help with 97 rav with 3sfe engine

[ray_gallup]

looking for some info on a 3sfe engine i have a 97 rav4 4 wheel drive with the 3sfe engine distributor type the engine threw a rod?(engine block has a hole in it close to the front by #1 cyl)i have been looking for a new engine but have been able to locate camry,corolla,celica,rav4 two wheel drive engines.my question is will this engine fit?a 3sfe is a 3sfe right?as long as it is a distributor type not the coil pack type.second question the manual says to remove the engine it comes out from under the car by removing the suspention and transaxle can the engine be removed from the top after disconecting it from the transaxle?thanks for your help

[ddoyle]

Hi Ray, I would think any 3sfe would work of the same era. I have never pulled the motor in one of these. But it looks like the reason for bottom removal, no room between the timing side of the engine and the frame. You need a few inches of back and forth movement to seperate the engine/trans,converter. Looks like just no room for that in the car. good luck