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6MGE thread (JDM inside)

48K views 61 replies 30 participants last post by  williamb82 
#1 · (Edited)
To help alleviate a lot of misinformation, or at least most of it, I decided I should make a thread for and about the (in)famous 6MGE.

Starting with new newbiest of all newb information, JDM simply stands for Japanese Domestic Market e.g. did not come to the United States. This engine is a very good example of JDM, as it was only ever produced and sold in Japan and nowhere else.

The 6MGE seems to be the "unicorn" of our small little Supra engine family, although it was never factory installed in a Supra. Though the 2JZGTE is obviously the most famous, most powerful and most durable engine people have squished into their cars, the 6MGE is the rarest. It is the missing link, the gateway between two generations of M engine in the mk2 and mk3 Supra. The 3.0 liter displacement of the 7M with the lesser flowing 12 valve cylinder head. Many people prefer the lesser performing, but more attractive style 12 valve head with it's classic ribbed valve covers and unique V-shaped cam towers.

MS125 Toyota Crowns and MZ12 Toyota Soarers were the only cars to ever have this engine option.

While many sites list this engine to have an output of 190hp, this was recorded at a time where Japan was using a different hp rating method. However, it should be noted that the Toyota Crown came with a Karman Vortex style AFM, allowing for better airflow and tunability. It is guesstimated that a 6MGE on stock Supra electronics will have around 175 crank hp (no upgrades, YMMV)


Technical specs:


Manufactured between 1984-1987
175hp/175ftlbs?? -USDM electronics, exhaust and emissions
190hp/192ftlbs?? -JDM Crown Karman Vortex AFM, electronics, exhaust, etc

2954cc (180ci)
3.27" bore x 3.58" stroke (83mm x 91mm)
9.2:1 compression (180psi)

The 6MGE uses the "6M" stamped crankshaft, which has less balancers than the later model "7M" stamped crankshaft, making it a few pounds lighter and revs to 6500rpm.

A 6MGE block will have "6M" stamped onto the left side of it, near the oil filter.


Another obvious visual cue would be the "3000" intake plenum, which is nearly identical to the 1984-86 5MGE intake with it's better flowing (than '82/83 5MGE) D shaped runners, but with no EGR system attached. People in smog states regularly install their OEM intakes onto the 6MGE to pass emissions, so the stamp on the block is the #1 identifier of a 6MGE



The swap:
Most imported 6MGEs come with a mid sump oil pan, which needs to be swapped to your front sump 5M oil pan.

For 1982-1983 Supras, the alternator or it's pulley needs to be swapped to the newer ribbed belt style. The entire oil pump and pickup assembly needs to be swapped over also. Some small grinding my be required if the engine cannot be turned by hand afterward, generally due to a rod bolt contacting the oil pump tube union.

For 1984-1986 Supras, just the oil pump pickup tube and strainer assembly.

All Supras will need to use their original throttle body, and depending on your state's emission laws, the entire intake plenum as well, as the 6MGE's intake did not have an EGR system. Lastly, the a/c compressor bracket.


The DIY 6MGE Frankenmotor:

So we now all know that the 6MGE was only made for 3 years and only put into 2 different cars, it has been made abundantly clear recently that these engines are not readily available for importing anymore, so people have begun making their own.

Parts off a 5MGE you need:
oil pressure sending unit (next to oil filter)
5m oil pump/ pick up
5m oil pan
male to male fitting that you screw the oil filter on to (unless u wanna drop $40 on a relocating kit from summit racing)
5m motor mounts
dip stick and tube
rear timing belt cover and water pump
the suicide pipe that bolts to the back of the water pump housing that goes around the back of the block
any block off plates
fuel filter, mounting bracket
intake plenum for EGR if needed
cylinder head
pistons (from 82-83 are the same as stock 6M pistons, making it 9.2:1 compression, using the 84-86 pistons will bring it to around 9.6:1 compression)

Low comp piston pic:


High comp piston pic:


Also;

SupraFiend said:
Frakenmotor: Ugh, don't use the 7m timing sprocket or oil seal, use the 5m ones! This commonly posted misinformation screwed me when I built my motor. The 5m sprocket works just fine on the 6m crank, and puts the timing belt and crank pulley right where it needs to be with the 5m inner timing cover. The diameter of the insert of the 5m sprocket is different then that of the 6m or 7m sprocket, you will end up with a giant oil leak if you use the wrong seal. The 7m & 6m crank pullies both work just fine with the 5m sprocket. The 6m timing sprocket is unique to the 6m, it has the length of the 5m sprocket with the insert diameter of the 7m sprocket and requires the 7m oil seal.

