My girlfriend's 1997 Toyota Camry

[Dub_X]

Okay! So, this isn't so much a build, but it's gonna be a project when it's ready for it; it needs a crank shaft lol.

So before I post pics, here's the story. This car was originally bought for scrap, but it's in too damn nice of shape to scrap SO my girlfriend is buying it from my dad. All it needs on the outside is a new rear bumper cover and a driver's-side tail light. Also needs a handle on the driver's door. Under the hood, it's gonna need a crank shaft. THAT is gonna be fun, hopefully it can be replaced without pulling the motor. Anyone know about crank shafts for Toyota V6's?

Anyway, here's the pics.








As you can see, no rear bumper cover and busted tail light.




Toyota V6. Don't know **** about 'em.





Interior was nasty when these pics were taken. Has since been cleaned thoroughly lol.

Anyway, let me know what you guys think, and if any of you know if you can get a crank shaft in without pulling the motor and trans, let me know!

[C-10 simplex]

What are the emmissions laws in missouri?


i'm wondering if a 4.3 or even an 8 cyl small block would fit?

[Bus Ted Knuckle]

your going to have to pull the motor. Your best bet would probably to buy a whole engine. A good used engine with a warranty can be had for less money than you will spend on a crank and the parts needed to install.

[NONHOG]

Why does it need a crank? pulley whobble or bearings bad?
If its bearings your whole engine is toast. Good engines most the time but send any metal through one and its replace not repair.
Good luck, When done makes for a nice DD.

[Dub_X]

We're actually not sure what the entire problem is yet. One of my dad's best friends is a mechanic, and he's gonna look it over to see what needs done before we go spending money to fix it. That way, we know what we'll need to do. But if I can get ahold of another V6 for cheap, it's getting a new motor. It just depends on how cheap it is to fix it.

[Dub_X]

Well, I got the radio in it fixed lmao. Turns out, before we bought it [this is my assumption], they had an aftermarket in, then pulled the aftermarket and threw the factory back in without plugging it back in...because the radio, was not plugged in. :| But anyway, Hannah said she's going to put money in her savings account from taxes, and start saving up. I still haven't checked the bearings. If we can't get a crank kit done cheap, we're gonna go ahead and buy a used motor, and then have it put in. Would a 4-Cylinder go in the car, even though it was a factory V6?

[impalamark]

in florida you can buy a running bent or ugly 4 cylinder car for about 500 dollars . this would be less than buying a used motor here and would give you everything you need to make the swap . stuff like mounts accesories brackets
harness and cumputer . i rebuild these cars with four cylinders all the time and they are very easy to work on
god luck
mark

[Clyde65]

It will be much cheaper and faster to replace what is in there IMO. Good luck.

:looks like 97-99 fit, in my area, motor assy is 12-1500.00

[hopped up]

gonna have to put another motor, why would you just need a crank? why? what? new motor or rebuild whats in there. cheaper to buy another motor for sure. i wouldnt wanna touch it
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[Dub_X]

We were gonna put a crank kit in it, because that's what it sounded like it needed, but with how miuch the crank kit costs, and then having to pay someone to put it in, it'd just be cheaper to buy a new motor. But we're trying to stay cheap because we're on a budget. I was just thinking if it would be cheaper and easier to just replace the V6 with a 4-Cylinder, because the 4-cylinder would get better mileage.

[Dub_X]

Btw, thanks everyone.

[Dub_X]

Been a good year since there was a post in this one. But, for a year-later update. IT LIVES. Bought a new engine for it, and put it in over the weekend. It runs like a top and it purrs.
I did learn I hate front-wheel drive engine swaps :| But it works. And is now a daily driver.

[alsriv2]

Congratulations on getting it running again. Toyota engine usually will run for years with minimal issues IF they get regular maintenance and oil changes. I have a Toyota Avalon that has the same engine as your car. It has 290,000 miles on it and still has the original engine and transmission. Doesn't burn or use oil, and the transmission still shifts firmly and does not leak.

Keep the fluids fresh and I hope you have good luck with it!

[Dub_X]

This one has 226k on the body and trans, and the engine is 136k. I plan on keeping this thing running good and fluids fresh until it won't drive anymore. One things for sure, that little V6 gets up and goes.

[Dub_X]

Thank you, by the way. I'll have pics uploaded eventually. Since we got it running I had to pull the tint, which I was going to anyway. 31 shades over legal. Also changed the wheels on it, because the ones that it had were chromed aluminum and peeling...bad.

[Dub_X]

It lives!


It thinks it's a Mustang.
Nice clean interior.



VERY cold AC.

[Altec]

So, what was wrong with the old one in the end? My first guess is a broken timing belt, which I don't believe they are interference motors, so it could have been fixed.

Old news, I guess. I would suggest going ahead and doing a timing belt in the car since the new motor has over 100k. I do a lot of those belts at work. Not the most roomy, but not bad. You'll want to do the water pump too.

[Dub_X]

The old engine, still not sure. I plan on tearing into it, because the knock sounded like it was coming from the right head. I'll figure it out when I tear into it.

[alsriv2]

x2 on the timing belt and water pump replacement. If able, put a brand new pump in as a "overhauled" one probably will not last 100,000 miles. I did that in my Avalon at 140,000 and still not having any issues at 290,000.

Let us know what you find in the old engine.

[Clyde65]

Glad you got her up and running.

fyi: most V6's have chains and not belts ( the ones Ive seen that is) if the timing belt broke it wouldnt run, period. I think your knock will be something like a rod bearing or crank bearing. just a guess tho.

[Dub_X]

So uhm....delete, please? Any admin...
We split last year. Won't go into details but it didn't end on good terms and she took the car.
It's now sitting at her house because she didn't listen to me on fixing it aaaaand the brakes went out.

[Lokin4AReason]

she ll get over it ..... =0)