3S-GTE Swap
In this space I would like to have a complete writeup on a 3S-GTE
swap. The 3S-GTE is a the potent engine found in the All-Trac/GT-4
Celicas and Turbo MR2s. With anywhere from 180-260 Hp from 2.0L
(and potential for far more) it is one of Toyota's most potent 4-cylinders
out there. The good news? ...the 4-6th generation Celica chassis
was built to take the engine and it bolts into existing engine mounts
(for those with the 5S). The bad news is the cost...expect to spend
at least $5000 for the swap. Until I get a complete write up from
someone who has done the swap I will use this page to answer some
of the common questions, and address some of the issues that arisewith
the 3S-GTE swap.
What engine choices are there?
From my understanding there are 3 generations of the 3S-GTE offered
either domestically or abroad.
| 1st Generation (190 HP) |
1988-89 ST165 (Celica GT4/All-Trac) |
| 2nd Generation(200 HP) |
1990-93 ST185 (Celica GT4/Alltrac)
1990-199x(?) SW20 (MR2 Turbo) |
| 3rd Generation (260 HP) |
1994-99 ST205 (Celica GT4)
Note: not released in U.S. |
Needless to say that each generation had significant improvements
over the last (such as larger throttle bodys, better turbo and
intercooler designs) and it is better to go with the later versions
if possible. Unfortunately, the third generation was quite rare
(meaning pricey) and for those of you who need to meet emissions
in the US...this engine was never tested, and it may not meet
national requirements (but more on that later...). Even rarer
versions were sold in the 2500 or so cars sold under the Carlos
Saintz/Group A/RC names which were fully built rally motors with
a few advanced features "turned off" or present but
not functioning.
How is the transmission handled?
Well, the 3S-GTE does bolt on to and works with the transmission
that comes with the 5SFE (2.2L). Whether it will last under the
additional power, it is not known. Unfortunately as far as I have
heard...Toyota never mated the 3S-GTE to a FWD transmission. If
you choose to use a stronger transmission you can use either the
transmission from a MR2 or the rare V6 Camry transmission, both
of which bolt on to the 3SGTE engine
Blkrx7 notes that if you do choose to use an MR2 tranny as opposed
to one from a GT-Four:
Hoses don't line up of course, they use diffrent spigots
on the MR-2 motor to line up with those hoses. The I/C is useless,
and a couple of systems (like the intake) are in slightly different
locations. It makes for more headache.
How much will this cost me?
BlkRx7 from the messageboard figures the cost will run in the
neighborhood of $5000. The reasoning is as follows:
Equipment: Engine, LHD wiring harness (extremely rare...RHD
Celicas have the wiring enter on the other side of the firewall)
and ECU
approximate cost: $2000.00US
Labor: Expect around 20 hours minimum for the mechanical
part of the swap. 20 hours at an hourly rate of say $50.00/hour...
approximate cost: $1000
Custom parts/equipment: stock exhaust wont bolt up
to the 3S engine, so you will need a custom exhaust which accomadates
the new engine ($500-1000). You will need a clutch which can handle
the extra power. 3SGTE plate with a 5SFE disc ($500).
approximate cost: $1000-1500
Transmission/Motor mounts: simplifying for this estimate
we will assume for now that the transmission used is from a 5S-FE
(no cost). The engine mounts to the same mounts as the 5SFE...so
again assuming no cost. Not of course that using a V6 Camry or
MR2 tranny opens up a whole new set of costs.
approximate cost: $0-up
Misc. Parts:You're going to need to get a hold of a
Celica 4wd Turbo sensor pack (If it didn't come with the motor).
Turbo Pressure sensor, AFM, fuel pump resistor packs, ick, more
sensors than I can possibly name. This is where things get sticky,
you're going to need to source a LOT of spare parts, and depending
on where you get them from I think a reasonable margin for error,
and price in maybe $500 of electrical parts? Including wiring,
connectors, sensors, ect. ect. ect.. You will also want to replace
the water pump and timing belt (est. $150 with labor?)while the
engine is out of the car.
approximately: $650
Thus we come to a grand total of $4650.00.
Note that this isnt taking in to account any problems, tax, broken
parts, installer incompetance, intercooler placement or anything
that might pop up. Nor does it take into account upgrades that
you may wish to do if you plan to later modify the 3S-GTE. You
may also expect to pay a bit extra to insure register and drive
your car after the swap.
----
received over email...."a cheaper alternative for the ECU/Wiring
situation would be to use your stock ECU to control chassis electrical
functions, and an aftermarket standalone engine management system
to run the engine. A new Haltech could run you $1000 to do this.
A Wolf, maybe $750. Also, this will eliminate the need for some
of those expensive sensors like AFM."
Is this legal?
This really depends on where you live. Emissions requirements
vary by state (and country) with California being the most strict.
In California you are only allowed to swap in an engine that is
from a same year or newer California car. This most likely mean
a 1st or 2nd generation 3S-GTE depending on your car as the 3rd
generation was never released in the US. You also must have all
original smog equipment still on and funtioning in the car. I
have no idea what it takes in any other states or elsewhere in
the world. I would recomend doing some major research before beging
this swap.
I also have no idea what it takes to insure a car with this done
to it. You may not be insure a car with a typical insurance policy.
...and before you go and forget to tell your insurance company
about the swap consider that the "wrong engine" in your
car may void your insurance entirely if you are in an accident
or your car is stolen.
Offsite Resources/Links:
|
