Import Motors '05 - Part Two

In the first part of this series (see Import Motors '05 - Part One) we looked at the Nissan, Mazda and Daihatsu engines currently available at the Japanese import wreckers. Well, this time around we’ll look at some hot Toyotas, Suzukis, a Honda and Mitsubishi...

If you want high-tech motors at low cost, you’ve come to the right place!

Toyota 3S-GE BEAMS

One of the hottest 2 litre NA four-cylinders you can buy is this – the Toyota Altezza 3S-GE ‘BEAMS’.

The basic 3S-GE engine appeared in the Toyota Celica Australia back in 1986, but in the 1998 Altezza RS200 it’s tuned to the max. This north-south mounted engine runs a sky-high 11.5:1 compression ratio, dual VVT-i (infinitely variable inlet and exhaust cam timing) and a low restriction exhaust. The BEAMS (Breakthrough Engine with Advanced Mechanism System) package also includes electronic throttle control.

In 6-speed manual guise, the 3S-GE BEAMS lets rip with 154kW at 7600 rpm and 216Nm at 6400 rpm. It’s an engine that absolutely loves to rev and comes alive at about 3000 rpm. Sequential-shift automatic versions are detuned slightly to 147kW at 7000 and 216Nm at 4800 rpm. Both engines require premium unleaded fuel.

With relatively limited supply and a lot of demand for this engine, you’ll need a fair amount of cash to secure your own. Adelaide Japanese Imports currently has two examples in stock, each selling for AUD$4200 complete with loom, ECU, sensors and a 6-speed ‘box. Bob Dunn from Adelaide Japanese Imports says they’d be a great engine for naturally aspirated circuit racing. They’d also be a hot pick for kit cars and, dare we say it, old Toyota Corollas...

Toyota 4A-GE 20 Valve

A popular engine at the moment is the Toyota 4A-GE 20 valve.

Early versions of this engine (from 1992) are identified by their silver valve cover. These examples use a 10.5:1 compression ratio, two-stage variable inlet cam timing, DOHC head with 5-valves-per-cylinder and a beautiful quad-throttle induction set-up. The pistons and rods are a lightweight design to allow smooth high rpm operation. And the 20 valve loves to rev. Peak power (118kW) arrives at 7400 rpm and peak torque (162Nm) is available at 5200 rpm.

From late 1996, the 4A-GE 20 valve received an update which is identified by a black valve cover. The 'black' version of the 20 valve engine uses even lighter engine internals, an 11:1 compression ratio, altered headers and various other small changes. The engine management was also switched from an airflow meter to a MAP sensor. The black version of the 4A-GE 20 valve cranks out 121kW at 7800 rpm and 156Nm at 5600 rpm – it’s focussed more on the top-end than the earlier version. A 5-speed manual is typically mated to the 20 valve but a 4-speed auto was fitted as an option. All are designed for transverse mounting.

Adelaide Japanese Imports has several 'silver' and 'black' versions of the 4A-GE 20 valve in stock. 'Silver' engines sell for AUD$1350 while 'black' versions fetch AUD$500 more. A half-cut (Sprinter Trueno or Corolla Levin) goes for around AUD$2800. Bob says these engines have been fitted to just about everything – kit cars to Corollas to Mokes. In standard form there are no known reliability issues but be aware that the conrods aren’t beefy enough to handle a big hit of aftermarket turbo torque – a low boost turbo application is the safest bet.

Aftermarket Tuned 20V This engine proves that you can never be sure what you’ll find at the Japanese import wreckers... Tucked away in a corner at Adelaide Japanese Imports is this 'black' version of the 4A-GE 20 valve – with an aftermarket turbo kit! The engine features a KKK turbo (with internal wastegate), heat wrapped turbo manifold, pod air filter, high-flow dump pipe and the gearbox is fitted with heavy-duty clutch and aftermarket LSD. And there’s probably a whole heap more we don’t know about. Power? Well, there’s no way to be certain but depending on boost level, you’d have to be looking at around 180kW. This one-off beauty sits on the floor at AUD$2850 (without management or intercooler).

Mitsubishi Evo 5 4G63

Mitsubishi Lancer Evos aren’t exactly thick on the ground but Adelaide Japanese Imports typically has a couple of Evo motors in stock.

