3S-GTE Swap or Turboed 5SFE? - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

ChrisMann · 03-16-2005, 09:13 PM

Hey guys, i was wondering i just bought a 1990 Toyota Celica GT-S thats needs some work done it runs and everything but the engine has 178,000 miles on it. So my real question is should i get my engine rebuilt and get it turboed or just buy a 3S-GTE engine thats rebuilt?

-Chris

fredk · 03-16-2005, 09:42 PM

the 3sgte is bullet proof, the basic motor will go to 300hp and not break, or you can build it up and the wallets the limit

ChrisMann · 03-16-2005, 10:18 PM

Hey, thanks alot now the other question should i go witht he 2nd(225hp) - $1500(245hp) or 3rd - $3000 generation engine?

Aaagogo · 03-16-2005, 10:19 PM

i tink u'll get more satifaction if u go for the rebuild and turbo route..

how long do u intend to keep the car for.

fredk · 03-16-2005, 10:24 PM

what trans?

Aaagogo · 03-16-2005, 10:31 PM

if u wanna do the swap, then swap in the tranny as well, there are quite a few writeup on the swap... do a search for them, and u'll find.

ChrisMann · 03-17-2005, 10:18 AM

It has an auto transmission but i want it to be manual, also what do you mean by swapping the tranny to? would that even fit cause its a celica GT-S which is front wheel drive but are you saying that i could make that a 4wd?

ChrisMann · 03-17-2005, 10:26 AM

i found the write-up on http://www.toyotacelicaonline.com

ChrisMann · 03-17-2005, 10:29 AM

ohh ahh, i jsut saw that 5gen and 7th gen transmission swap :P

ChrisMann · 03-17-2005, 10:42 AM

ahh... nvm about having my cuzin help me put it in ill let the pros do it.

Supersprynt · 03-17-2005, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fredk

the 3sgte is bullet proof, the basic motor will go to 300hp and not break, or you can build it up and the wallets the limit

What generation? I've seen plenty of 500hp stock block 2nd Gens. 300hp is pretty common with serious tuners. Will require a new turbo however.

ChrisMann · 03-19-2005, 11:15 PM

im actually just looking for the cheapest but best way

marcuslogsdon · 03-20-2005, 01:24 PM

definatly get the 3s-gte if you want to go the turbo route. it is a much stronger motor. however if your just looking for something to drive rebuild that 5s-fe. not saying that turbocharging a 5s-fe can't be done.... it can. but it may be more more expensive than just swapping to a 3s-gte. with 180k on it it will be time to completley go through the motor ne ways. + turbo, manifold, exhaust, sencers ect.... do some research and let me know...

ChrisMann · 03-20-2005, 07:22 PM

well how about this what do you think will be cheaper and better getting my engine totally rebuilt(5S-FE) and then later on add the turbo to it, or get the 3S-GTE with 40,000 miles on it. ?

and how much do you think it would cost (an estimated guess) on how much itd be to get it rebuilt?

Supersprynt · 03-20-2005, 07:56 PM

Well what is "better." Better for what? Power or reliability? What do you want powerwise? 3sgte can reliablity deliver as much power as a 5s turbo more reliably because its designed for the power, a rebuilt 5s is not.

I did my swap for 2,000 but I did the swap myself and sourced all my parts and did my homework.