I have a 1995 Toyota Camry CSI 2.2L and have found a nice 2000 Toyota camry CSi 2.2 L
Im wondering if i can use the motor from the 2000 Camry in my 1995 Camry.
Its just the body on the 1995 one is still immaculate but it could do with a better engine.
Is this a good question?
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As a word of caution, some states with CARB regulations (or similar laws), such as California, have stipulations (or ban such engine swaps), even if they are compatible. In these states, the general consensus is that the engine needs to be the same model year (or newer) and will apply to most CARB states.
It may sometimes apply to states with laws similar to the CARB standard. Disregard this for off-road use, but it’s a Camry, so I assume you want to keep it road-legal.
It’s not likely to work. The engines from each generation have significant differences (transmission mount and engine code), so heavy modifications are required to make the swap (if it’s even possible at all).
These are the engines offered for your model range of Camry (VX-10) are:
The engines in the year you want to swap to (VX-20) are:
The transmission models appear to match (with the removal of the A540 for the VX-20), so you may need to install one of the 3 transmissions from the VX-20 if you have the A540 installed. In addition, the other issue has more to do with tuning (which will need to be redone completely) and emissions. If you have to get the manual, you’ll need to use MTF fluid, install a clutch pedal and a manual transmission brake booster. You will also have to delete the automatic transmission computer, assuming it isn't part of the ECU coding (more on this later). Some of the older 90's cars used modules, while others program the shift pattern into the ECU and the intended market (ex, daily driver vs sports car where the manual trans is more commonplace, so it's more practical to use a module you exclude with a manual trans).
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On top of the need for components like the transmission and exhaust manifold (these probably won’t carry from the VX-10 stock configuration), you will need the VX-20 exhaust to replace the VX-10 one. This is mainly for compatibility and emissions compliance. However, you can buy cats and cut the original exhaust if you want to (you may need CARB-certified cats in some states). That said, buying a used OEM exhaust with the correct cats is generally cheaper. The gotcha is many 90’s cars came with a CARB option for these states, so if you have to deal with CARB, find out which part is CARB compliant. This is less of an issue on 2000s models, as CARB compliance is typically standard for all 50 states, so you don’t need to modify it if you move now.
Once you do the mechanical swap, you need a virgin ECU that has NEVER been programmed. Pre-2002 Toyota ECUs use WORM (write once read many) EEPROMs, and you will need the tune file from the VX-20 Camry to avoid issues with the car running incorrectly. You will also need to pair the immobilizer with the new ECU since the car will not start until this is done; generally, this is not an issue with the right tool on an OBDII car, but on these pre-OBD cars, it may only be possible with the Toyota tool, if it can still be done or you can find the Toyota tool to do it.
The killer issue is that you will need to retrofit OBDII into your car. In the 1996-present years, OBDII was used natively (as it was required federally by 1996). Your car just missed the mark unless it's a California CARB model, which usually has it due to CARB laws and inspections (unless Toyota made an adapter of sorts to work around it). You likely have an M-OBD model outside of California; the conversion is needed because the VX-20 is OBDII rather than M-OBD. The swap will require you to change the Toyota DCL3 connector for an SAE J1962 Female and convert the wiring as such. Just take note that I'm in the US, but it may vary in other countries.
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not totally true. my 95 has obdII and its located behind the little change door on left side of steering wheel
@jeffallen2 What country? OBD II is 1996-present in the US.
If it's a USDM model, it is a CARB modification because CA mandated it by 1996 but made it optional in MY 1994/1995.
It was mandatory in the US by 1996 as well, but not in non-CARB states prior.
I am highly doubting that there is a difference between those engines.
2.2 L 5S-FE I4 vs 2.2 L I4 5S-FE
3.0 L 1MZ-FE V6 vs 3.0 L V6 1MZ-FE
I have not seen differentiating models simply by transposing characters.
The model designation is a 5S-FE for the 2Liter 4 cylinder and a 1MZ-FE for the 3Liter V6 engine.
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This series ran from 1991-1996 . So it is unlikely the 2000 will work.
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Along with that, you can get a 2002-2006 (VX-30) for ~$1,000-1,500 used.
Any VX-30 higher mileage then a newer model like the 2007-2011 (VX-40) but they're cheap enough the problems I've mentioned alone will likely add up to at least the cost of a good used VX-30 or VX-40. The OBDII retrofit will also not be an issue since it's designed around it.
If the goal is low mileage, 2011-2017 (VX-50). However, those will be the most expensive.
I have a low mileage 95 camry with a 2.2 , can I put that short block in a 2000 camry ?
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After reading all the good answers here I will add my 2 cents in just because.
The differences between your motor and the 2000 motor are all in the components on the engine. The block, I believe but may be wrong, of the 2000 can be switched over as long as you keep all of your original components from your '95 Toyota. The computer reads from the components not the block itself. All sensors and electronics have to be kept from your '95, this way you will only have to check how the exhaust matches up. The transmission has to be the same exact model. You can't use a tranny from a '00.
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