Author | Topic |

I supported Toymods
Location: Perth
Registered: July 2004
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MA61 about to go under the Knife
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Tue, 06 July 2004 03:29
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Hi all
This is my first post, Ive been reading the forums for a while now and It seems to me like you guys know your shit so Im goin to barrage the techies with some questions 
Basically Ive got a MA61 which im slowly taking apart and working on, Ive already started the interior retrim in tan vinyl and installed part of the stereo, but thats not quite my issue at the moment.
The poor old 5MGE in it is dying slowly, right now Its one frustrating pain after another, because Im spending practically everything I get in a week on repairs to it. This month Ive replaced shocks, springs, put in strut tower braces, new front strut top headers, changed air filter (cone type)and replaced the entire steering rack. However now I have two new problems, one is that my coolant is brown and murky and flowing back into the reservoir. this is obvious that i might have a blockage in my radiator as ill drive 10km from a cold start and the coolant will boil over and send the temp gauge peaking out, so ill stop the car refill coolant and do the same thing every 10km right now which has led me to just stop driving it full stop. Im right in assuming theres a blockage correct? And the fact the coolant is murky brown means theres a ton of rust in the block thats washing back into the radiator right?
Second problem is my trannie is clunking into gear a lot. I know thats on the way out too, because ive lost a lot of engine grunt and pull and basically i have no kick on acceleration. Now it is an auto, but replacing it is going to be another pain for me.
Weighing up the costs of fixing practically everything, im starting to wonder should I just chuck out the 5MGE and do the planned 1JZ conversion I had in mind a lot sooner, If its goin to cost me 500 for a trannie here and by the time i get the block cleaned and gaskets all changed etc..etc.. wouldnt it be more viable for me to do the 1JZ conversion instead and just scrap the 5MGE?
Thus pertaining to my next Q, (I realise theres already a thread on half cuts) but who in WA does the cheapest 1JZ front cuts? Im particularly looking at the 1JZ VVTi Single Turbo over the older twin 1JZ. This is harder to find obviously, but my neighbour nabbed one for $800 (engine only) so surely theres someone out there doing them damn cheap. Any success stories?
Also what do i need to keep from the Existing 5MGE setup? Whats recommended? Do I need to change Mounts or is it a straight bolt in? Also with my suspension Ive changed the shocks, strut tops, springs and steering rack, yet it still rides like a bull. Is there anything else I can do to make the ride smoother and less jarring each time i hit a bump?
Cosmetics are coming way later, but does anyone know of any Jetspeed type kits for MA61's? I saw a photo of one in the USA and it looks sensational, but who in Aust. does anything similar?
And im also looking for a new drivers seat as well, if anyone can let me know a cheap price and where to get it Id appreciate it!
Cheers Guys!
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Location: Perth
Registered: October 2002
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Re: MA61 about to go under the Knife
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Tue, 06 July 2004 04:25

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Hi Hangman,
I had to ship my JZX90 halfcut in from NSW. If you're willing to wait patiently, you may get lucky (but a JZX100/110 might be a LONG wait). Better alternative might be to buy a good Soarer/JZA70 engine locally and get the front sump sent over.
BUT: be warned, it is most definitely NOT a "bolt-in" replacement. It is one futhertucker of a job. Allow yourself many months and thousands of dollars for this 'little' project.
You might want to re-consider staying within the 'M family'. 6MGE's do crop up occasionally in Perth, while 7MGE's are relatively common and good value. As are 7MGTE's - though you'd want to check it out carefully unless you are planning a rebuild as part of the project.
What shocks and springs are you using?
Justin
JZA61
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Location: opening a can of whoop ass
Registered: June 2004
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Re: MA61 about to go under the Knife
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Tue, 06 July 2004 04:30

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if you purchase a JZX81 halfcut, i believe it is almost bolt in. these are getting hard to find in good nick. and remember cheap usually equals shit.
i remember a year or so ago a guy who posted under the name zorro did this and i did see website he made.
i believe he would be a good person to ask.
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Location: Perth
Registered: October 2002
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Re: MA61 about to go under the Knife
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Tue, 06 July 2004 04:45

