GT4 Conversion For 1995 Celica SX

[NicC]

Hi all,
I have a friend that wants to get a Gt4 engine for his Celica.
As I have no idea where he should start, i thought i'd ask for some help from anyone who might already have done this conversion or is thinking of doing it.

As mentioned above, he has a 1995 SX Celica.

Thanks.

[CLG]

There is no real cheap way of doing this conversion due to the parts required. He could buy an ST205 halfcut, and will pay a premium for such, along with haveing the issue of still having to source a gearbox to suit his FWD platform. Advantages of buying a 205 halfcut are that more areas of the conversin become "plug and play" (ie, wiring looms) than any other option, and he can offset the halfcut price with parts sales fr0om the cut that he can't use in his FWD platform.

He could also opt to buy a SW20 3SGTE MR2 halfcut, which would see him obtain the required gearbox with the halfcut - but this option will require extra work elsewhere (eg, shifter assembly needs to be swapped to suit RWD to FWD orientation, and general engine plumbing), and the wiring is not as easy to meld into the body loom.

He can also cut corners by using cheaper gearboxes, different intercoolers, second hand parts (ECU's, onsold long motors, ...), but this will always be a compromise, and not one I'd take if it was my car. Assuming he can do the spanner and electrical work himself, including the price of either halfcut plus the incedentals he'll need to address, he's still looking at around 5-6K to do the conversion.

[Cuts]

^^what he said^^

he could use his gearbox but it would most likely blow it too bits after a while.
having the lsd box from the mr2 would be good, should lessen the massive ammounts of torque steer he is likely to encounter.

assuming he cant do the work, dont expect much change from 8 or 9k, for things like aftermarket ecu's, plumbing for intercoolers (regardless of wta or ata), brake upgrade if you go the mr2 route. (if you get a 205 cut then you could use the calipers off that, but keep in mind work is required for these to fit, i think 185 stoppers bolt straight up)

or he could save the 8-9k, sell his car and nearly afford a 205.

[JustCallMeOrlando]

I'm with Cuts. His best option is to save some money, sell his car and buy a 205. It'll go, stop and handle better, and not be worthless when he tries to sell it.

[NicC]

Ok, thanks for that. I'll pass this onto him & let him know.

[CLG]

I know a guy with a couple of ST205's for sale too!?!

[wagonist]

Or, you could buy a Caldina GTT auto halfcut.
Better engine than ST205 with more power & torque
the auto gearbox is completely useless to anyone, so the cut will be cheaper,
therefore you could use the existing gearbox (but I'd not be taking any bets on how long it'd last).
better yet is to use a 1MZ V6 Camry box is same as SW20, just minus the LSD.
the brakes will fit directly on without any mods
a lot more Caldinas were made than ST205 or SW20, plus it'll be newer with hopefully less k's, & is also less likely to be trashed due to not being installed in a "sports" car

And I'll probably need more panels at some point

[neal]

Or he can turbo the 5sfe his got...Its been done heaps in the USA, just do your research.

i know (of) you can bolt a 3sgte manifold (100$ )on the 5sfe..Piggy back(e manage 500$)..second hand CT 26(100$), Exaust(500+) and Dyno tuning...

I have no idea what the strenghts for a s54 box is.

P.S: the information above is just my research on the net. Not a first hand experience.

[Jt_70R]

Forget the 5SFE poop. Serves its purpose better as part of a snapper drop.

G/Box strength wise, the S54s, particularly the syncho rings are made from Toyota's finest crystal glassware.

Also from my experience anything over 100fwkw in a celica needs LSD or its pointless.