My First Post: Going to look at a AE92 with 3S-GTE Swap Tonight.

[erixon]

Hey guys, I'm in the market for a car, and tonight I am going to look at a 91 Corolla GT-S with a 3S-GTE swap. The car itself doesn't have any rust, the owner of the car sounded really nice, and very knowledgeable, and sounds like he has went through a lot to get this car running up to par. The body has 160XXXkms, and the engine has 37XXXkms. I am quite looking forward to looking at it tonight. So I don't know if many here have ever done a swap like this, but just wanted to know some general stuff of what I could look out for, good or bad. I know he still has the stock CV axles in, I was thinking that those should probably be beefed up a bit with the swap and all. Can someone tell me if there are axles that will fit without any hassle, that would suit the car? Also do you guys know if there are any places that sell AE92 parts, like whether it be body kits, tails, suspension kits, pretty much everything I guess... haha.. I'm sure I'll find some time to roam around these boards later on, but right now I'm at work, and I'm not going to have much time search, as I've got to go check out this car right after work. Thanks a lot guys, maybe I'll be here often if things go well tonight.

[92MX83]

We are eagerly looking forward to the pics, especially the engine bay, as this is an extremely uncommon swap. Kind of like Sasquatch or the yeti. Heard about such a thing, never actually seen it done. Is the car actually a runner?

[Donald]

Find out what axles are used please. You said stock axles, but stock for what, the car or the engine?
Find out as mucn detail as you can about that.
That is a question I haven't been able to get an answer to.

[jmaz87]

Yea... i find myself wondering the same thing... i doubt the celica axles fit into ae92 hubs so what did he use???

also definately pay CLOSER ATTENTION to the motor mounts... he probably left the driverside alone (hopefully re-inforced at least) then moved pass and beefed it up...

make sure he did a good job (motor isn't rocking around) and take a close look at the suspension and the wiring... check under the dash where the ecu is and see if there is a "rats nest"


AND PICS PLEASE i've only seen one!!!

[toyotaspeed90]

aw11's with 3sgte's use camry v6 stub axles (same as an aw16.... s/c mr2) axles..... the inboard shafts are huge and the outboard shafts are tiny.... direct fit in aw11's.... aw11's n/a use the same axles as ae92's.... so.....

photo of s/c axle vs n/a axle:

[REN69]

If it's the same car I'm thinking of, we have pictures of it on our forums, Dark gray AE92 with hoodscoop... I believe he's in Edmonton or Calgary area at least.

3sgte in ae92 GTS

[erixon]

I looked at it tonight, yeah that is the car, the dark grey one. He has cleaned up the wiring a bit, I can do more of that myself if need be, I am not the most mechanically inclined dude, I know some minor stuff, enough to get me by, but I am good with wiring, as it's a part of my job. He said the only major issues is the cx axles like i said, and he figures there is a pinhole leak in the slave line. The car itself was in really good shape... there was a tiny bit of rust on the front fender, and the sunroof panel. everything seems to operate fine, everything works. Cool looking car, kind of reminds me of an old 86 celica gt-s I had backk in the day. haha. But, I think I am going to buy it. The guy seems like a down to earth dude, and he didn't seem to be screwing me around. I figure if I can do the minor repairs for starters, then once I replenish my bank account, I can keep going with it, adding on to it.

[REN69]

I believe as stated on his thread that one of the motor mounts is not attached to the car, you may have to just screw around with that one mount, maybe even weld a new mount.

[jmaz87]

Yes i've been told one side (i think driverside just needs to be re-inforced with some steel plate for added power/weight)

the pass side has to be grinded off and a new one made with 1/4" steel it's moved over a bit.

CHECK THESE WELD JOBS THEY ARE MAKE OR BREAK

[erixon]

all the engine mount work is done. he's actually done a lot in the last few months to it. its looking really good.

[kesando]

You sound almost like you have made up your mind. I would reccomend posting current pics of the car before making the purchase so that everyone could have a good look in case of any other concerns/potential problems

[erixon]

Yeah I pretty much made up my mind. I mean, it runs well, everything works, he was honest about the few problems... there is also a pinhole leak in the clutch cylinder line (the cylinder is brand new). I mean sure it might need some work somwehere along the line, but I'm good with that. The main thing is, for the most part- it seems healthy. Here is what was posted on the ad I responded to if anyone is interested.

Up for grabs is my 1990 Toyota Corolla GTS.

This car has been swapped with a JDM 2.0L turbo charged 3s-gte engine (same motor as MR2 turbo / Celica turbo).

The body is in excellent shape - and these are very hard to find in presentable condition.

Vehicle is rust free - aside from some very minimal bubbling on front wheel well, as well as slight bubbling on outer edge of sunroof. Nothing is rotten what so ever. The car was resprayed a couple years ago and the paint is in great condition. No orange peeling, no clear coat flaking/peeling, and no color fading.

Interior is immaculate aside from one small tear on the drivers side outer seat bolster. Stock seats are excellent and hold you in place very well.

Motor only has around 35 xxx km's and the factory body has a very low 162xxx km's. Turbo (CT26) is in immaculate shape and has no shaft play. The car pulls very hard and is very quick running stock boost. These motors produce around 220hp.

I have put a lot of time and money into this car cleaning things up, replacing parts with quality Toyota OEM components, and correcting the problems it once had post-swap. The car now pulls very hard, and very healthy.

SPECS:
Year - 1990
Model - GTS
Engine - turbo charged 2.0L 3s-gte
Exterior color - Charcoal gray
Interior - gray/black
162 xxx kms
5 speed manual

FACTORY OPTIONS -
Power locks
Power windows (one touch auto)
A/C
ABS
rear defroster
power sunroof
disc brakes

MAINTENANCE -
Oil changed every 4k, full synthetic - does not burn or leak a drop.
new thermostat
timing belt/tensioner
brand new distributor cap + rotor
brand new ignition coil
battery leads
ignition switch
cleaned throttle body
oem recirc valve
couplers + clamps
brand new starter
brand new ngk spark plugs + wires
brakes recently done
brand new slave cylinder
brand new bridgestone potenza rubber
etc.

MODS -
cone filter + MAF adaptor
aero side skirts
custom 4agze hood/scoop
Optima red top battery
momo steering wheel
momo wheel hub
momo rocker plates
momo floor mats
momo shift knob
momo ebrake cover
momo pedals
short shifter
rear window tint
aftermarket cd deck
lowering springs
HKS exhaust system

Wheels:
The car is now sitting on 17" 7 spokes (freshly coated green) wrapped in brand new bridgestone potenza rubber.
Pictures display winter steelies/rubber. I'll have pics up ASAP of current rims.

This car is in great condition and builds a lot of interest. The 3S-GTE is a very cool swap, and it fits great in the AE92's engine bay. Solid and interesting sleeper-ish car, with all power options, extremely low kilometers, and is very clean.

Matters of attention:
- Has developed some axle chatter and will need replacement at some point

[seddy08]

It is in my opinion that this car is tight.

[REN69]

I'm surprised he never posted it here OR at dorikaze, how much is he asking for it if you don't mind asking.

[erixon]

I am giving him $3200 for it, with the 17" rims.