3VZFE RWD - sump, starter, and adaptor(er?) ring

[Shifty]

Hi kids

I'm down to a choice of two engines - 22RE, or 3VZFE. The 22RE is five-hundred-and-ninety-two times easier, of course.... but the 3VZ is approximately that many times cooler/better.

So, I have three questions:

* anyone got a bellhousing adapter for sale, or CAD plans so I can get one made up?
* i notice from the pictures i've seen, that the starter is on the driver's side. is there an option for a passenger's side starter, or can someone provide pics and a handful of measurements of how the starter sits and how far from engine centreline it is? Need to check clearance to steering box (old Hilux, with rear-mount steering box).
* anyone got any decent pics of the sump and/or has anyone found/made a mid-ish sump for one?

Thanks!

[Shifty]

gt's adaptor ring, for anyone who hasn't seen it.

http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/6...torring3fu.jpg
http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/603/3vz4pg.jpg
http://img465.imageshack.us/img465/6...ogether3ng.jpg

[3sgte]

Are you after putting in the 4 valve (3VZ-FE) or 2 valve (3VZ) motor?
For a RWD application, the 3VZ-FE will need space for the distributor and maybe throttle body.

Another option might be 5VZ-FE, as it doesn't use a distributor, is 3.4 L and already in an RWD configuation.

[Shifty]

Hi mate

I would be looking at the 3VZFE, the advantage in my case being that:

(i) 3VZFE is extremely common here, and therefore very cheap to buy and/or replace
(ii) 5VZ is neither common, nor cheap
(iii) unlike 1MZ has a full steel sump so easier to modify for my mid/rear sump application.

I would be making a custom inlet manifold, as the FWD-style engine points the throttle body in a ridiculous fashion at the centre of the firewall when fitted in RWD configuration.

One thing I hadn't thought of was the distributor, I note the 5VZ doesn't run a distributor so is it possible (like people do with 20v engines) to easily convert to a distributorless ignition using the distributor body as the trigger? Electrics are not my strong point, so please be gentle, encouraging & descriptive Alternatively I think the motor will probably be far enough forward for distributor clearance anyway, as it has to sit a touch forward to clear the steering box.

[3sgte]

I can't say about the ignition.
I've never done that.