6G Celicas Forums

First of all, I hope this is where a question like this goes. This is a whole new world compared to DSMtuners.com, so please bear with me, and move this thread wherever it belongs. That said:

I recently bought a 94 celica shell. I've read about some killer 'gt4' swaps out there, but after doing research decided all the extra fab work for the AWD system is not for me. On the other hand, I see that it is possible to do these cars in a FWD pattern that doesn't need nearly as much fab work. What all does this swap entail? What all will I need?

So far, I have a shell. I have an st205 3gste sourced and ready to ship to the states. That includes wiring harness, ecu, and tranny. from what Ive read I wont be needing the tranny, but one from a v6 camry? what else will I need? any help is good help.

Remember, I come from a DSM background.. so I'm not new to turbos or fixing cars in general.. just haven't been around a whole lot of 'yotas.

Thanks in advance guys.
Logan

Tested and true options for FWD.

S54 from the ST-202(GT) or e153 from multiple sources, but camry I believe is one of them. Will need hybrid axles for the e153, which you can find by searching forum.

The clip will come with a e154f. I wouldn't use it, no one has successfully rendered it FWD only and had it last. Sell it to the alltrac.net fellas.

Shouldn't have to fab with the S54 or e153. Just there will be a different mount combination. S54 Is all GT mounts, but I believe the e153 needs some of ST205 mounts, not positive on that, but a forum search will answer it.

If you have a GT I would use the S54 til you can source a solid e153, if you a ST, just go ahead and look for the e153 =P - ST transmission is not capable with S series.

This post has been edited by rave2n: May 8, 2013 - 12:02 PM

I have a gt, but could probably track down an e153 pretty easy.. So I'd need to fab up a mount for that? Other than that, the swap sounds really plug and play. Almost too easy. Basically only bolt-ons, minus the wiring harness that I can send out to have done, right? I'm worried there are hidden difficulties somewhere along the line.

The stickies are your friends (as soon you click on any topic (forced induction) they are at the top with links and stories, of every question you could think of. Take the time a read though them.)
The swap is fairly straight forward if you do your research
Id advise on a full clip, so your not missing any parts. Somtimes sourcing parts can be a pain.
Tweak'd does the harness conversions. Its like $700 from what i remmeber maybe more or less, but its a chunk of change (but works) Countless swaps have been done, read though the forum

This post has been edited by mgnt232: May 8, 2013 - 12:35 PM

He quoted me for 360 last time. I think you accidentally doubled it, or I'm about to get a PM I don't like =-P

Thats without shipping and connectors.

Alright, doing a little more research. It looks like im going to need to order a whole front clip probably.

That will include the gt-4 motor mounts which will help with fitment issues that the stock GT ones wont fit?
Also it will come with shifter linkage that gets rid of shifting issues and fitment issues?
Next I will need to track down an e153 or mr2 tranny and find the proper axles? anything else im going to need?

This is definitely more complicated than working on a dsm..

All of this depends on what transmission you want to use. If you have a manual GT (s54), then you can use the stock trans, axles, motor mounts, shifter cables, etc... that are already on your car. This makes your swap easier and cheaper.

Your other option is to upgrade to the e153 transmission. The benefit of this is that you can buy one with LSD and it also has longer gearing. The downside to this is that you have to buy a new trans, have to make hybrid axles, need gt4 shifter cables, gt4 motor mounts, etc... Its a bigger headache and cost, but for some its worth it.

The stock s54 is a good choice, and works just fine with the 3s. I've been using one with my swap for something like the past 10 years. If you just stick to that, then you can get away with buying an engine set. If you want the e153, its a good idea to buy a clip as sourcing all those little items might be more trouble than its worth.

If the car you purchased in an ST, then you can't use your stock trans, and will have to buy one of the two above.

This post has been edited by lagos: May 8, 2013 - 3:22 PM

So, basically if I were to pick up another celica gt transmission the only thing I would really need would be the 3sgte? that bolts right on to the s54? does this create mounting issues?

This post has been edited by l_lauer_76: May 8, 2013 - 3:32 PM

No issues. If you use an s54, everything bolts in like stock.

Is there any really necessary advantages to going e153? I understand the lsd, and longer gearing, but this will be a street car, not a drag build. So which makes more sense?

If the s54 is more sensible, is there anyone who rebuilds them? or does it make more sense to just buy a lower miles one?
Again.. im from the DSM world.. the only tranny guys I know are John Sheppard and Buschur.. so im clueless as far as the celica world goes.
Still researching too. lots of good info on here.

No one really rebuilds them because they hardly ever die. This is the Toyota world. Once you finish your swap, you will have hardly any issues with it. Unlike a DSM that starts to fall apart for every pound of boost you add. Just find one in good condition, and you'll be all set. I've put something like 80,000 on my engine and trans since the swap. There are others on here with similar experiences.

There is no huge advantage to the e153 besides the two listed. I've been driving my s54 for a very long time and I don't feel like I'm missing out on anything. You can also swap over the the e153 at a later time if you decide to go that route.

yea,i agree with art (lagos) 100%.
the E153 really shows its advantage at the track, and on long highway rides, but like art said, the s54 works just fine, provided your not launching the car like your racing at every stop light.
for around town driving, i actually like the s54 better, the shorter gearing really just works perfectly for city driving, IMO. the fact that it revs a bit high at cruising speed on the highway only becomes annoying if you have an exhaust thats really loud..lol...and the higher redline of the 3s makes a big diffrence at the top of 3-5th as far as MPH as well.
if you have a GT, are not planning on racing often, and dont really neeed the extra gearing, then i'd really suggest just keeping the s54.
again, like art said, you can always upgrade later down the road if you feel like you need to once you get familiar with the setup and how it works.

This is awesome news. Haha thank you guys. Now just another quick question, not to be intrusive, but what did you guys pay for your engines/clips shipped over? I'm looking for a decently priced one and trying to make sure i get a good deal.

Set was roughly 1800 after selling trans. Parts were not fun to source, but possible. Save a penny...really, probally just a penny doing it this route.

Get the clip =P

It seems like the clip is probably best way to go regardless. Couple hundred dollars more, but it comes with the hood and front bumper (trick will be finding them in good shape), as well as engine harness ecu, and bunches of other random little things I'm probably Going to need. Thanks for the help guys. I'm drawing up a quick financial summary and expected budget for the build. Ill start a build thread once i get the ball rolling!

In other news, welcome here from the DSM side!

I didnt extend the harness. Just cut a hole where the ecu goes.

My buddy on the pic


And bsamps4 tells you how to the harness so do it yourself and save money.
http://www.6gc.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=82196

Thank you! I just got tired or working on my car more than I drive it (dsm life -_-). And celicas seem generally reliable even with the 3sgte swap.

As far as the harness goes, I've never really been all that good at electrical stuff. For some reason everything I touch shorts. So I'd just feel safer sending it out knowing it'll get done right.

Do you have to take the steering rack out to cut that spot?

nope, we've been doing it that way for years.