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!

[Hanyo]

maybe i have no right to post on this thread since i have never swapped a 3s, but i have read multiple post and accumulated alot of information.

-motor condition-tear down
i believe most members here do recondition the engine. such as timing belt and water pump. But not to the extremes of replacing the head gasket. But the general preference is, if you have the money and time. Go for it!


- front clip?
its a bad idea just to get the motor. Because with a front clip you get everything that comes with the motor. You wont be left clueless where a odd looking sensor goes.

- reliability
it will never be as reliable as a stock 5s. Because you are dealing with turbos and turbo seals, turbo shaft play, boost leak, ect. Also, turbos heat up the oil more, so you will need to change oil more often. You will need to be on top with maintainence.

- transmission
here is a tough question, i think either super or sphinx has gone through a 5s transmission before. And Lagos has been babying his tranny, so its not giving him problems. he started out with a great condition tranny in the first place. Before you attempt to put that much power into your tranny, make sure its in tip-top-shape. If your worried about the tranny get a mr2 tranny or the v6 camry. I also have seen a member snap a 5s axle before.

-parts
i remember lagos had a fuel line problem, something to do with the feed fuel line was not long enough to reach the fuel rail.


well that is all the stuff i have the top of my head. As a disclaimer, I just read and learn on this board. I'm not a pro on 3s's like art or eric.

This post has been edited by Hanyo: Jun 26, 2005 - 6:27 AM