help with 3sgte swap Options

[celicaracer18]

i am starting a project celica and am ready to order the engine
i have one persone telling me to buy the MR-2 engine and tranny because then i can stay fwd

then i have someone else telling me to buy the st205 front clip which will be much more epensive(also more shipping charges) and i will have to be AWD

i do want to eventually convert to AWD but i'm not sure if i want to if it is going to cost me $10000

i have my money ready and i need to order the engine ASAP
i am currently asking for partial sponserships but if i know what i need and find a good price then i will order it tommorrow because sponserships probably won't happent at this point but would be great on the engine

[celicarocker]

most people take a st185 clip....

[jgreening]

Welcome to 6gc. Try these threads:

Feasable Engine Swaps

AWD conversion #1

AWD conversion #2

AWD conversion #3

Bottom Line: it can be done but it is not for the inexperienced, uninformed, or faint of heart. Good luck.

- Jay.

[celicaracer18]

i think i am just going to stck w/fwd, don't really ahve the time for AWD, i may think about it in the future, the far future, but def. not now, thanks fore the help

[XSTeknique]

Both people you are talking to are idiots, no offense. The only way you can go AWD is if you have the entire drivetrain (more or less the entire chassis of the ST205) of a ST205 GT-Four and custom fabricate it to work on your car. A ridiculous amount of work if you ask me. Other than that, you really have no choice but to stay FWD. Now, your best bet is to use either the 2nd or 3rd gen 3SGTE from either an ST185 or ST205 and use it with an E153 (Camry/Solara V6, MR2) tranny. You can use a 5sFE's tranny if you have one. Buying a front clip will save you alot of trouble, but that AWD tranny is worthless for you to use. Sell it and make some money back. But the key here is...RESEARCH RESEARCH RESEARCH!

[jgreening]

Or simply sell your celica and buy XST's car and you will be all set and you will save alot of $.

[xeril]

yeah, awd is a hard one to pull off. supposedly you have to move the gas tank too? i don't remember, but it'd require a bunch more work. and i've heard problems about the chassis not being able to take it. so best bet is to just stay FWD. i don't remember exactly, but i heard if you use the v6 tranny, you can use the alltrac front drive axles? what i do know for sure, is the stock 5sfe tranny should hold out pretty well. you can upgrade the synchro's if you think they'll be a problem. but a dude around my area is pushing 320WHP in his 5SFTE setup. and no problems. also, i think you are gonna have to extend the wires for the wiring harness..because the hole on the firewall is opposite side. well thast all for now, probably all wrong but i tried..at least most of it is correct for a 5th gen

[celicaracer18]

so i have to buy the clip

how about a MR2 rear clip would that work

the one i am looking at now it the 3sgte from mr2 at totaljdm.com someone with knowledge please check it out and tell me what you think

i would rather not get the clip cuz its cheaper that way so if someone could tell me specific parts that i need that come with the clip and not the engine please tell me

[xeril]

you don't really need the clip at all. but from all that i've read, its easier when you get the engine from an alltrac. the other thing, all you really need is the engine, the wiring harness, and the ecu. it helps a bunch if the harness is uncut. the axles and transmission are useless. and most likely you'd get an st185 clip, so the hood and body panels would be useless as well. usually you get power steering pump and stuff with the engine when you buy the engine alone. so id recommend, if you can find a deal where you just get the engine, full uncut wiring harness, and ecu...you'd be set.

This post has been edited by xeril: May 25, 2004 - 3:27 AM

[Supersprynt]

You use more than just the engine ecu and harness. You need the solenoids, the ignitor, the MAP sensor, & the ignition coil. It would be a good idea to take the alternator too, and save the axles in case you do an MR2 T tranny.

[XSTeknique]

Yep, like I stated before...buy the clip it'll save you trouble from sourcing miscellaneous parts. MR2 rear clip will work, but the mounts and harness are going to be much more different than the ST185. Oh and about buying an Alltrac engine...good luck finding an Alltrac engine with less than 90k on it without actually buying the entire car. JDM motors have low miles and usually come with the JDM ECU that is 25hp over the USDM 3sgte. NOTHING in a clip is useless. If you can't use it...sell it and make some money. And by the way...good looking out JGreening! Yes, if you want to save trouble and money, buy my car...hehe. God knows, I wouldn't spend 6 months and $5k again on a swap, but hey...that's just me...I'm poor and lazy.

