Buying Advice For '93 Corolla

[LuBee]

Hi there everyone,

I really need your help please!

Because I am starting work about 30miles away from my home town soon and have to do a lot of commuting, my beloved but slightly impractical '66 Mustang will be confined to its garage a little more . I have my eye on a '93 Corolla, but there are a few things which just don't seem to add up and I need the expertise of some experts to shed some light on it all!

Firstly, its a '93 Corolla, with according to the Owner's document, a 1580cc petrol engine, 3 door hatch, automatic. Its a Japanese Import and was first registered here in '98.

Now things get a little wierd. It only has 18K on the clock, is it common practice to clock imports when they speedo is changed from KPH to MPH? Secondly there are all sorts of stickers on the car that don't quite make sense. The engine cover has 20 on it. (Perhaps indicating a 2L engine? It certainly goes like one) And there are stickers on it saying GT Corrolla FX as well as an aftermarket dual exhaust system.

What do you think? The lady who we would be buying from hasn't got a clue about the car. Tonight I'm going to check the engine and chassis numbers against the owner's document.

[LuBee]

Don't all reply at once! :!Removed!:

No matter, I've printed off an engine number decoder from another thread to take with us.

[Trueno BZR]

Check the Chasis plate under the bonnet to confirm the engine size as it should say 1580cc. Also with regards to the low mileage, it's seems suspect. I own an import trueno but I was looking at another one where the numbers look out of sink. Cars in Japan are generally used much less but it doesn't stop guys over here tampering with them! I have seen other Trueno's with extremely low mileage as they are fitted with TRD full speed metres which comes with it's own clock with 0kms. Check mainly for rust underneath & the general condition of the car to confirm it's low mileage. If you get it it's probably worth getting all the belts checked for wear to be safe.

[Jones~32]

Sounds to me like it has the 20v 4age in it. in which case, yes it will certainly go some! :D

Got any pics of the car? that way someone will be able to tell you exactly what it is

[LuBee]

Howdy.

Well I got the car! :D

All engine numbers and chassis numbers tallied up. Its the 4A 1.6L.

I'll get you some pics when I've got the car here. Just ringing round for insurance quotes.

[Trueno BZR]

Is it 4A FE OR GE??? There is a big difference.

[LuBee]

Can't remember now to be honest, I'll have a look tonight. Its certainly the twin cam, and its got FI.

[Jones~32]

We want some pics! :D :P

[LuBee]

Sorry, only just got in, I'll get some tomorrow!

[Jones~32]

Sorry, only just got in, I'll get some tomorrow!

:D

[OriRacer]

come on your just toying with us now.... PICS PICS PICS PICS.....

anyway mike ... when you going to sell me you GXI ... come on you know you want to .. ?

[Jones~32]

anyway mike ... when you going to sell me you GXI ... come on you know you want to .. ?

Where you been dude?

Its gone! :o Mum bought it off me :)

[OriRacer]

..... damm. I've really busy with work and stuff. BUT BUT .... wait for it SHE LIVE'S I now have a working 7AGE in my car. Still need to get the exhust then, she will be back on the road.

I'm just await to update another post with the info.

[Jones~32]

Cool, its been a while in the making, but unique definately

You do know we are going to need pics AND videos of that beast once its done :P

[OriRacer]

there are a few pics. but yes vid's will be posted along with dyno day. I want to really know what i've added.

<-----

[Jones~32]

I want to really know what i've added.

Me too lol :D

[Jones~32]

Sorry, only just got in, I'll get some tomorrow!

Wheres these pics? :P

[kevharris]

Hi there everyone,

I really need your help please!

Because I am starting work about 30miles away from my home town soon and have to do a lot of commuting, my beloved but slightly impractical '66 Mustang will be confined to its garage a little more . I have my eye on a '93 Corolla, but there are a few things which just don't seem to add up and I need the expertise of some experts to shed some light on it all!

Firstly, its a '93 Corolla, with according to the Owner's document, a 1580cc petrol engine, 3 door hatch, automatic. Its a Japanese Import and was first registered here in '98.

Now things get a little wierd. It only has 18K on the clock, is it common practice to clock imports when they speedo is changed from KPH to MPH? Secondly there are all sorts of stickers on the car that don't quite make sense. The engine cover has 20 on it. (Perhaps indicating a 2L engine? It certainly goes like one) And there are stickers on it saying GT Corrolla FX as well as an aftermarket dual exhaust system.

What do you think? The lady who we would be buying from hasn't got a clue about the car. Tonight I'm going to check the engine and chassis numbers against the owner's document.

That will be the Blue FX outa Dartmouth then. I got a Black one in Torquay. The Speedo story as i know it - due to that one and mine being early imports [before SVA]speedo's didn't have to be changed. When the Dartmouth guy bought it from a dealer, he wanted MPH speedo, Brand new from Toyota reading 0000, That will be 18k since new speedo.

[LuBee]

I'm sorry! Its been mad. Had a wedding this weekend and a show with the Mustang. The Toyota performed fantastically on the way to and from London even kept up with a TVR to around 60. 'Power' mode is great. :D

But the camera's card has been cleared now and I'll take some pics and post them this afternoon.

Thanks for that info Kev, really interesting. I'll take some pics of the engine bay as well so perhaps you can tell me what you think of the markings on it. :)

[LuBee]

Finally some pics for you.

Its the GE engine, so Twin Cam Sports with EFI. :)

Who does your work on the car for you Kev?

[Jones~32]

That is really nice

Same shape Corolla as the GXI i had, although yours is considerably quicker!

4age 20V Silvertop, very cool, not sure on this but i think there rated as 150bhp Bet it sounds awesome when you open it up! :D

[LuBee]

Yeah, doesn't sound half bad, not as good as my V8, but not half bad. ;-)

The only thing that's slightly disturbing the engine sound at the monent is a noise we think is coming from the gearbox. Like a low resonating sound like a couple of Aussies hiding under the bonnet playing the dijeridoo. Eep! Will have to get that checked out sooner rather than later.

When I can afford it I'll really look after the car I think. Got a really nice little feel about it.

Might get all boy-racery and stick some decent alloys on and a better exhaust system. Hehe.

[Jones~32]

Those wheels on it now dont look too bad ;) Decent quality exhaust system and it'll sound the dogs :D

Definately look after it, and get that noise checked out quite rare in this country, you got a good car there

[kevharris]

Yes that's the one, First saw it at Highweek Garage when they sold Toyota's [still good to get service parts]. They sold it ,then later it was at A Kerrs [brixham] one of the times i saw it, it had 60000kms on clock.Kerrs put the new speedo in it.

Got a mate in Dublin to source a manual black one. Run it for 3 years then sold on, got it back January.Still great fun despite 222000kms. Mods - Fensport springs, 16's induction kit & stainless exhaust. Will be in the JAE carpark Sunday.

[LuBee]

Where or what is JAE Carpark?