3S-FE Mods, Any Ideas ??? Options

[yellow94]

My name is Joe. I am currently living in Okinawa Japan. I own a yellow 94 SS-I, with a 3S-FE. Can anyone give me some ideas on how I can squeeze some HP out of that thing. I plan on bringing the car back to the states with me, but everything has to be original to the car. Which means no engine swap. If anyone has any ideas please let me know. I am a mechanic, but i am having a hard time getting a straight answer on this engine. i.e. swapping heads?? Rav-4 turbo ?? any ideas....please!

[jontechie]

Hi Joe, you got one helluva challenge there. I used to own the 3SFE and know how
underpowered it is. I think its the weakest of the lot. I went through the usual
route with air filter exhaust and even chipping but was still unhappy with it.
The engines optimised for regular unleaded so even switching to higher grade
fuel doesn't give you any real advantage. You didn't want to hear the words "engine swap", so if you haven't done any of the above try lightening the
car to boost its power to weight ratio (carbon hood, flywheel etc),

Jon

[BenMMellor]

[jontechie]

[Junior]

GE head.

[yellow94]

I have another question. I am a mechanic, but am new to the import scene. Are the blocks the same? (FE, GE, GTE ) I can build an engine, ship it to the states, and then drop it in. So if the blocks are the same, there are hundreds of junkyards over here filled with FE's, and GE's. I would like to know becasue I have found several manual GE's that i can steal the tranni from. But it all depends if the blocks are the same. I really need some ideas. I refuse to find a GTE. I want to build my own monster!! Like i said, i am new to the import scene. I would appreciate any opinions!

[Junior]

the 3s in the engine code refers to the block. So any motor with 3S has the same block. The internals may be different for Turbo applications, but the set up is the same.

[1bwilson]

Your options for big power with out a swap are these.

1. Major work on your FE head...IE: Cams, Larger Valves, P&P head and IM.

Or..

2. Use the 3sge or 3sgte head. With this you will have a head that already out performs the FE head and has alot more room for addition. To install the GE head on a FE set up block you may need to bore out your water jackets. Also you will need a engine harness from that head, timing belt and tensioner, cams ect ect... You may also need stuff like coolent lines, vaccume lines, water pump.

While you have the head off for either option I highly recomend getting new forged pistons and rods. And a metal headgasket.

Once you have a strong running engine then you can think about adding boots to the equation.

-Bryan-

[Andason]

I say since your in Japan just hand pick a clip and send it. Youd probably save money in the long run by just picking one of those up and not trying to rebuild your motor.

[yellow94]

Hey, thanks for all the help you guys! I really appreciate it! Now i can go pick up a block and start building. It may take a little time, and money, but in the long run it will be worth it. I will definately keep y'all posted on any problems i may run into. Thanks again for the help.

-Joe

[Zakir]

[COLOR=blue][FONT=Times][SIZE=7][B] I am based in Barbados and also have the same engine in my Celica.

I have tried to look for the upgrade for this and have come to a standstill.

It looks like a engine swap or just purley use it for show and then go and purchase another model that will allow upgrade.

In the mean time if you do get any hints or advise about upgrades please let me know.

my email add is zpatel@caribsurf.com

Regards
Zakir