Hey guys, my daily MR2 is starting to rack up the K's and I'm starting to get aware that I'll need to tee up a replacement motor for when it pops. It's only at a little over 170k's but there are a few major services that will most likely need to be done (the timing belt at 180, and the clutch I have no idea...
 
I have a couple of questions re. engine swaps. Ideally I'd like a decent BEAMS to whack straight in there. I'm not a fan of forced induction so I'd prefer to stay away from the 3SGTE. I also want to retain aircon.
 
Question 1. Can the Altezza engine be swapped in considering I will have the old 3SGE for conversion parts (I have heard that this option is not very viable). If not, which car would be the best swap plug and play wise?
Question 2. Where is the best place to source a BEAMS? I would like to have an engine that I dont have to crack open, so a front cut would be preferable to better prove the K's.
Question 3. If the BEAMS proves too expensive, 3vz-fe Vs. 1mz-fe? I don't really want to modify the engine so stock ECU'S are the go. the 1mz has a little more power stock, would it be any more difficult to fit than the 3vz? I realise that the 1mz will be more expensive as it's newer, but that means it will more than likely have low k's. Really I'm mostly thinking about conversion difficulty.
Question 4. Modified engine insurance price hike... If i'm paying $300 at the moment for 3rd party, how much more would they slog me for whacking a V6 in???
 
Thanks guys!

Ok, just from a little research, it seems that the 1mz is going to be a little more complex than i thought. Firstly it's a lot harder to find in Australia (unless you don't want vvti (which is the entire reason for going for it in the first place!!!) Plus there is a decent amount more work to do when you use the updated vvti engine.
 
It seems as though the 3VZ is the best option re. 6 cylinders. 

Non-VVTI 1MZ's are easy to find and cheap of chips (<$1000 for the whole Camry), to the point unless you are given a FREE 3VZ Camry, it's not worth doing a 3VZ. Look on eBay or Gumtree and a cheap Camry will turn up within a few weeks. If your chasing a VVTI 1MZ, you might have to take a look at some of the damaged/salvage car auctions (Pickles, Fowles, etc etc) as they seem more common there then other places as you get access to the insurance right offs and newer/lower km cars.
 
 

Yeah I realise that the not VVTI's 1MZ's are pretty cheap, but to be honest, I would go for the 3VZ because from what I've heard, it's cheaper, easier to mod and easier to install. The only negative of the 3VZ is that it weighs a bit more. If i could get a VVTI 1MZ that would be a different story, but I'm not sure which cars they came on in Australia, and from what I've seen they are from fairly late model cars = pricey...
I can get a whole 3VZ setup from a wrecker with lowish K's for around $500, then grab a $500 buck rebuild kit, get a little porting and polishing done and I'm in the same price bracket as a 1MZ but with a virtually new engine that's easier to install, will have similar power, and a lot more options to improve on that power again (less sensors and OBDI vs OBDII hassles).

What about exhaust and other things , have you found out what parts you need like , clutch , mounting brackets ? Or fuel pump etc ?

I have done the basic research, but need all the nitty gritty bits of info.
 
As far as i am aware, i will need 1 mounting bracket made up (is like 100 bucks online), 1 flywheel (can't remember off which model), clutch, some basic tubing etc, and the exhaust modified somehow (I don't see why i couldn't use my original muffler etc. and I have a MIG so i could sort something out).
 
What i want to know especially is how the aircon works. I have heard that the SW20 A/C won't work and you have to use another compressor (off the 3VZ???).