So I have a line on a cheap corolla wagon and am thinking about what I would want to do with this beast. My first thoughts:
1uz (nixed on lack of easy/manual)
ls1/lm7/l33/whatever (nixed same as above)
Miata (too small)
350z (Haven't found a engine/trans combo cheaper than 1.5k)
New mustang v6 (too pricey)
New Camaro v6 (too pricey)
Looking for some nice RWD packages with cheap and reliable manuals that EASILY bolt up. Don't really need more than 300hp but I don't want something with no torque though.
The 3rd rotor is your torque!
You can do an LSx with a T-5, just use the 5.3 version and you'll be OK for awhile.
Personally, I'd do a Ford 5.0/T-5 combo.
Well, the 3Tc is a damn good engine to start with.
The 4AG is the closes thing to being a bolt-in, followed by the RZ-series engines.
After that, Lexus V8s, Buick 3.8 V6 is a good fit..
The 3TC and 5-speed IS a pretty nice RWD package as it is.
Maybe step up to a 2TG or 3T-GTE.
Shawn
For ease of packaging, I'd go V6.
VG30 or any of its variants. Common as dirt, available NA/turbo/twin turbo/supercharged by the factory (saves you a lot of work!). Too bad Toyota didn't see fit to use V6's in RWD apps other than trucks.
Somebody sing out: does the Toyota truck/4Runner V6 manual bellhousing work with the Supra transmission? If so that would make a nice NA swap, get the gear ratios more sporting that way.
^This . . .
Or a GM 60* V6 (3400/3500/3900) . . . cheap and can be mated to a V6 Camaro T-5 with a S-10 bellhousing (starter on the driver side). 190-240 hp and easy 300hp with boost.
5.0/T5 seems like the easiest, cheapest option.
V6? VG30/VG33 are cheap and relatively plentiful, but heavy.
Go unique? Suzuki?!
Can't imagine a H25A or H27 would be all that expensive, seeing as how they aren't exactly in demand. Gets you an aluminum block, DOHC V6, with 150/180 hp stock, decent torque too. H25A can be found in V6 Trackers, and Grand Vitaras. Can be found with the 5 speed, and in 2wd. H27A was pretty much exclusive the XL-7, and mated to a slushbox, but can be mounted to the manual.
Grab a parts vehicle to take all the computers our if you intend to use them. Or say screw it, and MS it.
I like these ideas. I am liking the idea of the factory supercharged vg33. Not the best motor for various reasons but unique and has good potential. The Zuki 6 is interesting. I bet an entire parts car is CHEAP!
4AG(E) or "7AGE" for easy, rock-solid-reliable swap
1JZ or 2JZ for big power
In reply to 93EXCivic:
Basically I don't want to deal with motors that do not have factory RWD manual transmissions, ie no 1uz. I am not looking at easy to bolt into the car, just reducing custom driveline parts.
Stick with the 3tc and just turbo it. You can get INSANE power out of those motors, and the easiest motor to swap in a car is the one you don't have to.
Just to clarify. Easy only applies to granny fitment. This would be my first engine swap and I don't want to get to many things going at once.
Where is the fun in no swap!
singleslammer wrote:
Just to clarify. Easy only applies to granny fitment. This would be my first engine swap and I don't want to get to many things going at once.
Where is the fun in no swap!
Where's the fun in no swap?
I got your fun in no swap right here: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=3tc+turbo&page=1
I mean, if you want to swap just to swap, then go for it!! 
I'm just saying that if i had a 3TC Corolla, there's no way i would even think about swapping it, personally. 
Next to turbo-ing the 3tc would be a 2tg or a 3tg. Then a 4ag and maybe a 3sgte. But for easy hp... id go with what others have said ... 5.0/t5/8.8 or maybe rearend from a toyota truck... good aftermarket support.
3TCs with turbos can make a lot of power and I think that would be where I would go. Or maybe 7MGTE.
"7ag" poweplants have been haunting my dreams of late...I think that would be a great way to go personally, followed closely by a GM 3.8
...or maybe get a little bit nutty and go Jeep straight 6? 4.0 liters and a small package. Reliable as gravity and parts grow on trees
SR20 motor there is a ton of aftermarket support many stand alone fuel management systems out there and you can build HP
Luke
UberDork
5/15/12 7:52 a.m.
Lots of options, but only one answer for me, in this application: 4AGE. Practically bolts itself in.
4AGE + turbo is also doable if you wanted more power. From what I've seen, they take to boost as easily as the Miata 4-cyl does.
cutter67 wrote:
SR20 motor there is a ton of aftermarket support many stand alone fuel management systems out there and you can build HP
It's not a terrible motor, but a lateral move at best.
Another vote for 4AGE. If you want to bolt a 5.0 into something old and light get a Pinto. 4A can make great power and has as much support as you're ever likely to need.
With it being a TE, wouldn't that complicate dropping in a 4AGE motor since you would have to swap R&P crossmember and such bits to make it work?
Or do I have that backwards (I always get the TE and KE Corollas confused).
92CelicaHalfTrac wrote:
cutter67 wrote:
SR20 motor there is a ton of aftermarket support many stand alone fuel management systems out there and you can build HP
It's not a terrible motor, but a lateral move at best.
i wouldnt say that... SR20DET is a great motor they are cheaper to build than a 4AGE but you are right its a sideways move but he wants options i just think there is more aftermarket support for this motor than any offered so far even the 4AGE
the big point is if it's a toy put a toy motor in it same as if it's a nissan put a nissan motor in it. i hate bastards
