3SGTE Swap Questions, 5SFE is no fun anymore Options

[kgr-gts]

I used to drive a turbo car (Merkur XR4Ti) and I really miss the balls it had. That and I just got a raise and money burns a hole in my pocket. It's time to turn my Celica into the car it was supposed to be.

Just looking for some answers/opinions from all you wise men who've done the 3SGTE swap. I've been going back through the posts to get the info I'm looking for, but some of it isn't turning up so I'll try and get it all done with one post. The car is a GTS (Canadian GT).

- 2nd or 3rd gen 3sgte
I'd prefer the 3rd gen, but since it was never used in US/CAN I'm wondering if future parts would be a little more painful than the 2nd gen. 2nd gen also cheaper and easier to find.

- motor condition
Did most of you tear down the motor when you got it or just compression test it and stuff it in the engine bay? I figure it might be a good time to have the head checked, gaskets replaced, etc.

- front clip?
What sort of parts end up being needed from the clip? Is it a bad idea to just get the engine?

- reliability
The car is my daily driver... is the 3sgte just as reliable as the 5sfe for the long-term? I don't want a pure racing machine... just a fast but reliable car that's fun to drive.

- transmission
My S54 will bolt onto the 3sgte, but how long will it last with the additional power? Looks like most people are still using it without problems. Any other options like the V6 Camry transmission, etc.?

- parts
I know the engine basically drops in, but is there anything on the car that has to be removed (or fabricated) to make it work? I'm guessing an exhaust downpipe, cooling hoses, and stuff like that have to be worked on.

- A/C
Here's a dumb one - can I keep my air conditioning? Do the existing lines hook up to the compressor in the same place?

- wire harness
And another - I understand you have to lengthen the engine wire harness (or something like that) because of the JDM engine being from a RHD car. Is it not possible to buy a new LHD harness from toyota? I thought I'd seen some LHD GT-Fours. (or is this $$$$$)

Last question, if I do this, will I be able to drive another Celica without being a little bored?

Thanks all!

[celica3sgte]

2nd gen
I didn't do any motor rebuild and 4 years later my motor is strong
get a front clip
Your car will not be as reliable as before, until you've worked all the bugs out
I would used the camry v6 to begin with, but I used the gt tranny for 4 years with no problems aside from my syncros being worn from my shifting. I ran slicks at the 1/4 track and I've never had and axle break or the tranny

Yes you can keep your air
To be honest buying the LHD harness would be a waste of money. Dg_performance can do your harness for much cheaper.

Any stock celica will be boring afterwards
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