what engine for a SA63??

[tim_pato]

hello ive got an SA63 lift back and wnna know which engine is best bang for buck for a first time jap owner

[TOSCO]

Nice car, very versatile and easy to modify.

You have 2 options, both will cost thousands, but much cheaper than most conversions.

1. Toyota 1G engine, 6 cylinder 2.0ltr 24valve twin cam. Available as a 1G-FE (110hp~ new efficient type) 1G-GE (160hp~ old performance type), 1G-GZE (170hp~ super-charged) or 1G-GTE (190hp~ Twin turbo). All these various 1G block engines are available in Australia. If you are in the USA then you will have to look at importers yard, 1G-GTE is a definite find.

To complete this engine transplant, you need to get a RA65 engine cross member and do some slight mods to the engine mounts, all perfectly legal (after engineers cert.). As well as an electric fuel pump (get a RA65 fuel tank with internal pump). As long as you have a Manual SA63 the gearbox will mate up to the 1G with the 1G - W58 bell housing (even though the SA63 gearboxes are W55's). Will need thermo fans because the radiator sits too close to the 1G for the stock engine fan.

Pros:
-More power, more revs (very revy engine)
-Easy to do

Cons:
-The 1G is a 6cly so it changes the cars weight, making it more front heavy. Ie not good for corners
-Need thermo fans (good thing anyway)


2. Toyota 3S Engine, 4 cylinder 2.0ltr, 16 valve, twin cam. Available as 3S-FE (120hp efficient vr), 3S-GE* (160hp** performance vr), 3S-GTE (220hp~ turbo vr). These are common around the world, fitted in many cars. For turbo vrs, celica's and carina's etc. Also a 3.2ltr 5S-GTE is avaliable, but its not a very nice engine.
* = there are many types of "3S-GE"'s, infact 5 different generations, the last vr ("3S-GE Beams Blacktop") Makes over 210hp stock, and over 300hp when modified (and thats N/A!).
** = 160hp is the most basic 3S-GE, it only goes up from there.

This engine will directly bolt into you SA63, as your current engine is the old vr, yes the 2S is the 3S's little brother. HOWEVER, unless you buy the BEAMS blacktop vr, all 3S-GE's are designed for FWD and need modifying to make them work in RWD format such as your SA63.
Seach "3s-ge rwd" in google for more details, but basically you need to retain your SA63 sump, oil pickup and bell housing. Then the engine will run, but the distributor will be hitting the firewall, (this is the major problem and reason why 3S-GE rwd's are rear) to fix this you can do a few things, but your two options are; to cut into the firewall (very hard to get an engineer to certify that) or adapt a crank angle sensor (expensive). Needs the same RA65 fuel tank for the efi pump (alternativly, and as a better option, surge tank and 2 new electric fuel pumps).

Pros:
-Superior engine to the 1G, in all forms.
-Really is an excellent engine. Want something to compare it to? the honda S2000 engine, the BEAMS black top out performs it in every way.
-Perfect weight distrobution in the SA63 as its designed for a 4cyl.

Cons:
-Harder to do, ie need to convert it to RWD.


Both engines are EFI and need all the wiring done, which takes time and effort as well as wiring diagrams.
If you were to cut the firewall for the 3S and dont use the BEAMS motor, then prices for both conversions are similar, with the 1G being slightly cheaper.

The 1G is the cheapest possibly "performance" engine you can put in any celica 1975 - 1985.

Good luck with it. Feel free to contact me reguarding SA63's, i love them. Siddy1200(at)gmail.com
Im building a 3SA63 as a dedicated track car btw.