This post has been edited by XSTeknique: May 25, 2004 - 11:02 AM

[Sister_Steel]

I was reading a post not too long ago about the mr2 trans swap. It was pretty extensive and i have been looking for it in search but i cant find it. If some one could point me in the right direction it would be much apreciated.

Haha and yes come graduation. (week or so till ceremony) I should have enough money for my engine. Jst have to find one to buy now. haha. But if someone could help me i would realy appreciate it.

[celicaracer18]

Ok so lets say the engine alone (I am getting the MR2 and it includes engine, tranny, ecu, wire harness, manifolds, head, oil pan, turbo, powerteering pump, and altenator) cost $1850 + 325 s/h.
The clip cost $2500-$2800 + 450-500 s/h.

Which should I buy
You should also know that i am not doing a normal swap, I am replacing many parts with high performance parts. Not including internals, I am doing an all new fuel sytem (includes relocated fuel cell, ss lines, venom fuel pump, etc...). Electrical system (icludes igintion box, coils, wires, etc...). Custom duel 3" exaust, cooling system (includes racing radiator(***btw does anyone know what a good radiator that will fit easly is that i can buy), oil cooler, transmission cooler, spearco intercooler, duel electric fans (***need help with this too, what kind should i get and again i want something that does not require too much modification), etc...). And will of coarse upgrade the turbo but probably at a later date

Did i miss anything; anyways i also wanted to ask about the transmission, how much can it take, i think iam going to get hks or fidanza flywheel and centerforce clutch what else can i do with the transmission beside synchrose of coarse

[Uppitycracker]

[celicaracer18]

i am waiting on a reply from a dealer for the price of the MR2 rear clip and i just guessed it was about the same price as the st205
around how much would a decent price be
and i am doing all the work myself, i already have the tools and have done alot of work with engines and have lot of friends with alot of knowledg on putting in engines, just not toyota so they don't know what i should buy, hence why i am posting on here

i do wish i had an engine hoist though
we are going to use a tractor to lower the 3sgte in, the 7afe came out by hand

[celicaracer18]

so which should i buy cuz i know the shipping will be more

[Supersprynt]

1800 is too much for just the engine. I got everything for 1500, thats including shipping.

A clip will cost you around 2200 plus shipping.

[Uppitycracker]

[Drocay]

[celicaracer18]

so does anyone have a link to a site that sells the engine for cheaper

[XSTeknique]

You still have ALOT of research to do my friend. I suggest you keep doing it, trust me on this! And yes, you're getting raped on your prices for the clip shipped. MR2 clips should actually be cheaper since they're easier to find and more abundant. I'd only pay that much for a ST205 clip.

[jgreening]

I paid $2500 with shipping for my JDM 2nd gen MR2 clip. The only reason to buy a MR2 clip in my opinion is to get the better transmission and there is considerable debate on whether that is necessary.

[lagos]

i payed 2600 shipped and it includes the hood, and awd from an st185

[Supersprynt]

Yes you need a better transmission.
Oh and mine was 1500 w/ECU, full harness and AFM.

This post has been edited by Supersprynt: May 25, 2004 - 8:56 PM

[celicaracer18]

[zebt66]

lol 10000 on a engine swap, i would rather get a celica awd!