Little known fact, 86 5ms (from 86 mk2s) and probably 86-88 Cressida 5ms all used the 6m lower outer timing cover, which is clearanced for the larger snout diameter of the 7m\6m crank pulley, and its stamped 6M too! The 5m outer cover can be modified to work too of course, don't use the 7m one though if you want it to line up with your upper cover.
pre-86 5MGE cover on left, '86-88 5MGE cover and 6MGE cover on right;




Parts from a 7MGE/GTE you need:
7MGE or GTE block
By far the EASIEST engine block to use would be one sourced from a Cressida (1988-1992) as it is already front sump, so no need for drilling or swapping pumps!) (thank you RoadRipper)
7M connecting rods
6M or 7M crank (remember, the 7M crank will have all the weights and supposedly be "smoother" but won't want to rev as high as the lighter 6M crank)
7M oil pump driveshaft (it is notched for clearance, the 5M one will hit the crank)
7M front main seal
7M crank pulley bolt and woodruff key (always good to have replaced, as both get worn down over the years, about $12 from Toyota)

*note* It is HIGHLY recommended to have your parts machined, especially having the connecting rods resized and internals balanced with pulley/flywheel. A healthy cylinder head will only need minor milling to insure straightness.

There will be drilling involved, as the 7Ms were MID SUMP and we're obviously now converting it to front sump. On the front left side of the block, you will see a small, flat area that needs to be drilled out for the dipstick, and the stock one needs to be blocked off, a bolt and sealant will usually work well.

One of the most important, and frustrating aspects about this build is.... what about the harmonic balancer? Well, the 6MGE was unique in that it had a pulley with the same rib style as the later (1984-86) Supras, but fit on the thicker 3.0 liter crank snout.

Options:
a. wait it out and search for a 6MGE pulley on this forum or rinkya/yahoo japan
b. use a 7MGE/GTE pulley and forgo a/c (can be modded, see below), and most likely power steering (however some people have modified their power steering to work with this pulley)
c. have a machine shop hog out the inside of the 5MGE crank pulley, leaving VERY little metal left.... not really recommended IMO but has worked for some.



williamb82 said:
you can use ac on a 6m with 7m crank pulley. buy a compressor clutch for a 88 crown vic with 5.0v8. bolts right onto the 5m compressor. youll need a belt 2 ribs narrower though and it will leave a single rib unused on the crank pulley and clutch(at opposite ends of the respective pullies of coarse). this has been confirmed to work. I forget who i gave the info to, but they actually installed the ford clutch on the 5m compressor and it lined up as i mentioned. iirc jim king used this same compressor clutch setup on his 7mgte swap before switching to his r134 "kit"
Most of this DIY guide was brought to you by Lexusboy:
http://www.freewebs.com/partfinder/howto5m7mhybrid.htm

I probably left somethings out, but I'm sure someone will correct me and I will edit it in.

6MGE/GTE Inspiration

Russ Matusevich's 9.77 sec 6MGTE
http://www.turbomagazine.com/features/0103_turp_1985_toyota_supra_drag_car/viewall.html
 
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6
#6 ·
Yeah, too bad Lexusboy didn't follow his own instructions. Engine developed light rod knock right away, because he didn't move the dipstick and it ran low on oil while I drove it home. It also had a badly cracked timing belt that was ready to blow! Does the homebrew 6M bend valves with the high comp. pistons? Just don't take that webpage for gospel.

Now, since I had that 6M in my car with a 7M crank pulley, I wanted my power steering back. My contribution to this thread is 2 pics showing what you need to do to make it work again. :)





Also, the lower timing cover and rear timing case from an 86-up 5MGE already have the crankshaft hole enlarged (parts made to fit on both 5M/6M from the factory), so less work if you can find those parts. Also, Cressida 5MGE block already front sump, so again less work needed.
 
#8 ·
Also, Cressida 5MGE block already front sump, so again less work needed.
I think you mean to mention the Cressida 7MGE. Just caught this.


Thank you for the thread contribution guys! Hopefully more people chime in and make this more informative as possible.

My friend and I are thinking about trying the Reverse 6M on his 83 Cressida. 7M Head with 5M bottom. Maybe plus turbo.
 
#7 ·
I want to say with almost 100% certainty that my engine is non-interference, and I have the domed pistons AND a 1.2mm MHG.

Dan, any way you can get a more clear picture on your setup there? Do you have the PS alignment plate on the waterpump or are you essentially just "free balling" the PS belt from the crank to the reservoir?


As for whether Lexusboy's page is gospel or not, it is the closest I could find to an actual recipe for the frankenmotor, considering I am ADD and having to search for things that take longer than 5 minutes bore me to tears.

