Exciting. Dressy. Fast: 1992 3SGTE powered Toyota ED
The ED is a product from a time when Toyota's form was just getting into full swing in the early 90's. Low slung, rakishly designed sedans based on sporty underpinnings and filled to the brim with advanced tech for its time, the ED and Exiv were trendy alternatives to the boring reliability of the Camry and Corolla. Twenty plus years on, they are extremely desirable to many, yours truly included.
Shafayat Bin Afaz is a lucky man with a well maintained example. The ED and the 2 liter 3SGE served him well for a while, giving reliable performance and usability that only comes with old Toyotas from the 90's. It wasn't long before the nagging for more power infected him though, and the hunt was on for a fourth generation 3SGTE, the turbocharged engine of choice for most people wanting an upgrade in Dhaka. It would be a smooth and mostly hassle free transplant, the engine sourced from a 2000 Caldina GT, and two weeks later, the sleek white ED was tearing up the asphalt without much provocation via the accelerator.
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Official output of the 3SGTE stands at around 250 HP and 225 lb-ft of torque. Let me translate that into words you will understand: that kind of horsepower in a front wheel drive family sedan with just a little over 1200kg's worth of weight will, literally, eat you alive if you disrespect it.
When pushed hard, the ED reacts in a composed but violent manner. That may seem contradictory, but it makes sense when you think of a roller coaster launching downhill: its terrifying, but completely in control. H&R lowering springs stiffen up the ride and improve high speed cornering ability. You sit so low on the bucket seats that you have no choice but to take voyeuristic glances up the undercarriage of trucks, as the ED blasts past them at 180 km/h. Its unnerving yet cool in a perverse way, the extremely loud HKS Hiper exhaust filling your aural senses with sweet bass, punctured by solid guitar solos by the blow off valve releasing pent up pressure. The phoos-phoos is strong with this one.
The acceleration and stability is there by the bucketloads. What makes this particular ED stand out is the way it has been maintained inside and out. While the interior shows definite signs of age, it is still better than most EDs plying local roads. The exterior though, is so clean you can use it as a dinner plate. After our photoshoot, Shafayat purchased a set of Vossen CV5 rims to replace the worn out old ones, and they freshen up the car's looks even further.
Clean is how we like it, and this ED is a loud reminder that not all EDs in Dhaka are massacred with stupid bodykits and spoilers.
Its so good that it makes me want to starve myself for a year and invest in a 3SGTE. This damn engine is good enough to forego food and girlfriends, and we're super envious of Shafayat and his first turbocharged car.
We caught up with the owner, Shafayat Bin Afaz, for a quick chat.
- What else do you love, besides cars? Any blinding passion for anything in particular?
"I love loud music! After cars its my second most favourite thing."
- Why the ED? Ever thought of buying something new?
"I bought this car with my own money. As a first car the ED was the only car within my budget and it had a sporty appeal. Moreover, it shared the same chassis with Toyota Celica which meant I had ample mods to play with. If i ever plan to buy something else in future...GT86 is one of my dream cars."
- Future plans with the ED? What's it like, your first turbocharged car?
I haven't yet learned the true potential of a 3SGTE, still getting used to it. In the future I have plans to go for a bigger turbo and the required mods that go with it. Also an LSD if situation permits."
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