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..J.. wrote on Tue, 06 July 2004 14:30 | if you purchase a JZX81 halfcut, i believe it is almost bolt in.
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That's right ... only you will have to convert your Supra to a Cressida
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I supported Toymods
Location: Perth
Registered: July 2004
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Re: MA61 about to go under the Knife
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Tue, 06 July 2004 05:11

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Celia-Sue wrote on Tue, 06 July 2004 12:25 |
What shocks and springs are you using?
Justin
JZA61
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Thanks for that. Im using Monroe GT Shocks and King Springs (20mm Lower) at the moment. These are the new replacements, I was just thinking maybe there was a way of making it ride better beyond these?
Hmm a few months? I was hoping to do it over my two weeks leave over Christmas. Just Toyota had a front cut for around $3300 but Im looking for something around the 2500 mark because its going to cost me a ton in labour to get my Mechanic to help me fit it.
I definetly want to go the 1JZ.. reasons for this are
a) the 7MGTE even though its torquey has a very long downstroke and the shorter downstroke on the 1JZ allows for higher RPMs and faster acceleration (correct? this is my understanding anyway).
b) a 2JZ is too big, it can be done but i need something powerful but not THAT powerful. Overkill for an MA61 i think. not to mention too bloody heavy for the displacement.
c) i want to have a turbo engine this time round, but i dont want to lose much displacement on the engine. thus the 1JZ is the closest fit for me. ive had half a dozen cars all N/A and
now i want to try the turbo method (im sick of NA!)
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Location: Adelaide
Registered: September 2003
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Re: MA61 about to go under the Knife
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Tue, 06 July 2004 05:35

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hamgatan wrote on Tue, 06 July 2004 15:11 |
Celia-Sue wrote on Tue, 06 July 2004 12:25 |
What shocks and springs are you using?
Justin
JZA61
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Thanks for that. Im using Monroe GT Shocks and King Springs (20mm Lower) at the moment. These are the new replacements, I was just thinking maybe there was a way of making it ride better beyond these?
Hmm a few months? I was hoping to do it over my two weeks leave over Christmas. Just Toyota had a front cut for around $3300 but Im looking for something around the 2500 mark because its going to cost me a ton in labour to get my Mechanic to help me fit it.
I definetly want to go the 1JZ.. reasons for this are
a) the 7MGTE even though its torquey has a very long downstroke and the shorter downstroke on the 1JZ allows for higher RPMs and faster acceleration (correct? this is my understanding anyway).
b) a 2JZ is too big, it can be done but i need something powerful but not THAT powerful. Overkill for an MA61 i think. not to mention too bloody heavy for the displacement.
c) i want to have a turbo engine this time round, but i dont want to lose much displacement on the engine. thus the 1JZ is the closest fit for me. ive had half a dozen cars all N/A and
now i want to try the turbo method (im sick of NA!)
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Uuugggghhhh Monroe shocks XXXXXX I just replaced mine with Koni Yellow adjustables on King Lows.
Some of your 1JZ justifications are a bit off.
Yes, 1JZ has shorter stroke and hence will rev better, but the main differnec will be in 10+ years of design advance.
2JZ from the factory has the same power as 1JZ, but more torque. Too heavy for displacment ? I think the weight difference is negligible - Norbs will probably help me there.
If you are trying to do it in 2 weeks over Xmas, good luck. If your trying to save $800 for the mechanic, you haven't done your homework.
Even though it is a 2JZ-GTE transplant, check out the conversion on www.norbie.net, and even with all of the work done himself, look at his cost.
A thoroughly good writeup, and not something that can be tackled in 2 weeks, especially over Xmas !!!
Good luck
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Location: Perth
Registered: October 2002
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Re: MA61 about to go under the Knife
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Tue, 06 July 2004 06:03

