| Toyota Celica ST 185 3SGE |
|
The Celica ST 205 series got the upgraded 3SGTE 3rd Gen engines when they were introduced in 1994. This model and engine never made it to the U.S. The 3SGTE engines were discontinued in the U.S. in 1995, in the MR2s. The U.S. 3SGTEs in the St185 and MR2 turbos were the 2nd Gen type. The 3rd Gen 3SGTE turbo engines continued to be available, in Japan and the rest of the world. As installed in the Caldina, the 3SGTE had a new direct fire ignition like the 2JZGTEs and a new turbo. The turbo housing is cast as one piece including the exhaust manifold. (See related article about the CT26 as installed in the 3SGTE 3rd Gen engines).
The 3SGTE 3rd Gen engine as used in the Caldina was rated at 260 HP. This cannot be called a 4th Gen since the head is non-VVTi. The 3rd Gen 3SGTE was introduced with ”shim under bucket” head set-up. This allows radical cam upgrades without the danger of the adjustment shims flying off. It also has a reinforced lower block with an aluminum stiffener extension and a smaller regular oil pan. The timing components in front are totally different and will not interchange with earlier models, so if you need a 3rd Gen- you need all the correct parts.
We meet a lot of ‘strange customers” at Toysport and this one almost tops the other more “obsessive compulsive” types. Step-by-step photos, all original parts if possible (no modifications), and please “air freight everything……..” His bill was over $15,000- the most expensive stock engine install we have ever done. Yes everything was brand new. We anticipated a lot of demand for this Caldina engine and imported a couple of the units…. for a lot less….
We tried to sell a front mount intercooler installed and an HKS Hyper exhaust, but was voted down… he wanted all original sheet metal and stock exhaust looking tips !! We managed to talk him into a WRC front bumper though.
The brackets are mostly similar, but carry different part #s…. and the engine needed massaging to fit. The cross-member had to be modified to clear the oil pan, and the intercooler needed to be lowered 2 inches to clear the engine hood.
We ordered new wiring harnesses- engine harness #1 and #2- to keep with the owner demands of authenticity.
Rewiring was more involved than anticipated. The fuse box wiring is not on the engine harness. The connectors to the ECU were different, Japan only issues. After a lot of help from Toyota Overseas support division and the Toyota Technical Center, everything was put together, even looks factory! The only way we do conversions here at Toysport.
This ST185 was actually a new purchase! It had superficial fender and bumper damage. The steering rack and axles were rebuilt. The owner is changing colors, so the entire engine bay was stripped, down to the last bolt and clamp.
For good measure all bolts were new or re-anodized.
Copyright 1997 / 2003 © 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.