In the 21 years the 3s block has been produced, toyota has had several incarnations of the same block. Each "generation" has its benefits and drawbacks to it and this thread will attempt to debunk some of the myths surrounding the max power output and features of each block. Each section will have an approximate power rating for the internal components and the block itself as well as notable changes for each generation.
GEN 1&2 SPECS:
Block Max HP: 650-750
Crank Max HP: 1000+
Rods (w/ arp bolts): 500-600
Pistons: 350-450
Notes:
From 88-93 the First and second generation motors used essentially the same block. Some argue that the first generation block was a little beefier, but their differences arent enough to warrant two separate sections.
GEN 3 SPECS:
Block Max HP: 500?
Crank Max HP: 1000+
Rods (w/ arp bolts): 500-600
Pistons: 350-450
Notes:
From 94 to 99 the 3rd generation motor was produced. From 94 to mid 97 many 3sgte blocks were cast using inferior quality iron, and were much more prone to cracking due to voids and casting flaws. After 97 the casting material was improved and flaws were reduced. Other changes included a water outlet on the block for the HFHOE that used to come out of the water pump in the gen 1/2 and a size change for the turbo oil feed line.
GEN 4 SPECS:
Block Max HP: 900?
Crank Max HP: 1000+
Rods (w/ arp bolts): Weak... Just get Forged...
Pistons: 350-450
Notes:
from 99 to 2007 the 4th generation was produced in Japan for the Caldina GTFour. These are the holy grail of 3s blocks as they are made from very high quality casting material, they have an upgraded water pump area, but they also have a plethora of differences externally and one major difference inside. First, the oil cooler mounting location will not accept the older gen 2 and 3 style coolers without modification. Also, the HFHOE tube is smaller on the gen 4 than on the gen 3. That major difference inside is that the rods are much thinner, Their supporting power is unknown, but because they are thinner, most people modifying gen 4 blocks scrap the rods anyways...
This block is still largely untested for its maximum power output as I have yet to see one break, or see a 700+hp build for that matter either. But because this block shares its casting material and upgraded water pump area with the 98+5s block I am going to estimate its power as slightly lower than the 98+5s block.
*A side note*
The 98+ 5s block is often used for high power applications due to its thicker casting, superior casting material, and strengthened water pump area. Some simple modifications are required to get this block to work with the 3sgte top end.
Also, the 503e block used by TTE and other racing teams is also rediculously strong and was used in 700+HP pikes peak cars for several years.
GEN 1&2 SPECS:
Block Max HP: 650-750
Crank Max HP: 1000+
Rods (w/ arp bolts): 500-600
Pistons: 350-450
Notes:
From 88-93 the First and second generation motors used essentially the same block. Some argue that the first generation block was a little beefier, but their differences arent enough to warrant two separate sections.
GEN 3 SPECS:
Block Max HP: 500?
Crank Max HP: 1000+
Rods (w/ arp bolts): 500-600
Pistons: 350-450
Notes:
From 94 to 99 the 3rd generation motor was produced. From 94 to mid 97 many 3sgte blocks were cast using inferior quality iron, and were much more prone to cracking due to voids and casting flaws. After 97 the casting material was improved and flaws were reduced. Other changes included a water outlet on the block for the HFHOE that used to come out of the water pump in the gen 1/2 and a size change for the turbo oil feed line.
GEN 4 SPECS:
Block Max HP: 900?
Crank Max HP: 1000+
Rods (w/ arp bolts): Weak... Just get Forged...
Pistons: 350-450
Notes:
from 99 to 2007 the 4th generation was produced in Japan for the Caldina GTFour. These are the holy grail of 3s blocks as they are made from very high quality casting material, they have an upgraded water pump area, but they also have a plethora of differences externally and one major difference inside. First, the oil cooler mounting location will not accept the older gen 2 and 3 style coolers without modification. Also, the HFHOE tube is smaller on the gen 4 than on the gen 3. That major difference inside is that the rods are much thinner, Their supporting power is unknown, but because they are thinner, most people modifying gen 4 blocks scrap the rods anyways...
This block is still largely untested for its maximum power output as I have yet to see one break, or see a 700+hp build for that matter either. But because this block shares its casting material and upgraded water pump area with the 98+5s block I am going to estimate its power as slightly lower than the 98+5s block.
*A side note*
The 98+ 5s block is often used for high power applications due to its thicker casting, superior casting material, and strengthened water pump area. Some simple modifications are required to get this block to work with the 3sgte top end.
Also, the 503e block used by TTE and other racing teams is also rediculously strong and was used in 700+HP pikes peak cars for several years.