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Well, give me another month or two to finish my project (16 months and counting ...)and I'll take you for a spin in my 1JZ MA61. I think you'll like it.
Then, I'll show you all the receipts. And then .... you might want to rethink your options. Oh, and if I where to do it over again - I'd definitely shell out the extra couple of grand for an Aristo (2JZGTE) front-cut. Whatever you pay for the motor is only going to be a tenth of what the whole project ends-up costing!
Have you thought about swapping to a 5MGE (2.8l twin-cam) or 6MGE (3.0l twin-cam) for starters (might be closer to your budget and time frame). Then, later, either of these can be turbo'd. Have a look at www.celicasupra.com for lots of yanks who have done this. Some drawbacks versus getting a factory turbo motor - but another viable option for you to consider.
And, yeh, Monroe shocks aren't the best. I'm running KYB's which aren't bad (but probably not as good as adjustable Koni's).
Anyway, where do you live? And whhat colour is your Supra? I've probably seen it around.
cheers,
Justin
JZA61
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I supported Toymods
Location: Perth
Registered: July 2004
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Re: MA61 about to go under the Knife
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Tue, 06 July 2004 08:00

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Celia-Sue wrote on Tue, 06 July 2004 14:03 |
Anyway, where do you live? And whhat colour is your Supra? I've probably seen it around.
cheers,
Justin
JZA61
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ive already got the 5MGE in it, 6M might be okay but apparently the person who had it before me did Turbo this and took it all off and reverted it to NA for some reason, my guess is they chucked on a bolt on kit and didnt do it right, thus the reason its got a lot of problems now.
wembley.. white ma61 
ive been told by my neighbour that he can pick up the half-cut for 2-2500K.. so im just weighing up the odds on it right now.
Also as mentioned before, Bodykits for the MA61. I saw this one in the states, anyone know which company makes it? Or the name of it or where its orderable from?

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Location: Perth
Registered: October 2002
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Re: MA61 about to go under the Knife
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Tue, 06 July 2004 08:18

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Sounds like a DAMN good price on a half-cut. Is that for a Chaser (front sump - as required for our MA61 Supras) or a Soarer/JZA70 (sump will foul a MA61)? Worth checking
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I supported Toymods
Location: Perth
Registered: July 2004
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Re: MA61 about to go under the Knife
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Tue, 06 July 2004 08:41

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Celia-Sue wrote on Tue, 06 July 2004 16:18 |
Sounds like a DAMN good price on a half-cut. Is that for a Chaser (front sump - as required for our MA61 Supras) or a Soarer/JZA70 (sump will foul a MA61)? Worth checking
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im pretty sure he said it was the chaser one because he went on how i should be steering well clear of JZA70..
im estimating about 3500-4000 to do this including incrementals
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Location: Sydney
Registered: February 2003
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Re: MA61 about to go under the Knife
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Tue, 06 July 2004 08:54

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you are hoping to have a 1J conversion done for 3500-4000?
i think not.
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I supported Toymods
Location: Perth
Registered: May 2002
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I supported Toymods
Location: Perth
Registered: July 2004
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Re: MA61 about to go under the Knife
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Tue, 06 July 2004 09:50

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yeah this is the first time ive actually decided 'yes im going to do an engine swap' on any car ive owned, so im not sure what kind of incrementals im going to be up for just yet. i may just do a factory swap in though initially because im not looking to rev it for all the grunt its got initially, i just want it to be strong, stable and purr nicely to begin with.. then ill take it from there and slowly do performance mods one by one.. i think my mentality on this is to just get the engine in there first before i plan what im going to do with it to enhance it.. obviously then its going to cost a whole packet more, but really im not switched on too much about whats involved in it.. first time and all, still researching *sheepish look*
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Registered: August 2002
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Re: MA61 about to go under the Knife
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Tue, 06 July 2004 09:51

