3S-GTE into All-Trac - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

'88 All-Trac · 12-01-2010, 06:25 PM

Please don't tell me to search. I did, for several hours. I found nothing that really answers my question...

I've done my fair share of engine swaps and I'm ready to take on this. This car does not have to run 100% of the time, as I have a backup vehicle. It can take me a couple months to do the swap; I won't start it for a couple years anyway.

Anyway, my question should be (hopefully) an easy one. Can I use the stock trans in an '88 Camry All-Trac with a 3S-GTE, or will there be issues? I'd quite like to keep the factory trans, I like how it is geared.

white90dx · 12-01-2010, 08:17 PM

First, I'm going to assume you have a manual transmission Alltrac... If you have the auto, you would be travelling down a different path (there is a way, it just hasn't been done before).

The factory Camry Alltrac M/T is exactly the same as the very early (first year ST165) transmission. Everything bolts up back and forth, pretty much across the board. I would suggest going with a later trans though - they are geared almost exactly the same (or exactly the same, depending on year and exact model) and have better synchros. The rear dif is exactly the same between the Celica Alltrac and Camry Alltrac, so no worries there either.

As swaps go, it is very easy mechanically and the wiring is straightforward if you have some experience with it.

-Charlie

'88 All-Trac · 12-01-2010, 09:41 PM

Yes, I should have specified that it is a manual. What do you mean by later, something like a later-year all-trac transmission? I was thinking maybe megasquirt for fuel and MSD for ignition if I can't find a harness and computer... They are rare out here.

white90dx · 12-02-2010, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by '88 All-Trac

Yes, I should have specified that it is a manual. What do you mean by later, something like a later-year all-trac transmission? I was thinking maybe megasquirt for fuel and MSD for ignition if I can't find a harness and computer... They are rare out here.

I'm talking later year Celica Alltrac/GT4 transmissions. The internals were slightly to majorly upgraded every couple years. I will be using a '95 GT4 transmission in my 3s-gte swap.

I would suggest just getting a whole front clip if you can find one. It should have everything you need to start off running the engine on the stock ECU.

Of course, I'm a bit biased as I plan on using my 3s-gte Camry Alltrac as a daily driver... easy cold start and decent mileage are good things.

-Charlie

'88 All-Trac · 12-02-2010, 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by white90dx

I'm talking later year Celica Alltrac/GT4 transmissions. The internals were slightly to majorly upgraded every couple years. I will be using a '95 GT4 transmission in my 3s-gte swap.

I would suggest just getting a whole front clip if you can find one. It should have everything you need to start off running the engine on the stock ECU.

Of course, I'm a bit biased as I plan on using my 3s-gte Camry Alltrac as a daily driver... easy cold start and decent mileage are good things.

-Charlie

And that is my issue... No all-trac celicas out my way. I can get an engine online and maybe a computer/harness combo... But certainly not a complete front clip.

I will have to start trolling craigslist, I guess... But not any time soon.

I'm broke as it is.

white90dx · 12-02-2010, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by '88 All-Trac

And that is my issue... No all-trac celicas out my way. I can get an engine online and maybe a computer/harness combo... But certainly not a complete front clip.

I will have to start trolling craigslist, I guess... But not any time soon.

I'm broke as it is.

You aren't going to find the parts you need from a US Celica Alltrac, I'll just tell you that right now.

You will need to get something like this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/JDM-9...Q5fAccessories

That's right down the street from me. You can also find ST185 clips for much less...

-Charlie

'88 All-Trac · 12-02-2010, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by white90dx

You aren't going to find the parts you need from a US Celica Alltrac, I'll just tell you that right now.

You will need to get something like this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/JDM-9...Q5fAccessories

That's right down the street from me. You can also find ST185 clips for much less...

-Charlie

But is the st205 not a more powerful vehicle with a stronger transmission?

Edit: I forgot to ask! What am I to do about CV shafts? Will the stockers work, or will I need to purchase new ones online?

white90dx · 12-03-2010, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by '88 All-Trac

But is the st205 not a more powerful vehicle with a stronger transmission?

Edit: I forgot to ask! What am I to do about CV shafts? Will the stockers work, or will I need to purchase new ones online?

The transmission in an ST205 is just an evolution of the trans already in your car. It has better synchros, and stronger gears, viscous center coupling (instead of the button-lock), but is a direct bolt-up to the Alltrac Camry.

Axles stay the same, as the transmission is the same.

-Charlie

'88 All-Trac · 12-03-2010, 06:08 PM

Sweet! That's good to hear... When this engine goes, then, I guess I'll just buy that whole package and drive out to pick it up. I can drive to Cali and back for $90...

What would you recommend for struts? I've read of that conversion thing but I'd prefer a bolt-in option...

white90dx · 12-06-2010, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by '88 All-Trac

Sweet! That's good to hear... When this engine goes, then, I guess I'll just buy that whole package and drive out to pick it up. I can drive to Cali and back for $90...

What would you recommend for struts? I've read of that conversion thing but I'd prefer a bolt-in option...

You only have a few options for struts. You can either go with Toyota factory rear struts (only replacements available) or use any of the same options that the ST185 Celica guys use. Fronts are similar, though you have more options as you can use FWD Camry stuff or Celica stuff with minor modifications.

It all depends on budget and goals.

-Charlie

'88 All-Trac · 12-06-2010, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by white90dx

You only have a few options for struts. You can either go with Toyota factory rear struts (only replacements available) or use any of the same options that the ST185 Celica guys use. Fronts are similar, though you have more options as you can use FWD Camry stuff or Celica stuff with minor modifications.

It all depends on budget and goals.

-Charlie

Yeah, I did some more searching. I think I'll go for toyota replacements.

Thanks.

Wangan · 12-07-2010, 03:59 PM

what is the real goal for the car because factory struts will probably be a soft marshmallowy ride.

'88 All-Trac · 12-07-2010, 06:13 PM

Real goal? Pavement pounder that'll go fast when I need it too but it doesn't have to handle great.

I'm not going to pop that much for coilovers. I might adapt something else eventually but for now I'll stick with 'Yota replacements.

Wangan · 12-09-2010, 08:48 PM

go fast when you need it to but doesnt' have to handle great.... there are alot of factors involved in keeping a car driving in a straight line. especially if you wanna "go fast" my fwd with a stock 3sgte is pretty much all over the road when i get on it with the lowering springs and kyb Gr2's which are an extremely slight upgrade compared to factory. granted an awd is gonna be a bit more stable but eventually enough power will have it all over the place too and stock suspension won't save you.

'88 All-Trac · 12-09-2010, 09:02 PM

True, but I also don't need it to go fast-fast. I just need it to go fast enough to get me out of trouble. I'm never going to go slamming it around at 140mph, the fastest I ever go is 110 and only if I think I can get away with it. It is by no means a track car, nor will it ever be...

Besides, my other rig is a straight-axle Geo Tracker and the caster is 6 degrees out... I'm pretty used to controlling a wandering car.