So you’ve decided to replace your 2003-04 Corolla/Matrix/Vibe’s underpowered stock 1ZZ-FE with the high revving 180hp 2ZZ-GE. This is an extremely popular swap and is pretty straightforward as engine swaps go. No custom work or fabrication is required since all of the critical swap parts are readily available.
But what about my 2005-08 model (North America)?
Unfortunately the 05+ models use a different generation of wiring, immobilizer, and have electronic throttle. The bolt-together parts of the swap are the same as the 03-04 models but wiring changes, ECU setup and conversion to cable throttle are all extra work and there is no plug-in kit or even a how-to guide. In short, if you’re REALLY good with wiring and mixing and matching parts, you can attempt this. We can’t offer any tech support to adding a 2ZZ to this range of cars though so you are on your own. VERY difficult swap. Don’t do it.
Back to the 2003-04…
MWR offers engines, transmissions, parts, and even nearly complete packages that make these swaps a snap. Here’s what you need to know:
Parts required – engine swap
Parts can be found HERE
- 2ZZ engine (from any year and model) with sensors, VV solenoids, injectors, rail.
- Intake manifold, throttle body and throttle cable from 2003-06 Corolla/Matrix XRS or Vibe GT
- ECU: 2003-04 models should use THIS ECU from 2003 Matrix XRS
- 2ZZ flywheel – if your engine came with a stock 2ZZ flywheel you can use that, just be sure to get it resurfaced. Most people prefer to upgrade to an MWR or Fidanza unit for quicker response and improved acceleration.
- Wiring – your stock 1ZZ engine wiring harness will work but you’ll need the MWR VVL connector kit to add the VVL connections.
- Header – Celica GTS, Matrix/Corolla or Lotus stock header or PPE 2ZZ Celica Header. If using a stock header and engine has air injection, header must have air injection or you can plug the holes in the head.
- Midpipe/Catpipe – Corolla/Matrix XRS stock or aftermarket midpipe to match stock 2zz header or PPE midpipe to match PPE header. Some have adapted the 1ZZ Corolla/Matrix midpipe to make it fit with stock 2ZZ header using THIS but the 1ZZ midpipe and cat are smaller so power is compromised somewhat.
- Air intake – Any 03-04 Matrix XRS cold air intake will work. XRS stock air inlet tube and airbox also fits. 1ZZ airbox or cold air intake will not work.
- Alternator – the 1zz alternator bolts up fine. There have been a few reports of 1zz alternator failures so some people prefer a 2zz alternator.
- Mounts – the three transmission mounts are the same for 1ZZ and 2ZZ manual cars. You need the 2ZZ UPPER ENGINE MOUNT if your engine didn’t come with one. The lower damper part of that right side 1zz engine mount can be reused.
- Gauge cluster – the stock 1ZZ cluster works fine. The tach only goes to 8000 so the needle will stop climbing just before you hit the 2ZZ’s rev limiter. You can swap in a XRS gauge cluster but your car’s odometer will no longer be original and will display an incorrect mileage.
Transmission
Your stock 5-speed will bolt to the 2ZZ and work ok with no modification. The 2ZZ is normally paired with a 4.5:1 6-speed transmission with close ratios; this suits the 2ZZ’s peaky power band MUCH better and you’ll find it’s a lot more fun to drive. Upgrading to the 6-speed is obviously easiest at the time of the engine swap but if budget doesn’t allow for that you can always do it later.
- MWR rebuilt transmissions – choose from 3.9 , 4.3 and 4.5:1 final drives, available with or without a TRD helical LSD. These transmissions come ready to install, be sure to get WITH selector shaft installed.
- Used 2003-06 XRS 6-speed transmission – get it from a trusted source; unknown condition, high mile or abused transmissions almost always have synchro issues. A Celica transmission will work but you need THIS to convert it.
Your car is an automatic? That’s trouble. The 1ZZ and 2ZZ use completely different automatic transmissions and wiring. You can’t run a 1ZZ auto trans with a 2ZZ ECU. Even if you get a 2ZZ auto trans you still have some serious wiring problems. You’re best off sticking with a 1ZZ engine or tackling the difficult job of converting your car to 2ZZ manual. 2ZZ automatics are generally no faster than 1ZZ automatics anyway. 2ZZ needs a manual trans to perform.
While you’re in there
- Clutch – The 1ZZ and 2ZZ clutch are interchangeable so you could reuse your old one but chances are it’s worn. Install a new one to avoid the labor of replacing the old one when it wears out after a few thousand miles.
- Shifter cable bushings – greatly improve shifting feel and help avoid misshifts which are somewhat common with the 6-speed
Plan to go racing?
See the 2ZZ racing prep page for some ideas on easy upgrades you can and should perform before installing your new 2ZZ if you plan on road racing or autocross.
Results
The stock 1ZZ engine makes around 112hp measured at the wheels. 2ZZ engine swaps tend to be in the 160-185whp range depending on the parts used and tuning. This is obviously a huge improvement and you’ll find the car is a lot more fun to drive and a lot more competitive at track events. Around the road course you’ll spend less time waiting for the next corner to arrive and you won’t be spending all of your time waving people by in the straights. In daily driving you’ll find the engine feels a lot like your old 1ZZ until you hit 6000rpm… when the VVL kicks in you’d better hold on.