Opening a can of worms?, 3S-GTE vs 3S-GE Options

[Jeremiah]

I like faster cars, but I hate doing engine swaps. So when I do one, I want it to last. I'm assuming that (like every other turbo'd engine) the 3S-GTE does not have the longevity of the naturally aspired 3S-GE.

Is this a good assumption? How many miles could I expect to get out of each engine? Also, I will only be using motors produced in the US, as I live in California where they frown on JDM motors.

[scothaniel]

any motor you buy, 3sGE or 3sGTE will be something out of a junk yard or a wrecked car

Words of wisdom!

I say pick up a used 3SGTE motor off mr2oc.com or ebay and spend the money to have rebuilt properly. A full gasket kit and new timing belt is like $250. USDM motors aren't too hard to find and are usually a litte cheaper, as people (foolishly) go for JDM motors instead.

[Jeremiah]

any motor you buy, 3sGE or 3sGTE will be something out of a junk yard or a wrecked car

Words of wisdom!

I say pick up a used 3SGTE motor off mr2oc.com or ebay and spend the money to have rebuilt properly. A full gasket kit and new timing belt is like $250. USDM motors aren't too hard to find and are usually a litte cheaper, as people (foolishly) go for JDM motors instead.

1) I didn't get 230K miles on my existing engine by not taking care of it In fact - it's still running strong... I just know it's days are numbered.


2) I plan on rebuilding, or at least overhauling before doing the swap. I was just wondering if anyone has noticed a significant difference in longevity between the motors.

3) There's a lot of cars that are considered "totaled" because they were in a wreck or something and repairing the body work was more expensive than replacing the car. This doesn't mean everything on the car is useless. The engines can be just fine.