Do any of you know of anyone that has swapped a 5.0 into an early Celica? My roommate is picking up a 90 EFI 5.0 and tranny this weekend and was wondering if it has been done?
How early? I pretty much believe you can shoehorn anything into anything as long as there is room. IE there is no way you are going to get a big block v8 into somthing like a metro or corolla without major modification of the engine bay, strut towers, hood, etc. See http://members.optushome.com.au/activepete/twinturbo/jamiett.html
not sure about the celica either but i had a 87 300zx that i test fit a 302 in...looked like it came that way...automatics are harder to squeeze in the tranny tunnel than 5 speeds
Get over on the Supra boards - if you're talking about the 82-85/6 Celica that had the front end that looked like the then-new Supra (first one with the DOHC six), I've seen those Supra's with small blocks in them before. If it'll go into the Supra, it should go into the Celica. However, the rear end set up was different on the cars, as was the wheel base. Weight distribution is gonna be a real issue - I'd want to set the engine back, which will involve cutting the firewall, enlarging the tranny tunnel, relocating HVAC stuff - major work. Also, the Celica rear end won't stand up to the 5.0L abuse. If it's the earlier Celica (70's) - major work. Weight distribution, rear end's not strong enough, wheels wells in the rear aren't big enough, the V-8 will bend the unibody like a pretzel unless you stiffen it up with a stout roll cage, etc, etc. How good are you with a welder and major fabrication?
blk92 - great find on the Soarer link downunder. And you see what I mean about weight distribution - more than half the engine sits forward of the front strut centerline. For drag racing, it's workable. If you want the car to turn/stop decently, it's gonna take a lot of suspension geometry work to strike a reasonable compromise.
Wannabegt - Search the websites that show up in the link above. They're showing that the V-8 out of the Lexus 400/430 will go into the rear drive Celicas made from 76 to 85. If that V-8 will fit, a small block Ford will. What has to be modified, and how it will handle are things you can ask the folks in Australia who seem to do this regularly, if the data in the sites are any indication.
Yup -seen the V-8 Fiero's - fairly common actually. Check this one out....you know you're WAY cool when you have to change the front wheel/tire size to clear the VALVE COVER!!!! Scroll down and read the article -- unbelievable car.
Thats good stuff guys thanks The Celica is a 77GT... and with all the input, things look promising. Originally he was gonna put a carbed 327 in it, but I talked him out of such a thing and now he is going with the good ol' 5.0