3SGTE Swap Questions, ready to go ahead and order an engine. Options

[Soulend]

Hey everyone,

I'm rather new with working on cars so I do apologize for my ignorance before hand.

I've been interested in Modifying my ST Celica with a 3SGTE engine for a few years. I understand there is a lot of things I need for the car and that it wont just 'pop into place.' this is a project that is probably going to take a few months on my part because of its cost. but at the moment I can afford the full JDM engine, and transmission(GT one) with enough to buy some of them misc parts.

my questions are listed as I think of them so please excuse me haha.

my questions are:
1. how well do you trust Ebay auctioned engines?
2. does the stock watercooler have to be replaced by an intercooler?
3. does anyone know where i can find decently priced parts? IE engine mounts and exhust?
4. I know there were two (associated with each other) groups that would help with swapping engines at one time. the main on the east coast and the other on the west in California. I was wondering if anyone knows if these groups are still around and willing to help?
5. do I have to cut anything to make room for the engine?
6. any advice?

Soul

This post has been edited by Soulend: Apr 8, 2010 - 12:10 PM

[presure2]

Hey everyone,

I'm rather new with working on cars so I do apologize for my ignorance before hand.

I've been interested in Modifying my ST Celica with a 3SGTE engine for a few years. I understand there is a lot of things I need for the car and that it wont just 'pop into place.' this is a project that is probably going to take a few months on my part because of its cost. but at the moment I can afford the full JDM engine, and transmission(GT one) with enough to buy some of them misc parts.

my questions are listed as I think of them so please excuse me haha.

my questions are:
1. how well do you trust Ebay auctioned engines?
i would trust our member _jim_ before any ebay auction.
2. does the stock watercooler have to be replaced by an intercooler?
no, the stock W2A intercooler is quite adequate
3. does anyone know where i can find decently priced parts? IE engine mounts and exhust?
mounts you can usually find here on the board. most people have the exhaust made locally to them
4. I know there were two (associated with each other) groups that would help with swapping engines at one time. the main on the east coast and the other on the west in California. I was wondering if anyone knows if these groups are still around and willing to help?
5. do I have to cut anything to make room for the engine?
in an ST, you have to drill 2 holes for the passanger side motor mount. the dimples are there so drilling them out is easy
6. any advice?

Soul

[Soulend]

Thanks presure,

regarding the Wire Harness... if it is intact would you need to replace it still?

Soul

[_Jim_]

Your current engine harness has nothing to do with the engine harness on a 3sgte. If you swap to a GEN3 3sgte, you will use the existing harness on the 3sgte (which on the GEN3 is 98% plug and play) and just do small wiring needed to make it work with your car.

[SlvrCelica09]

Your current engine harness has nothing to do with the engine harness on a 3sgte. If you swap to a GEN3 3sgte, you will use the existing harness on the 3sgte (which on the GEN3 is 98% plug and play) and just do small wiring needed to make it work with your car.

that includes completing the clutch start sequence and making relays for the fuel pump, intercooler, and intercooler pump. Manny, Jim, Dustin(Batman), Art, and even myself can assist you with it once you get started.