Challenges when using an MR2 Clip for 3SGTE swap, Would like to get some solid info on this... Options

[Dr_Tweak]

Let's say that I'm doing a 3SGTE swap into a 6th gen and I'm using an E153 tranny. Wouldn't picking up an MR2 clip be a cost-effective method? That way I already have the right tranny and I don't have an AWD one to get rid of, already have the inner axle parts, etc. Just need to modify the tranny for FWD which doesn't take very long. Now, I know that the alternator bracket has to be changed (with one from what? A Celica 3SGTE? What else will fit? 5SFE? And why does it need to be changed?), but what other specific obstacles are there to putting an MR2 3SGTE into a Celica?

-Doc

This post has been edited by Dr_Tweak: Feb 12, 2006 - 1:09 AM

[lagos]

lol, not you too tweak!

it probably wont be a major issue for you, because you have done swaps before, know the 3sgte motor, probably have tons of spare 3sgte parts laying around, know all about redoing a wiring harness, etc... but it would be a nightmare for a 1st time swaper.

im probably going to forget everything, but ill try.

altinator is in the back of the motor, and needs to be moved to the front, along with the wiring harness and a st185 bracket that bolts to the front

coolant water lines (the metal ones on the right of the motor) are different... so hooking it up to your front radiator will be a little different.

the water neck that goes over the thermostat MIGHT be different also, but im not sure about that one.

dipstick and tube is totally different and needs to be swaped over to a st185 one. ive had a friend tell me that he had a hard time bolting his 185 tube to the mr2 motor, but ended up figuring something out in the end.

wiring harness needs to be totally rerouted and probably extended in more then one place because the ecu on an mr2 is in the trunk, while the interrior plugs are split to the front. stuff like ignitor/coil,etc... are also in different spots then on a st185 car

your radiator fans will stay on at all times, becasue the mr2 3sgte wring harness dosnt have a plug for the raitator water temp sensor as part of its engine harness.

This post has been edited by lagos: May 8, 2006 - 12:59 PM

[jgreening]

good post Art.

[celica3sgte]

Oh snap, definetely a trade off with the st185 motor. Both have pros and cons. I'd say the st185 motor with the solara tranny might be the way to go.

[madmods]

good post Art.

Agreed, He knows his stuff

[scothaniel]

Dont forget power steering - MR2 uses an electric pump.

[DG_Performance]

Oh snap, definetely a trade off with the st185 motor. Both have pros and cons. I'd say the st185 motor with the solara tranny might be the way to go.

I totally agree with this method! You are just making yourself more work swapping out parts that would already be ready with the st185 compared to if you buy a mr2 clip. Wiring it would be a total nightmare cause the harness is completely setup different.
I have both a celica and a mr2 that i have swaped 3s motors into and i say..... Not worth it! But that is my opinion.
dg

This post has been edited by DG_Performance: Mar 3, 2006 - 10:37 PM