82 corolla/tercel 100kmi, $700

[winchester383]

Soon to be rwd drift machine, any ideas for a engine swap?

[Petros]

That is an easy one, go 4AGE with either a duel side draft carb set-up, or the later multi-throttle MR2 EFI set-up (you have to buy an adapter manifold, not too costly). You might want to upgrade the rear axle to either a RWD Corolla GTS rear axle, or perhaps a Celica RWD axle. If you want to go all out in the rear, install an IRS rear end from a Nissan 300zx (very strong and a dime a dozen, but requires a lot of cutting and welding).

looks like a fun project, keep us posted.

[winchester383]

I was thinking of a corolla 4ac solid rear axle, all parts will match up and keep it in the family, but not sure performance parts will be available, havent found many for my 3ac, example: header, cam, pistons, valves exc. and was really hoping for a turbo but so far no luck on finding one.

[Petros]

You want a turbo better to to the MR2 engine. The 3ac, and the 4ac, does not take to tweaking very well, the 8-valve head limits it. I have tried and ended up blowing head gaskets and burning exhaust valves, it is too troublesome to get more power out of either the 3ac or 4ac, I am doing a 4age swap instead. it would cost less and I get a more powerful and reliable engine.

The stock rear axle on the Tercel4wd (which is the same one out of the rwd corolla btw) is too flimsy for a fully built 4age or turbo, it will not handle that much power. You need to up grade to either the rwd Corolla GTS rear axle, or perhaps the axle out of the Corolla All-trac. Both have identical mounts and should be no more work to install than the lighter corolla/tercel rear axle. I would consider installing a 300zx IRS rear end, not that much more work and you get a much better rear end.

[toughtercel]

First generation Tercel what you have, are those floor are flat, if you plan to cut alot out to install DRIVESHAFT then the twist and strenth on the floor will be weak .

[ohcanada_00]

love that body style... such a cool (imho) looking car. Cant wait to see project progress!

oh and for a motor swap idea.. 3T the oft over looked and under appreciated rock solid motor with near limitless potential!

[Starbug]

Yes, if a 3TC will fit that car then that's the way to go. In Puerto Rico they make 600hp all day long without any trouble at all. There are tons of those cars running around making stupid amounts of power; they're as common as Civics are here in the USA. They are rated for less HP than the 4AG engines but are capable of handling 600hp. Swap with a tranny from a '70-82 Corolla t50 tranny, or a t55 tranny from a GTS Corolla will bolt up with a 3TC bell housing.

There's a 3TC on YouTube that's making 700hp... The 3T series engine was used in the IMSA racing series by Toyota. The bottom end never wears out on these motors, either.

Paradise Racing has parts for 3TC and 4AGE engines.

[winchester383]

Actually the 78-82 Corolla/Tercels have a longitudinally mounted engine and transmission that reaches all the way back behind the front seats and the tunnel continues to the rear where it looks to have enough room for a straight axle with little or no fab, however the spare tire will have to be removed as well as the fuel tank, but thanks for the info I will look into strengthening the chassis when doing the swap.