RA28 engine conversion suggestions....

[Presidentom]

Hey,

I've been scrounging money for YEARS to do the engine swap to my Celica, been given all kinds of advice in that time too.....
I want a bit of power under foot and a nice sound to come from the exhaust, but am aware of the structural limitations of the RA28 body, so extreme power isn't the priority.

Would an engine from the GR family fit? I can't find any prices or decent specs on these, but think it'd look real neat in the engine bay. Is there some reason people aren't playing with these more?

Any suggestions guys???

[stidnam]

the GR series of engines would be very nice for conversions but they are not that common yet and cost a fair bit still so people usually go for cheaper alternatives that have commonly been done.

How much are you budgeting for this engine conversion as that will play a big part in what engine you can afford to put into your RA28 as you'll need to budget for brake & diff upgrades in addition to fuel system & exhaust etc.

[airfireman1]

Best bang for your Buck is a 1JZ, enough said

[TurboRA28]

1mz-fe is proving itself well in mine

[river]

Hi,

A turbo'd 18R-G is proving itself quite well in Trini.

There's heaps of threads in these forums for engine conversions for the 23/28.... and almost as many choices to what engine you want. It all comes down to what you want from the car and how much cashola you are willing to spend on it.

seeyuzz
river

[Major Clod]

Put in ke70 rack and cross member, and a rwd beams 3sge will fit perfectly.

[Sam_Q]

Put in ke70 rack and cross member, and a rwd beams 3sge will fit perfectly.

thats not an easy conversion...

[o_man_ra23]

Turbo and fuel inject an 18R-G if you want power that's not over the top. Then you don't have to worry about crossmembers, transmissions, etc etc. The whole conversion process is a lot easier. Check the 18R-GTE reference thread for tips.

[Major Clod]

thats not an easy conversion...

The OP is thinking about GR series engines, and Joel has mentioned his 1MZ.

I will guarantee that a RWD 3S-GE Beams would be easier than both of those, I have done it myself. The only significant fab required is reinforcing and drilling the Ke70 crossmember. There is also no reason you couldn't look at a TA23 crossmember too, I just wanted r&p so didn't bother. Wiring isn't anywhere near as complex as some people would make out (contrary to popular belief the ecu is not matched to a key). The J160 box is very similar in size to a W50 and fits in the tunnel nicely. Even has a remote shifter so you can get the gearstick very close to the factory hole.

The only other work is nothing any other modern engine conversion won't require i.e: match up exhaust, possible tailshaft length change, fuel system. The engine fits in there very similar to an 18RG, just a bit taller.


Besides, I don't think the OP ever said easy was a requirement!

[Omegaman]

to save a dollar, go 18rg with carbs, straight fit, no conversion really req'd.
Or better still, 18rgue EFI, though you will need wiring, ECU or after market setup, surge tank a good inclusion.
Then you have options for higher compression NA, or go turbo.
then maybe brake change.
Any thing else fitted will require conversion costs, maybe engineers involved.
my 2 cents

[SillyCarS]

nissan VH45 twin turbo would be fuckin insane and not been done before

well thats what id do if i had 15g's lying around

(... 1jz fo show brother!)

[The Witzl]

whilst the turbo 18RGE (aka, 18RGTE) might be the easiest to bolt in.... it isnt exactly the easiest to get running. First of all, you really need to upgrade to forged pistons - so a rebuild of sorts is necesary, and parts are hard/expensive to find.
Then you have to source the EFI intake manifold and fuel rails
Then you have to upgrade fuel system and injectors
Then you have to go straight to aftermarket ECU, which isnt an easy or cheap proposition for a simple "engine conversion".

... but beyond that, yeah straight bolt in



I still rate an 18RGTE though. Only cos im building one.

[river]

Hi,

Really, in any engine conversion, if you are serious, you should rebuild the engine - moreso if you are going to turbo it.

seeyuzz
river

[WDE_BDY]

I disagree River, with a late model jap motor a rebuild is generally not worth it when you can grab another motor from the wreckers to throw in for much cheaper. How often would you kill a 1JZ or 1UZ without severe abuse or very poor maintenance?

Callum

[o_man_ra23]

Depends on how accurately the engine is described prior to purchase Callum. Import motors aren't a sure fire way to get a good deal.