New Toys: 6-Speed Manual Trans and 2.5L 2AR-FE

[navylife59]

Looks like new Toyota models will be sporting the new 2.5L 2AR-FE motor. The block and auto trans look similar in configuration to the 2AZ-FE. It also appears to be designed as a direct drop-in replacement (minus wiring and electronics) for the 2AZ-FE. I discovered this firsthand when I popped the hood on my 2009 Rav4 rental vehicle. This engine is stated at 179bhp @ 6K and 172ftlbs torque @ 4K respectively.

Read here: Toyota's Green Plan: Li-ion Battery Production to Begin in 2009 -- Tech-On!



The main difference is in the head design. It is now a 2-piece head sporting a upper valvetrain girdle that houses a dual VVT-i camshaft arrangement with roller rockers. The intake manifold looks similar, but actually contains the new Acoustically Controlled Induction System (ACIS) dual stage intake manifold popular on the 5.7L 3UR-FE and the Camry SE V6 3.7L 2GR-FE.

I have also notice a newly designed accessory drive system. This system utilizes a single, short belt from te crank pulley for power. In turn, it drives the engine accessories, ie alternator, A/C compressor, and possibly the water pump. Having no long serpentine belt, you eliminate possible belt slipping from belt stretch (more pronounced the longer the belt) and you alleviate friction from multiple pullies. Gone away is the need for a power steering pump as this vehicle comes equipped with a Electric Power Steering Assist.

As you read in the article, there will be a, as of yet disclosed, 6 speed manual trans. If it is to b mated to the 2AR-FE and that same engine shares the engine block of the 2AZ-FE, then you are looking at a possible direct replacement (minus some possible shift linkage issues) for our 3rd gear dependent 5-speed gearbox. Don't get your hopes up yet. This is still unconfirmed. I must research further.

[TheFantasticG]

I'm watching this very closely.

The ACIS intake manifold has been around for awhile. Toyota was using it on the 5EFHE engine in the overseas Toyota Paseo.

If the 2AR-FE was using VVTL-i, then it'd be worth the swap then turbo it. But since it's not, I don't think its worth swapping it in.

[brindle7211]

Six speed tranny in my tC would be super fun

I'd probably be more apt to do a storker kit on my 2.4L tho because I bet I'd pull more power and have a more reliable bottom end. NA though of course I couldn't imagine how a stroked 2.4 would hold up under boost.

[Jay666]

This is amazing news. I'll never be able to afford it or be able to justify replacing an engine that has 36K miles on it, but I am VERY interested in this news.

[navylife59]

I wouldn't think of the 2AR-FE as an ideal replacement for and engine swap just yet. The electronic differences would necessitate a harness adaptor and a different ECM. Seeing as the stock ECM can't just be yanked, you would have to splice 2 ECM's. The power on tap in the Rav4 that I drove was fairly decent, but a manual tC would still win.

[Jay666]

Oh for sure. I just mean that it sounds like some time down the line, in the possible distant future there may be a direct swap available, and I couldn't justify or afford it. None the less, it's still interesting news.

I don't drive my car much, seeing as how I live in the Midwest where the winters last about half the year and I have a winter car now, so I keep the TC in storage. I imagine I'll drive it about 6-7 months out of the year and won't put many miles on it because of that. It would take me winning the lottery to justify replacing the engine, even if something were available in the next few years.

Right now, I'm beating up on the Honda LOL.

[navylife59]

Here is a slight update on the new AR series.

Toyota AR engine - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[Jay666]

Interesting.

It seems that if the 2AR-FE replaced the 2AZ-FE in the Camry recently in '09, then it would only seem natural this may follow suit eventually in the TC as well.

[TheFantasticG]

If my engine was to blow, I'd get the 2AR-FE.... put my Turbonetics kit on it (retrofitting and adjusting where needed i.e. new exhaust manifold, maf/p sensor adapter etc.), get an AEM EMS or Hydra and call it a day.

[TheFantasticG]

Well... after checking out the Wiki link... 10.4 is alittle high to have on the CR for a boosted application. But, with proper tune it could manage 8lbs of boost sufficiently I believe.

[Redneck4csa]

Scott, looks like you were right all along...

[navylife59]

Well, fairly right. I got duped into what some sources were calling the FT-86 RWD Subaru collaboration. I did get the powertrain right though.

[Redneck4csa]

Well, the FT-86 is in fact real and is scheduled for release around 2012 (I think). But good job on nailing the powertrain for the new tC.

[navylife59]

It was really an easy estimation being that the 2AR-FE is based on the 2AZ-FE . With the new Federal Legistration on mileage, it was a given what would be replacing our motor. The trans was the questionable item.

[Redneck4csa]

New Federal Legislation on mileage?

[navylife59]

Yes. It first started for the 2007 model year, but most manufacturers could not get all the changes done to their product line so it was extended to 2008. This new round was directed by the Obama government but really is just an extension to the 2007 mandates from the Bush era. Way to take credit. I was surprised that Toyota did not make the 2AR-FE Direct Injection which is where most engines are headed. The Toyota Rav-4 had this engine in 2009.

[xlxhockeyxlx]

whats the FT-86, a RWD scion coming out? How about an AWD tC
and direct injection, what does that do exactly, boost mileage and horsepower?

[navylife59]

That would be never. They were all ill-founded rumors. AWD, forget that. It would be too costly for the current paradigm of Scion. Direct Injection puts the injector boss directly into the cylinder much the same way the spark plug is. This fuel is injected at a much higher pressure. To learn more, follow this link. Browser Warning

[xlxhockeyxlx]

jwing, why would it be so costly, i mean the concept that supposedly is going to be a scion is looking at 23K? so i mean if you had to fabricate a drivetrain, how much does that cost? or is it more the implementation costs of building a model for that? toyota does have an AWD setup for the rav4 which has the same motor, so is it then i size issue?

[navylife59]

The Euro platform (Avensis) that the tC is loosely based from has AWD capabilities. I think that is where World Racing got the parts for the new AWD tC road racer. The Rav4 powertrain has been looked at before, but was deemed not a suitable setup for road racing (gearing, center diff, ratios, automatic) etc. Alot of time, there would be some expensive fabrication to just mate the equipment in the chassis let alone interfacing in the ECM and other modules.