[celicaracer18]

who said $10000

[celicaracer18]

would 1900 be a good price for a clip, and also what other things am i going to need

what are good fans, and where can i buy them please provide a link
same question for a radiator
same question for pistons and rods
same question for valves

also i REALLY need to know what kindc (as in out of a specific vehicle if possble) and where i can buy ENGINE MOUNTS

some one said i can use the engine monts off a gt celica but i'm not sure how. what mount do i need
a local store said there is the front mount (which is actually located on the passenger side of the engine bay) the right mount, and left mount, is the other one a trannsmission mount or is there another one

also my cousin is telling me get the head redone, is the neccesary or helpfull or what, what is it actully called for someone who knows what he is talking about

[celicaracer18]

ok i called them today and they said they will check on shipping, they don't offer the clip either but everything else

he said for 1900 i get the engine, head, oil pan, manifolds, turbo, tranny. ecu, and wire harness. power steering pump and alternator will be 50 extra, he can get me all the sensors and stuff too. iam going to call them back, what else do i need to tell them i want
i was thinking axles & ignition system what else, specifics please

and should i not get the altenator, will the one i have work (stock 7afe) or should i buy a better (more amps) chrome one from summit for like $100

[JKceli]

celica3sgte's site

This site will help you out with any information you are looking for. Don't get offended by comments from other people. There have been nearly 50 topics just like this in the couple years this site has been running and you are lucky to get non-flaming responses from a good amount of people who have completed this swap.

In all honesty though, you have been a member of this site for 3 days, yet the topics you have posted concerning an engine swap, varis arising II kit, CHD hood, and various other little mods comes to a total of over 12 large in expenses. I don't know where an 18 year old gets cash flow like this (I wish when I was 18 I had bank like that), but if you do have that money I would sell your car and get something better.

If you are relying on sponsors to help you out I really hope you have some good connections. I say this simply because there are some members on this site who have amazing cars already and they still have trouble. Don't take my comments the wrong way, I'm just being honest, but if you have the funds for something better I say go with it. If you do go through with all of your plans then that's great, but there is an abundance of information on this site already, all you got to do is search.

Jordan

[celicaracer18]

i don't think anyone has in any way offended me, this site is awsome
and i did search but didnt find many aswers to my questions and the ones i did find answers to i didn't ask
and as for the money thing no i don't have 12 large but somewhere close, and it i'm not getting the chd hood, in fact probably not a hood at all right now
as for the varis kit, it will cost 3000 with shipping and i don't think i want to spend that much now either but i haven't decided yet

[celicaracer18]

i couldn't get in touch with renewed import so i will call in the morning
i was wandering someone could check out their site and tell me if it is good deal
also could someone please post a site with good prices
thanks a ton

[presure2]

look, make it easy on yourself.
call jarco, theyre website is listed in the sticky @ the top of the page
BUY A CLIP!!!!! and make it a st185.
have fun swapping it in.
any other way, your looking for problems.

[celicaracer18]

correct me if i'm wrong but don't the celica clips come with awd trannys
i don't have a gt tranny and i'm not going to get one
the mr2 tranny is way stronger anyways isn't it

[Chrobis]

an MR2 3s swap is harder, but since you dont have a tranny its probably your best bet. But for some reason companies charge more for an MR2 clip/engine.

And with the MR2 clip + the custom axels, well not custom but the different axels you need to get would cost about the same as a GT tranny. But you would have the stronger tranny....

[celicaracer18]

will i need new cb axels, what kind
what about suspension
i am asking becaus i'm not sure if i have to take out all of that
and if i do, how do you take out the axels, i can't find any way escept to take the bolt off in the center of the rotor then slide it out i am assuming, but i don't have that large of a socket, any help is extremely appriciated

[XXX_Mina]

FWD is FUN, traction loss is the funk .... as for axels: talk to the nice people at jamasco@aol.com their axels are cheap, and supposingly can handle 700hp... thier 7th gen 3sgte pushing 640+ to the wheels and they still havent broke... mine are still working and showing no bad sighns at all @ 295 hp to wheels.

Mina

This post has been edited by XXX_Mina: Jun 1, 2004 - 1:42 AM

[celicaracer18]

thanks

[celicaracer18]

[Rjb23]

Not to be a dick but you need to buy a toyota manual. And yes that bolt has to come out, buy a new socket.

[celicaracer18]

your right i do don't I

and i know i have to take off that nut but I was askin if that is all i have to take off, i am gong to ge some sockets in the morning, i already bought two and they were to small too

I think i can figure it out though, thanks for the help everyone, i don't have more questions regaurding this subject for now

[latinomasfino]