Engine Swap Alternatives

[alexp]

Hi,

I have been running my 1998 Avensis for 4 years. Upon buying the car I swap the engine to 5SF (2.2 Liter) Camri engine. I have done 100K miles with not a single glitch. The car has now 220K miles and still running beautifully. However it is time to change. I would like to buy the 2002-2004 model but I know for a fact that the new Aluminium block engines have problems and do not last.

Does anyone knows if I could swap the engine with the old 4SF or 5SF iron block engine and auto box?

As to you who are having problems with the 1998-2000 engines I can give this advise: 90% of problems are due to unskilled garage wokers. For example: 2 of 10 will not install the timiming belt correctly causing engine power loss, stalling, overheating and failure. Toyota themselves are a guilty partners. The marking on the front pully is so small, it is hardly noticeable and the mechanics do make mistakes.

From my experience 5 years trouble free driving. Never had a starting problem, never had an electrical problem, no real brake or steering problem. smooth and quite ride. However, I do check my car carefully every 14K miles. I use Bosch twin electrode spark plugs, I replace timing belt, idlers and water pump every 60K miles and replace the shock absorbers every 120K miles.