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ahh i love these threads.....where to start.
first off, suspension, did you change the bushes as well?
lowering the car an inch will roughen the ride, yeah and monroe GT shocks are not cool. Ive got Tokico HP's from the states, they are awesome, but stiff! The KYB's are more floaty in my opinion....but thats scary with a few hundred HP 2JZGTE MA61 *cough* norbie *cough*. You will want the thing to handle, invest in stiff shocks.
Did you replace the ball joints?
$$ wise....... YOUR DREAMING
I did a 2JZGE conversion for $4500, with almost no labour costs, no intercooler and plumbing and a smaller exhaust. Plus, i seriously doubt you are going to find a cheap VVTI 1JZ, esp in WA! Budget $7K if your doing it yourself, or ask JAG7799 how much his 1jz cost him fitted by a mechanic!!!
Your mate with the $800 1JZ, to control the VVTI he will need a motec or some such description ECU so budget in +$2K for an ecu!
* The bodykit is Erebuni.
* Get your radiator cleaned (or tripple cored if going 1jz).
* Buy a new auto off here for SFA.
* Bonneville Automotive
ph (02) 9546 7077
Have engine mounts on a jig for $250, makes it a bolt in affair.
* Good luck finding a front sump and be prepared to pay a premium for one if its on another engine!
* Heres how it went for me: http://www.norbie.net/ifli4u/project2j.html
P.S where did you get the strut braces from!!!!!!!
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I supported Toymods
Location: Epping, Sydney
Registered: May 2002
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Re: MA61 about to go under the Knife
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Tue, 06 July 2004 10:01

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hrm, with the number of times I've been asked about the price of a 1jz conversion thru pm, I should really write down a total cost-up.
The guys are right - $4500 is a bit of a dreamer's price, but you sound fairly mechanically savvy, so if you schmooze a bit with the perth toymodders you may be able to organise some help getting it done 
I'd also be very interested to know where you got your strut tower braces from, and some pics of them - I've been considering getting a friend to make some for me, but if there's an affordable maker going around, I may just do that
pity you're not in nsw - the number of jza61s going around is nothing short of scary
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Location: Brisbane
Registered: November 2002
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Re: MA61 about to go under the Knife
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Tue, 06 July 2004 10:47

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Quote: | The guys are right - $4500 is a bit of a dreamer's price, but you sound fairly mechanically savvy
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More like $4500 install costs! Exhaust and the tow to get it there is a thousand bucks alone! What about engineering? An intercooler? Intercooler piping? Wiring? Fuel lines? Tailshaft? New clutch?
All adds up people. If you think I'm full of shit and you can do it cheaper then by all means please do - but it will be a bucket of bolts unless you have the skills to do all the fabrication work yourself.
And mechanically savvy??? Did you even read this post??? Check again:
Quote: | a) the 7MGTE even though its torquey has a very long downstroke and the shorter downstroke on the 1JZ allows for higher RPMs and faster acceleration (correct? this is my understanding anyway).
b) a 2JZ is too big, it can be done but i need something powerful but not THAT powerful. Overkill for an MA61 i think. not to mention too bloody heavy for the displacement.
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Okay, where the hell do I start?
(a) just because an engine can rev harder does not mean it can necessarily rev faster. And even if that did in every case mean it could rev faster, that doesn't mean it will rev faster under load. Remember also that revs = wear. If an engine revs 10% higher it has probably done 10% more work in it's lifetime. There are lots of other variables, but keep that in mind.
(b) The 2JZGTE is basically no harder to fit than a 1JZGTE. The only real additional cost is the difference between the two engines.
Too heavy for the displacement? What the fuck? The only real difference between this and the 1JZ is a deck height of approx 30mm, weighing approximately fuck all (surely not even 15kg?). Maybe a little more weight from the larger turbos too (5kg?) but certainly not related to the larger displacement.
Have you ever heard of a V8? They are twice as heavy and half the power. No, they're not good, but I just don't see where your argument is coming from.
[Updated on: Tue, 06 July 2004 10:51]
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I supported Toymods
Location: Epping, Sydney
Registered: May 2002
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Re: MA61 about to go under the Knife
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Tue, 06 July 2004 12:26

