Gen 1 (3S-GE)

First generation 3S-GE was produced from 1986 to 1989, arriving in both Northern American versions, as well as In Japan as a second variation. The Northern American engine was slightly less powerful, producing around 135 bhp or 100 kW or 131hp. This engine was the only Gen 1 3S-GE to come to North America, in the Celica GT-S (ST162). The JDM version, sported a more aggressive ECU, and among other things a lack of the EGR valve system, pushing the output to somewhere around 150 bhp or 111kw or 147hp, and 175 nm torque.

Gen 2 (3S-GE)

The second generation was produced from 1990 to 1993. Receiving a slight boost in output to 113kw or 151hp (154PS). Peak torque went to 186Nm. It also proved to be a slightly more reliable engine. The 2nd Gen also did-away with the T-VIS system, which was replaced by the ACIS (Acoustic Controlled Induction System), proving to be much more efficient.

Gen 3 (3S-GE)

The third generation 3S-GE was produced from 1994 to 1999. Power output was increased to 131kW or 176hp (179PS) over the gen 2, while torque figures stayed the same. It received a minor revision in 1996 for emissions (EGR) which reduced power output to 127 kW (173 PS).

Gen 4 (3S-GE)

The fourth generation 3S-GE, also known as the BEAMS 3S-GE began production in 1997. The first version was equipped with VVT-i and produced around 197hp 200 bhp (149 kW). It was available in a few models sold only in Japan - the MR2 G and G-Limited, the Celica ST202 SS-II and SS-III and the Caldina. BEAMS is an acronym which stands for Breakthrough Engine with Advanced Mechanism System.

In 1998 a second version was released with dual VVT-i (variable timing on both the intake and exhaust cams), titanium valves and a slightly higher compression ratio. This engine powered the Altezza RS200 and produced around 203hp 206 bhp (154kW).

The two variants are easily identifiable by colour. The cam covers on the earlier model are red and on the later model, black. They are often referred to as the "Red Top" and the "Black Top" respectively.
The "Grey Top" BEAMS 3S-GE was available engine option in the Rav4 in Japan. Even though the valve cover on this engine is black, it is referred to as "Grey Top" to differentiate it from the Dual-VVTi "Black Top" in the Altezza. Power output is 180ps @ 6600RPM.

PEACE-