7AGTE + Makeover - Would Like Advice On Parts

[fuqne1]

Hi Guys,

Let me start off by saying that I have virtually zip, zero, nada mechanical skills/experience.

I've currently have a AE101 95 Levin and am looking at doing a complete makeover on it. The guy that I bought it from when I asked him what was wrong with it said "It's got a couple dings and scratches on the passenger door ... and the clutch is slipping". Well ... he was right about the dings and scratches and that was about it. Having owned the car for about 3 months now, in this time I've had to replace both front wheel bearings, have had the resonator replaced and muffler raised as going over any judder bar at even snail pace would scrape, replaced rear drivers tire as it blew out on the way to Aucks and replaced the power steering and a/c belts as they were more cracked than an egg. It also has a leak out of the sump, which after reading posts on toyspeed, doesn't sound like something I should be attempting without an engine hoist. Even after all that it still brings me to the most recent incident where the timing belt is now missing teeth for about 1/4 of the belt. The car wiring is also a bit of a mystery as well as the inside light only turns on when the stereo is on. So overall, I can't say its been fun owning this car which is why I'm looking at doing a makeover on the thing.

I'm very keen on a 7AGTE and since I'm not much of a mechanic in any way shape or form I'll be paying someone to do the actual build for me. I've already had an extensive look at the parts that Barry has used for his monstrous 7AGTE, but I'm afraid my pockets don't quite run that deep. I'm really keen to hear what everyone would suggest for parts and the reason they'd choose them since everyone has their own preference .... much like toilet paper. Some prefer floral or scented others don't

What I'm hoping to be able to do for the full makeover is have a solid 7AGTE with upgraded brake discs, pads and calipers. 17" Mags, new tints (current tints are peeling off), fully re-wired (eg. new loom) and a new ECU hopefully for $15k or less including labour. If I'm dreaming its because I'm half asleep, but seriously if I am let me know guys. I am keen to do most of the work myself (where my skills permit "if you can call using a socket wrench skills")

I'm keen to hear what everyone thinks whether good or bad. I'm also looking for help if anyone would like to help me out.

Thanks!

PS. I live in Tauranga

[Paulio]

hey dude

any reason you're wanting to go for the 7agte?

paul

[d1 mule]

7A block $300
Rings and Bearings $300
Either custom rods or modified standard $up to 1k
Exhaust Manifold $500
Turbo$500-1000
I think standard 20v inlets dont like boost so new inlet manifold $1000??
Link plus wiring and tune $2-2500
Misc stuff cambelt waterpump $500
Acutally building the engine $1000
Clutch $500
PLUS LABOUR and the mags etc

obvoiusly that is just a rough idea, can be done cheaper or more expensive .

my old NA 7AGE cost me all up $1500 including getting built, buying the 7afe and small port 4age, rings and bearings head gasket etc.


if you no someone in the trade will help alot


would be much cheaper/easier to buy a 4AGZE and turbo it

[touge rolla]

would be much cheaper/easier to buy a 4AGZE and turbo it

Or just buy 4AGZE pistons, throw them in your silvertop and turbo it.
4AGTE's are able to make more than enough power, particularly for a FWD street car. (plenty on here)
Going to 1.8 isn't necessary imo, unless you're after BIG power like Barry and Matt.

[Dell'Orto]

I think if you have zero connections in the trade, you'd probably be pushing it to do all that work for $15k. A tough engine like Barry's would set you back $10k by itself, without the ancilliaries.
However, a turbo'd 4AGZE should be pretty doable, the engines can be had for sub $2k, then all you need is manifolds and an ECU.

[fuqne1]

Thanks for the input so far guys. Been really helpful so far!

To answer "not_paul_from_waiheke" question, I'd prefer the 7AGTE as I'd prefer torque instead of high RPM. I was considering the 3SGTE but as from some of the searches I've done the alternative is going to a 4AGTE which I'm also considering but I would also like something slightly unique.

I also don't plan to ever sell the car and would like something that will last and last for some time. Obviously alot of that statement comes down to how you drive it (or how crazy ... and I know there are some people out there like that) and thats very true but I do want some serious power in the car and the 7AGTE seems to be the right choice for me. Part of the other reason I went with the 7AGTE is so I wouldn't have to change or modify engine mounts.

