3sgte Rebuild, 2nd gen or 3rd? Options

[Legit94GT]

So i am going to swap out my 5sfe and put in a 3 sgte, but i cant really find awhole lot of difference in 2nd and 3rd gen 3's... So...

Which engine would be a better building block to start from a 2nd gen or a 3rd gen?

3rd gen seems like no brainer but just thought i'd ask. I plan on doing alot of engine work on it while its out of my car, port polish, over boring, new pistons, cams, the works:)

Can you trust ebay sellers for this stuff?
Because there are alot of motors on ebay for like $1,500

Would a motor from a MR2 or Caldina work also? They say its the same 3sgte, but i dont know...

Thanks for helping me understand, if i missed a forum where all this is covered before please re-direct me

This post has been edited by Legit94GT: Feb 15, 2008 - 8:09 PM

[Silver94CelicaOw...]

I second what Randy (97lestyousay) said. You really have to take your time and do a TON of research before a swap if you don't want to make your life a living hell.

Before getting too anxious about throwing yourself into a swap, do yourself a huge favor and aim for the following first -

1.) Have a reliable beater/daily driver. It will take you longer than you expect to swap, ALWAYS.

2.) Take your time finding the cleanest, most complete engine set or front clip you can find. It needs to be VERY complete, or you will be stuck finding little parts for a long time. Do not settle for anything less than perfect shape, and don't always base your engine purchase on a great price. Focus on quality and reputation of the seller....I would reccomend a shop like JARCO in Georgia, they will sell you a great motor without any doubts.

3.) What generation 3SGTE? You make the choice. There is a ton of information on the Internet all about the differences between each generation 3SGTE, the biggest difference being parts availability for non-USDM market motors. Each one has its own benefits and downfalls, and you have to do plenty of research to know which one will best suit your needs.

4.) Do your own work!!
I can't stress how important it is to be aware of everything you've done to your car by turning the wrenches yourself. If you break down along the road and you have no idea how it all went together, you'll be stuck and clueless...not to mention poor from paying for alot of towing and hack mechanics.

Most mechanics will have NO CLUE what to do to swap a 3SGTE into your Celica, or properly maintain it. Its not what they do. Just think....a serious lack of understanding on their part could sacrafice your whole investment!!




That being said, I love my JDM 3rd gen ST205. Its a really powerful setup when totally stock with a few BPU's. The factory setup is perfect for making reliable moderate power figures, and it has some great features that made me buy one -

- 255hp, totally stock.
- No AFM!
- 2-piece oil pan with relocated oil filter for easier maintainence. Also has plugs in place for oil temp and pressure gauges.
- Factory water to air intercooler to prevent dealing with FMIC plumbing.
- Factory relief valve.
- Stronger and more capable turbocharger.
- Improved intake manifold with larger runners.
- Factory oil catch can, as well as an added PCV valve.
- Larger 540cc injectors.
- Relocated FPR for cleaner and more direct positioning.
- MLS headgasket.
- Simplified water neck with plug for a water temp gauge, simplified cold start function.
- No EGR, very simple vacuum routing.
- More aggressive camshaft profile.


The 2nd generation 3SGTE is also a great motor though. Its got great power in stock form, and also has some large benefits that are worth considering.

- 225hp stock in JDM versions.
- Typically less expensive and more abundant to obtain, compared to later generations.
- USDM availability of almost all parts...a HUGE plus.
- Great selection of aftermarket parts and support.
- Very complete service manuals available.
- More common, and easier to get advice and support from other members on this and other forums.


The 4th generation 3SGTE was found in the Toyota Caldina. It is the newest of the 3SGTE family, however it has very scarce availability of parts and are going to be very difficult to get parts for. It has only slightly more power, and uses a one-piece turbo and manifold design as well as a side entry intake manifold.

I really can't think of any benefits of this motor....other than rare factor, maybe.




So the choice is up to you. Whatever you choose to do, just take your time and do a TON of research....and by a ton I mean spend months and months absorbed in reading build-ups and how-to's, and planning step by step what you are going to need to do. It also doesn't hurt to turn some wrenches alongside somebody who really knows what they are doing (and not somebody who thinks they know everything )....getting your hands dirty is the best way to learn.


Best of luck.




-Corey