What engine is in a 1990 Toyota Celica?
The 1990 Celica offered two main engine setups depending on the trim: a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter inline-4 (3S-GE) for most non-turbo models, and a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 (3S-GTE) used in the Celica All-Trac AWD version.
Engine options in the 1990 Celica
The following details summarize the two primary powertrain options that appeared in the 1990 Celica lineup, highlighting what each engine type was and how it powered the corresponding models.
Naturally aspirated 3S-GE 2.0 L
Key characteristics of the NA engine option that powered most non-turbo Celicas in 1990:
- Displacement: 2.0 liters
- Configuration: inline-4
- Valvetrain: DOHC with 16 valves
- Induction: naturally aspirated
- Fuel delivery: multi-point fuel injection
- Drivetrain: front-wheel drive (in typical non-All-Trac Celicas)
Before listing the features, note that this engine delivered a balance of smooth power and reliability for everyday driving.
In summary, the naturally aspirated 3S-GE provided dependable performance and was the standard engine for most non-turbo Celica models in the 1990 lineup.
Turbocharged 3S-GTE 2.0 L (Celica All-Trac)
Key characteristics of the turbocharged engine option that powered the All-Trac AWD variant:
- Displacement: 2.0 liters
- Configuration: inline-4
- Induction: turbocharged with intercooler
- Fuel delivery: multi-point fuel injection
- Drivetrain: all-wheel drive (AWD)
Before listing the features, this engine offered significantly more performance due to turbocharging and intercooling, paired with all-wheel drive for better traction.
In conclusion, the turbo 3S-GTE in the All-Trac provided notable power and added traction, distinguishing the All-Trac from the front-wheel-drive NA models.
Summary
For the 1990 Toyota Celica, engine choices hinged on trim and market. The standard Celicas commonly used the naturally aspirated 2.0-liter 3S-GE, while the Celica All-Trac version used a turbocharged 2.0-liter 3S-GTE with AWD. These configurations defined the driving feel and performance across the 1990 Celica lineup.
