About to buy my 3S-GTE, Have some ???s Options

[Pfloyd09]

WARNING: I am an IT guy, not a mechanic..

So I'm about to put the money down to buy a 3S-GTE, and although I've listened to the podcasts, read more about Celicas than I have anything else in the last year, I am still not 100% sure on this. So many options, conflicting opinions, and ways to do this.

I have tried to find a Gt-4 clip at a reasonable price, but they all seem to run about $2500 and up, plus $600 to $1000 for shipping. It seems pretty easy to find a 3S-GTE engine with the harness, ECU, etc.. for about $1,500.

I know there are serious advantages to the clip, but is it worth the extra $1,500 to $2,000 to get it vs. just the engine with the needed parts? Examples of engine only, below.

http://www.6gc.net/forums/index.php?showto...p;#entry1022776

http://www.ebay.com/itm/JDM-94-98-TOYOTA-C...382&vxp=mtr

So if I buy one of those, or equivalent, what else would I need to acquire, and would it truly be better to buy the clip with the difference in $$ considered? I could see getting a clip at that price if it had a bumper and hood in good condition, but the only one I've found that fits that bill is $4,000, and would have to be shipped from Hong Kong.

Is there a better source for JDM engines/clips than what I see on ebay? I don't have unlimited funds to do this swap right now, but can swing the motor only, and some extra parts if needed. Will have to wait a month or two if the clip is the way to go. If I dip too deep into savings for this, the wife aggro may get a bit hot..

If there is a thread that covers this already, please enlighten me.

[lagos]

There are so many small pieces you need for a 3S-GTE swap that you won't get with just the engine. The clip is hands down the way to go.

I know it's easier, without a doubt, but is it really $1,500 to $2,000 worth of small parts? Can any of them come from the MR2 or other sources?

Yes, I'm clueless, but trying hard to learn.

Thanks for the input!

Missing parts are not the only problem. One thing that people forget is that when you get a clip, you get to label every hose and connector that you remove, take lots of pictures, etc... so that you know exactly where everything should go in your car. This is not an issue for everyone, but if you're new to working on cars (like most of us were at some point) then having a clip is actually a very valuable thing to have. Imagine just getting an engine and not knowing what goes where and why...

So for a first time swapper, its a good idea. But is the price worth it? Id say yes as long as you are getting a good condition gt4 hood and bumper out of the deal. Those two alone are worth the extra price.