I have an 85 Tercel SR5 wagon. Manual transmission, 4WD. Current engine spews blue smoke for ten to twenty minutes every time I drive. And now it FEELS like a seize up is coming. You know that feeling?
What engine do I need? Which one will give me the simplest swapout experience? Does someone sell something that won't make me tear my hair out trying to swap out? I would love if someone said "Yes, there is a brand new one made by XYZ you can order for $abc and it should take a long weekend"
"A" series Toyota engines will be the easiest option (3A, 4A). The A series engines will bolt right up to the Tercel, anything else will be a custom fab job. Thankfully the A series engines were used in lots of cars, including Chevrolet Novas (re-badged Corollas), so sourcing a replacement shouldn't be too tough.
4A engine makes slightly more power than 3A, but this increased displacement comes at the cost of lower MPG.
1985 Toyota Tercel DLX 4WD 5 spd wagon (manual swapped, daily driver)
2007 Toyota Tacoma TRD 4WD access cab long bed (road trip/adventure-mobile)
Are you still in AK? Let us know, as that will make a difference. I believe there is one available in MI right now, otherwise salvage yards are your friend. Why not rebuild your current engine?
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In remembrance of my friend ARCHINSTL:
T4WD augury? "Oh, do not ask, 'What is it?' Let us go and make our visit."
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I agree with NWMO, rebuilding what you have is easiest. Used engines can be in just as bad, if not worse, shape. That's a big gamble to do all that work of an engine swap for.
One of my favorite sayings is "well, sir, you already HAVE a used one."
if it aint there, there's a good chance it won't break!
83 SR5 Silver/Blue (Snowmobile/work beater)-totaled but drivable
85 SR5 Blue
88 SR5 White (the 'good' one)-not anymore-totaled
87 fwd silver wagon a/t
87 4wd dx Cream (a/t- not anymore- now m/t)
Familyguy78 wrote: Sat Jan 14, 2023 9:20 pm
Sorry to butt in, but is that correct? Can a front wheel drive 4a-c motor be used in our 4wd tercels?
Yup, it's a fairly common swap. IIRC you use the block, head, and valve cover of the 4a-c but everything else (oil pan, alternator, manifolds, fuel pump, power steering, distributor, etc) needs to be swapped over from the 3a. I did this with a friend over 10 years ago now so I don't remember it very well, but lots of fellas on the fb group have done it recently so they will have better info than me.
I would love if someone said "Yes, there is a brand new one made by XYZ you can order for $abc and it should take a long weekend"