I imagine I will make a frankenmotor myself one day, and when I do, I will inventory all the parts needed and try to document it as well as possible, pictures and text alike. The one thing I knew I was missing but couldn't remember exactly was about the front lower timing cover plates, which ones had to be used, etc
 
#9 ·
Great write-up Tanya!

Sticky, Sticky, STICKY!

this one will help peoples for sure.

Has anyone mentioned the "3000" intake Plentums yet? it should be known that the "3000" intake with the "D" shaped runners are higher flow, yet NOT compatible with EGR (keep this in mind if you are in a smog state)

For those who dont already know, (you all should by now....) the "3000" is on top of the upper intake manifold where the 5m says "EFI"
 
#10 ·
Has anyone mentioned the "3000" intake Plentums yet? it should be known that the "3000" intake with the "D" shaped runners are higher flow, yet NOT compatible with EGR (keep this in mind if you are in a smog state)

For those who dont already know, (you all should by now....) the "3000" is on top of the upper intake manifold where the 5m says "EFI"

The 3000 intake and runners flow no better than the 1984-1986 5MGE runners, but yes, they do flow better than the early 1982-1983 intake, which is basic 5MGE info. But I will go ahead and add a pic to the original post for ID purposes.
 
#11 · (Edited)
ALL Cressidas are front sump. I just wanted to point out an alternative source for a block that was already front sump (no drilling required). Yes a 7MGE from a Cressida is a good starting point for a homemade 6M. I might try to go stealth and put the 7MGE crank/rods in a 5MGE block (along with the oil pump driveshaft).

The power steering is driven by a "V" belt straight from the water pump. It uses the 5MGE water pump pulley, both the serpentine and the "V" pulley. Basically the water pump is used as a jackshaft. The 4 rib serp. belt runs around the crank, alternator and water pump. Yes, the crank pulley is out of alignment because the 7M timing parts are out farther from the block, due to the longer head. Amazingly this setup doesn't make the belt squeal even with the steering wheel turned all the way to one side (full load).
 
#12 ·
ALL Cressidas are front sump. I just wanted to point out an alternative source for a block that was already front sump (no drilling required).
Yeah I knew that, I also knew what you meant. I just wanted to point out that typo since what I've gathered you meant to put 7MGE as a basis for a homebrew 6M. Just wanted to point that out just in case someone got confused.

no harm no foul. Just trying to help.
 
#14 · (Edited)
you can use ac on a 6m with 7m crank pulley. buy a compressor clutch for a 88 crown vic with 5.0v8. bolts right onto the 5m compressor. youll need a belt 1 rib narrower iirc though and it will leave a single rib unused on the crank pulley and clutch(at opposite ends of the respective pullies of coarse). this has been confirmed to work. I forget who i gave the info to, but they actually installed the ford clutch on the 5m compressor and it lined up as i mentioned. iirc jim king used this same compressor clutch setup on his 7mgte swap before switching to his r134 "kit"
 
#15 ·
A few things to clear up...

3000 intake, technically it could flow better. It doesn't have the casting on the inside at the TB opening for the EGR like the 5m ones, and the 6m one has a divider molded into the inside to help divert the air to the sides.

Frakenmotor: Ugh, don't use the 7m timing sprocket or oil seal, use the 5m ones! This commonly posted misinformation screwed me when I built my motor. The 5m sprocket works just fine on the 6m crank, and puts the timing belt and crank pulley right where it needs to be with the 5m inner timing cover. The diameter of the insert of the 5m sprocket is different then that of the 6m or 7m sprocket, you will end up with a giant oil leak if you use the wrong seal. The 7m & 6m crank pullies both work just fine with the 5m sprocket. The 6m timing sprocket is unique to the 6m, it has the length of the 5m sprocket with the insert diameter of the 7m sprocket and requires the 7m oil seal.

Little known fact, 86 5ms (from 86 mk2s) and probably 86-88 Cressida 5ms all used the 6m lower outer timing cover, which is clearanced for the larger snout diameter of the 7m\6m crank pulley, and its stamped 6M too! The 5m outer cover can be modified to work too of course, don't use the 7m one though if you want it to line up with your upper cover.
 
#19 ·
This is one of the reasons why I still love this forum.
Great thread, Tanya. Thanks for putting in the time and effort.

Little known fact, 86 5ms (from 86 mk2s) and probably 86-88 Cressida 5ms all used the 6m lower outer timing cover, which is clearanced for the larger snout diameter of the 7m\6m crank pulley, and its stamped 6M too! The 5m outer cover can be modified to work too of course, don't use the 7m one though if you want it to line up with your upper cover.
Thanks for clearing that up, Seamus. I wondered why my 87 Cressida's #2 timing cover had the 6m stamped into it. I got excited when I first bought it and saw that, then had my bubble busted when Sam (Transambandit) reminded me to check the stamp on the block, only to find a 5m stamp. Ugh...deflated.
 
