MR2 engine swap
Author
Discussion

Oasislisa

Original Poster:

5 posts

198 months

Tuesday 6th October 2009
quotequote all
Took my 1994 SW20 for MOT,they picked up possible big end bearings buggered. Need opinions on whether or not to swap engine??? I've got a mate with tools and a crane but not worked with a lot of MR2's but really just need to know if engine can be lifted from my model or if it can only be dropped?? Heard both but need to be sure as can't get a pit without taking it to a specialist who will defo rip me off with labour costs.
Also heard loadsa scary stories about appaently "low mileage" replacements so very wary of where to buy a decent replacement from that's not gonna rip me off.
Really dunno what to do.
Any advice?

stevieturbo

17,985 posts

271 months

Tuesday 6th October 2009
quotequote all
I suggest you take it to a reputable garage. How big ends ever became part of an MOT, is beyond me. And you would hear this clearly !!

And engine removal is a big job, requiring engine/box/suspension to be dropped out underneath the chassis. A crane wont cut it.

Although if big ends are caught very early, new ones and a pump could be fitted with engine in-situ

quigonjay

1,502 posts

245 months

Wednesday 7th October 2009
quotequote all
have done it with the engine in the car if it is indeedthe big ends
as said though, better of taking it to one of the mr2/3sgte specialists for peace of mind/second opinion
where abouts are you?
Jay

OlberJ

14,101 posts

257 months

Wednesday 7th October 2009
quotequote all
Big ends going aren't an MOT failure (unless it fecks the emissions) but if you have a car in and it's clearly starting to go then i think it'd be quite rude not to let the owner know.

You can pick up a 2nd hand engine for £100-250 and it's a fairly straight forward swap if it's just an NA engine and you have access to the tools and a crane.

Probably about £400 labour to swap the engine.

It's a shame you're not up Scotland or i could have taken care of it for you.

Oasislisa

Original Poster:

5 posts

198 months

Wednesday 7th October 2009
quotequote all
Thanks for all advice guys smile I know its not in theMOT but the MOT was done by a friend of the guy who's helpling me with the work so i'd have been pretty peed off if he hadn't said owt! Just dropped my beloved beast off to said frind who thinks it sounds cammy rather than BEB. No metal rattling sound that I can hear anyway. We're gonna take a closer look over next few days coz we've gotta do manifold gasket and bits of welding in any case. Also goin to breakers at the weekend. Thanks again. Oh in East devon by the way.

Marf

22,907 posts

265 months

Wednesday 7th October 2009
quotequote all
Big end knock often manifests as a top end noise.

OlberJ

14,101 posts

257 months

Wednesday 7th October 2009
quotequote all
Yep, the sound travles easily.

Get a bar on there and see where it's loudest.

Bare in mind the injectors are quite ticky so make sure it's not something as simple as that first. MY Celica with the 3SGE had me worried when i first got it but it's fine.

Oasislisa

Original Poster:

5 posts

198 months

Wednesday 7th October 2009
quotequote all
Cool, will do. Thanks again for advice and help. Will keep u posted over next few days.

Oasislisa

Original Poster:

5 posts

198 months

Thursday 8th October 2009
quotequote all
Just been quoted £400 (inc delivery) for a recon warranty 6 months. Apparently had pressure tested head, new gasket, new mains 7 big ends, polished crankshaft & piston rings. Sound like a good 'un?confused

Marf

22,907 posts

265 months

Thursday 8th October 2009
quotequote all
Who from?

Oasislisa

Original Poster:

5 posts

198 months

Thursday 8th October 2009
quotequote all
findanengine.com, will look on oc website tonite tho

Marf

22,907 posts

265 months

Thursday 8th October 2009
quotequote all
Yeah be careful, there are some unscrupulous "refurb" engine companies out there, people here and on the MR2 forums have been stung. You are probably best off enquiring with some of the registered traders on IMOC and MR2OC.

OlberJ

14,101 posts

257 months

Thursday 8th October 2009
quotequote all
Contact my old boss Paul @ Woodsport, they take good 3SGE's out of Mr2's all the time and should be able to sort you out.

www.woodpsort.org will get you the details.