a 6 bolt in - some work, but many have done it and it is very possible.
3. On a scale of 1-10, how impossible would the 2JZ be>
13
4. What motor would you suggest?
6 bolt

Bottom line: if you have to ask how hard it is to swap in a 2JZ-GTE, you can't do it. Sorry to be blunt, but that's it. If you insist on swapping motors, look into a 6 bolt.

Edit:
Just to show you how ludicrous the idea of a 2JZ-GTE swap is, read this: http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=67202&highlight=2jz

 

[Zaku III]

Well, I suppose I insist on doing so as to keep whatever car I can afford actually running.

In any case, any cost estimate on a 6-bolt?

 

[turbosax2]

Well, I suppose I insist on doing so as to keep whatever car I can afford actually running.

In any case, any cost estimate on a 6-bolt?

All depends on how wild you want to go. That's a REALLY broad question. You can go get one out of a junkyard for 100 bucks and throw it in. Or you can go full out and build a $10,000 race engine. I suggest to start looking through the forums. There is TONS of great info out there. Read up!

 

[Zaku III]

Ah, so 6-bolt refers to a range of engines. Remember, ignorant is I.

 

[turbosax2]

Ok, I'll give you a real quick breakdown but you really need to read through the forums.

Early 1g's came with 6 bolt engines. Late 1g's and all 2g's came with 7 bolt engines. 6 and 7 bolt refers to how many bolts are on the flywheel. 2g's can get crankwalk, 1g's can't (although crankwalk is severely overrated). People swap 6 bolts into their cars so they can completely forget about crankwalk. I have oversimplified everything here just to keep it simple for now.

 

[Zaku III]

Cool, thanks man. Shall read up on those after work.

 

[talon187]

Also what are your goals for the car? 12s? 11s? or a certain hp level you want?

 

[Zaku III]

Well, I'll be perfectly honest. Since I've had my license (2 years now), I've driven a 1995 Ford Escort LX wagon. Now, don't get me wrong, I love my car, but...88 horsepower automatic.

Yeah...

Right now, I just want an improvement. The '99 Eclipse GSX simply has the most appeal under $10,000 for me. However, anyone I find, I worry about fools redlining it in average driving, so I wouldn't trust the stock engine. The engine swap is just to keep it running and give me peace of mind. I'd be happy with the stock 210 horsepower or anything above that. I figure if I had at least 300, I could hit up my local drag strip, so that'd be an added bonus.

 

[turbosax2]

Well, I'll be perfectly honest. Since I've had my license (2 years now), I've driven a 1995 Ford Escort LX wagon. Now, don't get me wrong, I love my car, but...88 horsepower automatic.

Yeah...

Right now, I just want an improvement. The '99 Eclipse GSX simply has the most appeal under $10,000 for me. However, anyone I find, I worry about fools redlining it in average driving, so I wouldn't trust the stock engine. The engine swap is just to keep it running and give me peace of mind. I'd be happy with the stock 210 horsepower or anything above that. I figure if I had at least 300, I could hit up my local drag strip, so that'd be an added bonus.

Find a car you like, buy it, drive it, mod it. If the engine dies on you, THEN replace it.

 

[Zaku III]

With the stupidly low amount of money I'm making, I have great patience. I'd rather just plan for the various reliability upgrades in my initial investment, so as to not get screwed if/when it DOES die.

 

[Cs4g63]

Honestly with the concerns you are expressing and how you want to keep things simple and on the low side of the power range you would probably be happy with just getting a GST.

 

[silverbullett]

If it runs fine then keep the stock motor. If it dies then swap it with a 1g 6-bolt motor. That's what I would do. I bought my 98 gst from some kid who did light mods to it 30k ago. The only "major" maintenance I've had to do was the timing belt and water pump. I used to drive Acura's but, when I drove my friend's 95 gsx, I called it quits on Hondas. And his car was stock by the way.

 

[95RedTsiAwd]

Early 1g's came with 6 bolt engines. Late 1g's and all 2g's came with 7 bolt engines. 6 and 7 bolt refers to how many bolts are on the flywheel. 2g's can get crankwalk, 1g's can't (although crankwalk is severely overrated).

That's not true , try not to talk in absolutes with the 4g63. 1g's have, and can get crankwalk. Although the 6-bolt in the 1g is undeniably a more stout engine, it is definetly not immune to crankwalk, just less probable due to a better oiling system. Everything else is accurate.

And yes Crankwalk is overrated

 

[turbosax2]

That's not true , try not to talk in absolutes with the 4g63. 1g's have, and can get crankwalk. Although the 6-bolt in the 1g is undeniably a more stout engine, it is definetly not immune to crankwalk, just less probable due to a better oiling system. Everything else is accurate.

And yes Crankwalk is overrated

Like I said.....

I have oversimplified everything here just to keep it simple for now.

 

[Boo5t_Addict]

It's next to impossible to state one main reason for crankwalk. There are just too many differences between the 6 and 7-bolt blocks. But back to the original poster:

You simply cannot plan for everything. Any car you buy, no matter what it is, WILL break down. The more you mod a car, the greater chance you have of it breaking down. Fact of the matter is, you're going to spend a lot of money over the years on parts that aren't for performance. If you're really that worried, then set aside like 2 grand before you buy anything, and don't touch it. Then you'll have a little to fall back on. Also, since you'll be learning as you go, you won't want to take major steps, so you'll have time to save your cash. And by the way, '97-'99 7-bolts are less prone to crankwalk than the '95-'96 models. I've read that it has to do with the split thrust bearings used. Seriously, with stock horsepower, or even just 300, you should be perfectly fine.

 

[silverbullett]

"And by the way, '97-'99 7-bolts are less prone to crankwalk than the '95-'96 models. I've read that it has to do with the split thrust bearings used."

Those years used a split thrust bearing? (honest question)

 

[Clutch GSX]

If youre not making a lot of money and you dont want to go fast, then why would you swap an engine into a car that doesnt even need an engine replacement. If youre that low on cash then i dont think you can be picky when it comes to trusting what the previous driver did. If you want a cheap, reliable car then go buy a 97 civic with 75000 miles on it for $6000 or something. If you buy a used engine your not going to know how that engine was treated either. Dont be dumb, drive the car until it breaks then figure it out. Engine swaps just arent for someone on a budget.

I bought my 98 GSX for $6500 (shitty condition) and i found a used 6bolt (pretty bad shape) for $400 you can do some maintanance for $300 and have a shop put it in for $1000 or so. total comes to $8200. I doubt you can find a 2jz for less than $2500 not to mention its a rear wheel drive engine and it simply wont work.

And if you cant find a 97-99 with less than 120,000 miles then youre not looking hard enough