Cressida 7M into SFA
Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2015 12:14 pm
After doing lots of research, I have decided to replace my SFA's 4Y with 7M-GE from a Cressida instead of a 1UZ-VVTI with a 5 speed autobox.
My reasons:
I have always preferred a manufacturers OEM ECU over an aftermarket ECU. (I don't want to go into this too deeply, but I got burned by a MR Turbo unit once, mainly because I misunderstood some of the settings. I'm not foul mouthing any aftermarket part, I just prefer OEM)
For the above mentioned reason, I looked at front clips from engines and more, I saw some of the other resellers that sells these VVTI engines with OEM ECU's that can start, and I was very impressed by it all.
I was also advised to use the VVTI with OEM ECU but with the 4speed auto box running spitronics, but I didn't like the idea (see above reason).
I also need an adaptor to mate the SFA transfer case to the Auto box. The transfer box wouldn't move too far back if I used the 4 speed box, but the 5speed box is too long, and moves the transfer box so far back that you'll need to alter the propshafts. (See comment above about using OEM)
The cost factor also contributed to my decision.
So I decided on the 7M.
Their parts are still available.
The engine is reliable as long as it doesn't overheat or runs low on oil.
The headgasket problem can be avoided.
I was lucky enough to get a deregistered whole Cressida in a fair condition for R15000.
I'm using as much as possible from the Cressida including the ECU, but needs to source some parts:
Bellhousing and Flywheel (since the car is an automatic)
Clutch
Radiator and electric fan
Work that needs done:
Torque the head to 97 Nm. The gasket is of a high quality.
Do some repairs and modifications to the Cressida harness to mate it to the SFA's existing wiring. Also add a "Check engine" light
Alter the engine mountings to fit the mountings on the chassis.
Do a 25mm body lift.
Move the aircon radiator somewhere else. (I'm considering putting a scoop on the bonnet and fasten the condensor to the inside of the bonnet. There's enough space if a 25mm lift is done, and the pipes will make it.)
(Finally) Fit the long range tank that I bought a year ago and work out something to make an electric pump use the long range as a primary and the existing tank as a reserve.
Move the battery to the left hand side as the Cressida airflow box goes where the battery currently is.
Finding a bellhousing was easy, but the price was a problem. Gemini doesn't have stock, and people wants new prices for their secondhand parts. (Second hand at between R3000 and R3500 for one that has never been test fitted)
The Flywheel was a bit of an issue. The 4Y flywheel is the closest fit, but some holes needs to be moved.
I eventually realized that the 2.8i Cressida uses the 5M engine which is much similar to the 7M.
I bought a 5M flywheel and bellhousing for R1900. It's a perfect fit. The 4Y's fork works, and I used a KZ-TE slave cylinder.
I will add pictures as i go along.
My reasons:
I have always preferred a manufacturers OEM ECU over an aftermarket ECU. (I don't want to go into this too deeply, but I got burned by a MR Turbo unit once, mainly because I misunderstood some of the settings. I'm not foul mouthing any aftermarket part, I just prefer OEM)
For the above mentioned reason, I looked at front clips from engines and more, I saw some of the other resellers that sells these VVTI engines with OEM ECU's that can start, and I was very impressed by it all.
I was also advised to use the VVTI with OEM ECU but with the 4speed auto box running spitronics, but I didn't like the idea (see above reason).
I also need an adaptor to mate the SFA transfer case to the Auto box. The transfer box wouldn't move too far back if I used the 4 speed box, but the 5speed box is too long, and moves the transfer box so far back that you'll need to alter the propshafts. (See comment above about using OEM)
The cost factor also contributed to my decision.
So I decided on the 7M.
Their parts are still available.
The engine is reliable as long as it doesn't overheat or runs low on oil.
The headgasket problem can be avoided.
I was lucky enough to get a deregistered whole Cressida in a fair condition for R15000.
I'm using as much as possible from the Cressida including the ECU, but needs to source some parts:
Bellhousing and Flywheel (since the car is an automatic)
Clutch
Radiator and electric fan
Work that needs done:
Torque the head to 97 Nm. The gasket is of a high quality.
Do some repairs and modifications to the Cressida harness to mate it to the SFA's existing wiring. Also add a "Check engine" light
Alter the engine mountings to fit the mountings on the chassis.
Do a 25mm body lift.
Move the aircon radiator somewhere else. (I'm considering putting a scoop on the bonnet and fasten the condensor to the inside of the bonnet. There's enough space if a 25mm lift is done, and the pipes will make it.)
(Finally) Fit the long range tank that I bought a year ago and work out something to make an electric pump use the long range as a primary and the existing tank as a reserve.
Move the battery to the left hand side as the Cressida airflow box goes where the battery currently is.
Finding a bellhousing was easy, but the price was a problem. Gemini doesn't have stock, and people wants new prices for their secondhand parts. (Second hand at between R3000 and R3500 for one that has never been test fitted)
The Flywheel was a bit of an issue. The 4Y flywheel is the closest fit, but some holes needs to be moved.
I eventually realized that the 2.8i Cressida uses the 5M engine which is much similar to the 7M.
I bought a 5M flywheel and bellhousing for R1900. It's a perfect fit. The 4Y's fork works, and I used a KZ-TE slave cylinder.
I will add pictures as i go along.