Resurecting a Celica - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Puffie40 · 09-18-2008, 01:06 AM

I'm looking at a '88 celica that has tossed a rod through the block. The rest of the car is in great shape, which is what interests me in this car. I just need to pull out the engine, and it should be fine...

So I need an engine. The first thought I have is I have a wrecked '92 AWD Corolla with a 4AFE that I could stuff in it (I hesitate to do that: I sorta plan to make a heck of a buggy out of it... I COULD ask if it's possible to convert this celica into a AWD, but looking at the other posts here, that would cause you to wail and tear your hair out in frustration

)

My only concern is if the bolt pattern on the engine would fit up with the bellhousing... Should I be concerned?

I was going to check the prices for a replacement engine for the car (Cover my options), but the 4AFE I have would be the cheapest to swap out.

SnowRocker88 · 09-18-2008, 12:16 PM

4a-gze?

Puffie40 · 09-18-2008, 06:53 PM

I forgot to mention that it's a Celica GTS with a 5-spd. Internet says the engine for that one is a 3S-GE?

I talked to a wrecker today and I was told that I would be paying as much to repower it with a different engine than just simply finding another engine (About $800, and it has to come from Ontario). (They had a '88 GT (Also a 5-spd) in their yard- I guess that would be a 3S-FE?)

Another thought I had was pulling that 3S-FE mentioned above and throwing the head/intake manifold/whatever-makes-it-a-GE onto that block - I just need the block right? And the engine codes tell me the engine (And hopefully the bolt mounts!) should be the same...

SnowRocker88 · 09-22-2008, 01:09 PM

If it's a 3S engine, I'd go with a 3S-GTE. Just buy the engine, harness and ECU and you'll be one VERY happy Celica owner. Do an e-bay search!

jlspec · 09-22-2008, 07:30 PM

Sounds like your trying to get the car backup and running without spending too much. If that's the case then just find your self a 3S-GE which should be around a 600-800 and drop it in.

Puffie40 · 09-22-2008, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Sounds like your trying to get the car backup and running without spending too much.

You hit it square on the head there. While I would love to get a GTE in there (The Hollllyyyy Graaaailllllll.....

) The budget is the main controller.

Thats why I suggested taking that 3sfe and converting it to a GE: I can get that one for 400 (That is, if they pull it...), and there is no shipping on top of that.

Puffie40 · 10-07-2008, 12:01 PM

I found a JDM 3SGE for a reasonable price, however, I heard there are minute differences in the JDM engines, the main one being it does not have a EGR valve. Will these engines swap in okay?

Corolla_reps · 10-07-2008, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SnowRocker88

If it's a 3S engine, I'd go with a 3S-GTE. Just buy the engine, harness and ECU and you'll be one VERY happy Celica owner. Do an e-bay search!

just go 3SGTE...my friend had a 1990 GT...damn that car was quick.....

KooL · 10-07-2008, 04:37 PM

check craigslist, you might be able to get a good local deal

SnowRocker88 · 10-08-2008, 12:29 PM

I drive a 91 MR2T with the 3SGTE...just save the extra bit and go for the gold. It's not that expensive. If you wanted to go "balls to the wall" then a 3rd gen 3SGTE is only about $3k...you can get a 2nd gen GTE for pretty darn cheap. $1200 on e-bay but on some sites (mr2.com mr2oc.com) you'll find them at a good price!

Pineapple · 10-08-2008, 12:57 PM

You can't run 3S-FE with 3S-GE ECU. Also you need to get the same generation 3S-GE. Anything else means ECU, wiring and the whole swap deal. Unless you can and find a donor car with everything you need, it'll cost you more.

SnowRocker88 · 10-08-2008, 01:17 PM

the $1200 3SGTE's on e-bay include even transmission and axles....including the ECU and wiring harness. My point is that you dont have to change motor mount positons or re-route coolant lines or throttle cables... MY point was it's very compatable. I never said the ECU would work...

I'm no noob...

SnowRocker88 · 10-08-2008, 01:23 PM

Here ya go!

Just for the OP!

I have to throw the disclaimer that I don't have extensive knowledge of Celicas but I do know MR2's pretty darn well, as well as the 3S and 5S engines. Even some knowledge of 5VZ engines...

Rick89GTS · 10-09-2008, 01:22 AM

^True all that, but the least fuss is going with the 3SGE; solid, reliable for daily driving and uses regular fuel, not premium like the 3SGTE.
I've got both engines and I prefer the 3SGE for city and daily driving. Economical but still plenty fun to drive. The 3SGE is a marvelous little engine.

SnowRocker88 · 10-09-2008, 11:02 AM

Yea. I understand where you're coming from. I'm just a HUGE fan of the 'T' in GTE!

They're reliable but do demand proper maintenance and premium fuel. But I vote that it's well worth it. To put your fut down and the car returns by throwing your head back! GREAT FEELING!