Toyota MR2 Message Board - View Single Post - 3S-GTE JDM 3rd Gen Turbo Engine Gen3 Debate

kblake · 03-14-2005, 01:47 AM

This motor has been built once, by ChrisK. I had an earlier Gen 2 rebuild that failed, because the block had a hairline crack in one of the bores that the machine shop missed.

It does prove his point about knowing your machinist. I'd also add, "know the source of your engine block". I bought mine cheap from a guy in Sacramento, and lived to regret it.

The building doesn't necessarily increase peak numbers, it adds durability. In theory, the amount of CFM the turbo can flow will be the ultimate determinant of the peak numbers, not "which engine is better".

Which engine is better will show in area under the torque curve, which is also affected by properly sizing your turbo to your engine, an area where both you and David erred, IMHO.

You can buy a Gen 2 and build it to similar specifications to mine for what a Gen 3 clip costs. If you are already planning EMS, bigger turbo, cams, and an intake manifold, it would be a waste of money to buy a Gen 3 to build, instead of a Gen 2. That is really my only point in this thread. Except in that single circumstance, you are most likely better going Gen 3. If you are going to build though, don't waste the extra money getting a Gen 3 to build.

03-14-2005, 01:47 AM	#48 (permalink)
kblake MR2 Parts Expert Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 812 Thanks: 14 Thanked 48 Times in 37 Posts iTrader Rating: (1/100% )	This motor has been built once, by ChrisK. I had an earlier Gen 2 rebuild that failed, because the block had a hairline crack in one of the bores that the machine shop missed. It does prove his point about knowing your machinist. I'd also add, "know the source of your engine block". I bought mine cheap from a guy in Sacramento, and lived to regret it. The building doesn't necessarily increase peak numbers, it adds durability. In theory, the amount of CFM the turbo can flow will be the ultimate determinant of the peak numbers, not "which engine is better". Which engine is better will show in area under the torque curve, which is also affected by properly sizing your turbo to your engine, an area where both you and David erred, IMHO. You can buy a Gen 2 and build it to similar specifications to mine for what a Gen 3 clip costs. If you are already planning EMS, bigger turbo, cams, and an intake manifold, it would be a waste of money to buy a Gen 3 to build, instead of a Gen 2. That is really my only point in this thread. Except in that single circumstance, you are most likely better going Gen 3. If you are going to build though, don't waste the extra money getting a Gen 3 to build.