6G Celicas Forums

Whats are the differences with a 98 SS2 and a 98 SS3 (both stock)???

I think the SS2 is the 3sge and the SSIII is the Beams 3sge

but not 100%

Hi

Here's some info and advice from a fellow kiwi:


Technical Info:

Yep, Supersprynt is right - the SSIII has the BEAMS 3SGE (Breakthrough Engine with Advanced Mechanism System) which among other engine improvements has varible valve timing with intelligence (VVTi)

(NOTE: the top of the line 7th gen celicas have VVTL-i: Varible valve timing and lift with intellegence http://www.toyota.com/html/help/glossary.html ).

I have also heard that some rare SSII's came in a BEAMS VVTi option, though I have only seen these on the web and never in real life.

The SSIII is 10Kg heavier at 1210Kg than the SSII (1200Kg). SSIII's also came standard with Super Strut suspension which is Toyota's attempt at improving on the Macpherson Strut setup - Super Strut was an upgrade option in the SSII as well. It may be due to the Super Strut suspension that the SSIII's minimum turning radius is greater at 5.5 metres, compared to the SSII's 5.2 metres.

Being 1998's projector headlights should be standard on both models.

Other differences I know of are: the SSIII consumes 10% (approx) less fuel (VVTi more economical?) and the SSIII interior was updated a little with new fabric design on the seats and doors (with a red fleck instead of blue?) and some SSIIIs had the 'White gauges with Orange needle' option installed. There are also some SSIIIs with a lighter, silvery colour on the centre front console (around where the stereo is).

Externally, SSIIIs can also come with an uprated spoiler package including High Rear 'SSIII badged' wing, side skirts and front & rear bumper extensions.


Advice:

Personally, if I was looking to buy a 6GC in NZ right now, and wanted a non-turbo car, I would go with the SSIII without question. Why? glad you asked

Firstly with a little shopping round, you'll find there is very little, if any difference in the price between an SSII and an SSIII. Most car dealers I've talked to in NZ don't know much about the celica range and many have no clue whether the car on their lot is an SSI, SSII or SSIII. Check out www.autopoint.co.nz for a rough guide on prices - you shouldn't be looking at more than $NZ18,000 for a standard celica - especially since a 95 100,000Km, GT-FOUR costs $NZ16,000 here.

Also, www.tedtracy.co.nz in Auckland often have 2-3 6GCs on the stand at a time, and seem to have decent prices as well. I just saw a 96 SSIII with TRD/Hiro wing, 5speed, 60K, for $NZ12,000.

Secondly, if looks are important, the SSIIIs with the uprated spoiler package are very nice looking cars stock, and with a nice set of 17/18 inch alloys, low profile tyres and maybe a subtle 1.5 inch drop - you're guaranteed to turn heads.

Thirdly, the 3SGE BEAMS engine is an amazing engine, producing more power than the standard 3SGE, has an excellent balance between power and fuel economy and, like the 4AGE from the corollas/levins/truenos and the 2JZ-GTE from the supras/aristos has a reputation for being strong and reliable and "bullet-proof" (very hard to kill ).

Finally the SSIII is the uprated model, 'top of the line' of the normally aspirated (non-turbo) 6GC celicas, and if you can afford it, why not have the best - though this is may be more of an ego thing that only I have

So, if the SSIII is so great, why do I only have an SSII you ask? simply put, to quote The Simpsons, I'm a stupidhead. Didn't do much research, thought all N/A 6GCs were the same. If I was buying a 6GC today my preference would be: 98/99 GT-Four, 96/97 GT-Four, SSIII, SSII, SSI, GS (NZ Domestic Market Celica with Camry engine).

Hope this helps.

thanks alot Neophile.. that is aesome info..Im in NZ too any trying to weigh up wether to get a 97 Mitzy FTO, or a Beams engine Celica SS3,
also thinking of a GT4 96-98 but might be too expensive. I thought that wat eva I decide the cheaper option would be to direct import via a dealer here in NZ..what are your thoughts on importing and the FTO?

I wanna spend $15,000 max

Hi,

hmmm, the FTO vs the SSIII, that's quite a choice

As you may know, there's 3 main models of FTO, the GPX, GR and GS.

Compared with the SSIII, the GS really doesn't make the grade - with a Single Overhead Cam (SOHC), 1.8 litre engine putting out around 120hp and only basic features inside and out.

Now, the GR and GPX however are a different story. Both have a V6 24 valve engine, with the GR putting out around 170HP (about the same as an SSII - though the FTO is 50Kg lighter) and the GPX putting out about 200HP (about the same as the SSIII - although the FTO is 40Kg lighter). The GPX has MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing and lift Electronic Control) much like VVTi in the SSIII BEAMS. The GPX also has more features inside the car. For good info on the FTO, check out this site.

I guess with similar specs and similar prices the SSIII vs FTO choice comes down to: firstly looks - which do you think looks better, secondly engine type- do you want a Straight 4 or a V6, and finally which one is 'more you'.

For me personally it'd be the SSIII (if I couldn't get a GTFour) because I like the shape of the celica more and I'm a toyota guy, having either owned or regularly driven various corollas (4age's), trueno (4age 20v), aristo (2jz-gte) and numerous toyota family sedans (crown, cressidas etc)

Importing direct via a dealer is a pretty good option - you can usually specify the specs and colour and kms etc, which is cool. Some will even send digital photos to you via email along with detailed info.

Either way you buy I would definately recommend getting one of those 2 year warrantee things from the dealer. I have with my last 2 cars, and for less than a grand, they will fix anything that goes wrong with the car (except basic wear and tear like types, belts, filters etc) for 2 years - as long as you get a wof and service every 6 months and send them a form confirming that.

Have fun, either way you go (mitzi or toyota) you'll end up with a great car - of course if you go with the 6gc, you get to hang out here