6G Celicas Forums

Stay away from piggybacks. That's why people here in the forums don't make good power. They're too cheap to shell out a couple grand on an EMS and all the essential stuff. Or lazy. Sure, it's expensive. We aren't rich, but we sure could save the money if we held back on other things. It hurts a lot in the pocket, but you'll save money in the long run. After using the eManage on my Celica and seeing how it works, I'm NEVER using a piggyback ever again. It's just not reliable. You'll always have that paranoia that the engine is not running as good as it should.

I've been getting involved in the world of standalones for a while now and it's just something else. Every engine I see around here that's getting controlled by a standalone EMS runs beautifully, reliably and hell...even fuel efficient when off boost. The engines just go. I never hear the owners complaining about timing, or bogging, or erratic idle. The problems we suffer with our setups don't exist in their world, and most of these are turbocharged economy NA engines, not bad boys like our 3S-GTEs.

Do it right this time. Get an AEM. Or even a Hydra Nemesis. The Subaru guys run them here with great results. I'll be running a "crappy" Microtech, which is as raw as you can tune an engine. It's not a refined EMS by any means. It's one of the cheapest standalones, and it is a staple in PR. Yet, check the Microtech page. Most, if not, all cars you'll see there are from this island, running 7s and 8s. That tells you something, right? You do what you want to the engine with an EMS. Hell, if there wasn't only ONE guy in this whole island that worked on Wolf 3D, I'd get one. What a fantastic EMS. But tuners here just like to tune Microtechs, Haltechs and the new ones. I was surprised my tuner worked on my eManage blue. He's never worked on one. I know tuning is tuning but when you know the interface of an EMS from memory and then work on a new one, it's shocking for you.

This is strictly my opinion, guys. I don't need someone to start arguing and what not. You don't like what you read, move on. Don't bother with me.

PREACH ON BROTHA!! and with a standalone, i wouldnt have to worry about my crank position sensor would i? since im probably going to get a 3rd gen block w/ my 4th gen head

UPDATE: lookie lookie.... what do we have here?!?







crack on timing belt cover but it's ok, got an extra



Took the coils off to inspect the plug holes (and see if the piston heads are as clean as my last 4th gens) but had to go to work, no time to take the spark plugs out.

will take more pics tomorrow.

I did want to say this though: I got this motor from JDM engine depot in kearny nj, and it was a steal, im very happy with how clean and prepped the engine came, and the way the company handled the whole process!

now imma put some o my own elbow grease in this one...stay tuned! (BTW: I may have some parts for sale i no longer need like my old T3/4 turbo and manifold/adapter) Gonna keep it stock for a bit, then see how much i can get out of this setup instead.

This post has been edited by easternpiro1: Feb 18, 2010 - 10:01 PM

I is jeluz. Looks awesome.

Good pick-up Eastern!

Can't wait to hear the Turtle is back in action...might need to venture to Charlotte to celebrate.

hell yeah man! come up anytime! we have friday night meets @ bikinis sports bar every friday! plenty of cars,girls,drinks within close proximity!

WTF? You got another GEN 4? You crazy, man. WHat are your plans with it? I've probably read them already but I can't remember at the moment.

lol yeah they were basically giving it away i HAD to jump on it. the way i figure... why spend 600 on a block (3rd gen) and spend 2k on a standalone when i can get a complete 4th gen for $999+shipping, and sell my old turbo to get water meth and reach the same power goals i wanted with the turbo upgrade (330-340whp)

i plan to keep it stock turbo, upgrade downpipe, keep my FPR on there, and current electronics. later on down the line get hold of an AEM water/meth. gotta buy new axles first and hoses etc. i was thinking about just putting my Tial W/G on, but this one from what i understand should be fine for now

That is an absolute steal!!!! Aren't 3rd gens going for more than that?

from what i understand yes! but that may be because the rarity now? idk. from what doc posted on another thread, 4th gens seem to be coming in more and more, and that became obvious to me when this company (jdm engine depot) has sold 3 of them sub 1200 dollar range.

It seems to me that the caldinas are now approaching the japanese mileage restricitons and the motors are becoming more common. they told me this one has about 50-60k on it (which is about where the other one was iirc) but then again that could be inaccurate?

Piro it totally sucks that toyota doesn't have an option like nistune. I got all the stuff for my 240 for $350, no way I could do that for my celica, and it is 100% aftermarket management with the old ecu and harness. I'll try to bring it by maybe sometime.

yeah man! by all means! im not too far from concord mills! i may clean out my engine bay tomorrow or somethin so i'll be around

nice!!
cant wait to see you back up and running man!

wow and i thought my motor self destruction was bad... dude.

thanks man! i been looking at the how to threads for things i may need to keep in mind, i cant for the life of me find that really detailed swap thread though. i forgot who it was by so i have no way of looking that person up. it wasnt dephjef's. anybody know? im just studying up now.