I'm starting my first project, ke30 auto, I don't have a lot of experience with the mechanical side of things. Just looking for some advice on a good engine conversion. Turbo? Or restore another corolla engine? And which engine will fit with minimal hassle

Most popular :

4AGE

Tseries

CA18

SR20

3.4.5 or 7K

rotary

 

Easiest is a K motor obviously or a T series.

Edited June 3, 201313 yr by B.L.Z.BUB

Considering what you've told us a 4k or 5k with a manual gearbox would be a good introduction to back yard mechanics. Learn to walk before you try running! :)

5K and a convert it to manual. It'll be fun to drive and shouldn't attract too much of the wrong attention. You'll learn a heap without having to worry about too much engineering, EFI, fabrication etc.

Ok cheers, and this might sound stupid but if I put another k engine in wont it still be pretty slow? Where does the power come from? I'm trying to avoid a turbo

Put it this way, a slightly modded 5k (cam and carbs) in a KE20 was quicker around the Ballarat autocross track than a 4AGE ke35. 5K = 1.5L instead of 1.2L of the 3K.

No shit, thanks for the help, time to look for a 5k. Does the 5k avoid going through regency?

"maybe".... I'm sure you "should" register it as a motor change, but they all look the same, and no-one is going to measure the bore and stroke to check.

 

You can bore a 4K out to 5K capacity, so you get a solid-tappet 1500cc, then its a matter of the other mods you want to do. 4Ks are a lot more common that 5Ks.

 

filfrederick put 4AGE pistons in his 4K, so he was out at 1600cc.

 

Torque comes from cubic capacity, power comes from revs, so someone pulling 7500 on a 16valve will always make more power.

 

The manual conversion will be the biggest change you can make, and a 1500cc will mean you don't have to touch the gearbox or diff. A 4AGE conversion means a lot more work and money, as you can see by the number of half-finished ones for sale. Not many people see it right through to a road-registered daily driver.

Hmmm ok, what is involved in boring out the 4k?

Look for a 5k first and only resort to boring if you really had to. 5k's have thicker side walls and some extra external bracing so a genuine 5k will always be stronger than a bored 4k. The boring will also require a full rebuild so add another $400+ for that!

My 5k is bored to 1531cc, ported and shaved head, weber, extractors, exhaust, electronic distributor.

 

It gets along without much effort and more than keeps up with traffic.

 

Look for a late 80's liteace. That's where they come from .

Go for a 20v 4age black top ;) would be my choice if i had a ke30 (: or a 13b