2nd gen *MILD* swapout. Opinions wanted... - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Kensuke · 01-26-2004, 01:21 AM

I'm looking to replace my tired 3S-FE in my '91 Camry, and I want some opinions. This is different than most swapout threads I've seen which usually include 3S-GTEs or V6s.

I've narrowed it down to the following options:

1. JDM-spec 3S-FE
2. JDM or US spec 5S-FE
or
3. JDM-spec 3S-GE

This will be a mild swap out designed to prolong the life of my car and give it slightly more power. I absolutely do not want a blower since this is a daily driver.

The JDM 3S-FE is obviously the simplest option. I can get it done for $1200 (installed).

The 5S-FE is a interesting option, but I don't know if it'll bolt to the A140 tranny. Gen3+ Camrys had different trannies. Somebody said a 5S-FE swap can be done for as low as $750.

The 3S-GE is the most radical option, but again...I don't know how well it'll take.

I have a base model with an A140 series auto tranny. I want to keep the tranny if at all possible, and be able to run on 87 octane fuel or 89 at the worst.

Thanks.

- John

Deep · 01-26-2004, 08:10 AM

The 5S will bolt up to the A series tranny, so no worries there. But I'm not sure if you'll be able to use the stock harness/ecu. Toyota is tricky like that. If it does bolt up, then I'd say go for it, its a fair upgrade over a stock 3SFE.

Is it me or does 1200 seem a little much for a JDM 3SFE? I mean its the same motor, it drops in, right?

I'm a big fan of the 3SGE, if it comes in under budget, do that before anything else.

Talisman · 01-26-2004, 02:01 PM

3sge swap will be the hardest obviously because of the rewiring and stuff but has the most potential as far a modability.

Truthfully though, I would go with the JDM 3sfe(135hp) to save time and money. It is just a powerful as a USDM 3sge and 5sfe(actually, a little more powerful than some) and the swap should be so simple and straightforward, you could probably do it yourself.

Remember though, you have to get the newer model JDM 3sfe. The one with the square shaped plugs.

Eqoistig · 01-26-2004, 02:56 PM

Quote:

The one with the square shaped plugs.

What do you mean?

88 LE · 01-26-2004, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Eqoistig
What do you mean?

The top of the sparkplug boot. Its square like the ones on a 5S-FE.

Kensuke · 01-27-2004, 11:57 AM

$1200 is the price I got from one shop. I might be able to get it cheaper.

My only concern with a JDM engine is that I still wanna be able to run it on standard unleaded.

- John

Talisman · 01-27-2004, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Kensuke
$1200 is the price I got from one shop. I might be able to get it cheaper.

My only concern with a JDM engine is that I still wanna be able to run it on standard unleaded.

- John

Well if that is a concern, you might as well give up hopes of a JDM 3sge also.

Kensuke · 01-27-2004, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Talisman18
Well if that is a concern, you might as well give up hopes of a JDM 3sge also.

Does this mean I have to give up on ALL Japanese engines, or just the aggresive ones with the G head?

- John

Talisman · 01-28-2004, 12:45 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Kensuke
Does this mean I have to give up on ALL Japanese engines, or just the aggresive ones with the G head?

- John

I would imagine only the really aggressive ones. High compression is a good sign of it. The JDM 3sfe might work fine on regular. You said you would be willing to use 89. I would think that would be fine for the jdm 3sfe and 5sfe.

white90dx · 01-30-2004, 12:23 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Kensuke
$1200 is the price I got from one shop. I might be able to get it cheaper.

My only concern with a JDM engine is that I still wanna be able to run it on standard unleaded.

- John

Ummm... is 10% more for gas that much of a problem? I had to run 89 in my old gen2 before I crashed it because it would ping otherwise... If you want performance, you have to pay... Good luck! I hope it works out for you, whatever way you go.

-Charlie