Part interchange question

[CMB]

I had ordered a valve cover gasket kit (valve cover gasket, three bolt gaskets, and camshaft gasket) from parts geek for my 84 tercel sr5. I got the package in the mail and it says Toyota 78-82, 3A-U engine. Will that work on my 3A-C?

[Petros]

I am reasonably certain there would be no difference between the 3a, 3ac and the 3au engine as far as gaskets. The last letter designation were differences in the emission control/fuel system that should not affect the engine "hard parts".

[dlb]

yep, should be fine. the different types of 3A (-C, -U, -HU, -LU, -SU) mean that it came with different mods. the 3A-U apparently used a toyota TTC-C catalytic converter, but that should be the only difference. there's a good wikipedia article on the A-series engines here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_A_engine#3A

[dlb]

pete beat me to it!

[tercel4wdrules]

The Japanese 3A-SCV I know has a wavy valve cover like some versions of the 4A-C in North America. All of the 3A-C's here have a straight valve cover. I don't know if the 3A-U has a wavy valve cover, but it might be the case. I'm not sure...

[CMB]

Worked great. Fit was very nice. I recommend Stone brand soft parts. Made in Japan. And fits like OEM. First time using this brand.