I currently own a 93 camry that has 205k miles on it. I'm in the planning process of turning this car into my first rebuild project. It runs fine except an oil leak, but I'm wanting to put a more powerful engine in it and a 5 speed tranny in it. I however have no idea how to determine what type/size engine to go with. I plan to drive it regularly, but I also would like to take it to the track and get a nice run out of it from time to time. Any recommendations from anyone that's done something like this, or at least so tips on how to go about determining what types of engines will fit.

 

What engine is in the car now?

The 5 speed was offered with the 4 cylinder.

 

right now its a 4 automatic

 

you got a 93 camry? so do I, i have a5 speed manual trans as well, if i were you i would go with the 3VZ DOHC,

 

Don't listen to that man. The 3VZ is a nice 3.0 V6 engine, but its a V6 engine. When I think of the word "best". I don't just think of the size of the engine. Your camry has a 5S-FE in it, to get a VZ engine means new engine mounts. Thats enough of a turn off. You can get the same amount of power from a 3S-GE engine plus save a lot more on gas and maintenance. If you really want power and compression look at the 2nd gen 3S-GTE. Its stock turbocharged with a CT27 turbo. You'll be pushing over 200 bhp. That's the best engine for your car. Hands down

 

a 3SGTE would be nice... but that too requires a lot of effort to setup, as I've seen first hand a few times... custom engine mounts, tuning, rebuilding the turbo... etc etc. These use the ceramic wheel turbo - not as strong as the steel wheel turbos that you can get anyway. Unless you wanna "baby" it and replace the oil every 3k, or wanna change the turbo, then I'd go for that.

I'd be looking at the 1MZ or the 3VZ also. If there's a chance you can mate the 1MZ heads with a 3VZ block, you'd have an indestructible engine. You can use the E153 5 spd Manual tranny from the Gen 4s (apparently quite strong) and possibly an Avalon clutch. I've seen this tranny/clutch setup on a Gen 4 3SGTE here in Qld, Australia - works a treat.

Good luck mate