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Thread: 1996 RAV 4 3SGE to 3C Turbo/2C Turbo Conversion Possible??

  1. #1
    Forum Member 1st year Apprentice
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    Default 1996 RAV 4 3SGE to 3C Turbo/2C Turbo Conversion Possible??

    Im a little bit frustrated with the fuel consumption of my RAV4, it is powered by a 3SGE 2.0 N/A with a 4 wheel drive system, i have already done all the stuff and modifications to make it fuel efficient such as installing SAFC, using synthetic oil and such fluids, nitro tires, but instead it became worse. but it came to my mind of transplanting the stock engine with a diesel type, since the beginning anyone would think it is not possible, but when i encountered using a 1998 caldina powered by a 3C turbo engine, it came to my mind that it is more likely to be possible with such minor modification and conversion, from the fact that the Caldina (CT197) and Rav4 shares the same 3SGE/3SFE powerplant, and when i looked at the way the 3C engine is mounted on the caldina it is likely the same mounts, but i guess i am not too sure since it may require proper measurement and positioning.

    Anyone have already done this conversion?? any inputs or suggestions?

    here's the sample image of the 3C turbo engine:





    Here's the engine bay of the CT197 Caldina diesel:


    Here's the engine bay of the Rav 4 powered by 3SGE:

  2. #2
    Toymods Board Member Chief Engine Builder Hiro's Avatar
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    Default Re: 1996 RAV 4 3SGE to 3C Turbo/2C Turbo Conversion Possible??

    Just so you know, that's a 3SFE, not a 3SGE
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    Forum Member 1st year Apprentice
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    Default Re: 1996 RAV 4 3SGE to 3C Turbo/2C Turbo Conversion Possible??

    Quote Originally Posted by Hiro View Post
    Just so you know, that's a 3SFE, not a 3SGE
    oh yes, my mistake.. that's a 3sfe. but still shares the same mounts, tranny and engine bay positioning. right?

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    Chookhouse Chooning Automotive Encyclopaedia Hen's Avatar
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    Default Re: 1996 RAV 4 3SGE to 3C Turbo/2C Turbo Conversion Possible??

    I think you would have to drive huge distances for the fuel savings to make it worthwhile doing an engine swap. It will still be a largish 4WD with the diesel engine. So if you want to spend less on fuel either drive less or buy a smaller, more efficient car.

    If you want an interesting project and can deal with this car being off the road for a few months then by all means do the motor swap.
    I need a working 4AGE bottom end. Pref smallport GZE, but all others considered. Also complete motors.
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  5. #5
    The Evil Director Backyard Mechanic jfallen's Avatar
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    Default Re: 1996 RAV 4 3SGE to 3C Turbo/2C Turbo Conversion Possible??

    Automatic 3SFE with a bogey SAFE in a RAV4 not being very fuel efficient? Just think about that for a minute...

    As for the engine sway, just trade in the RAV4 on a VW Tiguan diesel and save yourself the bother.
    Past rides: 86 Hilux, 3x ke55 rollas's (2coupes,) 5th Gen GT4 x2, RA28, TA22 x3, KE10, P610 datto, RT40 corona x3, RT132, MX13

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  6. #6
    Cressidaspert Carport Converter andrew_mx83's Avatar
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    Default Re: 1996 RAV 4 3SGE to 3C Turbo/2C Turbo Conversion Possible??

    Lpg?
    10char
    There is no substitute for PUBIC inches

    Never late in an x8

  7. #7
    Junior Member Too Much Toyota oldcorollas's Avatar
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    Default Re: 1996 RAV 4 3SGE to 3C Turbo/2C Turbo Conversion Possible??

    if you installed SAFC and fuel economy became worse... than maybe it is not tuned correctly?

    have you checked that your Oxygen sensors are working?
    or change driving style?
    how much fuel does it use per 100km?
    my caldina 3SGTE turbo (1470kg) uses 9.1-9.2L/100km with half highway use.
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    Junior Member Grease Monkey stealth's Avatar
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    Default Re: 1996 RAV 4 3SGE to 3C Turbo/2C Turbo Conversion Possible??

    Manual conversion?

    But seriously... Even if your SAFC is poorly tuned how bad can it be?

    Its an EFI, DOHC, NA 2.0L? You're not gonna get any better in a chassis like a rav 4...

    Get a motorbike if you wanna save on fuel. $25 gets me 400kms...
    JZA63 Celica 13.9 @ 162km/h

  9. #9
    Toymods Board Member Grease Monkey HJ60's Avatar
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    Default Re: 1996 RAV 4 3SGE to 3C Turbo/2C Turbo Conversion Possible??

    RAV4's have never been the most fuel economical vehicles, but I'm sure you're aware of this!

    Manual Conversion will help - I'd do that before spending all the money converting it to Diesel!

  10. #10
    As dodgy as a Backyard Mechanic GT1978's Avatar
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    Default Re: 1996 RAV 4 3SGE to 3C Turbo/2C Turbo Conversion Possible??

    Don't forget that a diesel will require different gear ratios also. Not sure if just changing the final drive ratio would suffice or if you would different gearbox ratios also. Either way I'd be interested in seeing a build thread on this. My '99 RAV would be alot more fun if it had a diesel. The 3SFE works way too hard to pull it along which is probably why it uses so much fuel.

    Glen
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  11. #11
    Hopefully soon a 5S-GTE Chief Engine Builder MWP's Avatar
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    Default Re: 1996 RAV 4 3SGE to 3C Turbo/2C Turbo Conversion Possible??

    Swapping in a 3C engine will cost how much $$s?
    How many KMs of driving at a tiny bit cheaper fuel price will you have to do to make the conversion worth it?
    Same goes with any other mods you do.

    I bet it'll take 5+ years of driving to start making that conversion worth it.

    If you seriously need to save $$s on fuel, sell the RAV4 and buy a Corolla.

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