1986 Celica GTS (st162) - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

comatoseghost · 03-22-2008, 02:38 PM

hello.
You guessed it, I'm new here, and this is the post where I pretend anyone will read this.
My aunt gave me this car years ago. A mechanic friend did some work and tryed to talk me out of keeping it. Now that I've taken some auto classes and am currently enrolled, I feel much more comfortable doing my own work, recently I began prep work to pull the engine out and have really been driving myself crazy trying to come up with a direction to take. At first I was convinced I would simply rebuild the engine to stock specs. Then I began to feel like that was a waste. Since then I've considered attempting to boost it, but recently changed my mind and had to admit to myself that most everyone is right to say that its not really worth building your own turbo set up (aka the 3sge-T) when there are factory turbo engines just waiting to be put in to something. For example, I found a 1st gen 3sgte for just under 900 including shipping. Actually I must admit, I'm still trying to decide if i should try to get that motor (or something similar) and rebuild it for insurance, or if I should try to build up the stock 3sge I have to higher compression.

i need some suggestions.

rebuild 3sge for higher compression?
don't bother and get a similar gen 3sgte?

OR

possibly pull a left and go another route, like a 3rd gen 3sge or try to save for a second gen 3sgte?

what should I do?

anyways, I'll be steady researching and what not, so holler!

jlspec · 03-23-2008, 01:09 AM

Save a little more for the 2nd gen 3S-GTE. There is more support for it over the 1st gen plus the engine is alround better. That's 200 hp and 200 lb/tq for such a light car. Since your GT-S doesn't not have the hood scoop you would either want to custom your hood or go for a front mount intercooler.

comatoseghost · 03-23-2008, 10:06 PM

Right on. I think you are right, it is worth waiting, but how many people have a 2nd gen 3sgte in a 4th gen celica? Not including the wire harness conversion, how difficult or really how hard is this swap compared to the same production year turbo swap?
Just to be honest with myself I must admit, I am not patient enough to wait till I can afford a 2nd gen 3sgte, so I think I will rebuild the stock engine to stock specs, then take it from there.

What parts should I replace while the engine is out? Anything important thats usually much harder to get to? Also, has anyone changed out their own wheel bearings for a 4th gen? If so, do you need a press, or are there home alternatives?
thanks