3sge And Beams? - whats the difference  

There are four generations of the 3S-GE, which were used in the Toyota Celica, MR2, Caldina, and Altezza. All 3S-GE engines had a displacement of 2.0 L. Additionally, the 3S-GTE engines are based on the 3S-GE platform.

Generation 1

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 North American engine made around 135 hp (101 kW; 137 PS). This engine was the only first generation 3S-GE to come to North America, in the Celica GT-S (ST162). The JDM version sported a more aggressive ECU and lacked the EGR valve system, pushing the output to somewhere around 150 hp (112 kW; 152 PS) and 129 lb·ft (175 N·m) of torque.

Generation 2

The second generation was produced from 1990 to 1993, receiving a slight boost in output to 152 hp (113 kW; 154 PS) and 137 lb·ft (186 N·m) of torque. It also proved to be a slightly more reliable engine. This generation also did away with the T-VIS system, which was replaced by the ACIS (Acoustic Control Induction System), except on the second-generation 3S-GE's turbocharged counterpart (3S-GTE).

Generation 3

The third generation 3S-GE was produced from 1994 to 1999. Power output for the JDM was increased to 177 hp (132 kW; 179 PS), while motors for other markets received a minor revision in 1996 for emissions (EGR) which reduced power output slightly to 173 hp (129 kW; 175 PS) at 7000 rpm. Torque remains the same for both at 137 lb·ft (186 N·m).

Generation 4

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 197 hp (147 kW; 200 PS) at 7000 rpm when coupled to a manual transmission. The automatic version produced 187 hp (139 kW; 190 PS) at 7000 rpm, this is believed to be an ECU restriction implemented by Toyota due to gearbox limitations. 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. These engines came with a red intake plenum and valve cover and as such are referred to as the "Red Top".

In 1998 a second version was released with dual VVT-i (variable timing on both the intake and exhaust cams). It came in two different spec levels dependent on what transmission it was coupled to. The 6 speed manual transmission version came with titanium valves, battery-backed injectors and a compression ratio of 11.5:1 It made 207 hp (154 kW; 210 PS) at 7600 rpm and 216 N·m (22 kg·m) at 6400 rpm. The 5 speed automatic transmission version had a slightly lower compression ratio of 11.1:1, less aggressive cam profile and steel alloy valves which made 197 hp (147 kW; 200 PS) at 7000 rpm and 159 lb·ft (216 N·m) at 4800 rpm. These engines came with a black valve cover and as such are referred to as the "Black Top". These engines were only found in the Altezza RS200.

The "Grey Top" BEAMS 3S-GE was an available engine option in the Rav4 and Caldina GT in Japan. Power output is 177 hp (132 kW; 179 PS) at 6600 rpm in the RAV4 and 187 hp (139 kW; 190 PS) in the Caldina GT. Even though the valve cover on this engine is black, it is referred to as "Grey Top" due to the grey intake plenum to differentiate it from the Dual-VVTi "Black Top" in the Altezza.

They all had a BEAMS badge attached on the valve cover, differentiating with red or grey emblem writing.

beams is almost a completly different motor to the old 3sges it has vvti (duel vvti in the blacktop altezza rs200 version) in a new head design casted by yamaha, new internals with higher compression and makes around 210hp(blacktop) its basically toyotas version of a f20c

All G heads are yamaha designed.