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I was being nice
plus I only skim read the post
ok, quick run down of expensive costs
half cut: $2500 (your price)
decent exhaust: $1000
engine mounts: $250
intercooler piping: $300
wiring: ??? (if you get off for less than $400, you're doing well)
manual conversion (if you want manual): $1000 minimum, and expect a shitfight for parts
engineering: $300
water pump, timing belt, accessories belt, consumables, etc you do to a new engine: $500 (yes, it adds up!)
jza70 intercooler (cheapest you'd use): $300 (scrap this if your half cut comes with a front mount - you wont want a guard mount)
that's $6.5k, before you even look at labour - and those prices are quoted on the cheap side for the most part!
I find the kybs hold the car very steady at speed - hard, but not teeth rattling hard (that will come when I get the urethane bushes in )
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I supported Toymods
Location: Perth
Registered: May 2002
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Re: MA61 about to go under the Knife
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Tue, 06 July 2004 12:50

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I've got no idea what the KYB's are like, but the Tokico's kick ass! If my car handles anything like Glen's I'll be happy
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Registered: August 2002
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Re: MA61 about to go under the Knife
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Tue, 06 July 2004 13:03

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you should feel it now with no sidewall flex
mmmmm simmons.
on topic.....pricing is unrealistic, draven hit the mark.
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Location: cronulla
Registered: September 2002
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Re: MA61 about to go under the Knife
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Tue, 06 July 2004 16:15

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yeah.......jz conversion......MA61....... that's always cheap.
dont forget if you buy the engine mounts from bonneville, i had them made so that the original W58 can be bolted in with a 2JZGE bellhousing, if you use the auto or R154 you'll need custom gearbox x-member and tailshaft. if 2JZGTE 208Kw is too much power in an MA61 for you then dont bother with the expense of a 1J cause it makes the same power. try use franks method and go a 1GGTE, still reasonably powerful, more fuel economical, lighter (better handling) and a buttload cheaper.
(it just would't be right if i didn't add my 2 cents )
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Location: Adelaide
Registered: September 2003
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Re: MA61 about to go under the Knife
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Tue, 06 July 2004 22:15

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draven wrote on Tue, 06 July 2004 22:26 | engineering: $300
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I only dream of an engineering cost of $300.
For a 7M-GTE conversion to a Mk2 in SA will cost about $1500, as it includes a brake test and lane change test at AIR.
Hoping to share some costs with a fellow toymodder who has done the same conversion.
I'm up to another $5k on tiop of the car purchase price and it already had a 7M-GTE in itr with the exhaust done (90%). Since purchase I have done a manual conversion, 5 stud hubs, mags, shocks, huge brakes, strut brace (LJM) and that is it. I'd hate to add the labour and expense of the engine conversion as well !!!!
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Location: Brisbane
Registered: May 2002
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Re: MA61 about to go under the Knife
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Tue, 06 July 2004 22:56

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I was going to add my 2 cents but it looks like these guys have covered pretty much everything. Don't be too discouraged though; there are lots of MA61's out there with JZ engine conversions now, so it's certainly do-able and there's a very decent knowledgebase here on ToyMods for you to draw on. But don't be fooled, it's a big project (especially if you're doing it yourself), and as with all engine conversions, it will cost much more than you expect once it's finished properly. This is a lesson we've all learned, so take it from us!
But despite the expense and the hard work involved, the finished product is well and truly worth it. Even with a stock 1JZ you will be shocked at how fast your car is, while remaining as smooth and easy to drive as any stock MA61. My Supra never fails to put a smile on my dial, especially when I nail the throttle and blow away some tosser in an $80k HSV! 
In short, DO IT. Oh, and get a 2JZ. 
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Location: Melbourne
Registered: August 2003
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Re: MA61 about to go under the Knife
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Wed, 07 July 2004 00:45

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bbaacchhyy wrote on Tue, 06 July 2004 15:35 |
2JZ from the factory has the same power as 1JZ, but more torque.
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Power = Torque x RPM. Please explain.
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Location: Adelaide
Registered: September 2003
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Re: MA61 about to go under the Knife
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Wed, 07 July 2004 00:49

