As you may have known, 4A-GEs come in various versions. I won't go into details in explaining 4A-GE variants but as the condition here dictates, the best option for me is to get a rear wheel drive small port 4A-GE, the so-called Red Top engine, and maintain the EFI. I don't know if this 4A-GE version available or not. I know AE86s use big port TVIS 4A-GEs so even if they are available on import engine sellers, they would still not be ideal. (edit 22-Mar-09: apparently there was never a small port RWD! So if i insisted on getting a small port, i'd have to do all the mods to get it on The Dog ...)
RWD 4A-GEs are lesser PITA to implant into Daihatsu Charmants. No mods on the cooling system, alternator mounts, spigot bearing, etc needs to be done. From what i know, Charmants are basically 4 doors version of AE86 SR5 Corollas. They use T50 gearboxes which bolt easily to any 4A-GE (except maybe 4A-GZE, something to do with too large flywheels). Articles on converting an AE86 SR5 to GTS are basically my bible in this project. So getting a RWD 4A-GE is ideal, less headache. Although i won't be doing the conversion, it's nice to know that no major changes are done when doing it. I'd have a near factory setup.
The only 4A-GE equipped local car here is an AE92. I believe they use the small port non-TVIS 4A-GEs. If i can get the same type of 4A-GE, i would not have to be worried about spare part availability. Especially on engine overhauls, i know that i won't have to get my timing belts, engine gaskets, valves or small-end bearings from an exotic parts seller. 20 valves 4A-GE use different timing belt with the 16 valves. Big ports use different con-rod diameters. So you can see why my best deal would be a small port, Red Tops if you please.
Deciding between converting to carburetor or stay with the EFI wasn't hard, EFI all the way. Getting it, however, is a different thing. Up to now, i can't find anyone selling a small port 4A-GE with its EFI system still intact. Most them are already converted to carbs. I have nothing against carbs but i like to keep my options open. If i want to set up a turbo, EFIs are easier. If i want to implement Megasquirt DIY ECUs, i'd already have a working EFI system so i don't have to worry about missing sensors, injectors, etc. With EFI, i don't have to worry about carb jetting.
The case in Indonesia currently, full EFI system setups are easier to find on 20v 4AGEs, especially silver tops. As i said, i haven't been able to get a 16v with its EFI wiring, ECU, hardwares still intact. Now i just have to set my priorities. Do i prefer easier conversion and better spare part availability or more option in the long run? For the first one, i can easily get a RWD 16v carburetted 4A-GE but for the second one, i would have to opt to a full injection set 20v silver top. Which one do you think is best?
Definitely the 20V 4AGE, you won't regret it. ^^
ReplyDeleteHi Stanley! Finally, glad you can come! Welcome.. I am sure i won't regret the horses coming from a 20v, but when i had to order simple things like timing belts, gaskets etc from ebay ... Headache man ...
ReplyDeleteFriend of Stanley here. Goes by the name tofu. Nice charmant!! Great to know that you're going for a 4AGE transplant.
ReplyDeleteDepending on what you want. No doubt 20v are really good, powerful blah blah. But you really need to rev it up to feel its power. Apparently, its harder to drift with 20v cause you really need to rev high to make it happen. There's even less torque compared to 16v at the lower rev range.
If you're planning for further upgrades in the future, I think the big port TVIS is easier to mod for power beyond 200 hp. but that depends on $$$, parts availability, time... Even the small port AE92, has its limit at 200 hp.
Do check out Bill Sherwood's website for some modding infos, and www.drift.com.my, there's a topic discussing between 20v and 16v head, blocks etc...
My setup is 4AGE 16V EFI, AE86 head on a silvertop block.
Hey Tofu.. Thanks for stopping by!
ReplyDeleteYeah i heard about the 20v issue. Even Bill Sherwood mentioned about the horsepower is most likely hyped up.
I already leaned to 16v anyway. Spare parts are easy to find and it's not that hard to get it into the 20v's "claimed" hp range.
Small port is best for me, exactly same internals with the AE92 sold locally.
I don't think i'll go to 200hp with a 4A-GE. 150-160 is enough i think. Cold air induction, port-n-polish, a piggyback and 256 camshafts would most probably get me there. If i do want 200hp, i'd rather do it with a 3SGE.
Curious about your setup.. What is it basically? A silvertop with a bigport head? Or a bigport using a silvertop block?
how do i post here to get my name put up on the comments, rather than being anonymous all the time??? Anyways, my setup is a big port head (standard cams) with OEM ECU, on a silvertop block. Internals, i supposed is from the silvertop (ie. pistons, crank etc...) Cause when i bought the car, it came like that. The previous owner says the bottom end is from the silvertop. only mods i can see was an aftermarket extractor.
ReplyDelete16V 4AGE for the win bro, as you know im doing the same project as you are :), there are alot of perks to the 16V, the weight, weight distribution and such, the 20V is great but to get it in the charmant its either one of a couple limited options, sledge hammer the firewall, cut the firewall and send it back or move the engine forward by making custom mounts or... direct ignition if you can afford it and the maintenance, by now i know you have chosen the 16V so i believe its a better engine for our cars :), just think about it, in japan from the birth of the 16V to present day there is the N2 AE86 series and 90% of the engines used in the 4AGE line up is the 16V.
ReplyDeleteMy main reason for choosing the 16V is because of the weight, size, reputation, history, abundance of stock and aftermarket parts, reliability, the chassis or my pocket dosnt have to be altered lol and the most important of all is really to me the weight distribution, the car maintains its original balance :)
yeah dereck.. apart from cleaner and easier install, the 16v smallport i got now has the advantage of local spare part availability support coz we also had AE92s sold here locally. so i guess i was lucky to be able to get it..
ReplyDelete