The History Of The 3SGTE Series

History Of The 3S-GTE Series!

A 4th GEN 3S-GTE

The Toyota 3S-GTE was introduced in 1986 as the turbocharged counterpart to the naturally aspirated 3S-GE. It belonged to the S-engine family and was designed to give Toyota a competitive edge in the growing turbocharged sports car market of the late 1980s. Built on a cast-iron 2.0L block with an aluminum DOHC head, the first-generation 3S-GTE was launched in the Toyota Celica GT-Four (ST165), created for Toyota’s participation in Group A rally racing. With a single CT26 turbocharger, it produced about 182 horsepower, giving Toyota a strong foundation for both road and rally competition.

In 1989, the second-generation 3S-GTE appeared in the Celica GT-Four ST185 and the MR2 Turbo (SW20). This version introduced a revised CT26 turbo with a twin-entry design, an improved intercooler, and higher boost levels. Power climbed to around 200–225 horsepower depending on the market. The ST185 Celica GT-Four, powered by this engine, played a central role in Toyota’s rally success, including multiple WRC victories and drivers’ championships in the early 1990s. The 3S-GTE’s robust construction and tunability made it a favorite among performance enthusiasts as well.

The third-generation 3S-GTE arrived in 1994, used in the ST205 Celica GT-Four and updated MR2 Turbos. It featured a smaller, more efficient CT20b turbocharger, a water-to-air intercooler system, and revised internals for improved strength and cooling. Output rose again to about 245 horsepower, placing Toyota squarely against Mitsubishi’s 4G63T and Subaru’s EJ20 turbo engines of the same era. This generation is widely regarded as one of the most refined versions, offering a balance of reliability, power, and responsiveness.

By the late 1990s, Toyota released the fourth-generation 3S-GTE, found in the Caldina GT-T (ST215). It introduced coil-on-plug ignition, a side-feed intake manifold, and a smaller CT15 turbocharger designed for quicker spool and better low- to mid-range torque. Although the peak power output (around 260 horsepower) was only a modest increase, drivability improved significantly. This version reflected Toyota’s shift from pure motorsport roots toward a more street-friendly performance focus, while still maintaining high potential for tuning.

The fifth and final generation 3S-GTE was offered in the Caldina GT-Four (ST246) from 2002 to 2007. This version used an updated CT15B turbo, coil-on-plug ignition, and a modernized ECU, producing about 260 horsepower and 239 lb-ft of torque. While it was never offered in traditional sports models like the Celica or MR2, it remained a performance highlight of Toyota’s lineup in Japan. By this time, global emissions standards and Toyota’s changing priorities were pushing the company toward newer engines like the 2ZZ-GE and turbocharged V6s.

The 3S-GTE ended production in the mid-2000s, but its legacy remains legendary. Across five generations, it powered Toyota’s most iconic performance cars, from the Celica GT-Four rally machines to the beloved MR2 Turbo, and even practical wagons like the Caldina. Known for its durability, tunability, and motorsport pedigree, the 3S-GTE is often considered Toyota’s most famous turbocharged four-cylinder. Today, it remains a favorite among tuners and collectors, symbolizing Toyota’s golden era of performance engineering and rally racing dominance.