SveNRG GT-Two, Project from the Netherlands: 3S-GTE swap Options

[SveNRG]

Hi all!

"I'm from Holland, ieshnt that weeeeird?" Bought myself a red AT200 Celica in october of 2005. Wow! I love this car. Here's a picture outside the carwash, somewhere in Amsterdam, where I live:



Got used to the available 116 bhp pretty fast though. And also learned more about the different 6th gen versions available. So I started browsing for options to make this a better car. Beginning of 2007 I went down to a junkyard because a friend of mine told me there was a ST205 wreckage there. Needed a rear-stutbar and antenna-unit, so went down to get some parts. But when I saw her, I knew it wasn't a wreck at all!



Just some exterior damage from a front collision and rotten exhaust system. Started the engine up and was running fine. So I bought the whole thing. First considered to get her fixed up and running again. But it was not cost efficient enough. There were no papers with it, so would've gotten a new registration for it. Very strict and expensive procedure here in Netherlands. Also it is a JDM, so right hand drive. So after careful consideration I decided to have it swapped to my own Celica instead. Don't be sad for the GT-Four, it will be restored by a friend, after my swap is done, with a clip from Japan and other parts, so it'll be back on the road soon Maybe converted to left-hand drive as well.

Things to be swapped over:

3rd gen JDM 3S-GTE engine with ct20b turbo
Superstrut suspension
ST205 brake calipers
Bonnet
96+ sideskirts

The bonnet has a nasty dent in it from a collision but will be fixed. New bumper shell. Found a very rare transmission from a '98 JDM SS-II or SS-III Celica. Very strong, low mileage. It's really just like an MR2 tranny. Was my lucky day because it turned out to have a limited slip differential as well. There were some problems with the gearbox though, broken bearing inside, and one axle missing. Had to get the thing opened up and totally refurbished. The bearings and synchromesh cost me a small fortune in itself, but it'll all be worth it in the end. The missing axle will be forged from ST205 and MR2 turbo axle parts. Yes, I'm having the difficult stuff done by someone who knows what he's doing. Same guy who also did Kadett's swap last year.

New clutch install, new brake discs and pads, steel braided brake lines. Exhaust: 3" stainless custom piping all the way to the end, HKS HiPower backbox with 12cm tip. Was missing some bumper parts for the front conversion (donor banged up more than I thought), but thanks to some guys at GT4OC.net I was able to find parts in the UK. Also having the throttle cable adjusted. The one from the donor was way too long.

Idea of what it will look like, just add projector headlights and clear turn signals to it:


The engine is in. Transmission, exhaust, suspension and brakes have been fitted. Some spacers had to be used to fit the huge calipers in my 17" technomagnesio wheels. Also found some lower arms as spares for cheap. New clutch, overhauled gearbox, new belts, sparkplugs, filters, airco removed... this will be one sweet ride! Only waiting on the throttle cable and some little pieces for the bumper now. The new axle will be done next week. And then off to the bodyshop!

Some more pics here: Gallery

This post has been edited by SveNRG: May 12, 2007 - 4:40 PM

[spolski07]

your lucky! lol
congrats man and keep up the good work!

[snapshotgt]

Very nice car.

[goferris]

shoulda just put your tags from the at200 on the gt4 and then put your front bumper on there as well. the authorities wouldn't ever notice.
good find though.
us americans would kill to get our hands on a gt4

[Rockford]

Good luck with your project....

[purplegt4]

nice car/gallery!

[supradog1]

this is going to be be, ONE SICK CELICA!!!

[jason]

i actually like your current side skirts, dont see them too often. congrats and best of luck with the swap!! im sure you'll be happy with all that power!

[SveNRG]

You guys like the european skirt huh? They're ok, but every 94-96 Celica here has them. I like the facelift skirts better. They're up for sale by the way, but shipping is a bitch.

[Valo666]

dibs..lol. check your pm.

[Dub]

SveNRG: does it mean you're doing the engine swap only? Will it be FWD only?

Thumbs up, it will be a nice "innocent looking" drive !


I am doing the same in 1-2 months and will add front differential (dunno it's written correctly) to prevent slipping wheels.

[SveNRG]

SveNRG: does it mean you're doing the engine swap only? Will it be FWD only?
Thumbs up, it will be a nice "innocent looking" drive !
I am doing the same in 1-2 months and will add front differential (dunno it's written correctly) to prevent slipping wheels.

Innocent? I think it's pretty agressive looking with the full front conversion and all Yes, the Celica will remain FWD. The diff will help keep all that meaty power on the road. The gearbox and axles are finished now. They go in this thursday. Should be totally finished by next week. Stay tuned for pics by then!

[Negative]

SveNRG: does it mean you're doing the engine swap only? Will it be FWD only?

Hence the nickname - GT-TWO. That's what most of us used to call the swap back in the day before they got common.

[Dub]

Innocent? I think it's pretty agressive looking with the full front conversion and all

Nah, it looks awesome, just it does not have the huge rear wing and so from back rear it seems as "ordinary GT", but from front seems like hiding beast inside

BTW, will engine have stock HP ? So that means standard 245HP ? Or you plan on tweaking it up ?

[SveNRG]

Nah, it looks awesome, just it does not have the huge rear wing and so from back rear it seems as "ordinary GT", but from front seems like hiding beast inside BTW, will engine have stock HP ? So that means standard 245HP ? Or you plan on tweaking it up ?

I don't like the huge rear wingm or raiser blocks as they are called. Makes it look like a toy car in my opinion. I am going for the GT spoiler though. The one I have now is the ST model, it's slightly smaller. Power? It's the japanese engine. So rated at 255 HP. Should mention that they have higher octane fuel overseas in Japan though. RON100. We only go up to 98 or 99. The catless exhaust should make up for the loss. Did I mention it's a whopping 200 pounds lighter than it's GT-Four counterpart?

We'll put her on the dyno some day, and we'll know for sure.

[Bigwaaagh]

Nice work, it's good to see dutch Celica action!

My celi still has a long way to go...

[SveNRG]

Today I've been to bring some last parts with a friend. The Celica is as good as finished, technically speaking! First run today, without hood or bumper Another week for the body work and paint job, and then it's finished! The exhaust sounds great, the transmission is excellent. It goes like a devil!

Pics! Youtube! Download video

Sorry for the soundtrack rip-off

[Valo666]

lol..i love the running with no front any thing..lol

[Dub]

SveNRG: I would have a couple of questions:

- clutch - which one you installed? stock for 3SGE? or 3SGTE? If not stock, what brand?
- transmission - is this the stock one? for 3SGE?

Thanks.

[SveNRG]

- clutch - which one you installed? stock for 3SGE? or 3SGTE? If not stock, what brand?
- transmission - is this the stock one? for 3SGE?

The clutch is 3S-GTE. Pressure plate and disc, all stock.

About the transmission. Like I saidin start post: "... a very rare transmission from a '98 JDM SS-II or SS-III Celica. Very strong, low mileage. It's really just like an MR2 tranny. Was my lucky day because it turned out to have a limited slip differential as well." - It's a 3S-GE transmission, but special edition.