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SeptemberSquallIndustries wrote on Wed, 07 July 2004 10:45 |
bbaacchhyy wrote on Tue, 06 July 2004 15:35 |
2JZ from the factory has the same power as 1JZ, but more torque.
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Power = Torque x RPM. Please explain.
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Both are quoted ex factory at 208 kW. Obviuosly at different RPM's and that is also the 'limit' that jap cars are meant to put out. The reality is that it CAN vary a bit as well.
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I supported Toymods
Location: I renounced punctuation
Registered: May 2002
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Re: MA61 about to go under the Knife
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Wed, 07 July 2004 01:10

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Work the 5ME. It's what Toyota had in mind for these beasts. You'll be pleased with the results.
Only one cam, less valves, simple EFI, perfect for the car. None of this complex multivalve, DOHC, VVTi, D type EFI, sequential twin turbo rubbish.
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I Supported Toymods
Location: melbourne.vic.au
Registered: May 2002
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Re: MA61 about to go under the Knife
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Wed, 07 July 2004 01:17

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Get a JZ motor, and don't do what I did and got the 5M rebuilt, I have had more grief then watching the threads with people getting a JZ motor. My 5M may have cost me more then a JZ motor running in my MA61 
Cheers.
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I Supported Toymods
Location: melbourne.vic.au
Registered: May 2002
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Re: MA61 about to go under the Knife
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Wed, 07 July 2004 01:19

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gianttomato wrote on Wed, 07 July 2004 11:10 | Work the 5ME. It's what Toyota had in mind for these beasts. You'll be pleased with the results.
Only one cam, less valves, simple EFI, perfect for the car. None of this complex multivalve, DOHC, VVTi, D type EFI, sequential twin turbo rubbish.
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That is true I suppose
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Location: sunny coast, qld
Registered: October 2002
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Re: MA61 about to go under the Knife
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Wed, 07 July 2004 01:20

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bbaacchhyy wrote on Wed, 07 July 2004 10:49 |
SeptemberSquallIndustries wrote on Wed, 07 July 2004 10:45 |
bbaacchhyy wrote on Tue, 06 July 2004 15:35 |
2JZ from the factory has the same power as 1JZ, but more torque.
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Power = Torque x RPM. Please explain.
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Both are quoted ex factory at 208 kW. Obviuosly at different RPM's and that is also the 'limit' that jap cars are meant to put out. The reality is that it CAN vary a bit as well.
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I don't think anybody believes the 2jz has 206kw. They dyno at around 170rwkw stock when 1jz's are more around 150rwkw or so.
BTW power = torque * rpm/5252.
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Location: Brisbane
Registered: May 2002
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I supported Toymods
Location: I renounced punctuation
Registered: May 2002
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Re: MA61 about to go under the Knife
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Wed, 07 July 2004 01:43

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Don't listen to anyone here.
Work the 5ME.
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Location: Brisbane
Registered: May 2002
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Re: MA61 about to go under the Knife
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Wed, 07 July 2004 01:47

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Don't you think that EFI stuff is a little hi-tech though Dave?
Go the 4M. Real men use carbies.
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Location: Adelaide
Registered: September 2003
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I supported Toymods
Location: Perth
Registered: July 2004
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Re: MA61 about to go under the Knife
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Wed, 07 July 2004 01:58

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Norbie wrote on Wed, 07 July 2004 06:56 | I was going to add my 2 cents but it looks like these guys have covered pretty much everything. Don't be too discouraged though; there are lots of MA61's out there with JZ engine conversions now, so it's certainly do-able and there's a very decent knowledgebase here on ToyMods for you to draw on. But don't be fooled, it's a big project (especially if you're doing it yourself), and as with all engine conversions, it will cost much more than you expect once it's finished properly. This is a lesson we've all learned, so take it from us!
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yeap thats what i was thinking. i dont know everything about what im in for as i mentioned earlier, thats why im asking you guys coz youve done all this already and advice is better than going in blind, better to ask the question than stay silent. 
as for the strut tower brace i mentioned earlier, a mate got it for me in NSW somewhere, ill ask him where from and let you guys know.. its only for the rear wheels though, havent got a front one yet, the rear cost about $180ish..
BlackSupra - thanks for the info on Erebuni, im in email negotiations with them now and their pricing on the kits are hell reasonable at 645 USD (minus 20% for international customers), shipping also at only 280USD.. ill most likely order one of these next month. issue im faced with though is the rear bumper mould is for the japanese/usa type which sticks out further than the aust delivered one which i have.. got any idea where i can pick up a jap spec bumper from?
one more question too.. MA61's have a tendancy to leak oil from the power steering rack right? this is what i heard.. is this right? it would explain why my steering went up shit creek in less than 6 months..
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Location: Perth
Registered: October 2002
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Re: MA61 about to go under the Knife
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Wed, 07 July 2004 02:02

