Super Celica ST, 3sgte Options

[celicaboy04]

I know this question has been asked a lot I am sure...and before any of you that like to get on topics and say "look in the search feature" I already have.

I have browsed through something like 20 topics and got a pretty good idea of what I need.

Currently I have an ST Coupe that is reaching 150,000 miles. I have thought about getting another 7AFE (currently what I have) and putting a turbo system on it, although the HP gains are not nearly as much nor is the engine as powerful as a 3sgte.

I have a 1995 model, and this is where it gets tricky, I live in good ol California. So with the emissions laws, I can only put in an engine the same year or newer. From what I have been able to learn through the old posts on this topic, there is a late model 3sgte MR2 engine that should be feasible to swap into my car legally. And again with all the smogging regulations, I would then have to have the engine tested at a smog facility and have it barcoded when approved, that way when taken to smog centers in the future, though it wont pass visual inspection they shoot the barcode with a laser and see the engine is approved. Something like that anyways.

Anywho, I am wondering more information as to what the specs are for this 95 3sgte is, whether or not for certain if it should work for california, and where I would best have a chance to find this engine.

I read in an old post about EL Prototypes being a good place in California to have the swap done. I live in San Francisco area, and would be willing to drive to Azusa, unless any of you are aware of a shop that would be closer.

Anyways, just looking for some adivce guys, have read the old posts, now I need help for my specific situation.

Thank you, and any negative comments about looking in search even though I already have will be kicked in the A$$ and shoved down the posters throat

[Green_MachToy]

I don't normally chat too much on here as my knowledge is limited, but I do have some experience in this topic. Well here's my two cents. I started this route and eventually found another means for my 94 ST. I called the Board and what they told me was that if you replaced the engine into the car it was fine as long as it was the same year or newer AND that it came stock in similar classified car (ie. Compact, etc.). I told the individual my plans for the MR2 Turbo, and they said it would pass! However, there is an even stickier point. If your car is originally sold and bought here in California, there is some sort of engine number that identifies this. If this is the case then you will also have to find an engine that has a CA number to do this swap. Now this is where I stopped and went another route. I had talked to a few people that had told me there is no way the engine number says it is from CA or not. Then I spoke to others that agreed with the Board. Because there were some creditable people that said the numbers can be used to identify what state it was from I tried to find one...it was not easy for me, and with the number of cars made that you would need, it will be very difficult and cost some big dollars for you. With that said, no matter what anyone tells you here, you need to call the Board and verify it. They may even have resources available to help you find the engine, I wish I would have asked when I started. But, what it boils down to is that it is a feasable and SMOG Legal swap from what I found out.

[CheesyLobster]

I don't normally chat too much on here as my knowledge is limited, but I do have some experience in this topic.  Well here's my two cents.  I started this route and eventually found another means for my 94 ST.  I called the Board and what they told me was that if you replaced the engine into the car it was fine as long as it was the same year or newer AND that it came stock in similar classified car (ie. Compact, etc.).  I told the individual my plans for the MR2 Turbo, and they said it would pass!  However, there is an even stickier point.  If your car is originally sold and bought here in California, there is some sort of engine number that identifies this.  If this is the case then you will also have to find an engine that has a CA number to do this swap.  Now this is where I stopped and went another route.  I had talked to a few people that had told me there is no way the engine number says it is from CA or not.  Then I spoke to others that agreed with the Board.  Because there were some creditable people that said the numbers can be used to identify what state it was from I tried to find one...it was not easy for me, and with the number of cars made that you would need, it will be very difficult and cost some big dollars for you.  With that said, no matter what anyone tells you here, you need to call the Board and verify it.  They may even have resources available to help you find the engine, I wish I would have asked when I started.  But, what it boils down to is that it is a feasable and SMOG Legal swap from what I found out.
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You have limited knowlege? You have a 3sgte in your celica! We know that you know more that you admit. Where did you get that pretty engine? Did you install it? You should write something up in the completed engine swap sticky.