#17 ·
Tanya,


Thank you for this (and the other contributors as well). A friend of mine has the 6M conversion and I like it a lot. Not sure if I will be doing it, but it's good to have a go-to source if I decide to. My car has just a tad less than 55K miles so there is no immediate need to do anything but enjoy it (car arrives on Monday. Thanks again.
 
#21 ·
anyone got a pic of where the 6m stamp is on that timing cover? ive got lots of covers to go through to find the original one from my 86.
 
#22 ·
Not off hand, but its on the outside of the case near the hole. Its completely covered when the crank pulley is installed.

Haha, yeah we did the exact same thing when we first discovered that 6m stamping too. "We got a 6m!!" Check the block, "aawwwww".

Thought it was a fluke at first, that the factory just used the wrong part on that motor or that someone had replaced the cover, then when I built my 6m I went through all the trouble of removing that same cover from the car I had originally discovered it on, then noticed my 86's original motor had it too when I got home lol.
 
#26 ·
you forgot to post the compressor clutch info i posted so you can use a 5mge compressor with a 7m damper.
 
#29 ·
Er, maybe I am reading that wrong but from what I got out of it is that you CAN use a 5M sprocket on a 6M crank.....

Frakenmotor: Ugh, don't use the 7m timing sprocket or oil seal, use the 5m ones! This commonly posted misinformation screwed me when I built my motor. The 5m sprocket works just fine on the 6m crank, and puts the timing belt and crank pulley right where it needs to be with the 5m inner timing cover. The diameter of the insert of the 5m sprocket is different then that of the 6m or 7m sprocket, you will end up with a giant oil leak if you use the wrong seal. The 7m & 6m crank pullies both work just fine with the 5m sprocket. The 6m timing sprocket is unique to the 6m, it has the length of the 5m sprocket with the insert diameter of the 7m sprocket and requires the 7m oil seal.

Looks to me like you would use a 5M sprocket along with a 5M front main seal and all is well? Why bother having a 7M sprocket machined?
 
#30 ·
Er, maybe I am reading that wrong but from what I got out of it is that you CAN use a 5M sprocket on a 6M crank.....

Looks to me like you would use a 5M sprocket along with a 5M front main seal and all is well? Why bother having a 7M sprocket machined?
Yes, 5M sprocket works. It really depends on what harmonic balancer you use. The 5M has the longer snout on the back of the harmonic balancer that fits inside of the 5M crank timing sprocket. The true 6M and 7M/7MGTE harmonic balancer has a very short stub on the back, and it butts up to the flat outer surface of the timing sprocket. I think to use a 5M crank timing sprocket with a 6M or 7M harmonic balancer, a spacer would have to be machined to fit inside and between the 5M timing cog and the harmonic balancer.
 
#31 · (Edited)
^^^This. The 6m has the short stub on the harmonic balancer and wouldn't work with the 5m timing sprocket. Definitely not a direct fit.

The 7m timing sprockets are readily available from Toyota. For me, it was easier to have the 7m timing sprocket shorten to the 6m timing sprocket's height instead of buying a 5m timing sprocket and machining an additional spacer.

I suppose if you have a spare 5m timing sprocket lying around you could try the spacer route.
 
#32 ·
Incorrect. I'm running the 5m sprocket on my 6m crank with a 7m crank pulley, it all works perfectly. However, I can't say for sure if I ever test fitted my 6mge crank pulley, but I'm guessing it would fit exactly the same (and I probably did test fit it, I just don't remember for sure).

You guys are correct about the design differences between the sprockets, I too was thinking that it was going to be a problem. But the 7m pulley snout was bigger then the hole in the 5m sprocket so it butted up against it just fine. Approx 15,000kms on this motor and countless autoxes and no issues in that department.

Also FYI, next time that outer ring on a sprocket falls off, you can actually repair it. If you look at how they're built, the two pieces are held together by mushroomed out sections of the sprocket. If you pop the ring back on, and attack the sprocket with a wide flat bottomed punch and hammer, you can mushroom out the sprocket some more untill it fits as good it did originally. If all else fails, weld it on with a couple spot welds.
 
#33 ·
That's good to know. Given that the 7m and 6m crank pulley have the same back end, we can probably assume the 6m crank will work as well. When you do change the belt and seals let us know how the setup held up.

The outer ring on my timing sprocket had worn down way too much to consider spot welding it back together.
 
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