SveNRG GT-Two, Project from the Netherlands: 3S-GTE swap Options

[SveNRG]

Hi all!

"I'm from Holland, ieshnt that weeeeird?" Bought myself a red AT200 Celica in october of 2005. Wow! I love this car. Here's a picture outside the carwash, somewhere in Amsterdam, where I live:



Got used to the available 116 bhp pretty fast though. And also learned more about the different 6th gen versions available. So I started browsing for options to make this a better car. Beginning of 2007 I went down to a junkyard because a friend of mine told me there was a ST205 wreckage there. Needed a rear-stutbar and antenna-unit, so went down to get some parts. But when I saw her, I knew it wasn't a wreck at all!



Just some exterior damage from a front collision and rotten exhaust system. Started the engine up and was running fine. So I bought the whole thing. First considered to get her fixed up and running again. But it was not cost efficient enough. There were no papers with it, so would've gotten a new registration for it. Very strict and expensive procedure here in Netherlands. Also it is a JDM, so right hand drive. So after careful consideration I decided to have it swapped to my own Celica instead. Don't be sad for the GT-Four, it will be restored by a friend, after my swap is done, with a clip from Japan and other parts, so it'll be back on the road soon Maybe converted to left-hand drive as well.

Things to be swapped over:

3rd gen JDM 3S-GTE engine with ct20b turbo
Superstrut suspension
ST205 brake calipers
Bonnet
96+ sideskirts

The bonnet has a nasty dent in it from a collision but will be fixed. New bumper shell. Found a very rare transmission from a '98 JDM SS-II or SS-III Celica. Very strong, low mileage. It's really just like an MR2 tranny. Was my lucky day because it turned out to have a limited slip differential as well. There were some problems with the gearbox though, broken bearing inside, and one axle missing. Had to get the thing opened up and totally refurbished. The bearings and synchromesh cost me a small fortune in itself, but it'll all be worth it in the end. The missing axle will be forged from ST205 and MR2 turbo axle parts. Yes, I'm having the difficult stuff done by someone who knows what he's doing. Same guy who also did Kadett's swap last year.

New clutch install, new brake discs and pads, steel braided brake lines. Exhaust: 3" stainless custom piping all the way to the end, HKS HiPower backbox with 12cm tip. Was missing some bumper parts for the front conversion (donor banged up more than I thought), but thanks to some guys at GT4OC.net I was able to find parts in the UK. Also having the throttle cable adjusted. The one from the donor was way too long.

Idea of what it will look like, just add projector headlights and clear turn signals to it:


The engine is in. Transmission, exhaust, suspension and brakes have been fitted. Some spacers had to be used to fit the huge calipers in my 17" technomagnesio wheels. Also found some lower arms as spares for cheap. New clutch, overhauled gearbox, new belts, sparkplugs, filters, airco removed... this will be one sweet ride! Only waiting on the throttle cable and some little pieces for the bumper now. The new axle will be done next week. And then off to the bodyshop!

Some more pics here: Gallery

This post has been edited by SveNRG: May 12, 2007 - 4:40 PM

[SveNRG]

Thanks people! Martinking is getting me the GT spoiler when I am at JAE this july. I'm not fitting it with riser blocks. Not my taste.

I'm looking for some wheel adjustments now. Short term: The front wheels are too much outward with spacers (25mm) but to fit the ST205 calipers in there, only half is really needed. Will need some longer lug nuts to fit 15mm spacers someone told me. The rear wheels don't have spacers but I want to bring them outward so they flush with the chassis.

Long term: Looking for 18" wheels. I want to flush the wheels without having to use spacers at all. Also need 8J on all four to make for 225 or 235 tires. Front is 7J now, that's maxed out at 215 tires. Choosing wheels is hard.

Other plans:
Blitz replacement air filter
Motul 300v 10w40 oil
Fitting those damn fog lights once the crash bar arrives
Getting some recaro's or refurbish the seats
3-point Strutbar for the engine bay
Maybe stiffer springs, thinking TRD for a slight drop also
Doorhandles and mirrors getting sprayed