Q I drive a '92 Toyota Tercel. OK, get your laughs out now... I bought it for $1,600 because it was what I could afford at the time. I'm glad I got it because finding aftermarket parts is a challenge. It makes it all the more rewarding when something goes right. Even seat covers required custom work to fit right. It's impossible to find help on Toyota forums if you have anything less than a Camry. So my question is: What are my options as far as engine swaps? I know I could run a starlet 4E-FTE or a Corolla motor. What is my best bet? And before you throw this letter out, keep in mind that only weighing 2,000 pounds, with more power and a stiffer chassis, the Tercel becomes the ultimate street sleeper. I'm sure I represent other novice tuners who are too embarrassed to ask for help. I beg for your help!
Alex
Via the Internet
A A fourth-generation Tercel?! LOL. And you want to make it fast?? Hahaha. LOL. OK, no more laughing, it hurts already. Although the 4E-FTE engine comes turbocharged, a 4A-G swap would allow for much more aftermarket support, especially in this part of the world. And you could have your option of having a naturally aspirated 4A-GE or the forced induction 4A-GZE. Either swap you choose to do, will require lots of money, time and fabrication. Good luck.
Q Hello, people of Super Street. I have a '98 Civic EX with a D16Y8 SOHC motor. I had recently blown the motor. I've decided to fix what I broke. I'm looking to swap for a bigger engine, and I was thinking about a JDM B16 motor. The motor that was in it before had MSD ignition, coil, distributor and sparkplug wires. It also had a Jackson Racing supercharger in it. I was wondering if all those parts that I had on the old motor would swap easily onto the new motor. I've asked this question to so many people since I've been gone, even Jackson Racing, and I have not gotten a straight answer. I liked the articles in your magazine and thought you guys could help!
Chad J. Wofford
Tulsa, OK
A Chad, sorry to tell you this but the distributor, sparkplug wires and Jackson Racing supercharger from a single cam D16 will not fit on the larger dual cam B16. The supercharger would require a new custom intake manifold for that to fit. You might be better off getting a replacement D16 or selling off what you have to pay for a B16 swap. The MSD ignition and coil however should swap over to the new motor.
Q Hey guys, I've been reading your magazine since 1996, and it just keeps getting better every year! I've owned a '91 CRX with a VTEC Turbo and a BMW 325i Sport. After I lost my license (from getting into trouble with the law), I recently bought a commuter car, a 2007 Kia Spectra5 SX. I've gotten the modification bug and want to add a set of wheels, suspension, intake, exhaust and a body kit, but can't find anything around for the car besides the factory Kia OE upgrades of a basic spring set and ignition wires. I need help! I have found quite a few Spectra5 owners with this same issue and any help, guidance or emotional support is greatly appreciated. I also accept ridiculing comments and Kia-bashing jokes fairly well as it's getting pretty common when I call around for parts.
Donald Wilborn
Frisco, TX
A A Kia? You and the Tercel guy really need to get together. Eibach makes springs for your car. Both exhaust and wheels can be universal parts. Hopefully someone will read this and help you freaks out. OK, just kidding about all that, but you said you're used to it. All imports were laughed at at one time.
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