This particular example is from an Evolution 5, which was released in 1998. The E5 engine is essentially the same as the E4’s with relatively large cams, lightweight pistons (providing an 8.8:1 static compression ratio), a straight-runner intake manifold and a standard metal head gasket. The biggest difference is the Evo 5 uses a slightly larger turbocharger and a tad more boost pressure. This results in 373Nm at 3000 rpm along with a claimed 206kW at 6500 rpm - but it’s more like 230kW.

And the price?

Well, this low kilometre Evo 5 engine is being sold together with a wiring loom, sensors and associated ECU – all for AUD$5800. Bob says these are popular for conversions into local Lancers, Mirages and 4G-series powered Hyundais.

An Evo Hyundai? Now there’s a cool conversion!

Honda F20B VTEC

While through the late ‘90s Australia was lucky enough to receive the VTEC Civic, Integra and Prelude, it missed out on the VTEC Accord.

The Japanese CF4-chassis Honda Accord/Torneo SiR and SiR-T are fitted with a sensational 2 litre engine (coded F20B VTEC). Released in late 1997, the F20B VTEC runs an 11:1 compression ratio, all-alloy construction and VTEC variable valve timing and lift. This helps the engine punch out 147kW at 7200 rpm and 196Nm at 6600 rpm – but only when mated to a manual ‘box. In automatic form, the engine is detuned to 132kW and 192Nm at 7000 and 5500 rpm respectively. Both engines require premium unleaded fuel.

Sold until around 2001, the F20B VTEC is not a common engine – its Adelaide Japanese Import’s first. The engine currently in stock is marked at AUD$1650 with ECU but without loom (meaning it’d probably be easier to run this particular engine with aftermarket management). So what’ll it fit? Any CF4-chassis Honda Accord and anywhere a conventional F-series four is fitted.

We aren’t aware of any mechanical problems with this eager 2.0.

Suzuki K10A Turbo

One of the latest breed of high-performance micro engines is the Suzuki K10A Turbo.

The K10A is a 1-litre four-cylinder that’s fitted with a DOHC, 4-valve-per-cylinder head. The K10A also boasts variable inlet cam timing and an 8.4:1 static compression ratio to maintain driveability when the little turbo is caught off boost. Maximum output is 74kW at 6500 rpm and there’s 122Nm at 3000 rpm – more than all right for a 1 litre engine! The K10A Turbo can be found in the 1997 Japanese Suzuki Wagon R and is available with a choice of a manual or automatic transmissions.

Bob says the K10A is becoming plentiful in Japan and, at present, you’ll pay AUD$2650 for an engine package with loom, sensors and ECU. Interestingly, Bob says this engine is popular with hobbyist aircraft and hovercraft builders due to its light weight, torque and top-end power potential. He also points out that it’d be a trick conversion into a local Suzuki Wagon R or an old Mini. Again, there are no known problems associated with this engine.

Suzuki F6B DOHC Turbo

The most popular 660cc Kei class engine in Australia at the moment is the Suzuki F6A DOHC Turbo.

Fitted to the Japanese-market Cappuccino and hi-po versions of the Alto, the F6B DOHC Turbo is the ultimate Suzuki three-pot. With an 8.3:1 static compression ratio, tiny IHI turbo and air-to-air intercooler, this engine puts out the class maximum of 47kW (and then a bit) at 6500 rpm. Peak torque is a useful 85Nm at 4000 rpm.

Bob says these engines are quite plentiful in Japan – but you can expect to see them drying up soon. Being such a small engine, the F6B doesn’t last forever and don’t be surprised to find a worn turbocharger. Replacement turbos are worth a few hundred dollars. The front-wheel-drive F6B DOHC Turbo engine package seen here (including loom, sensors and ECU) is currently offered for around AUD$2200. These motors are suitable as a replacement for grey import Suzuki Altos and make a crazy conversion for the Mightyboy ute.

You mightn’t be after a 660cc bruiser but chances are you’ll find something that tickles your fancy at the local Japanese import wrecker. Go check ‘em out for yourself.

Contact:

Adelaide Japanese Imports +61 8 8369 1156

http://www.adelaidejap.com.au