3A-L on Valve Cover

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Yaut
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My tercel:: 1985 Toyota Tercel 4WD automatic, lifted 1.5", 15 inch wheels

3A-L on Valve Cover

Post by Yaut »

I bought an 85' some time back for parts. I noticed today that there is a sticker in the valve cover that says 3A-L. Has anyone seen this. Wonder if this is of any significance or not.
'88 Toyota Tercel SR5 4WD (red)
'87 Toyota Tercel DLX 4WD (white)
'86 Toyota Tercel DLX 4WD (white)
'85 Toyota Tercel DLX 4WD (tan)
'85 Toyota Tercel DLX 4WD (white)
'85 Toyota Tercel SR5 4WD (white)
'84 Toyota Tercel SR5 4WD (dark orange)
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Yaut
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My tercel:: 1985 Toyota Tercel 4WD automatic, lifted 1.5", 15 inch wheels

Re: 3A-L on Valve Cover

Post by Yaut »

The internet seems to suggest the 3A-L was a transverse engine so perhaps the valve cover just came off of another engine.
'88 Toyota Tercel SR5 4WD (red)
'87 Toyota Tercel DLX 4WD (white)
'86 Toyota Tercel DLX 4WD (white)
'85 Toyota Tercel DLX 4WD (tan)
'85 Toyota Tercel DLX 4WD (white)
'85 Toyota Tercel SR5 4WD (white)
'84 Toyota Tercel SR5 4WD (dark orange)
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NWMO
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Re: 3A-L on Valve Cover

Post by NWMO »

Hey Yaut,

As you’ve already found, the “L” apparently indicates a “transverse” engine. I know Chevrolet used the 4a in a trasverse set up for the mid 80s Novas, not sure where else they were used.

Chris
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Petros
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My tercel:: '84 Tercel4wd w/extensive mods
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Re: 3A-L on Valve Cover

Post by Petros »

likely you have a crate engine (imported) installed. the long block is identical and it will not affect your installation, as long as you plan on swaping over all the extrernal parts, oil pan, mounts, intake/exhast manifold, etc.

should not be an issue for anything your needs.
'87 Tercel 4wd SR5 (current engine swap project)
'84 Tercel 4wd (daily driver, with on going mods)
'92 Mazda MPV 4wd (wife's daily driver)
'85 Tercel 4wd DLX auto(daughter's daily driver)
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Yaut
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Joined: Thu Jan 10, 2019 5:34 pm
My tercel:: 1985 Toyota Tercel 4WD automatic, lifted 1.5", 15 inch wheels

Re: 3A-L on Valve Cover

Post by Yaut »

Great. Thank you for the info!
'88 Toyota Tercel SR5 4WD (red)
'87 Toyota Tercel DLX 4WD (white)
'86 Toyota Tercel DLX 4WD (white)
'85 Toyota Tercel DLX 4WD (tan)
'85 Toyota Tercel DLX 4WD (white)
'85 Toyota Tercel SR5 4WD (white)
'84 Toyota Tercel SR5 4WD (dark orange)
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