Well, I suppose we start with the basics, and go from there.

The engine in your 93 celica is a 5SFE which was standard in the Non-turbo mr2 as well as the camry for certain years. It is a highly reliable torquey motor that gets the job done for daily driving, and in the non-turbo mr2, has proven to be the edge in E-stock SCCA autocross the past couple of years due to greater torque than the miatas also in class.

However, the 5sfe does not have a lot of potential for big power (200+whp) on its own, and is not built or intended to put up with much forced induction or nitrous. This isnt to say that 11's havent been run on a 5sfe, but I only know of 1 man who has done it, and with over $40K invested. Not really cost efficient.

The general rule of thumb is to upgrade to the 3sgte motor from the MR2 Turbo. This motor in gen 2 form (91-95 mr2) can provide no-nonsence 230-250whp with proper moderate mods and hold together as long as you provide enough fuel. The gen 3 version (95-98 J-spec Mr2) is a bit stronger but more expensive, but is good to almost 300whp with as little as an exhaust, downpipe, boost controller, and intake as shown by Mr2Driver on this board. Personally I tend to think the gen 3 is a better buy because you get a newer engine, a better stock turbine with ceramic wheel, larger stock injectors, and better/stronger internals. Most importantly, the gen 3 manifolds are far superior to the gen 2, allowing for much better flow and efficency.

In order to make the car reliable, and not turn any wrenches yourself, I'd expect to spend about $6-8K to get 280ish whp daily driven on 93 octaine. Doing it yourself may cut off about 2000, but judging by your comments on the turbo and questions on parts, you may want to do a larger ammount of research and investigation before attempting such a project with your only / first vehicle.

As far as the turbo and turbo parts go.

Stage 3 really means nothing. Every company brands their turbos differently. For example. Take a T3/T4 - 50, a very common turbo. This turbo is sold as a T3/T4 by Garret, but from Precision its called the SC50, but they are the same. Every company has different names for everything. Stages are marketing terms made to simpifly a path of modification to make it easier for most people to understand, and not buy un-necessary parts (or at least the parts they dont wnt you to buy and blow it up).

Try looking for a serial number on the turbo, take some pictures and post them in the Power Adders Forum and somebody will be able to locate the model and trim of your turbo unit.

The other part most turbo kits are comprised of (but not limited to) are the Intercooler, intercooler piping, manifolds or adapters, air filters, modified ECU's, larger inctors, fuel pumps, and many other items. Turbo Kits are generally sold to reduce the "parts searching" and come up with a generic solution, but always tend to fall behind in performance as the kit does not always match the engine properly. Even on the SAME year, model, and trim car, the same kit may vary up to as much as 30% power output becasue of improper tuning or sizing.

I would highly suggest continuing to ask questions here in this thread, and other experts (such as Sean) of the 3sgte / celica combo can and will speak out. I'm sure others will jump in and assist you as well. Doing stuf to real cars is far more complicated than slapping a kit on, and doing it the RIGHT way may not be cheap, but will tend to save lots of money in the long run.

Hope that answers some of your questions,
Slash
Toyota Tech Moderator

P.S. Welcome to Tampa Racing Toyota Tech!