4a transplant

[random rs]

as above, im planning on fitting a toyota 4a-ge 20v black top engine into my 79 mk4 spitfire, i intend to go with toyotas t50 box too as it is a direct fit and is capable of taking the power of the bt engine, (im leaving it stock)

my big dilemma so far ( i havent actually started the project im just gathering parts), is the positioning and design of the engine mounts, has anyone who has done his swap got dimensions for making up new brackes??  i know there is small fettling involved in fitting this engine and box but i think its gonna be worth it to give this car a new lease of life as it has been sitting in a shed for 3 years unloved,


also can anyone tell me if the oem hocks and spring will handle the 4age weight??

cheers

Dan

[74ls1tr6]

Hi Dan,

I believe the 4age engine will be a little lighter that the stock 4 cylinder Spitfire engine. Your shocks should be Okay, may even be raised some in the front. Is that 20V an aluminum block? If it is it will be lighter.

[random rs]

yeah afaik its aluminium, iv heard they are lighter than the oem 1500 motor,

[Winston]

The 20v has an iron block just like the stock 16v 4AGE (I've owned several 20v's and several 16v's as well), but it does have the advantage of piston oil squirters. The blacktop internals are a little lighter than the silvertop internals, but not enough to make an overall difference in the engine's weight... just to increase redline. The 20v exhaust manifold is lighter since it's tubing instead of cast iron like on the 16v, and the 4-throttle body setup is probably a little lighter than the aluminum intake manifold on the 16v. You're maybe looking at 10 or 15 lbs difference between the engines. Still, the 20v is a superb engine, and a fitting evolution to the already-great 16v 4AGE. The blacktop is the pinnacle of 4AGE engineering. Great choice!

[random rs]

it is indeed winston, iv had a few 16v powered mk1 mr2 and currently im rocking a 97 levin with the 20v BT and have an old one here that we broke for parts, so the fact i had it and the spitfire both sitting there i decided to frankenstein it