I was impressed with the Toyota 4A-FE last night: Grassroots Motorsports forum: Grassroots Motorsports Magazine

Subscribe get a full year for only $23.95 Sample Free Test Drive—no strings attached

Nov. 17, 2009 2:02 p.m. ClemSparks UberDork

A neighbor needed to get rid of his too-expensive-to-title '92 Corolla and was happy to have me drive it away last night to keep the city off his back (for having an unlicensed vehicle sitting around).

The thing probably hasn't even started in a year or more. A quick jumpstart had the engine purring like a kitten.

I drove it around the block to park it at my secret stashing spot and was quite impressed by the output of the engine. I surmise it's a 4A-FE engine...paired with the 5 speed. It was pretty peppy.

It actually had me contemplating putting it into my '83 Corolla (in place of the 4A).

However, it's 6 of one or half a dozen of the other between that and a 3TC. I think the 3TC will be easier in the long run.

Now...if I could make that 3TC run as good or better than the 4AFE for cheap (and I'm betting you'll tell me I can)...then game on.

The 4A-FE would leave me in need of an "A" specific transmission (or at least bellhousing) and I'd have to figure out how to run the fuel injection (I'd probably just use the stock '92 wiring somehow). Probably not worth it...

I ruled out a 4AGE long ago due to lack of ability of engines and all the stuff that would need to go along with the engine for the rear drive application.

darn one-year-only '83 Corolla!

Clem
Nov. 17, 2009 2:06 p.m. 93celicaGT2 SuperDork

I wouldn't put a 4afe in your 83. They really aren't that great, i promise.

HOWEVER, DO get a 7afe bottom end and make a "7age" out of it.
Nov. 17, 2009 2:08 p.m. Dr. Hess PowerDork

What motor is in your 83 Rolla now? A 4A? If so, that 4AFE will bolt right in it's place and all you have to do is swap the harness over and add a fuel pump.
Nov. 17, 2009 2:08 p.m. ReverendDexter HalfDork

I thought that RWD Corollas using the T or A block all used the T50 5-speed, or it's predecessor, the T40 4-speed.

I would suggest the 3TC over the 4A-FE simply because it's the exact same amount of work to swap in any fuel injected 4A, whether it's an -FE or -GE, so you might as well get the -GE.

3TCs can also be built to make some good power for a little pushrod Hemi 1.8L. I know one shop that was making something like 180hp with one without all too much work.
Nov. 17, 2009 2:09 p.m. 93celicaGT2 SuperDork

Wait... i just saw that you ruled OUT a 4age because of all the stuff needed for the RWD application...

AE86s had the 4age in a RWD config.
Nov. 17, 2009 2:17 p.m. ClemSparks UberDork

93celicaGT2 wrote:

Wait... i just saw that you ruled OUT a 4age because of all the stuff needed for the RWD application...

AE86s had the 4age in a RWD config.

Yeah...and I've not seen ONE singe AE86 within 50 miles of me ever...let alone one being parted.

So...the 4AGE...until one falls into my lap for a fair price, just ain't gonna happen.

I agree that the 3TC and any of the A engines will be a similar amount of work.

For an A motor I'd already have the engine mounts...and that's about it. I'd NEED the engine, the bellhousing for the T50 I have (it has a T bellhousing on it now), something to run the engine with, fuel pump, the distributor, and whatever I'd need for the "front" of the engine in a rear drive configuration. I forget all the specifics, but I recall from prior research, it's significant.

For the 3TC into the '83, I need the engine and transmission (which I have acquired), a header which I'll have to modify somehow to clear the steering). Plus the odds and ends...I don't know.

Either way, the car is getting swapped to a 5 speed (the auto puked about the same time as the engine, fortunately).

Oh...and Yes...the '83 has the 4A (carbureted) in it now. Engine siezed while driving it to the shop to change the engine ;).

Clem
Nov. 17, 2009 2:18 p.m. ClemSparks UberDork

ReverendDexter wrote: 3TCs can also be built to make some good power for a little pushrod Hemi 1.8L. I know one shop that was making something like 180hp with one without all too much work.

I'd like this recipe. I don't think I'd be able to afford it...but would like to do some cheap upgrades to the engine before I put it in the car.

Clem
Nov. 17, 2009 2:20 p.m. ClemSparks UberDork

Dr. Hess wrote: that 4AFE will bolt right in it's place and all you have to do is swap the harness over and add a fuel pump.

I think I'd have to hack a hole in my firewall for the distributor too...
Nov. 17, 2009 2:24 p.m. Dr. Hess PowerDork

Some people just bump the firewall with a sledge hammer. If you're replacing a 4A, it would be easier than changing everything else to fit a T block. Bell housing/transmission, motor mounts, etc. v. tap tap (OK, WHACK WHACK) with the fine tuning hammer.
Nov. 17, 2009 3:33 p.m. ClemSparks UberDork

Well...the auto trans (for the 4AC) is shot. So it's getting a 5 speed either way.

I have a 3TC, bellhouse, and 5 speed with the driveshaft to put the 3TC in the car. The header is the only part that would really be troublesome about putting the 3TC in.

The A engine would require the fuel pump, a bell housing, some firewall surgery, and a bit of wiring stress.

I'm seriously thinking about it, though.

The way the 4AFE fired up an idled so nicely after sitting forever...that was nice. Not to mention how it surprised me with its output.

Of course, if I could do a carburetor right...it may have been similar ;).

Clem