Aside from my "reasoning" I am taking alot of what you guys are saying seriously and nothing is final (until its paid for) so I really do appreciate the feedback.

Keep it coming guys ... keep it coming.

[RS13]

I think if you have zero connections in the trade, you'd probably be pushing it to do all that work for $15k. A tough engine like Barry's would set you back $10k by itself, without the ancilliaries.
However, a turbo'd 4AGZE should be pretty doable, the engines can be had for sub $2k, then all you need is manifolds and an ECU.

I agree. Don't be different just for the sake of it, do something that is tried, tested and proven to be effective.. and with the right tune and driveline, you can make some good power with the 4AGTE, maybe even bust into the 12s..

[rollaholic]

like others have said you'll find a turbo 4age will make plenty of power (or torque if you prefer that term) for a FWD vehicle. if you are serious about big power you need a big budget, but 140-150kw atw should be easily achieved for the money you are talking.

4agzes handle boost very well, i think you'll find that route alot cheaper / less headaches than trying to piece together a 7AGE - particularly as you have no trade connections / experience.

at the end of the day its your car so do what makes you happy, but honestly when the bonnet is down 150kw is 150kw

[Bling]

To answer "not_paul_from_waiheke" question, I'd prefer the 7AGTE as I'd prefer torque instead of high RPM.

Driven a car with a 4AGTE in it? If you haven't thats a rather big call to be making as i'm sure they make a fair whack of torque. Do some more research of dyno plots etc on here before blowing many thousands of dollars into the wind.

Thats just my opinion, but if you're paying someone else to do it, you'll be wanting best bang for buck. Unless of course you're loaded, then go ahead with the 7AGTE to be 'different'

[bluemaumau]

one thing ive learnt form my build is that the extras add alot of cost, abit of electrical tape here, silicone hose here, joiner there, rad hose there, brass fittings here,

it all adds up

-quickly too

[Bazda]

To build a simple 7agte (with supplied head and 7a block) isnt acutually that much.

I have quoted him a price to build just the engine with no turbo or inlet etc
And it works out pretty good!

[l1ttle_d3vil]

one thing ive learnt form my build is that the extras add alot of cost, abit of electrical tape here, silicone hose here, joiner there, rad hose there, brass fittings here,

it all adds up

-quickly too

hell yeah. I "only had" a bit of vacuum line and the tailpieces for my air lines (5 of them) to buy and setup... $40 later...

don't even get my started on silicon joiners...I needed one 90º bend ... $60 later I had one at my door

[no_8wire]

Or you "could" buy a car will a 7agte already in it and transfer it into your levin?


Depending on how much you are wanting to spend of course.

[Crampy]

Or you "could" buy a car will a 7agte already in it and transfer it into your levin?


Depending on how much you are wanting to spend of course.

How often do 7AGTE powered cars come up for sale though?

I'd say for for a turbo 4AGE. Makes poo loads of power and is reliable as. Tried and tested.

Otherwise, open the wallet and ask Barry nicely to build you that 7AGTE. Good for weight saving too (your wallet, that is hehehe).

[rollaholic]

one of the guys on GD is selling a 7AGTE carina for 7500 i think.

160kw if memory serves, and comes with way cooler car too

[Crucible]

Turbo 4agzes Rip!, I love them

I thrashed my Trueno every day as a daily when it was still SCharged, then ran with a 165 then 175 pulley kit for about a year, Converted to turbo on 13psi for few months with stock ecu, injectors and that.
wound it up with link and fuel mods, Ran it at the drags with Hoosiers on 19psi and big revs!!!, Manfield for a few meets running 15psi.

4agze turbos are a good reliable package if put together properly, you can rev them all day, they just keep going!! .

....and they are pretty quick too!

7agte would be mean!

[Bazda]

I've actually given a few people quotes to build a 7agte.
Just block and head no accessories.

Price has been around the $6k mark.

[Dell'Orto]

Is that with rods and pistons like yours? If so, thats a bloody good price.

[Bazda]

Is that with rods and pistons like yours? If so, thats a bloody good price.

With other H-beam rods, same design as mine made by a different company. Price varies in the $6k range depending if you want 4agze pistons or Ross pistons.