8rb Engine Replacement

[gerrym]

Hi Folks,

I have a Special and its running an 8RB twin carb, SOHC from (I think) a '70s Corona.

Is there anything else, a little mere modern, in the Toyota family that would be a direct repacement??

Thanks,

Gerry

[Dan_Q]

I'm not that up on the older toyota motors, but could it be an 18R-B?

I've seen an 18R and they are a 2.0, SOHC non-crossflow engine- The "B" suffix normally means "twin carb" on engines from this era. I'm sure the corona used this motor.

If it is an 18R then the only "drop in" motor I can think of is the 18R-G, which is the hi performance version ("G" suffix usually means that) and its a crossflow twn cam 8 valve engine, they come with solex twin 40 carbs (made under license by mikuni) as standard, and put out around 125 BHP I think (could be more). The throttle linkage will need to be modified as the intake will now be on the other side of the head.

Please dont take this advice as definite, i'm only learning myself so the exact details could be a bit rusty.

[gerrym]

I'm not that up on the older toyota motors, but could it be an 18R-B?

I've seen an 18R and they are a 2.0, SOHC non-crossflow engine- The "B" suffix normally means "twin carb" on engines from this era. I'm sure the corona used this motor.

If it is an 18R then the only "drop in" motor I can think of is the 18R-G, which is the hi performance version ("G" suffix usually means that) and its a crossflow twn cam 8 valve engine, they come with solex twin 40 carbs (made under license by mikuni) as standard, and put out around 125 BHP I think (could be more). The throttle linkage will need to be modified as the intake will now be on the other side of the head.

Please dont take this advice as definite, i'm only learning myself so the exact details could be a bit rusty.

Hi Dan,

Definatley an 8R-B, I have an 18R in the back of the Garage but I'm not sure of its condition.....My 8RB is showing low oil pressure. Looking to change to someting with better parts availability :)

Anyone confirm what the thread size is on the oil pressure warning light? I'd like to fit a pressure gauge to see whats going on....I've been told by a good source that its possibly 1/8" NPT, just looking for a second opinion..

Cheers

Gerry

[Dan_Q]

Hi Gerry,

big apologies for that- I must hold my hands up and say I've never heard of an 8R- so please accept my sincerest on that one......

as for the oil gallery tapping, my car is 1/8 BSP I think- but its a touch newer of course!

if you need adapters from one thread type to another, they are readily avaliable. the good thing is that the standard threads on fittings for capillaries / senders that come with gauges are mostly NPT threads, so you will be able to see if they screw straight in :)

oh, and one more thing- if you plan to use an electrical gauge and fit a tee piece to the engine, I highly reccomend you relocate the sender- the weight of the tee and sender can cause the tee to fatigue fail, emptying your sump and leaving a nice bit of brass in your engine to remove.

I hope that info makes up for my balls up :(

Dan

[RedNeck 92 Gti-16]

Confusing this. The 18r was the engine from the 2000GT. The Corona's line was the same as the carina, which went on to become the camry. If so, the 3s engine might fit! Loads of work though.. I guess. Your choice really. Most could be adapted. You may be looking for a direct replacement. If so. It needs to be established, exactly what you have, to start with, how much you plan to spend etc..

[gerrym]

Its definatly an 8R -B ....SOHC, twin carb from a '69 - '72 Corona....I even have a Haynes for it ! Was also used in some of the 4x4's, (Hilux)

The 18R I have looks identical, I think the only difference is the capacity. Its running a 5-Speed box, not sure of its origins, how could I tell?

What I would love is something that would bolt up to my existing box without too much grief, or, since I'll have to pull the engine anyway, should I just renew the mains?? I think I've found a US source for the bearings.

Last night I changed the oil for a "Classic" 20\50. Took the car for a fast 40min m\way run, the lamp did not glow.....

Time will tell of course, but I'd still like to be prepared !!

What do you think??

Cheers

Gerry

Confusing this. The 18r was the engine from the 2000GT. The Corona's line was the same as the carina, which went on to become the camry. If so, the 3s engine might fit! Loads of work though.. I guess. Your choice really. Most could be adapted. You may be looking for a direct replacement. If so. It needs to be established, exactly what you have, to start with, how much you plan to spend etc..

[RedNeck 92 Gti-16]

Hello Gerry!

Hah! Its the opposite to humans hey. We get older and benefit from thinner, but your old motor generally benefits from thicker!

Might be, time for prudency and treat the 18R you've got to a good going over. It should fit where the 8r is, almost directly. Not sure about the gearbox and depending on what has to be cleared, etc. What about the carbs though, do you still have them?

The 8r engine production series ended in 1983. A long and well reputed development, the 8r from 1969. Over many revisions, became the DOHC 18R-GEU which, along the way found itself prised into such greats as the 1983 RA63 Celica GT, and previously the Hilux.. The Carina and the Camry.

So finding suitable replacements should be a doddle..!

All the best,

Brad

[Dan_Q]

i've done a bit of reading up recently and found out about the 8R :) i'm learning it does look just the same as an 18 like you say. It was used in 8R-C form in the US market gen1 celica.

I'm assuming here again, but if any R series engine will fit your box then you could go for a 2.0 OHC engine from a gen3 celica- the 21R motor. The problem is they are pretty scarce despite being considerably newer than the engine you have, so parts could be a similar problem to your 8R.

Stateside should bring up lots of bits for these engines- so if you can find them, rebuilding your 8R is an option. I have sourced many parts over there for my 2T-B engine project (similar era) and because of the exchange rate the prices are good :) also if you went for a 21R, the states used their equivalents (22R, 2400cc IIRC) in many toyotas, and even tuning parts are avaliable for those.

As I mentioned earlier and this chap above has said, the 18R-G should bolt up to your box too- but these engines are scarce and command a premium, as they are a classic engine in their own right, being one of the first toyota twin cams. a 21R would cost pence in comparison.

If you ever read this thread let us know what you decided- and pop a pic of your special up for us nosey ones :)

[gerrym]

Hi FOlks, Sorry I have taken sooo long to get back !

Heres the car in question..

and under the hood....

and heres a pic taken when the car was being built back in '87 (still with the 8R-B stickers :)

I've still not decided what to do......Possibly the easiest route will be to swap in the 18R that I have, (though I've no idea of its condition....)

All advice welcome :)

Cheers

Gerry

(nr Glasgow)

i've done a bit of reading up recently and found out about the 8R :) i'm learning it does look just the same as an 18 like you say. It was used in 8R-C form in the US market gen1 celica.

I'm assuming here again, but if any R series engine will fit your box then you could go for a 2.0 OHC engine from a gen3 celica- the 21R motor. The problem is they are pretty scarce despite being considerably newer than the engine you have, so parts could be a similar problem to your 8R.

Stateside should bring up lots of bits for these engines- so if you can find them, rebuilding your 8R is an option. I have sourced many parts over there for my 2T-B engine project (similar era) and because of the exchange rate the prices are good :) also if you went for a 21R, the states used their equivalents (22R, 2400cc IIRC) in many toyotas, and even tuning parts are avaliable for those.

As I mentioned earlier and this chap above has said, the 18R-G should bolt up to your box too- but these engines are scarce and command a premium, as they are a classic engine in their own right, being one of the first toyota twin cams. a 21R would cost pence in comparison.

If you ever read this thread let us know what you decided- and pop a pic of your special up for us nosey ones :)