Beams or 4th Gen 3S swap? Options

[massbrandon]

ok friends. the time has come to get the things together to do a swap. since being on this board ive contemplated doing the 5sfte and the swap. well after months of deliberation ive decided to do a swap. my 5sfe has 133k on it so thats the only reason Ive shyed away from the 5sfte. after lots of thinking ive narrowed it down to the Beams red top and the ST215. I want you guys opinions on the st215 and the Beams too as far as being easily modded. the reason im thinking about doing the ST215 is because here in Mass we dont have a sniffer test, just the OBDII. I really appreciate all of your help and input on this guys. Thanks in advance.

This post has been edited by massbrandon: Sep 27, 2006 - 8:33 PM

[celica47]

hmm i dont know man. Depends on what youre looking for lol, both are Nice engines and RARE at that. BUT I THINK..... NOT SURE, but as far HP goes you will capped off with the beams and the st215 proably has more room to gain you know.

This post has been edited by celica47: Sep 27, 2006 - 8:50 PM

[block]

if u like turbo u will love the 3sgte...i had it on my mr2 and that thing flies! if you like na power go with beams. beams is such a unique engine. its a very nice and clean engine. if i were you i'd go with the beams just because it's so pretty.

[eggman40]

I feel that the Beams motor Could be a bad ass motor to have, but the problem is that squeezing hp out of an NA can be difficult and real pricey! Basic bolt ons will only take you so far before you need to open the motor up to get some more power. Meanwhile the st215 will also require basic bolt ons but you will get more from them on a turbo. Not to mention if you get a boost controller and turn up the psi, it will be a HUGE difference and you will gain serious hp. Basically, you will get more for your buck with the turbo motor. Good luck man, either way i dont think you will be disappointed

[lagos]

i would vote for the st205, but its not on the list.

[uberschall]

i'm going 5sfte because i don't have the facilities or $$ to do a full swap...

but for what it's worth, i would love to see more people doing the beams swap. in my opinion, na motors are much easier to drive across the powerband, and the maintenance and tuning are much more simple. you'll be looking at about the same amount of work, though, i think.

i would go na for two reasons, i guess:

1. no BIG changes from what you're used to...pump gas, driving style, maintenance, etc.

2. na=sleeper. anyone with half a brain is going to know what you're packing if they see your ic or hear turbo whine/bov. nothing better than spanking someone at the track/strip/[other] and leaving them to wonder how a 100% stock looking & sounding car did it.

[coldbluesteel]

Talk to easternpiro he just dropped in a st215 and see how he likes it. I say go to Turbo anyway you can.
I've gone pretty far on a NA build on my 5 and it's more power across the band, but as much as I've spent so far. Already could be turbo'd with a little more top end.

[presure2]

ok friends. the time has come to get the things together to do a swap. since being on this board ive contemplated doing the 5sfte and the swap. well after months of deliberation ive decided to do a swap. my 5sfe has 133k on it so thats the only reason Ive shyed away from the 5sfte. after lots of thinking ive narrowed it down to the Beams red top and the ST215. I want you guys opinions on the st215 and the Beams too as far as being easily modded. the reason im thinking about doing the ST215 is because here in Mass we dont have a sniffer test, just the OBDII. I really appreciate all of your help and input on this guys. Thanks in advance.

i dont know who told you theres "no" sniffer test in MA...lol
why go to the 215 motor?
the 205 has a better intercooler, the manifold and downpipe are 1 peice..ect ect...stick with the 205...

[massbrandon]

I talked to the shop that does my inspection and they told me that they dont do the sniffer test. The reason I started this was to get more ideas. I messed up on the Poll title. I wanted to put just a rgular 3sgte on there but I couldnt figure out how to fix it.lol. so Art could you explain why just go with the ST205 please? and Manny what do you mean the better intercooler. I thought it was best to go FMIC? keep the info coming please guys. This is the whole reason I started this because you guys have done the swaps, done the modding and tuning. Thanks again guys.

[massbrandon]

also there is another option. Just say so if you think I should go for the ST205.

[lagos]

I talked to the shop that does my inspection and they told me that they dont do the sniffer test. The reason I started this was to get more ideas. I messed up on the Poll title. I wanted to put just a rgular 3sgte on there but I couldnt figure out how to fix it.lol. so Art could you explain why just go with the ST205 please? and Manny what do you mean the better intercooler. I thought it was best to go FMIC? keep the info coming please guys. This is the whole reason I started this because you guys have done the swaps, done the modding and tuning. Thanks again guys.

you need a lot more research before you get into this. read the stickes (again and again). check, celicatech.com , mr2oc.com , etc...

[presure2]

brandon, ill talk to you tommorow, at the meet.

[massbrandon]

ok that works. lol