Engine Replacement

[iamrelevart]

Hi, I'm new here and did some perfunctory cruising of the boards but didn't quite see the shoe that fit my question. So if I'm reposting, allow me to apologize in advance.

Let me also blanket this with the statement that I don't know a whole lot about the inner workings of the car (or cars in general) but I have access to a lot of tools to make some changes, what a dangerous combination!

I have a 2001 Solara with the 4cylinder engine that just threw a timing belt (or so I believe). I haven't gotten the full diagnostic yet, but there's talk of a lot of work and whatnot. So since the car is going to be under the knife, I wondered: Could I change out my 4 cylinder for a 6 cylinder? (I'm guessing no)? If not, is there some type of engine upgrade that I could do aside from switching stock to performance parts.

Also, I have the old turn the knob dash controls for heat and air. I bought an electronic version of that stuff and was wondering if I could install that or if I needed to do some work to the onboard computer.

Thanks in advance and I am SURE I will have some more questions!

[Midias]

You should be able to find a 1MZ V6 FOR A 2001 SOLARA and swap it in.

[Gangis]

I'm sure you can find a V6 but you'd also need some other parts to go with it (such as mounts)... but it's my understanding that the 4cyl engines have a timing chain, not a belt.

[YESCA]

^^^ They have a belt

[kingkakyle]

the 2az 4 cyl has a chain but his is an 01 which i believe is the 5sfe = belt

[1gSE]

3SGTE!


wait.....that would work wouldnt it Or you could join us 6 cyl guys

[TadS]

The 5S is a non-interference engine. Usually they are fine when the belt breaks. They just stop running. The swap to a 3S-GTE isn't too bad, and I imagine the cost would be about the same as swapping to a 1MZ.

As I understand it the climate control swap isn't feasible.

[Jakecallun20]

I'd say the 1MZ swap, just make sure you pull the valve covers, check for sludge, and change your gaskets, plugs, wires, and clean it up nicely BEFORE it goes into the car. You'll thank yourself for that later. Might not be a bad idea to change the water pump and timing belt on it at that point too, would be MUCH easier.

-Jake