Need some help on engine swap!, some question's on the 3s-gte engines I've been looking at Options

[ssnake86]

Hi I've been considering swaping a 3s-gte engine into my 94 Celica. I'm pretty sure i cracked my head on my 5s-fe, dont know the condition of the block. But i love my celica and have put some money into it, and have always wanted to swap this engine in. I'm kinda warey about the maintnece on a turbo engine, especially cause it's being swaped in. is it possible to find a 3s-GE? i couldnt find any.

I'm not experinced enough to take on a project like this myself, so i would be having someone else do it. I would like to get your guys opion of some things, cause i know most of you are more experinced with this stuff then I am.

these are the two engines ive been looking at. Both from the same seller.

http://tigerjapanese.athoss.com/product_in...products_id=235 - $1,190


http://tigerjapanese.athoss.com/product_in...products_id=244 -$890

I was looking at these cause there in my price range and pretty low mileage. (25k-40k)

1. First thing i want to know if I'm looking in the right place. Another wards is this seller reliable and are the engines in good condition like they say. They dont seem to be as informitive as someother websites ive seen. It be great if someone here has bought from them before and can give me there opinion.

2.one of my questions is what generation 3s-gte engines are these? comes with awd tranny so does that mean its the 90-93 celica's? so 2nd gen?

3. Is the 1200 engine worth getting over the cheaper one? only thing i notice different is the intercooler that comes with it, or is this a more recent gen engine? would it be a better idea to buy an intercooler seperatly and get one i know is good, or would this one do?

4, I noticed they both come with an AWD tranny. i have the tranny that comes with the 5s-fe. would it be better to go with the AWD tranny? is there any more work to be done cause its AWD?

My tranny cant be in the best of condition as its got 140k miles on it. And just doesnt feel like it used to.

5. I would be having it done in Sol Cal, im from San Diego. can anyone who lives in this area and has had a swap done for them recommend a place? (yea this should probably be in it on topic itself)

6. If these arnt good engines, can you recommend somethign that better? maybe newer gen or better price and quality.

7. I'm fron california, how will the 3s-gte go with are emission laws here?

8. Lastly can anyone give me a price estimate on how much it would cost to have the engine swaped in? after parts. $1,500?

Thank you so much to whoever can help in the slightest bit. much appreciated

[playr158]

2) 2nd link is a first gen motor 1st link is a 2nd gen motor (ie 5th gen celica)
3) rather get the 2nd gen motor
4) you need a GT(5sfe) tranny not the AWD tranny

6) BUY A CLIP do not do not buy just a motor
7) you'd have to pay someone off in order to pass
8) ball park seams to be around 3000$

everyone highly suggests getting a clip
http://www.jarcoinc.com
http://www.venus-auto.com
i think best deal is here
http://www.superiortradinginternational.com/

This post has been edited by playr158: Apr 12, 2006 - 5:12 PM

[ssnake86]

what is a clip compared to just the engine? always read the term but never knew what it entailed.

[playr158]

a clip is basically the front half of a car...
they cut the car into pieces for this purpose right between the dash board and the front seats and they will send you the entire front (dashboard forward)


This post has been edited by playr158: Apr 12, 2006 - 5:20 PM

[ZacMan1987]

Something that playr didn't mention is that with a clip you get the wiring harness (essential!) and the stock ECU also essential.

[ssnake86]

so there's no way to get this engine smoged in california with out doing it illegaly? i dont even know where to begin to look for someone who would smog it under the table...

[phattyduck]

so there's no way to get this engine smoged in california with out doing it illegaly? i dont even know where to begin to look for someone who would smog it under the table...

Generally, Japanese motors are illegal to run in the US and/or CA, except for off-highway use. This is one of those 'you gotta pay to play' things...

-Charlie

[madmods]

Listen to playr. Go with the clip. It should have the harness and ecu in it.

Its very easy to pass smog in California. Find a small shop in the hood that says: Pass smog guranteed for
$$$. I gurantee you will pass it. They usually have another car hooked up and your info is plugged in the computer. I know, because i have done it several times when i lived in cali. Find the smallest most run down shop you can. Make sure you tell the guy, heres my money you gurantee I will pass right???? You will pass

This post has been edited by madmods: Apr 14, 2006 - 12:25 AM

[bigal004321]

And expect to spend about 4,000 to do the swap, especially if someone is doing it for you. The clip + shipping will run around 2000-2500, then you need tune up parts such as timing belt, oil change, water pump. You need a new fuel pump, someone needs to do the wiring, i wouldnt let a shop do the wiring they would mess it up to all hell, tweak or DG onhere can hook you up with that for a $$ though. And dont forget about miscallaneous costs that always seem to pop up like buying new tools to do this swap. Furthermore, i would not let a shop try this swap, it is a pretty common swap but most shops dont know how to approach it. DO the swap yourself and learn about the car. That is the advice someone gave me, which i am putting to use right now. It is alot of fun that you would be missing out on. Plus doing the swap youself will save yourself around 1000. Need anymore help let us know.

Bigal

PS there are alot of links about this swap so with a little research on this site and ones like it youll figure out what to do.