Turbo my RAV4, need help

almc2242 · 05-10-2007, 03:49 PM

I have a 1997 Toyota RAV4 with the 3SFE engine. I would like to install a Turbo kit. But I would like to know what I need regarding Fuel Managment system. BTW, does anyone have a Turbo kit for this vehicle. I already have some parts. But if someone has a kit with a resonable procie we can talk.

JDizzle · 05-10-2007, 06:26 PM

The 3SFE is the same engine that's in the N/A MR2 right? If that's the case can't you just do a OBDI swap and run a chipped ECU?

Either that or you're going to need to get either a piggyback or stand alone ecu. Don't think a regular carputer can help you out here.

MatrixPC · 05-11-2007, 02:44 AM

Dam ... Does this site look like a car MOD site?
At least google for the freaking engine model and go to that site and look for info.

and

are your best friends. They help locate info you want.

Dennis5587 · 05-11-2007, 12:11 PM

you have got to be kidding me... nice first post...

?

rustyP · 05-16-2007, 03:46 PM

OMG.
Turbo'ing a 3SFE?
You've got to be kidding?!
It will snap.

Sharkbite86 · 06-02-2007, 03:03 AM

haha I have actually been researching this very same thing for my 90' toyota camry with the same engine. Basically what it comes down to is time and money. You can probably turbo a 3S-FE engine, but it is not straight forward at all. The other option is to upgrade the engine entirely to something designed to handle turbo-charging (like the 3S-GTE from the second gen MR2s and some celicas). Whatever happens you WILL need to take the engine out of your car, and upgrade the clutch (if a manual), upgrade the exhaust, maybe upgrade the transmission, maybe upgrade the axles, and find room for an intercooler.

To upgrade the 3S-FE you will have to upgrade the pistons, connecting rods and all the seals so they can handle the extra HP. After that, you will have to get a turbo and a turbo exhaust manifold from a 3S-GTE as well as some oil lines to lube and cool the turbo. You will also havve to upgrade the ECU so it knows how to handle the extra air rushing into the engine. This can be done by flashing the ECU by a pro, or by buying a piggyback ECU system.

With simply doing an engine swap all you need is the complete engine, wiring harness and ECU for that engine from the car it was all in. don't get me wrong tho, that is a big job too. You will have to figure out a way to fit a different engine into a car that was not designed for it. Luckily however, most toyota engines with the sane first number have similar if not identical bolting setup (i.e. 3S-FE and 3S-GTE engines have similar engine mounting points).

But like I said before; No matter what choice you pick you will need to take out the engine, upgrade your exhaust and clutch, maybe your transmission, maybe your axles, and you will have to find room for an intercooler + piping...

GoHybrid · 06-03-2007, 02:33 AM

well there is room for the CarPC in this: check out the Greddy Emanage and Emanage Ultimate. They are geared pretty much universally for japanese motors and give you a substantial amount of control. The way you tune your engine then is through the USB connection on the Emanage unit. Having formerly owned a 3S-FE camry, i know there is a relative dearth of parts out there to get you going, but if you are a good fabricator, i think you can create anything you need in the way of manifolds, i/c piping, and brackets.

the only hangup i see is the Emanage software needs 1024x768... i don't know if most screens display that well enough to use effectively. Your other option is to buy a Greddy E-01 boost controller which interfaces directly with the Emanage and lets you tune it that way.... lots slower and more cumbersome though.

Sharkbite86 · 06-03-2007, 02:44 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by GoHybrid

the only hangup i see is the Emanage software needs 1024x768...

And about $800+....

GoHybrid · 06-03-2007, 04:06 AM

gotta pay to play!

Sharkbite86 · 06-03-2007, 01:07 PM

uptempo · 08-08-2007, 05:18 PM

First of all, why??? Are you doing it to show off the PSHHHH, blow off valve or for speed? These are the only 2 reasons behind this. I have a 91 MR2 Turbo aka 3sgte that is modified and a stock 98 Toyota Rav4 and have worked on these engines for rought 6yrs. If you're looking for safety and speed, I'd recomend a V6 camry engine swap. If you really want the turbo, then do a full swap to a JDM 3sgte w/ LSD transmission.

What ever you choose to do, good luck.

Teranfirbt · 08-18-2007, 01:40 AM

I know too many people who started down the turbo path using piggy back band aid systems like the e-manage, SAFC, etc and have had to stop and start from scratch with a true stand alone after their band aid couldn't tune out pinging or weirdness in the running of the engine...
I'm currently running a Megasquirt ECU on my 22RE and it's VERY VERY happy. Tuning is easy, it's not that hard to get started, you can use factory sensors, and the best part is, you can do the ECU with a wideband O2 sensor for tuning for less than $500.