98 ss2 and 98 ss3 difference? Options

[celica_maori]

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

[neophile]

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.