My son has a 1997 Camry with a 2.2 5SFE engine. It spun a rod bearing and we are looking for a replacement engine. Is there any way to install a pre-1997 2.2 5SFE engine in the 97? We are finding it almost impossible to find the 97-01 2.2, but we have found quite a few older ones. Any help is greatly appreciated, thanks so much.

G'day,

You will find that all the 5sfe engines have the same block and head, but there may be some differences in things like sensors, accessory locations, etc, between the different model years.

You maybe able to buy a pre 97 block and head, then swap your current set of sensors and accessory's etc over.
But, I know as many people who managed this with Toyota engines with out any problems, as I know people who have had trouble doing it.


Have you thought of just replacing the bearing?
Or has it damaged the crank as well.

Yes, it took a chunk out of the crank, the oil pan was full of metal shards.

Given the choice, I would buy a block and use all the other parts from your existing engine, assuming you know the parts to be good. As small a change as moving a mounting hole makes life difficult.

The pre-97 has a distributor, not coils packs. Can you convert the pre-97 to coil packs and block the distributor hole?

Also, pre-97 has no camshaft positon sensor. Is there a place to put one on the pre-97? Thanks so much for your help.

The pre-97 has a distributor, not coils packs. Can you convert the pre-97 to coil packs and block the distributor hole?

Also, pre-97 has no camshaft positon sensor. Is there a place to put one on the pre-97? Thanks so much for your help.



The simple answer is no.
The more complex answer is yes, if your prepared to strip the pre-97 engine back to short block, and transfer and head and mounting brackets over from your later engine.

But, it would be easier to find a post 97 engine, or get a new crank and do all the big and small bearings.