Teach me about 3SGEs

OK, I know the answer for Mk. 1 MR2s is 20v, and I may go that way with mine eventually (the 16v just runs so good it's hard to consider replacing it), but here's a question: For the Mk. 2, we here in the US got the 5SFE, the 2.2 litre Camry engine. The rest of the world got a cooking-variety 2.0 litre rated at 119 hp, with the GT model getting the 3SGE, a high-revving 2.0 making 158 hp (early) or 174 hp (late). I have read that some versions of this engine for the JDM made as much as 210 hp.

Now I know that even with the low-revving 5SFE, the MK 2 is a much quicker autocross machine than an Mk 1 (check times for E Stock cars). It seems to me that a JDM 3SGE would be a simple and super setup for an all-around Mk. 2, but since everybody plays with turbos, I haven't actually read much about people making this swap. Has anyone here done this, or know anything about anyone else's experiences?

Not really planning to do this, right now this is just off-season mental gymnastics.

I think the reason that you don't see this swap is that for all the work it invovles, you could've had a 3S-GTE and 200hp from a bone stock motor for only a slightly higher initial investment. 3S-GEs were only stateside in the 4th Gen Celica GT/GT-S, so parts are much more prevelant for the -GTE on this side of the Pacific.

The 210hp version of the 3S-GE that you're seeing is the BEAMS motor, which is a totally kickass motor, but only offered in a RWD Configuration (IS200/Altezza) or 4WD (JDM Rav4).

Billzilla was putting a 3SGE in a Kiwi Lotus 7 clone. I think it was a BEAMS. I always thought the ultimate would be a turbocharged BEAMS motor. That would cost.

I have the ECU from a 3SGE Celi on my shelf if anyone wants it.

Friend of mine was saying that someone now is selling a kit to drop a 3SGE motor in a MK1 MR2. Comes with a loaner template to weld the motor mounts on and everything.

I also have a MKII MR2 and I've been toying with the idea of the 2GR-FE V6.

Apparently it's more or less a drop-in affair with no cutting. It's good for 275hp and it's a stock unmodified Toyota, so there's all of that reliability.

I've heard the swap costs about the same as adding a turbo.

I'm certainly no expert on this swap, but everything I read seems like it would be great. I think a grassroots-minded individual could do this for pretty cheap.

Edit: I misread the original post. I'm still considering the 2GR-FE swap for my MKII though!

Dr. Hess wrote: Billzilla was putting a 3SGE in a Kiwi Lotus 7 clone. I think it was a BEAMS. I always thought the ultimate would be a turbocharged BEAMS motor. That would cost. I have the ECU from a 3SGE Celi on my shelf if anyone wants it. Friend of mine was saying that someone now is selling a kit to drop a 3SGE motor in a MK1 MR2. Comes with a loaner template to weld the motor mounts on and everything.

http://www.speed-source.net/

Having done numerous engine swaps on Mk1 and Mk2s, I have to say that I would recommend importing a clean Gen3 3SGTE clip.

With just an intake and exhaust, the one I got put down 292hp at the wheels. It bolts in, and the wiring is easy. I used the wiring diagrams to mate my NA body harness to the 3S engine harness...no need to fuss with getting an uncut body harness with it, etc.

Because of the popularity of this swap, most common Gen3-specific parts are stocked by several vendors.

The JDM 3SGE is a tough sell because there are no parts here and it is a lot of work, since you usually don't see a full clip with the 3SGE, but rather just motor sets on a pallet.

The Mk1.5 (3SGTE in a Mk1) is a hoot, but I think the Mk2 chassis is better suited for the 3SGTE. I prefer a lighter-weight Mk1 with a revvy 4A and a turbocharged Mk2. Each car requires a totally different driving philosophy, momentum vs. point and squirt.