4A-FE as a rebuild block

[Nordical25]

Wow, incredible work on a big project. Looks great.

Thank you! These engines were a big project. But I learned a lot about Toyotas A-series engines during these builds. It is very interesting that different heads bolt up so well between different Toyota blocks.

And the later 4A blocks have a bit extra iron, because they had higher power rating from the factory.

[Nordical25]

The 4A-FE block is now working fine in one of my Tercels. It needed some extra work and it will need some minor adjustments in the future. But I am happy with that block due to good condition of original cross hatching in all cylinders of that very block.

Here are my final additional notes when installing 4A-FE 2nd gen block to Tercel 4wd in addition to my previous modifications:
1. I needed to make threads for one hole, which is used for mounting rear plate between engine and transmission
2. I needed to grind off one screw tower, which prevented mounting starter into flywheel. It needs to be at similar level with remaining ribs around it.
3. One transmission to engine bracket bolt is in incorrect position if you want to bolt started side engine transmission mount. So you need to check that all side engine to transmission holes are correctly aligned.

Other than that, it became a very good engine. And I think that 8 counterweight crankshaft makes the 4A engine a bit more quieter and smoother when driving.

[dlb]

Wow, nice work Nordical25. This is the kind of information I love having on the forum -- only a handful of people may ever need this information, but when they do, it is nicely explained right here!

What did you do about fastening to engine-to-transmission bracket since the one hole on the block was in the wrong place? How far off was it? I'm guessing you either live with the bracket just having one bolt into the engine, or maybe you drilled a new hole in the bracket to accommodate the block.

[Nordical25]

Thanks dlb! Sounds about right. I recommed to do this swap if you have worn out 4A block and suitable good condition 4A pistons with connecting rods waiting for correct block. Overboring a block does cause additional costs similarly to buying oversize pistons. Machine shop will charge you also for pressing new oversize pistons pins into connecting rods. So in some isolated cases, this swap maybe the cheapest solution.

I have one spare worn out 4A std block and I have bought already another excellent condition 4A-FE block to replace that one. I will basically transfer engine head and pistons + connecting rods to late 4A-FE block.

I have provided details of the engine-to-transmission bracket in pictures below. I did mount my left engine-to-transmission bracket with just one bolt instead of two in the engine. I noticed that issue after installing the engine. But I think that the bracket will survive. It could be also possible to drill bigger hole to bracket but I will keep mine in this way if further problems are not noticed.