18RG rebuild OR 1G-GTE

[RAd28]

depends on what you want... few hundred bucks => 50 more Hp => More fuel => Lag => broken diff => PSSSTTT sound....

take the 1GGE, get the deck shaved (about $100) up the comp, give it a home port and polish (if ya got the tools) maybe an extra 20ish hp... no lag => broken diff => more fuel => broked diff => BRAAAAAPPPP sound...

i looked at a 1GGE, 'cause of the saved $$$$ with the likes of intercooler, and piping to suit... was an extra $800 there... on top of the few hundred for the engine...

[ansonvd]

Thanks for you ideas. I am only knew to this, so forgive me if my questions are a little basic!!
I think that I will rebuild the 18R-G (to keep rivers on side ) What upgrades should I then consider. I know a brake upgrade would be worth it. What else needs upgrading?
And what should I upgrade the brakes etc too (Lambolica & rivers, I am only a novice)?
Look forward to your replies.
Anson

[Toy77]

g'day mate,

i have done both these routes in my celica over the years.

what you need to decide now is how fast do you want to go, and what do you want to do with your car.

i had an 18rg - which i rebuilt (not bored out mind you) but i did have big cams, high comp pistons, webbers, very nice exhaust, lightened lywheel etc etc.
it was a great thing in the day... had reasonable grunt, great naturally aspirated sound - particuarly with webbers (other carbys just dont sound the same) - did high 15sec 1/4s - not too bad, enough to keep v8 comodores of the day honest.

then i fitted the 1ggte. for my mind there is no comparison. the 1ggte shits all over the 18rg for what i like to do. no more trouble starting in cold weather (not that it was bad, but alot more hassle than reaching through the window from outside and hittin the key). HEAPS more power, much smoother - car was much better to drive on a daily basis, used less fuel most the time.

the only reason i would have a 18rg was if i was attempting to keep the car period styled - like some of the boys here. but if you are goin to have aftermarket bits - big rims, stezza, interior etc...... then you may as well have the benefits that go with the late model motor.

asfor 18rg being much cheaper .... i have my doubts the 1g conversion is pretty easy, and if you want more power later it is goin to cost alot more to get it out of the 18rg.

technically the 18rg should still be engineered, and if you dont tell your insurance company and you have an accident or something else (it gets stolen etc) then you may not be paid for it or get the replacement value for the motor.

As for brakes the hilux, pug, corona conversion has been covered on here many time (type it into the search)

As i said at the start this is ONLY MY OPINION, but it is based on having had both scenarios you describe.

good luck with whatever you decide to do

Cheers
Stew

[DQIKST]

stew, when it came time for me to insure the TA23 they told me the only model of engine they have on the database is a 2.0L 4cyl so mmmmmmm,

also dude i have a TA23 originally 2T auto, always loved the 23 because of my brothers one but he had a RG so i wanted one too. i changed mine to the RG and went for a ride in blakes 23 (1GGTE) there is no comparason, sorry river but im 19 and you know how it is these days,

but if you want to keep old skool look with 1G which is what im going to do full sleeper style, but the retro look is still good just look at how much ace and silly rabbit river get for the 22s and 25 they own but at the same time and the toyman would agree with me, its your car and you only live once so do what you want to do with it.

cya
IBZ

[Toy77]

heya,

i know that often the insurance people dont know what motor is supposed to be there. But just cos it says 2L doesnt mean you can put an sr20 in there for example. now if the assesor (who actually sees cars) knows the difference you run the risk, as i believe every insurance policy has a non - disclosure policy about modifications.

in the end, what you are prepared to tell your insurance company is up to you, i just dont see the point in paying out alot of cash only to possibly not be insured at crunch time, particuarly when there are companys prepared to insure you properly.

Stew

[brett_celicacoupe]

from what i have been told from AAMI (australian ass-ramming motor insurance ), any vehicle fitted with an engine other what was fitted from the factory wont be insured (by them). i asked them the reason for this and they said it is because they cant guarentee replacement of the "unknown" engine.

