The 3sgte engine is a 2.0-liter inline-four turbocharged gasoline engine, produced by Toyota from 1986 to 2007. The engine is based on a naturally aspirated version of Toyota’s 3S family – 3S-GE. This 2.0L turbo engine was offered for the Toyota Celica (ST165, ST185, ST205), MR2, and Caldina GT-T/GT-Four.
The 3sgte engine is known for its high performance, reliability, and potential for tuning. It came with a turbocharger from the factory, making it a popular engine for performance modifications. And barring a few problems, it can make some pretty good power with performance upgrades.
The 3sgte engine went through five generations, each with different improvements and specifications. In this article, we will explore the history, features, and characteristics of each generation of the 3sgte engine. We will also answer some of the most frequently asked questions about this engine.
3sgte Gen 1
The first generation (1986 – 1989) has Toyota CT26 turbocharger with single entry turbine housing and a single wastegate port design. It was equipped with 138 mm long connecting rods, 430 cc fuel injectors, a 55 mm (2.2 in) throttle body, Toyota’s T-VIS (a variable intake manifold), and a water-to-air intercooler. Intake and exhaust valve lift are both 7.15 mm (0.281 in). With 8.5:1 compression ratio and 8-9 psi (0.55-0.62 bar) of boost, the engine produces 185-190 hp at 6,000 rpm and 184-190 lb-ft (250-258 Nm) of torque at 4,000 rpm. This generation can be found in the Celica GT-Four ST165.
3sgte Gen 2
The second gen 3S turbo engine was produced from 1989 to 1993. It was fitted with Toyota CT26A turbo, which has a twin entry turbine housing with dual wastegate ports. The Gen 2 engine has increased compression ratio to 8.8:1 and camshafts with following specs: 236/236 degrees duration; intake and exhaust valve lift is 8.2 mm (0.32 in). Intake air is cooled by an air-to-air intercooler (top-mounted in the Celica GT-Four ST185 and side-mounted in the MR2). The 3SGTE Gen 2 remained injectors and throttle body from Gen 1, but with new parts and the increased boost to 10-11 psi (0.69-0.76 bar), it produces 200-232 hp at 6,000 rpm and 200-224 lb-ft (271-304 Nm) of torque at 3,200 rpm.
3sgte Gen 3
The third-gen 3S GTE (1993 – 1999) got a lot of changes. It received a Toyota CT20b turbocharger, which has an improved turbine housing and larger compressor wheel comparing to CT26A turbo. The intake system was equipped with a water-to-air top-mounted intercooler and the 4-runner intake manifold without T-VIS. There are new camshafts (duration – 240/236 degrees, valve lift 8.7/8.2 mm), 540 cc injectors, and 60 mm (2.4 in) throttle body. The max boost pressure also was increased to 13 psi (0.90 bar). The engine output is 245-255 hp at 6,000 rpm and 224 lb-ft (304 Nm) of torque at 4,000 rpm.
3sgte Gen 4
The fourth-gen 3S GTE (1997 – 2002) is the most powerful and refined version of the engine. It features a Toyota CT15b turbocharger, which has a ball-bearing design and a titanium-aluminum turbine wheel. The intake system has a side-mounted air-to-air intercooler and a 65 mm (2.6 in) throttle body. The engine also has a coil-on-plug ignition system, a knock sensor, and a more advanced ECU. The compression ratio is 9:1 and the boost pressure is 13.5 psi (0.93 bar). The engine produces 256 hp at 6,200 rpm and 324 Nm (239 lb-ft) of torque at 4,400 rpm. This generation can be found in the Caldina GT-T and GT-Four.
3sgte Gen 5
The fifth-gen 3S GTE (2002 – 2007) is the final and rarest version of the engine. It is similar to the Gen 4, but with some minor changes. The turbocharger is a Toyota CT15b with a slightly larger compressor wheel. The intake manifold has a different design and the throttle body is 70 mm (2.8 in) in diameter. The engine also has a variable valve timing system (VVT-i) on the intake camshaft, which improves low-end torque and fuel efficiency. The compression ratio is 9.2:1 and the boost pressure is 13.5 psi (0.93 bar). The engine produces 260 hp at 6,200 rpm and 324 Nm (239 lb-ft) of torque at 4,400 rpm. This generation can be found in the Caldina GT-Four.
Characteristics of the 3sgte Engine
The following table summarizes the main characteristics of each generation of the 3sgte engine:
Table
| Generation | Turbocharger | Compression Ratio | Boost Pressure | Power | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gen 1 | CT26 | 8.5:1 | 8-9 psi | 185-190 hp | 184-190 lb-ft |
| Gen 2 | CT26A | 8.8:1 | 10-11 psi | 200-232 hp | 200-224 lb-ft |
| Gen 3 | CT20b | 8.8:1 | 13 psi | 245-255 hp | 224 lb-ft |
| Gen 4 | CT15b | 9:1 | 13.5 psi | 256 hp | 324 lb-ft |
| Gen 5 | CT15b | 9.2:1 | 13.5 psi | 260 hp | 324 lb-ft |
FAQ
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the 3sgte engine:
What is the difference between 3S-GE and 3S-GTE?
