Engine swap options for 3S-GTE, What would be best? 3rd or 4th gen Options

[JohanFer]

Hi everyone,

My mechanic has told me that my 5S-FE engine has about 2 more years to go and at 230,000 miles he might be right (my car, when cold, exhales white smoke though the tail pipe). I could either do an overhaul or drop in a new engine and make it stick shift in the process. So, if I were to drop in a new engine, what I need to know what would be more convenient. These are the options so far:

1. A 3rd gen 3S-GTE with AWD
2. A 4th gen 3S-GTE with AWD
3. A 4th gen 3S-GTE with FWD

Since I have seen 4th Gen 3S-GTE from Caldinas for sale with Manual trasnmissions and FWD, I assume that No. 3 above is possible. That would be great as I wouldn't have to spend that much money to convert to AWD since my Celica is FWD. So, is it possible to use a 4th gen in a '96 Celica? I remember reading it is possible somewhere in this site, but I would like confirmation on this. Also, I read here years ago that if one deicedes to use a 3rd gen 3S-GTE AWD and just use the front wheels instead of doing the conversion to AWD, one would lose about half the power from the engine, so if it is possible to do an engine swap with a 4th gen. 3S-GTE FWD would I get the whole 3S-GTE power in just the two front wheels?

What would you recommend I do? Any input would be greatly appreciated.