For a while now, i've been doing research on engine swaps for my 88' 4dr corolla which has, I believe, a 4AF engine in it. After considering the options with regard to time, engine power, and money, I decided on a 3SGTE swap from an MR2. I talked to the guy that will be installing the engine for me and he has some concerns about the wiring. Mainly, the fact that my engine computer has 30 pins while the 3SGTE has 60 pins. According to him, the entire wiring harness will have to be removed and replaced with the new one. Is this what has to be done or is there another way to go about it? Also, for those who know what they are talking about, how long do you think such a swap will take and how much would you charge? An aproximate estimate will be fine. Thanks!
anytime you put a different engine in, you'll always (or at least almost always) have to change your computer too. your computer on a 4 cyclinder carb'ed engine won't run a turbo'ed EFI engine
I sure hope your pockets are deep! A 3S-GTE into your 'rolla is going to require a bit of fab work, mashing of the firewall, etc. to get the 3S to fit.
Your best bet is to get a rear clip so you have everything you need. You're going to want to integrate the 3S-GTE's engine harness into your car. No way around that...
Don't forget you're going to have to run fuel lines and convert to an EFI fuel tank.
So, between $2000-3000 for a front clip (depending on which gen 3SGTE you're after), not sure what labor would cost...quite a bit, we'll say $2000 to be generous. Wow, about $4,000 to convert...and you'll still be FWD
I sure hope your pockets are deep! A 3S-GTE into your 'rolla is going to require a bit of fab work, mashing of the firewall, etc. to get the 3S to fit.
Your best bet is to get a rear clip so you have everything you need. You're going to want to integrate the 3S-GTE's engine harness into your car. No way around that...
Don't forget you're going to have to run fuel lines and convert to an EFI fuel tank.
So, between $2000-3000 for a front clip (depending on which gen 3SGTE you're after), not sure what labor would cost...quite a bit, we'll say $2000 to be generous. Wow, about $4,000 to convert...and you'll still be FWD
-Tim
...and what exactly is wrong with FWD???
Don't let any of the Camry forum guys hear you talk like that...
I have a Gen2 V6 5-speed Camry that's been modified since Day One, and it runs extremely well. I also picked a Gen2 I4 Camry 5-speed that I'm fixing up as my new daily driver.
I have just as much fun with my V6 Camry as I do with my RWD 82 TE72 Corolla and my 72 Datsun 510.
With the LSD upgrade, it will run ever better...
Ultimately, it's up to him whether or not he finds the project worth his while.
No need to be negative, because anything is possible.
Well, considering my options, $4000 for the swap doesn't seem that bad.
1. Buy a new car ($12000-$25000) obviously depending on what model I get.
2. Buy a better used car ($5000-$10000) + any modification I do to improve performance and looks. There are cars that are cheaper but the miles on the car are high which means I probably would still have to do a swap.
3. Keep my current car. Add a $4000 swap + $4000 give or take on tire, rims, suspension, paint, body kit?,
If anybody has any other options to add I will surely consider them. Eventually I'm going to have to choose one because my car is starting to get a little sluggish with 151000 miles on the engine. I lean more towards option 3 because I want to get more involved with modifying cars and making it a hobby. Any input is appreciated. Thanks!
Nothing's wrong with FWD. If he gets LSD, he might be alright. But if it's open diff...and he's into drag...pfft..good luck getting traction.
-Tim
Hi Tim,
Although RWD has better traction than FWD, I wouldn't "thumbs-down" FWD.
In addtion, you also have to consider that most cars by default come with open diff, regardless of whether it's FWD or RWD. Remember, not all RWD come with posi or LSD. My TE Corolla came with open diff from the factory as well as my Datsun.
As a result, sooner or later you're more likely to end up going with a LSD upgrade if your project objectives call for that need.
Benny, the only person who can really consider the options is you.
It's up you as to how far you want to go with the car.
Keep in mind that if this is a short term project, then perhaps you may not want to make the investment. If you were to do the project then decide later to sell the car, keep in mind that you won't get the money that you've invested in it.
