Learn Me - E90 and E100 Corolla Sedans

I am back in research mode for my next project car. Since the AE92 coupes are going for crazy money where I live, I was wondering if the sedan version of the AE90 and AE100 chassis could be just as good. I am not comparing to the AE86 or TE72, because the dorifto tax is in full swing. Anyway, I wanted to gather everyone's thoughts on the FWD sedans. I would be looking to use one as a fun, autox, track day machine.

I have read that the 4age 20v and 4agze are basically a bolt-in, which opens up all kinds of potential. What about the chassis, however? I haven't really been able to find much info on the suspension and brake setup on these, other than "4-wheel independent." I seem to recall that the AE90 has struts on both ends, but that the AE100 has a multi-link rear. Can anyone confirm?

Basically, what does the GRM crowd think of these machines as cheap, unique, low-buck fun?

I have an AE95 - All-Trac... still fitted with the 4AFE, but with a few mods.

Chassis should be fine, strong. 4AGEs, or 4AGZEs can be fitted easily... the biggest thing to deal with is wiring.

I had a AE92 wagon. The Sedan, wagon, and coupe had the same suspension.

I sound like a broken record, but the 4AFE with a 5-speed are pretty peppy in the sedan.

I have the ae110 with the 5 speed and 1zz-fe and I have to say its a blast. I bought it new in 2001 and am still driving it with 205k miles on it. nothing rebuilt. Even has the original clutch. Thats after 4 years of autocross in the mid 00's. They are a koni yellow swap away from a great handling fwd'er. Granted you need the original struts or kyb gr-2's to cut open and use but worth every penny. Also use either the original springs or the H&R's. They have 125bhp and 125 ftlb tq. I always called it my square engine because of the matching numbers. Can you tell I like them? They will never be fast but are definitely fun.

The AE110 is definitely far more fun than a Toyota commuter box ever should be, while still behaving like a calm quiet Toyota commuter box should if you don't push it.

AE9x and AE10x sedans are just heavier AE92 coupes with 4 doors for extra chassis flex. Parts (not shared with the coupes or hatches - body & interior stuff, rear suspension members, rear brake stuff) are MUCH easier to get for those than the coupes or hatches (especially the AE101s, very very easy to find parts) and they can be quick, but you'll always be hauling around the extra bulk.

4AGEs and 4AGZEs are just as easy to swap as with the coupes. There were JDM GT models that came with them.

An AE110 is just a modernized and better-looking AE101. Specs are almost identical. Not quite as easy to find parts though, especially in the states.

Kenny_McCormic wrote: The AE110 is definitely far more fun than a Toyota commuter box ever should be, while still behaving like a calm quiet Toyota commuter box should if you don't push it.

This. I had an AE100 and have a 110 now- both cars were far more than the sum of their parts.

Hmmm... Thanks for the info. I DO think that an AE92 sedan with the 4AGE 20v or 4AGZE would be a lot of fun. I would LOVE to find a Prizm GSi, but those are even more rare than the GTS coupe. A nice, purposeful build that is a bit of an homage to the BTCC would be sweet.

According to Edmunds (so take that for what it's worth), the 1991 AE92 sedan LE weighed 2277 and the GTS checked in at 2399. For my purposes (fun track/autox, not looking for uber competitive), I think the weight and flexiness difference would be negligible.

When I used to autocross the 110, my main competitor and I swapped cars during the fun runs afterward and he couldnt believe how solid the chassis was. He said he had stayed away from four door cars because of flex but mine flexed like a coupe, very little. the 2001 "s" model checks in at 2405 or 2410 lbs. not much more than the earlier GTS. but get a manual trans for sure. They started using vvti in 2000 and the final model year of the 110 is 2002. My understanding is that the vvti eliminated the previous years engines hitting a wall at 4k rpm and having power clear up to nearly redline.

I was under the impression that VVT was added for emissions purposes and gave it a bit more bottom end. My 99 pulls pretty strong from 3500 to the fuel cut.

Its a strong chassis, this happened to a friend's sister at 60+mph, from a Pontiac G6 IIRC, she accidentally an on ramp corner and more or less drove perpendicular into traffic. Minor injuries, we scrapped it, it was neat cutting the car up and seeing what all the energy had done.