3S-GE ECU differences between manual & auto

D.J. · Oct 19, 2020

Can anyone explain to me what the consequences/problems of running an automatic ECU in a manual car would be?

Parts for an automatic seem to be a lot cheaper online, and from what I've read you can get the ECU from an automatic working just fine by shorting a few pins to trick the ECU to think the car is always in neutral.

Would there be any issues with running an automatic ECU in a manual car?

GDII · Oct 19, 2020

As long as you get the right generation but why would you want an Auto ECU on your manual car that already has an ECU?

D.J. · Oct 19, 2020

I'm looking at buying a different engine but all I come across are automatics.

GDII · Oct 19, 2020

No issues in doing that then. GEN3 3SGE? They do have different cams so I feel a different tune but that won't be an issue, the car will still run and drive fine.
I mean, my GEN4 3SGTE ECU is Auto like a vast majority of them and all GEN5 3SGTE engines are Auto.

D.J. · Oct 20, 2020

GDII said:
No issues in doing that then. GEN3 3SGE?

Either that or a 4th gen red top, depending on what I can find at what prices.

GDII said:
They do have different cams so I feel a different tune

That's good to know. I could always get some aftermarket cams if I don't like the feel of the factory ones I guess.

GDII · Oct 20, 2020

You can get a GREYTOP too from a Caldina GT or RAV4.

So yeah, no issues running an auto ECU with the sort of swaps you are planning. Doing a GEN3 3SGE swap is far easier than doing a BEAMS with wiring as you can even run the GEN3 3SGE on GEN2 electronics if you swap out the injectors and the igniter.

3S-GE ECU differences between manual & auto

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