I invest into the cars I have because I know I am keeping them.
They are my toys as far as I'm concerned so I'll do whatever I want with them.
Just something for you to consider as you weigh out your options....
Hey, I'm not FWD. It's just that my AE92 with the GZE swap and open diff makes for no traction. I couldn't get traction until 3rd and by that time, the 1.8T VW was half way down the 1320. Granted, with a supercharger, you get boost a lot sooner as opposed to waiting for a turbo to spool. Caught up to him quick though
Back to the original question and answer.
You will need the 3SGTE's ECU, and you will need the 3SGTE's original wire loom.
You will then wire this into the current loom of the car.
e.g. connect the Ignition relay to the 3SGTE's loom - it is quite a hassle.
So you either will have a custom NEW loom, or using the original 3SGTE loom altered slightly to work in your car.
I wired 2 looms in, a 4E-FTE ECU and ENGINE, from scratch (had the ECU harness cut shortly after the plugs), and similarly on a Honda 16VTEC (can't remember its code name).
Good luck
Oh, and don't let anyone put you down, if you really wish for something, and afford it, GO FOR IT! at the end of the day, you are to satisfy yourself and not what others think
__________________
You shouldn’t drive for the thrill, but for the pleasure of tasting the control…
Fortunately, Toyota is consistent. That is, color-coding is relatively consistent. There aren't a whole lot of wires left over. You've got the main engine harness that goes straight to the ECU and then misc. wires that go to the cluster, idle-up diodes, etc.
Wiring isn't too difficult. It's more time consuming than anything.
My experience differs. As you might now, the 4E-FTE comes on the EP91 and EP82, 2 different series of the Starlet. I was surprised that, many colours didn't match, throttle position sensor wiring was different, and more.
Whatever it is, wiring it, can be done, but might take some time...
__________________
You shouldn’t drive for the thrill, but for the pleasure of tasting the control…
If I am understanding the answer corretly, I could use the current wiring of my car and modify it to fit the 3SGTE as opposed to having to remove it all and replace it. My mechanic said he would have to removed all of the wires from the dash board like the gauges, sensors, signals, etc, and be replaced with the 3SGTE wiring harness.
By the way, I do intent to make this a long term project.
you need both wirings and you have to see what is needed and what needs to be removed of both.
You definetly don't need to take of all the wires of your dash, but you will have to for example wire the rpm signal coming out of your new 3SGTE into the current dash you have.
__________________
You shouldn’t drive for the thrill, but for the pleasure of tasting the control…
For a while now, i've been doing research on engine swaps for my 88' 4dr corolla which has, I believe, a 4AF engine in it. After considering the options with regard to time, engine power, and money, I decided on a 3SGTE swap from an MR2. I talked to the guy that will be installing the engine for me and he has some concerns about the wiring. Mainly, the fact that my engine computer has 30 pins while the 3SGTE has 60 pins. According to him, the entire wiring harness will have to be removed and replaced with the new one. Is this what has to be done or is there another way to go about it? Also, for those who know what they are talking about, how long do you think such a swap will take and how much would you charge? An aproximate estimate will be fine. Thanks!
I'm sorry dude, but the man that's doing the swap is gotta be the stupidest SOB I've ever heard of.. he doesn't know WTF he's doing. Of course the wiring harnesses are different! you're going from a 4AFE to a 3SGTE!! totally different motors!! Obviously you didn't get a 3SGTE with a wiring harness already on it. Good luck finding an uncut harness.
Actually, I haven't purchased the engine yet and I am aware that I need to find one with a wiring harness. In what sense is my mechanic "the stupidest SOB" you've ever heard of?
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
ToyotaNation.com is an independent Toyota/Lexus enthusiast website. ToyotaNation.com is not sponsored by or in any way affiliated with Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. The Toyota, Lexus and Scion names and logos are trademarks owned by Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.
That old skool feeling
Linear Mode
