89 3SGE / 3SFE interghangable parts

[89GTS]

Hi all, obviously I'm a noobie here! I need a little help here, if possible!
I have an 89 Celica GTS with the 3SGE in it. The engine runs, but it knocks in the bottom end when it gets over 2000rpm. Obviously a DEEP problem. I just purchased a 3SFE JDM engine off EBAY (REAL CHEAP) From what I've gathered talking to Toyota techs. The 3SFE will drop right in with little to NO problems. I'm told the EGR may be a problem, but I could disconnect it!
Well opon inspection and comparison, the 3SFE eng is a little smaller then the 3SGE. The head is completely different. They are both DOHC 16V, but the 3SFE head is WAY narrower then the 3SGE head. The exhaust manifold looks completely different to. The 3Sfe has EFI, where the 3SGE has T-VIS.

OK,OK, my question!

Can I use the block from the 3SFE and just put everything else off the 3SGE onto it?

The reason I ask is I just spent $430 US and I dont think it will fit.
And if thats the case, I have an engine for sale!

[Tommy]

oh the engine will fit, no problem...but you'll be loosing a bit of horse power.

To get it in there, you'll need a harness and computer, though.

The engines are completly different...but both cars do have Electronic Fuel Injection - EFI

You cant just take the head off of a GE and put it on a FE, valve cleareance wont work. The blocks are about the only thing shared on those 2 engines. You would need to swap pistons into the 3SFE block to get the head to fit right.

probably should have done some research first... use the search, plethara of info there/here.

[89GTS]

Thanks for the reply. Ive been checking out the past posts all the way back to page 18 now

OK, so the 3SFE will work if I replace the ECU and wiring harness? But the exhaust manifold looks completely different too. will the exhaust mani from the 3SGE fit the 3SFE?

I had originally bought the 3SFE to just drop in for a while, till I rebuilt the 3SGE. but I could donor the header till the rebuild is done!

OK, one more thing. according to thie post: http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/t64595.html
the blocks are identical? So if I find my block is bad in the 3SGE, I can strip down the 3SFE to the block and build it up to 3SGE specs?

[Tommy]

yes, the blocks are indeed identical, and yes you can use the GE manifold, infact its better than the FE one. you have to use the FE intake though.

[89GTS]

Thank you. Im off to find a harness and ECU.

[Pineapple]

Maybe you can use the GE piston in the FE block? I don't think you'll have problem running GE head on FE piston. GE piston are crowned for higher compression and the chamber is higher in the GE head. Unless the valve go really deep, it shouldn't hit the lower FE piston. And yes you'll have lower compression with the FE piston.

[fredk]

you have only 3 parts that will interchange, the block itself, the oil pan, and the ex manifold, everything else is different, even the starter is in a different place, your going to need the engine harness, and ecm, is your gts 5 speed?, i might get the ge harness and ecm off ya

[89GTS]

Im currently looking for a JDM 3SGE or 3sGTE engine, my 3SFE engine is up for sale.
Im not going through the hassle of replacing the wiring harness.

So, Anybody need a nice clean 3SFE JMD engine? $515 buys it! All I want is what I gave for it. This price includes the S/H and a new timing belt, tensioner, and water pump.

[Tommy]

its not that hard to find a wiring harness and computer...if you need one i can get you one.

i doubt anyone will buy the FE from you, unless you put it on ebay and loose some money.

[fredk]

if you dont want to modify anything, your going to need to find a gen1 ge motor, and if your getting a gte, your going to have to get the wiring and ecm for it

[89GTS]

Thats ok Tommy, Isnt it a pain in the ass to replace a wiring harness? I really dont want the headache. I'll just find another another 1st Gen. 3SGE! And, Ive already found a buyer for this 3SFE. Guy needs it for a 90 Camry! Besides, the 3SFE motor was only going to be used till, I got my 3SGE rebuilt. I really dont feel like swaping the harness and ECU, twice! But, Thank you all for your info.

[89SV21]

I was wondering if the 3sge header will be a direct replacement for the 3sfe header. I have an 89 gt and was wondering if i can put the 89 gts header on it for a bit more power. I was wondering if the new header would in fact gain me power or just be a lot of work for nothing. thanks in advance

Nick

[Pineapple]

Header will fit.