Engine Swap

[DecentVibe]

My '03 AWD is getting a bit tired with 160K on it. Thinking about replacing it with a low mileage 2ZZ, if one were available. Does anyone know if that is a direct replacement, if I keep the automatic tranny?

[Salsa Guy]

If it's an AWD you are doomed to stick with the 1zz, unless you have VERY deep pockets and do something no one else has done. Or rip the AWD out, don't know that anyone has done that either, and do a 2zz engine/tranny swap.

[DecentVibe]

Thanks for the reply and insight. Even if I did have deep pockets, I wouldn't be putting a lot into it. Anybody know of a low mileage 1zz and preferably one with some perf bits? I would like one with a little power.

[Salsa Guy]

Quote, originally posted by DecentVibe »Thanks for the reply and insight. Even if I did have deep pockets, I wouldn't be putting a lot into it. Anybody know of a low mileage 1zz and preferably one with some perf bits? I would like one with a little power.Here's a great thread for some performance help with these engines without going F/I (Supercharger/Turbo). http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=24144As far as an engine check local junk yards, ebay, craig's list and etc

[bassplayaz06]

one thing you could do is just take the engine out and do a complete engine rebuild. add new cams and stuff and replace all gaskets and seals, port and polish the heads, just general stuff.

[KITT222]

Quote, originally posted by bassplayaz06 »one thing you could do is just take the engine out and do a complete engine rebuild. add new cams and stuff and replace all gaskets and seals, port and polish the heads, just general stuff.That would probably be cheaper too

[Salsa Guy]

Yea doing an engine rebuild/mod won't be a bad direction. However adding those mods in the thread I gave you are much simplier and easily transfered to another engine (if needed). Run a compression test (dry/wet) see how it looks. Then based upon the results decide if some simple mods/maintenance (cleaning throttlebody, IAC, maf, replacing PCV and etc) would give you more bang for the $$$. Basically find the condition on the engine then work from there. IMHO

[bassplayaz06]

heck, if you lived around my place i could do it for a couple hundred dollars. instead of the thousands a shop would charge.

[joatmon]

I don't know of anyone who has put a 2ZZ into an AWD Vibe, but- some people have put a GT 6 speed into a base (1ZZ) vibe so the tranny coupling between the two engines must be the same (or close enough)- in 2003 Toyota offered an Automatic tranny (non-awd) version of the XRS (2ZZ) so somewhere there is a engine computer that knows how to control a 2ZZ connected to an auto tranny.Also, some people have installed the now out of production Vibe/Matrix 1ZZ supercharger in AWD models, but I can't remember how well the AWD powertrain held up to the increased power.Much more common around here it seems, people who really wanted more power and AWD sold their vibe and bought a subaru

[DecentVibe]

I Thank you all for the insight. It seems to me that the cheapest and easiest route is to buy a used engine and modify it. There are alot of used engines out there. I probably will be able to get one with +/-75k on it for less than a grand, add a thousand or 2 for mods or wait for a used supercharger to come up. If any of you guys are near CT and are mechanics or know of one, please let me know. Thanks.

[Salsa Guy]

Check MatrixOwners.com and 9thgencorolla there are a few floating around. One guy has one for $800 on MO