[ansonvd]

Thanks for your advice Stew. Great to hear form someone who has done both!!
Guys, what about Just Cars Insurance? Someone here in my office thinks that Just Cars will insure modified cars!
Talking about mods then, what mods are required for an engine upgrade to a 1G-GTE? And what is the best way of getting a 1G-GTE? Is half cut the best option?
Thanks for you help so far. It's great
Anson

[RAd28]

yeah, just cars will insure your weapon, but i'd be more inclined to go with shannons, 'cause just cars is designed for 18-25 years olds with modded cars, so IMO they're looking to rip people off... but i could be totally wrong, just an opinion...

as for getting the engine i'd strongly recommend a front cut... i got a engine, 'box, loom, ecu, from someone, but for the money i paid for the wiring, i could have bought another frontcut... but it all depends on who you get to do what work...

[ansonvd]

Does anyone know how to get a blue plate for a 1G-GTE in a RA28? I assume that the engineers will have to get involved. How and when do you get a blue plate?
Blue plate would involve upgrade of brakes. Does anyone have a thread / website which can direct me on required upgrades for this type of engine? I have got my eye on a 1G-GTE from a mate of a mate!!
Anson

[o_man_ra23]

Anson,
I believe by going the 1G you are taking the correct route, as you seem to be chasing power, but dont have the advanced knowledge to perform a 3SGTE conversion. DOTARS is about to release the NCOP (National Code of Practice) which outlines what paperwork you need for what type of conversions. I know for a fact that what you are going to do will require an engineers cert. So, you are best to contact an engineer FIRST, and ask them what they want to see from your conversion, and what braking performance etc you should have. IMHO, any engineer will pass your car with the hilux/pug/rona brake conversion and W5x (not W50) gearbox. A diff upgrade may also be on their list. Also you will need a catalytic converter on your exhaust. The engineer should outline requirements for fuel system, brakes, suspension, drivetrain, engine mounts. Keep records/photos of what you do along the way, and show them to the engineer at assesment time, so that they can QUICKLY (time is money for engineers) assess your work and pass/issue further requirements. This will keep costs to a minimum.

Cheers, Owen

[brett_celicacoupe]

to get a modification plate (blue plate) you need to have your car examined by an automotive engineer. usually the more respectable or performance workshops in your area are qualified to approve such modifications. i think for memory you can contact the transport department (dunno what they call on your side of the world) and they will give you a list of such workshops in your area.


i think the way it works with the brakes is that if you increase the weight of the car (through engine swap or whatever), there is more energy that is required to be dissipated through the brakes. remember that all the kinetic energy of a moving car (mass) has to go somewhere (brakes). so as a general rule, the brakes need to be equaly as adaquete as the ones fitted by the factory.

for memory, someone in QLD fitted a 1g to a celica and had it passed with the standard brakes. this was probly done with aftermarket pads and slotted rotors.


but seeing as you have a RA28, there is a simple and highly effective brake upgrade that can be performed using hilux 4 piston callipers, peugot rotors and corona struts. i think the tech article is located in the repository of the old forums.... (which may not be accesable anymore?)

[brett_celicacoupe]

beat me to it

[DQIKST]

hey guys a 1G is lighter than a 18RG so that is what i have been told.

so does that mean i can get away from the brake conversion???

probly end up doin the conversion but just a question,

cheers

[o_man_ra23]

beat me to it

around here theres the quick and the people who look silly for posting the same as the person before

[o_man_ra23]

hey guys a 1G is lighter than a 18RG so that is what i have been told.

so does that mean i can get away from the brake conversion???

probly end up doin the conversion but just a question,

cheers

I can lift an 18RG complete block on my own... i am doubtful as to whether I could do that with a 1G... and the 1G head can in no way be lighter than an 18RG, especially when you add turbos etc. Also, the capable speed of the vehicle will be taken into account by a decent engineer as momentum is the product of mass times the square of velocity.

Cheers, Owen