The V8 Celica
On this page you will find all the information you need to put a V8 engine
into your Toyota Celica. When I first started this page I realized that nobody
had ever specialized in such a page. I've tried to compile as many vendors as
possible to help you out.
When people think of a V8 engine, they think of a large heavy waste. While V8
engines are large and heavy, they are no more waseteful than some 4 cylinder
engines. Take for example the 22-RE engine in my 1984 Celica. It is large and
heavy and very slow. It weighs approximately 330lbs, while a cast iron Ford 302
V8 weighs in the neighborhood of 470lbs. The stock 302 has about 200hp. That is
twice as much horsepower but only a little more weight. With this comparison I'd
say the 22-RE is a complete waste. Keep in mind that if you are reading this
page you have forgot all about fuel economy, longevity and ease of maintenance.
You are concerned only with being happy as you shift through the gears. Of
course another goal is scaring the heck out of everyone in their honda. Many
people don't realize that the RWD Celica is pre-configured to suite a V8 engine.
If you look at your celica engine, it is mounted very similar to a V8. A V8
engine is a little wider, but it is not longer. Your radiator will still fit in,
and your firewall won't need to be extended. I've never owned a "classic" celica
with an 18RG engine, but I suspect they are very similar to my 1984 Hatchback.
How its done-
The V8 engine is not too large and its not too
complex either. It doesn't have a bunch of wires, or hoses. Infact it is about
as simple as you can get. One company, they sell an adapter that makes it
possible to mount a Ford 302 V8 engine directly to your stock Celica 5spd. The
same company also makes engine mounts to replace a 22-R with a 302 Engine. It is
rumored that the stock 5spd in the celica can handle any amount of mild "normal"
driving with a V8 engine. It would not be a good choice for drag racing or
rugged driving. But the main point here is that the stock Celica tranmission
will handle a V8. So if you want to upgrade later you can, but for now we will
keep the cost down.
TRANSMISSION AND STEERING RACK
The V8 engine
bolts up to everything. We've just explained that. You can mount it in the
engine bay directly to your stock drivetrain and your driveline won't need to be
changed. Unfortantely there is a little more to it. Remember that all Celicas
have a pesky steering rack. The rack is rumored to hit the 302 engine and the
only way to put the 302 engine in is to remove the steering rack. This is a
problem I have not found a solution to yet. Input would be greatly appreciated.
Please email me
OIL PAN
Another
problem is the oil pan. A 302 engine will bolt up, but it has a huge oil pan and
will most likely smash into the sub frame on the Celica. A custom pan could
surely be constructed, but it will be very costly. Since I have no experience
with this problem "yet" I cannot give you a solution to this. Any input on this
will also be appreciated.
COOLING
Of course your V8 engine is
burning more fuel and creating more heat, you'll need a new radiator. Easy
enough. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Radiators can be made in all shapes
and sizes, including curved. Cooling problems aren't an issue if you have a
little money or creativity.
And that is all there is to it. Since I have
never actually performed the V8 conversion I cannot tell you step by step how
its done. I'm currently waiting to put my Tercel engine together so I can park
the Celica and begin my own havoc! Below I've compiled all the pictures and
links I could find. I am hoping that as people read this page they will continue
to contribute their pictures and information. Other engine swap information is
welcomed.
Contact me at: Ritalie_Racing@hotmail.com
This page specializes in making adapters for V8 engines to the Celica
transmission. This source is using the chevy 350 engine, which may or may not
fit into the Celica engine bay. Please find your transmission code to verify if
it will work. V8 Conversions.com
This page specializes in the Ford 302 V8 Adapter. So far the Ford 302 V8 seems
to be the most feasible option for the conversion. Please check out this page at
Northwest
Off-Road Specialites, Inc.
This page is the best Celica page I've yet to find so far. It deals with only
the older Celicas, not the feeble front wheel drive ones. The people here have
helped me greatly in the V8 engine conquest.
Classic Celica.com
