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2nd gen or 3rd gen??

8K views 21 replies 6 participants last post by  xxxboosted2xxx 
#1 ·
Hi all I just bought a "3rd" gen 3sgte it was too good of a deal to pass up on, looking back I should have done a little bit more research, but the guy I bought it from told me it was a gen 3 I believe it's a gen 2 bc it came with the ct26 turbo. The turbo could have been replaced so is there anyway you can tell if it's a gen 2 or 3 based off of anything you can see on the block or head and the differences between the two, thanks!
 
#6 ·
Post a picture of the intake

If you are going to use the stock gen2 ECU you will have to use the air flow meter which affects what intakes you can use. Gen3 ecus are speed density so you have more options on the intake.

Look at the top left of this picture, the air flow meter is required for a gen2 engine unless you convert to standalone or gen3 electronics.

 
#7 ·
Ok I'll just go with the 2nd gen intake and electronics I'm not going for any crazy build just around 300hp fun street car hopefully the intake and electronics wont limit me to below that (correct me if I'm wrong) Do I need to keep all of the emissions junk like the charcoal canister and all the rats nest of vacuum lines? Basically what do I need to keep and what can I get rid of
 
#13 ·
If you have someone who can tune a 3SGTE I would get a standalone, the gen3 conversion isn't easy with the most difficult part being making an adapter harness from the gen2 pinout to gen3.

Gen3 electronics are cool because you get to remove the AFM, the engine is smoother, and larger injectors 540cc vs gen2 at 440cc.

Another hurdle is the ECUs at this point will have leaking capacitors, they need to be changed if they haven't already caused damage. If you aren't good with soldering find someone who is, it's easy to lift or damage the solder pads.

I do know these ecus have a speed cut, it's pretty low 180kph or 112mph. I don't know if it is still in effect on a conversion so you might have to look into defeating that if you race your car.

With that all being said I love having my gen2 converted.
 
#16 ·
Unless you’re planning on building the gen2 with better am parts for better performance better to go gen3 if you can get it to pass emissions testing.
Rather than waste time hassling on gathering all the required gen3 3SGTE electronics to convert a gen2 it’s easier cheaper to just get a low mileage complete gen3 from an importer.
No emissions junk, bigger fuel injectors, no wonky AFM, no titsvis, less freakin rats nest vacuum lines spaghetti, better oiling system, oil filter located at bottom accessible away from hot azz turbo, bigger throttle body, better cams, better turbo
 
#18 · (Edited)
I’ve seen run into many posts here within USA owners and on fb where people with mostly gen2 3SGTE having same poor running/idling symptoms and reported back with leaking blown capacitors in ecu.
Think about all the many cases where so many owners have had to replace the capacitors in the tachometer as well, you know when the taco needle is not reading accurate
 
#19 ·
My conclusion is that when the ground wires and some higher power positive side wire contacts as well throughout car become corroded overtime cause high resistance causing inconsistent current flow fluctuations thru caps which take all the beating electronically similar to function of a regular fuse.
Think about all the many cases where so many owners have had to replace the capacitors in the tachometer as well, you know when the taco needle is not accurate
Electronlytic capacitors have a life span, it's not abuse or improper grounds that kill them. Either the electrolyte inside the capacitor dries up or leaks out.

On my 91t I've had to replace the caps in not only the gen3 ecus but the tach, cruise control module, and I replaced them in the a/c amplifier for precaution.
 
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