Scion Tc Engine Swap Expert Tips You Need To KNow

A Scion TC engine swap is something that some people have in mind.

If this is a project you are looking to work on, you may be wondering how to go about it. After all, an engine swap is not a very simple thing to do. You need to consider a number of things to make sure that you get the result you want.

This is why in this post, we will discuss everything you need to know before you do a Scion TC engine swap – discover the engines compatible with the Scion TC, important considerations to keep in mind, and other expert tips before you get started. Let’s begin!

scion tc engine swap

Scion TC Engine Swap Facts

The Scion TC is a sports coupe that’s Japanese-made. It is a compact vehicle manufactured from 2004 to 2016 by Toyota. This car was initially sold in the United States and eventually released in other countries including Canada, South America, China, and the Middle East. There are three generations of this vehicle, and its brand name is Toyota Zelas, which translates to “jealous or passionate”. The TC means “Tourist Coupe”, which explains its build, design, and function.

The 2AZ engine series have been found in many Toyota vehicles ever since 2000. But it was replaced eventually by the S-series and has been noted as the medium volume of this brand. Now, as for the AR engines, this was initially used in 2008 and was quite popular at the time. It was highly regarded not just by the Canadian and US market but also in Japan. Then, its popularity spread throughout the world because of its robust performance and reliability.

Now, if you are looking to do a Scion TC engine swap, it is good to know what exactly will be compatible with it. The current modifications of the Scion TC started in 2010. There are many benefits that you can expect from its current engine and overall build including high power, excellent driving experience, and great fuel economy. Moreover, you can expect a comfortable ride because of everything that comes into play with its design and performance.

The Scion TC has just about all the basic functionalities you can expect that add to your ease and safety. For instance, it boasts of a traction control system, control system of dead zones, car audio, cruise control, navigation complex, and a strip control system.

Now, if you are thinking of doing a Scion TC engine swap, you need to prepare yourself for a lot of work. For instance, there are certain tasks to be aware of including engine bay organization and putting custom mounts. Then, there are other additional things to consider such as improving the gauge cluster and making sure that your electronics work well with your new ECU.

The overall result in power after doing an engine swap is less than 100 additional horsepower. Torque is much more, which means it would give you the thrill you seek in your drive. However, there are some things to keep in mind when you use a larger engine. There may be very little space left in your engine bay. The downside of that is even when you only need to do some minor repairs or simple part replacements, it can take much longer to do than it used to be.

It would most certainly be better if you can do an engine swap to your Scion TC without all the hassle. This is why considering the feasibility of such a project is important. You need to weigh the pros and cons involved since you only get an extra 100 horsepower after all that trouble. Hence, some people opt to turbo their vehicle as it can be a cheaper and easier option.

Is It Worth It?

If you plan on doing a Scion TC engine swap, the 3.5 V6 from the existing Camry should fit just fine. After all, both use a similar 2.5, which is why it makes sense that both vehicles have similar mounting points. Therefore, a Camry engine is a logical option. 

We would also like to add that in many countries including Russia and the United States, Camry is popular because of the power and speed of the vehicle’s engine. There are also impressive Camry generations out there.

Now, the Camry uses the new 2.5-L gasoline engine with four cylinders. The output is expected at 181 horsepower and if you improve it with the 3.5-L gasoline 6-cylinder V engine, the power goes up to 277 horsepower. On the other hand, you are also good to go with the 2.4-L version that has four cylinders, which is quite reliable. With that being said, there should be no serious issues to worry about when you are thinking about service intervals and getting decent quality lubricants and fuel for your engine. 

The TC uses Camry engines, yet because it is lightweight as compared to the Camry, acceleration is more pronounced with the TC. For first generation Scion engines, the most popular one that is used is the 2.4-L 2 AZ engine that generates 160 horsepower.

If you are looking to add more power to your Scion TC, you may be thinking if it is worth it to turbo your engine or not. Generally, engines are atmospheric, yet folks always dream of improving the power output. So, you have the option to do a few things in enhancing the engine’s efficiency such as by increasing the compression degree, engine speed, and the combustion chamber’s size. Then, you should enhance the filling of your cylinders with an optimized outlet/inlet.

Hence, when you want to turbo your Scion TC, it is best to purchase from reliable companies to ensure the result you want. Otherwise, there are risks to consider that may only worsen your overall experience in driving your car in years to come.

Read More: Scion TC Ac Buttons Not Working? Causes And Fixes You Can Try!

Bottom Line

A Scion TC engine swap is something some people consider when they want more power out of their engine. However, it is good to know the benefits and drawbacks involved, as well as to determine whether it is worth all the trouble and expense in the end.

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