how did you do your 3sgte swap? Options

[xnightsmokex]

I know that a very easy way to swap the 3s is to get an MR2 clip...however...it is a bit more expensive than buying just the engine with the transmission, ecu, and wiring harness.....however i have read that you will be missing parts if you do it like that...since it would be easier for me moneywise to get the engine and etc. i was wondering if anyone has done this and what they would be missing...i know on the stickies the guy that swapped a 3s into his 1997 gave a list of a few things that you would be missing...anyone have anything to say about what he said....or any comments about what i should do?

[JDM_Factory]

The best route IMO would be to go with a 94+ st205 swap. Just because it's cheaper and is rated the same power. I would rather go for a 97+ Solara/Camry transmission. It is already made for FWD, ready available everywhere, is a newer version of the E153 transmisson, triple syncro, and is optional to install LSD if wanted. Or stick with your s54 and swap a s51 5th gear set from a 94+ Solara/Camry and cruise 70mph at 3100rpm.

[DEATH]

stick with your s54 and swap a s51 5th gear set from a 94+ Solara/Camry and cruise 70mph at 3100rpm.

You must have meant 80mph cause I'm already at around 3200rpm at 70mph with the S54 stock gearing. I'm at 4Krpm at 80mph. So are every GT I've heard of on stock S54. But good info - I did not know that option existed for us.

the guy who got me interested in doing this swap told me that i could use the MR2 transmission even though it is considered RWD....since the engine is in the back...when i put the motor in...its going to be in the front and then it will be FWD...also my brother....the mechanic that is going to do the swap...says i can use that transmission...he told me to get the engine, ecu, and wiring harness...along with the other obvious things i need like a fmic, bov, ebc...etc.....and it will work...i would rather not have to buy the clip even though i can sell the parts....because it would be a little harder for me to get the money to get the clip....being as i am 17.....im still a youngblood....haha......but i can have about $4,000 at the end of the summer to get everything...i shouldnt have too much of a problem getting a little more money to buy everything i need if i need more stuff....the great thing is i dont have to pay to get it swapped because my brother is doing it...so that saves me a bunch right there

To use an MR2 transmission, you will also need to convert the shift cables/brakets to FWD (they attach on opposite sides of the transmission).... it is not just a plug-n-play operation.

Your brother was correct except for the conversions phattyduck listed above PLUS you will need an ST-205 Rear mount cause the MR2 one will not work there.

Edit - Oh sh*t - and lets not forget the axle situation - there would be quite a bit more money/PITA when using the MR2 Tranny. Not that it's not to be done - It's a great transmission and better than the stock GT S54 - but like Phatty said - it's hardly plug and play.

This post has been edited by DEATH: Jul 15, 2008 - 4:29 PM

[phattyduck]

stick with your s54 and swap a s51 5th gear set from a 94+ Solara/Camry and cruise 70mph at 3100rpm.

You must have meant 80mph cause I'm already at around 3200rpm at 70mph with the S54 stock gearing. I'm at 4Krpm at 80mph. So are every GT I've heard of on stock S54. But good info - I did not know that option existed for us.

My '90 4-cyl 5-speed Camry (before the swap) was around 3100rpm at 80mph. I'm not sure if this was a final drive difference or a 5th gear difference. Very nice for getting good highway mileage - I used to get 35mpg+ on road trips at 70mph.

To use an MR2 transmission, you will also need to convert the shift cables/brakets to FWD (they attach on opposite sides of the transmission).... it is not just a plug-n-play operation.

Your brother was correct except for the conversions phattyduck listed above PLUS you will need an ST-205 Rear mount cause the MR2 one will not work there.

Edit - Oh sh*t - and lets not forget the axle situation - there would be quite a bit more money/PITA when using the MR2 Tranny. Not that it's not to be done - It's a great transmission and better than the stock GT S54 - but like Phatty said - it's hardly plug and play.

Oh yeah, the axles! That's yet another issue. I was lucky to be able to use factory V6 axles on my Camry, but I still had the pain of finding the correct axle carrier.

-Charlie