The 3S-GE is a naturally aspirated version of the 3S engine, while the 3S-GTE is a turbocharged version. The 3S-GTE has a lower compression ratio, a forged crankshaft and connecting rods, and piston oil jets to cope with the higher cylinder pressures and temperatures. The 3S-GTE also has a different cylinder head design, with larger valves, stronger valve springs, and more aggressive camshafts. The 3S-GTE also has a different intake and exhaust system, with a turbocharger, an intercooler, and a larger throttle body.
How reliable is the 3sgte engine?
The 3sgte engine is generally considered to be a reliable and durable engine, as long as it is properly maintained and not abused. The engine can handle moderate levels of boost and power without major issues, but it is not immune to problems. Some of the common problems that may affect the 3sgte engine are:
- Oil leaks from the valve cover gasket, oil pump, oil cooler, or oil pan.
- Head gasket failure due to overheating, detonation, or poor quality coolant.
- Turbocharger failure due to oil starvation, excessive boost, or foreign objects.
- Rod bearing failure due to insufficient oil pressure, low oil level, or poor oil quality.
- Piston ring land failure due to excessive boost, detonation, or poor fuel quality.
To prevent or minimize these problems, it is recommended to follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule, use high-quality oil and fuel, check the oil level and coolant level regularly, monitor the engine temperature and boost pressure, and avoid over-revving or over-boosting the engine.
How much power can the 3sgte engine make?
The 3sgte engine can make a lot of power with the right modifications and tuning. The engine has a strong potential for tuning, as it can handle higher boost levels and more airflow than the stock configuration. However, the power output also depends on the generation, condition, and components of the engine. Some of the factors that affect the power output are:
- The turbocharger size and efficiency. A larger and more efficient turbocharger can provide more airflow and boost pressure, resulting in more power. However, a larger turbocharger may also introduce more turbo lag and require more supporting modifications, such as fuel injectors, fuel pump, intercooler, etc.
- The fuel system capacity and quality. A larger and more capable fuel system can provide more fuel and air ratio, resulting in
- more power. However, a larger fuel system may also require more tuning and monitoring, as well as higher quality fuel, to avoid running too rich or too lean, which can damage the engine.
- The engine management system and tuning. A more advanced and customizable engine management system can provide more control and optimization over the engine parameters, such as ignition timing, fuel injection, boost control, etc. A proper tuning can maximize the engine performance and efficiency, as well as prevent or reduce the risk of engine problems. However, a more advanced engine management system may also require more expertise and equipment to install and tune, as well as more maintenance and troubleshooting.
- The engine condition and maintenance. The engine condition and maintenance can affect the engine performance and reliability, as well as the potential for tuning. A well-maintained and healthy engine can perform better and last longer than a neglected and worn-out engine. A regular maintenance and inspection can also prevent or detect any engine problems before they become serious or irreversible. Some of the maintenance and inspection items include oil change, oil filter, spark plugs, air filter, coolant, belts, hoses, etc.
- The power output of the 3sgte engine can vary widely depending on the factors mentioned above, as well as the dyno type, ambient conditions, measurement method, etc. However, some of the approximate power ranges for each generation of the 3sgte engine are:
- Gen 1: 185-250 hp
- Gen 2: 200-300 hp
- Gen 3: 245-350 hp
- Gen 4: 256-400 hp
- Gen 5: 260-450 hp
- These are just some rough estimates, and the actual power output may be higher or lower depending on the individual engine and setup.
What are the best mods for the 3sgte engine?
- The best mods for the 3sgte engine depend on the goals, budget, and preferences of the owner. However, some of the common and popular mods for the 3sgte engine are:
- Turbo upgrade. A turbo upgrade can provide more airflow and boost pressure, resulting in more power and torque. However, a turbo upgrade may also require other supporting mods, such as fuel injectors, fuel pump, intercooler, etc., to match the increased airflow and prevent running out of fuel or overheating. Some of the popular turbo options for the 3sgte engine are: Garrett GT28, GT30, GT35; Borg Warner EFR 6258, 6758, 7163; Precision 5858, 6262, 6466; etc.
- Exhaust system upgrade. An exhaust system upgrade can reduce the back pressure and improve the exhaust flow, resulting in more power and better turbo response. However, an exhaust system upgrade may also increase the noise and emissions, and require a retune of the engine. Some of the popular exhaust options for the 3sgte engine are: 3-inch downpipe, cat-back exhaust, high-flow catalytic converter, etc.
- Intake system upgrade. An intake system upgrade can increase the air intake and improve the air quality, resulting in more power and better throttle response. However, an intake system upgrade may also require a retune of the engine and a relocation of the air flow meter. Some of the popular intake options for the 3sgte engine are: cold air intake, pod filter, blow-off valve, etc.
- Engine management system upgrade. An engine management system upgrade can provide more control and optimization over the engine parameters, such as ignition timing, fuel injection, boost control, etc. A proper tuning can maximize the engine performance and efficiency, as well as prevent or reduce the risk of engine problems. However, an engine management system upgrade may also require more expertise and equipment to install and tune, as well as more maintenance and troubleshooting. Some of the popular engine management options for the 3sgte engine are: Apexi Power FC, Haltech Elite, Link G4+, etc.
- These are just some of the basic and common mods for the 3sgte engine, and there are many more options and combinations available. However, it is important to do proper research and planning before modifying the engine, as well as to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and regulations. Modifying the engine may also void the warranty, affect the insurance, and reduce the resale value of the vehicle.
