Printable Version of Topic

Posted by: BornToyota Feb 14, 2016 - 9:34 PM

HI, I am just finishing up the rebuild my 6th gen after some pretty small oil leaks (i.e. coming out of everywhere). so now I am stuck looking/listening and drooling over every turbo i come across. I love everything about them but the price tag.

The engine thats in it now has been rebuilt with new pistons/rings, and all the basic stuff. As well as its been bored 2mm over, shaved, but not Port and Polished because my engine guy did not have the equipment.

Ive been looking into the several options into a turbo for this car, and ideally i would drop a 3sgte in...i mean, wouldnt we all? BUT, im a college student and dont want to have my car in the garage for a few more months. Plus, the wiring harness and all.

So my question is, can i run 5-7psi on my 5sfe safely. if so, where is a good place to get a kit, whats the minimum of parts i will need if piecing it together one at a time, or would a supercharger be easier?


Any advice from the master mechanics or someone who has done this before would be greatly appreciated because this is my first time messing with forced induction, and I am still doing lots of research.

Posted by: Smaay Feb 15, 2016 - 12:23 PM

poor college student, here is my advise. LEAVE IT ALONE!


you cant afford turbo

Posted by: Tigawoods Feb 15, 2016 - 3:35 PM

Leave it alone and wait until you can afford the time/money for a 3SGTE.

Youll probably spend more time in the garage building and diagnosing problems with the 5SFE-T than swapping a 3SGTE in.

Posted by: 4-eyed-freek Feb 15, 2016 - 4:40 PM

Adding to what's already been stated..

You can pick up a nice 3s for around 1,500. Odds are with the supplies needed for the 5s-t build, such as 3s manifold, turbo, down pipe, intake piping, oil pan (or tap yours), ect...
you will be spending the good part of that 3s swap.

Save up, it will give you time to make a clear choice on what you want and give you a good idea on what you will need and want for your build.

Posted by: 6thgen94 Feb 21, 2016 - 10:36 AM

Don't let these guys tell you that the 5sfe is not turbo worthy I just rebuilt mine and put forged internals head and main studs over sized valves and springs a New cam with custom grind t3/T4 turbo set up 550cc injectors a mk iv supra fuel pump stage 3 race clutch I've reached 425Hp and 18psi and I strive to reach higher numbers

Posted by: 4-eyed-freek Feb 21, 2016 - 2:53 PM

I don't recall anyone saying the 5s isn't turbo worthy. We are looking out for a fellow 6gc owner.

I cant resist, because we all know it will happen. 'Just 1 more psi..'
http://s1291.photobucket.com/user/THEFOURST205/media/b2f0d6fbe1c7c870c139b0a157cd9841c820a55a5e6c8d3eb51ffeab55fda842_1_zpslav3lx1x.jpg.html

Posted by: Smaay Feb 22, 2016 - 12:55 AM

yeah and how much did that cost you. 10K? this is a poor college student. be realistic

Posted by: njccmd2002 Feb 24, 2016 - 3:47 PM

I think it was slap on harbor freight kit.

OP. If you cannot afford to swap a 3s. Then turbo a 5s is no different. Time down and money. Leave it alone. Enjoy car. If power is what you need. Go ford or chevrolet. Mustangs, camaros and covettes are a dime a dozen. Power from factory.

Gotta pay to play

Posted by: BornToyota Mar 27, 2016 - 2:05 PM

Thanks so much guys, i have given this a lot of thought and Im probably gonna leave it. Ive already put a lot of time and money into this car and it'll last me a while (hopefully). But if the engine finally goes and i got the cash flow, ill be starting my 3sgte build!

Posted by: njccmd2002 Apr 5, 2016 - 8:20 PM

why not a v6 swap? its easier, because parts will be readily available, and plenty of them around for cheap.

3sgte is a good engine, solid, but a bit old. I know i will get a lot of hate for this. but if you are considering a 4th gen 3sgte maybe.

I suggest see smaay thread for a v6 swap. or if you are crazy, and win the lottery do a 2grfe swap.