Hello all,
I've found a 1981 (it's listed as an '82, but is the 2nd gen, less boxy bodystyle,) Celica for sale. 82k original miles, ridiculously clean, and it's a stick. ST model, and the coupe, which I prefer. I'm thinking really seriously about picking it up as a classic daily driver that I can have fun with on the weekends too (I already have a non-running Volvo 242 project.) I know little to nothing about this generation of Celica other than I like the looks of it them and that they aren't as highly coveted as the first gen cars.
What I don't know is what motor/trans this gen of ST comes with, what the options are as far as making the stock motor "more fun" versus swapping. Suspension options, brake options, etc. I've searched some online, but it seems that the RA40 is a bit of a forgotten car.
I'd welcome input on the potential of the car as a fun driver, autocross toy, and backroad fun car.
Thanks
Oh, and just for posterity/to show why I'm so hyped about this car, here is a pic of it showing the shape it's in:
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That should have a 20R motor. It's only good for a million miles or so in stock form. Hard to be sure it is 82K miles and not 382K. If you want to go fast, well, your wallet is the limiting factor. Speed parts are getting a bit harder to come by these days, I think. Put a Weber downdraft on it and a cam and call it good. Stock bottom end is good for about 350 HP with boost.
Look for the Old Celica Club.
I hear you on the miles, and I haven't obtained documented proof yet, but the interior condition makes me think it is more likely that 82k is accurate:
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What a great find. Hess is right, if it's original it'll have a 20R. I had one in my old 1980 Toyota 4x4. Hot ticket back in the day was to put a 20R head onto a 22R block. Should have the 8in solid axle with drop-out center section, which means a limited slip is an easy upgrade. Later Celica or Supra alloys look great on these.
wow very nice find.
as to mods... think swap for best bang for buck. Find an import 3SGE BEAMS with the 6spd, get one of 3 shifter relocation kits(nearly 1/2 dozen swap kits) and you can nearly double the power, add 15% better mileage... andd waay more fun
Okay, so here's the kicker guys. If I pick it up, I will very well turn it into my daily driver. I'm tired of all of the "typical bmw issues" with my 330ci, so it will no longer be the daily. Taking that into account, is it a crazy idea?
As a third gen owner I can elucidate. The 20r with a 22r bottom must be done carefully. It's not just ANY 20r head and not just ANY 22r block. With full bolt ons including webers it's looking at 180hp/200tq. With turbo and megasquirt it's an easy 200hp. 250 with meth injection. 350 with lots of internal work. Engnbldr is a website that has dirt cheap performance parts. Overall, a 1uz swap is money better spent. I'm into mine about 1200$
If it's going to be a DD, ask yourself how easy is it to procure replacement parts. If an alternator or starter crap the bed, can you fix it in time?
I had to wait 2 days for a 1gen 4Runner radiator, and that is a far more popular chassis.