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Sounds like your Supra has been off the road for a while - so you have a daily hack? If so, then go the 1JZ. But think of it as a 'project' and learning experience - ie, don't get frustrated after several months when you still have the engine sitting in the garage while you wait for part X to arrive from NSW/Japan/Outer-Mongolia.
Yes, it will cost a lot more than you're currently budgeting - but you don't have to outlay all the cash at once. Do it well - over time. If you really want to know how much my conversion has cost me, PM me and I'll give you a ball-park. I've been too scared/embarrased to add it all up so far.
Good luck!
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Location: Adelaide
Registered: September 2003
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Re: MA61 about to go under the Knife
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Wed, 07 July 2004 02:03

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hamgatan wrote on Wed, 07 July 2004 11:58 |
as for the strut tower brace i mentioned earlier, a mate got it for me in NSW somewhere, ill ask him where from and let you guys know.. its only for the rear wheels though, havent got a front one yet, the rear cost about $180ish..
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I'd be interested in some more pics and details of the rear strut brace that you have mentioned.
You can PM me or email direct on michael.bachmann@gm.com
Cheers
Michael B
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Registered: August 2002
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Re: MA61 about to go under the Knife
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Wed, 07 July 2004 07:45

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STRUT PICS.
JUSTCALLMEFRANK might be able to sort out a bigger bumper, assuming the celica XX came with the same one.
Rumour has it that the power steering fluid superheats and kills the seals. Now that you have replaced the rack, spend a few more dollars and install a power steering cooler (oil cooler) in the front bar. Just replace the old bent piping on the drivers side that plumbs back into the rack. And make sure the dust boots are installed well.
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I supported Toymods
Location: Perth
Registered: May 2002
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Re: MA61 about to go under the Knife
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Wed, 07 July 2004 08:20

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I'm with Glen, we want strut brace pics
As for the bumper, it looks like this: 
As for another one, you'd just have to keep an eye out. I've only got one XX one. A1 Toyota Wrecking, while dero, had an XX rear bumper the last time I was there.
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Location: Burlington, On. Canada
Registered: January 2004
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Re: MA61 about to go under the Knife
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Wed, 07 July 2004 16:39

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justcallmefrank wrote on Wed, 07 July 2004 18:20 | As for the bumper, it looks like this: 
As for another one, you'd just have to keep an eye out. I've only got one XX one. A1 Toyota Wrecking, while dero, had an XX rear bumper the last time I was there.
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Easy to find here. I can probably pick up a used cover for anyone cheap or give you a contact for someone who strips these cars for parts. Only problem is the damn shipping costs to Australia.
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Location: Adelaide
Registered: September 2003
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Re: MA61 about to go under the Knife
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Wed, 07 July 2004 21:37

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[quote title=BlackSupra wrote on Wed, 07 July 2004 17:45 spend a few more dollars and install a power steering cooler (oil cooler) in the front bar. Just replace the old bent piping on the drivers side that plumbs back into the rack. .[/quote]
I will be doing such a thing on my car, but will be replacing it with a V8 Monaro part (still a bent tube but longer and has some pretty coils around it).
I'm with Glen. Rear Strut Pics Please
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Location: Burlington, On. Canada
Registered: January 2004
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On Probation
Location: Hobart
Registered: December 2004
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Re: MA61 about to go under the Knife
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Sun, 19 December 2004 21:54
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hmm very interesting... i want to go a 1JZ in my MA61, but feel very drawn back after reading alot of this... Maybe Norbie has given me some Light!
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