which 3sgte did you swappers use?, which one? Options

[Andason]

What kind of 3S-GTE did you use? I am thinking about getting one from a ST185 but I remember the problems my cousins All-Trac went through(USDM related??). However it was one mad quick car and I'm close to positive it was abused by previous owners.

[scothaniel]

The 3rd gen also has the following changes over the 2nd gen:

lower compression (8.5 vs 8.8)
better turbo
better intercooler
use's MAP instead of AFM
better injectors (540 vs 440)
better trans (not beneficial for FWD cars, but its easy to sell off )
bigger throttle body (3" vs 2")
far better head (a stock 3rd gen had flows as much as a fully ported 2nd gen head)
better intake manifold
stock oil catch can
stock oil filter relocator
better cooling oil pan
better stock ECU

All of the parts listed above are not interchangeable and are not sold in the US. There are also a lot of minor difference between the two engines that can cause problems - wiring harness, sensors, brackets, gaskets, plug wires... you cant even get a valve cover gasket in the US for the 3rd gen without special ordering it from Japan.

The real question is what type of performance you want. If 300HP is a good limit, go with the ST185. If you want more - go with the 205. If you want a LOT more, then it doesn't really matter, because you'll be modifying everything anyways.

In comparing USDM and JDM ST185 engines - the JDM does not have a EGR and the JDM ECU has more aggressive fuel maps. Big deal! You can have a EGR block-off made for the US engine for $20, and I've seen the JDM ECU's for around $100. The only time it matters that the engine is JDM is in the rare occasion that the engine is the ST185RC version, which has the better turbo and better intercooler.

This post has been edited by scothaniel: Aug 5, 2003 - 12:05 PM