Engine Swap. Please help - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

elgallogiro · 07-10-2009, 03:12 PM

Hello everyone,

I have a 1992 MR2 N/A and want to swap to a turbo engine. I have no clue where to begin and what it is that I need. I've heard a lot about the 3SGTE engine, I'm guessing that's the engine that came on a 2nd gen turbo MR2. Just want to know if I'm getting in over my head with the swap. Anyway, obviously I need the engine, but what else would I need? Also, what do I look for in a used engine? I've seen some on ebay but I really don't know what to look for. I'm confused about the ECU and harness and whether its a full clip or rear clip. I've heard some people say I need a new transmission and other say that the 5sfe tranny will be fine. What about brakes, and the clutch? Is the swap difficult to do? I would probably not do it myself. I live in San Diego, in case anyone knows who can do swaps over here. Any help would be appreciated.

Good looking out

***MR2Jedi*** · 07-10-2009, 05:12 PM

This subject has been covered many times over. I suggest using the search button and all your questions will be answered.

moogleX · 07-11-2009, 12:00 AM

not sure why there has never been a sticky of this. or why people feel the need to repeat "just buy a turbo instead"..... to which i whole heartily agree.....but the key word being the fact this person already HAS the 92 N/A. you could recommend selling it and purchasing a turbo, as there are plenty available still. here, eBay, cars.com and even mr2oc.com
if your intent on doing a swap for any variety of valid reasons, then the search feature would yield the needed information. to answer some of the basic questions

1. if you plan on letting a shop complete all the work, it will be more than you think. a simple engine swap is around 14 or so "book" hours. and even though the mr2 was made to handle the 3s or 5s. its still more custom work involved. not to mention the other things to be replaced.

2. usually a "front" clip is the whole front of the car cut at the firewall between the engine and the passenger compartment. where as the rear clip should include everything from the passenger compartment firewall back as its a mid/rear engine car. depending on the donor car, don't forget the 3s-gte was used in the celica line-up as well as the mr2. do some research on Wikipedia for more info

bottom line, read everything that's included with the sale/auction and DON'T ever assume something will come with that's not specifically listed in writing.

3. used engine. any used engine guide should work. the standard line up of compression tests and whatnot to make sure it works or does not have any major problems. if they were dissembled without testing, look else ware. they cant just start it up once its all apart and there will be 900 excuses as to why, just find a good eBay rating or ask for advice from someone who has already done a swap or replacement.

im not going to ask how old or what your budget is. im just going to say unless you have 5k+ cash laying around to do a swap. Plan on being a mechanic and having a second car to drive. price seams awfully similar to a turbo mr2.... cough cough

elgallogiro · 07-11-2009, 03:08 PM

Thanks to everyone that has replied so far. I have done some more research on this site and some questions have been answered. I personally think I may be getting in over my head with the swap. I have looked at buying a turbo and then selling my N/A, it's a tough choice because I love the car. One question that I still have is, if I buy a turbo MR2, would it be easier dropping the same engine with fewer miles, like the ones coming out of Japan? And how complicated would it be? I guess it would not be a swap, but just installing a "newer" engine. I think buying a turbo MR2 might be the easier route, plus i always wanted a T-tops.

tr1pl3b813 · 07-11-2009, 09:05 PM

i have a 91 n/a with a jdm gen 3 3sgte, and idk if it will be different, you might need ignition box, turbo pressure sensor, ecu, wiring harness, and that all i can remember right now, as far as the rear clip. idk because mine was never cut and a diff. one put on. gl with the swap.

moogleX · 07-12-2009, 11:01 AM

there would be no need to replace the engine if you got a turbo mr2. they are good for quite a bit of power and longevity. maybe a rebuild, and of course making sure everything else is in good working order.

edit: was in response to elgallogiro saying if it would be better to buy a turbo and then swap a jdm 3s in.

tr1pl3b813 · 07-12-2009, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moogleX

there would be no need to replace the engine if you got a turbo mr2. they are good for quite a bit of power and longevity. maybe a rebuild, and of course making sure everything else is in good working order.

the guys got a n/a!
if you talk about my car, its a n/a chassis and a jdm gen3 3sgte swap.

91MR2quickNA · 07-12-2009, 11:36 PM

There's nothing wrong with an N/A. It's good for learning the ropes of an MR car. I chose to stay N/A, albeit with a little more power and torque than a stock turbo with eventual CA smog certification too.

The MR2 boards (mr2oc.com and mr2.com/forums) have a useful amount of material on n/a to turbo swaps you might want to look at.

copternadle · 07-31-2009, 03:39 AM

I ordered the same borla exhaust too, and love the way it sounds it also looks very nice. I have people asking me all the time what kind of exhaust it is because it sounds so good. I got mine from borla parts here, borla 11758 and was pleased with the price a delivery time. You should also check craigslist sometimes you can find a used set.