GT2 Conversion – Gen II 3SGTE into ST162 Build Thread

[Aerrow]

I may have missed the band wagon for this conversion but considering how popular it is there isn’t anywhere that you can find a complete build thread start to finish. So the project, as the title suggests, is swapping the N/A 3SGE from my ST162 for a turbocharged 3SGTE from an ST185. This conversion has been dubbed ‘GT2’, which is derived from the AWD Celica name ‘GT4’. There are a few ways you can go about this with option 1 being buying an engine package (engine + loom +ecu and whatever other accessories you can score with the package), or option 2 buy a front cut with the desired engine. In my opinion option 2 is far superior because it comes with just about everything you will need for the conversion plus if you can get a front cut which is in decent condition you can make some money back from it selling spare parts like quarter panels, headlights etc. I went with option 2, buying my 93’ ST185 ‘Group A’ front cut from ICHIban NSW for $1795 + $475 freight to Adelaide, totaling $2270.

The story so far:
Getting it onto the trailer was the easy part, getting it off when we got home wasn’t so easy. Apparently these things are heavy…
A before shot of the engine whilst it’s still in its original home, located in the backyard workshop (literally backyard).
After removing all the accessories from the engine bay and putting them aside for later use the engine was ready to come out.

Cracked off the gearbox and hoisted the engine onto the stand and had a crack at turning it over, thankfully it turned over nicely. Pulled the head off and sent it to get reconditioned then started work on the gearbox. Now for this conversion there are a few different transmissions you can go with depending on how easily they are available to you. Option 1) You can use the FWD transmission that you already have in your car. This option isn’t optimal because these trannys simply wernt designed for the power of the 3SGTE’s, however, from what I have read people are using these and coping fine. Option 2) The MR2 Turbos were equipped with a very similar 3SGTE and have a very strong tranny. The E153 tranny is essentially a FWD box, the only change you will need to make is the gear selector on the casing. You will need to take it off and flip it around to suit a FWD setup and block off the cavity where it used to sit. This option is probably the best because it requires the least amount of modification and it is a very strong box which came with optional LSD. Option 3) If you bought a GT4 front cut you will have the AWD transmission that came with it, refer to your engine plate and you will find a transmission code. Mine, being from a ‘Group A’ ST185, is an E151F witch only differs slightly from the E150F’s found in most ST185’s because of the improved dual cone syncros. It is possible to convert this transmission to FWD by removing the rear transfer, viscous coupling and the center diff and replacing the diff with one from a turbo MR2 diff. You will also need to make hybrid drive shafts using the MR2 Inners and GT4 outers. Pic’s to come when I’m reassembling the tranny with the new diff.

Apart from the transmission and conversion there aren’t many essential modifications for this swap. I am currently stripping the engine block and pulling out the pistons to give them a clean and check wear on the rings. More pic’s and updates to come as I progress through the swap.
ps. having trouble attaching photos, the up loader is saying they are too big and when I change them it is saying they are the incorrect file type, any tips?

[MWP]

Greetings.

Hmmmm, GT2 conversions arent normally a good idea unless your really attached to the car.
The lack of traction of a GT2 becomes an issue, and GT4's sell very cheaply these days.
Sounds like your too far along now to change your mind though

BTW... you should join the SA Classic Celica Club forum
Classic Celica Club of South Australia Forum • Index page

[Aerrow]

Update,

Head came back for the reco, block painted up and starting to reassemble the engine.
Turbo is looking like it had a bit of a rough trot so I am doing a rebuilt and need advice.
I am wondering if it is worthwhile or necessary to get the compression and turbine wheel balanced professionally.
Also, I have the gearbox apart sitting on the floor ready to convert it to FWD.
Someone mentioned that you need to 'pre-load' the bearings before reassembling the case in order for it to function correctly,
any tips for doing this or can someone point me in the direction of some info.
Apart from that I am waiting for various parts from various places but all in all its going well.

Cheers

[jonathan yee]

the group A gearbox also has much better ratio's IMHO.

[fibrewizard]

tranny option #4.....E53 toyota camry v6...
for this gearbox you will need gt4 shifter cables, gt4 gearbox mounts and gt4 shift cable gearbox mount bracket, possibly a gt4 st165 front to rear x-member, as you converting a 162, i had to use a 185 front-rear x-member for my st184 e53 tranny swap

[mattysshop]

a mate of mine currently put out a very torquey and usefull 255whp from a forged and motec'd gen 2....

only a little GT28r on it with supporting mods... at 14psi... (stock injectors)

the S5X ?? (sv21 camry version to put the starter on the gearbox side of the motor, not underneath the manifold)

holds up no worries, he has never actually broken one.... they just become notchy after a fair amount of abuse.... off to the wreckers and grab another relativley cheap (last time we got 2 for $150)....