3S-GE / 3S-GTE Conversions

The 3SGE and 3SGTE are important engines in the Toyota line-up.  It is the most potent of all the Toyota 4 cylinder engines in the important 2000cc class.  Celica, Camry, MR2, RAV4, and Corolla owners can benefit by upgrading to this engine.

For Celicas, Camrys, MR2s, and RAV4s- equipped with the 3S, 3SFE, 5SFE- engines the natural upgrade is the 3SGTE with horsepower ranging from 200 to 245 HP in the different generations.  With minor bolt-on upgrades power up to 300 is attainable.  Internally-built engines can produce up to 350 safely.  The standard transmissions can be used, but be aware that you are running a lot more horsepower.

For a milder set-up the 3SGE may be adequate.  Naturally aspirated the 3SGE is available from 140 to 210 HP.  The 2nd generation (never imported to the US) produces 170 HP and relatively cheap.  This has compatibility with parts from the US engines, and is therefore easier to get parts for.  The 3rd generation has 200 HP, and we support parts for this engine.  The 4th generation with VVTi has 210 HP, but is very expensive.

With such a wide choice of engines, it is more the budget rather than HP availability that will determine your choice.  Converting engines will require changing harness, ECU, AFM, related relays and igniters.  No these are not legal in the US, unless you use US model engines (which limit you to the 1st generation 3SGE and 3SGTE, in the Celicas, or the 2nd generation 3SGTE in the MR2s and AllTracs).

Japanese imported engines do not have EGRs- an important smog device required in US engines.  It is impossible to modify a non-EGR head.  Emission controls in Japan are stricter than the US, so the engines actually run cleaner, but they will fail any visual smog inspection.

Celica Notes:  Any S engined Celica is relatively easy to do, if you have all the correct parts.  Celicas with the A engines will require a new transmission, new engine brackets and new power steering and ac lines. For turbo, read the following MR2 notes.  Stick with the 2nd generation engines as it has a built-in air-to-air intercooler.

MR2 Notes:  Turbo conversions are best done using the 3SGTE, rather than turbo kits.  3SGTEs drop in easily with minor rewiring and the usual new resistors, igniters, and relays.  You need the correct engine harness, ECU, and AFM.  We normally stock complete conversion kits.  Changing transmissions is not critical, but if you plan very heavy use go get the turbo transmission.  This will require new axles, depending on the year model of the transmission, ABS, LSD, etc.   The 3SGE is a good substitute to the 5SFE, in fact in Japan it is the standard normally aspirated engine.  For the ultimate- drop a 3SGTE in an AW11!

Corolla Notes:  The 3SGE and 3SGTE engines have been installed in the FWD and RWD Corolla models.  In RWD configuration, new intake and exhaust manifolds need to be fabricated or the original units reoriented, since these engines were originally designed and installed at an angle.  See our list of RWD conversion parts- NOTE this is to fit the 3SGE or 3SGTE into a RWD chassis, not to convert cars to RWD.  The only exception is the 4th generation VVTi engines that came in RWD form only!  In FWD, new brackets for the engine and transmission need to be fabricated.

These are general guidelines.  We have no step-by-step instructions to do these conversions, since there are a lot of variables involved.  Do not attempt if you are doing this conversion by yourself and feel you are not up to the task or your shop has never done one before.  See the 3SGE / 3SGTE TECH NOTES also. 

 

Copyright 1999 / 2000 © Toysport Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Toysport website content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Toysport. Toysport shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.