My local CL has an '05 Celica GT for cheap. Ad says "blown motor". It's a five-speed. Initial research indicates that this might be a decent, semi-sporty daily beater.
What goes wrong with the 1zz-fe? I know it's got a chain instead of a timing belt, but is it interference? Any endemic problems with that motor?
I know the 1zz went into a LOT of different cars. Do the motors interchange? The HP and torque varies a little bit depending on the application. What's the difference?
It would behoove you to spend the extra money and just get a GTS. They can be found in good daily beater condition for $6-$8k.
The 1zzfe isn't really PRONE to any huge issues. I believe that the version in the Corolla and the Celica may have had minor oiling issues under high Gs, but i may also be thinking of another motor.
And yes, the motors interchange. Any US 1zzfe longblock will work in that car. Just keep the existing accessories when doing the swap.
Alternatively... if you can get this car for REAL cheap... like...$2k or less, make a GTS clone. If you can't get it for $2k or less, then don't get it.
If you run them out of oil, they will blow. Every time.
The replacement 1zzfe has to be the same regarding the VVT. That is, a non-VVT motor, while physically fitting just fine, won't plug-n-play for you. I think they were all VVT by '05. Maybe VVT-i. You would need the exact same as is in there, regardless, but it could come from a different vehicle. 1zzfe's went into about a bazillion vehicles.
2zzge's have a mild reputation for oil starvation with extreme cornering, like in an Elise on a track day.
The car is dirt cheap. Currently listed for $1700, think I could probably get it for a little less. Needs a bit of bodywork as well, but KBB is 5k.
I considered a 2zzge swap, but they're quite a bit more expensive and not easy to find. I figure I can find a 1zz short block for ~$500.
Were I to go with a 2zz, will the GT tranny hold up to the higher power? And will the gears be spaced so widely that it'll fall out of the powerband everytime I shift? What ancillaries will I have to get to swap it?
