1997 Corolla LE 7A-FE modding help - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

slisgrinder · 07-19-2009, 12:18 AM

Hey guys,

I am a complete noob at cars so please bear with me...

My dad has a 1997 Corolla LE with the engine type 7A-FE and I would like to do some mods to it.

First off, I want to add a turbocharger/supercharger which ever is cheaper and easier and also how I can install it myself plus I don't know where to get the parts and what kind of parts I need so that would be help full too...

Secondly, I want to change the dash with digital gauges so how can I go about doing that and with what parts???

Third, I want to upgrade the sound from the stock speakers with the cassette to a new MP3 CD player with new speakers. I don't know what the speaker size is so if someone knows what speaker is best suitable that would be great along with how I can go change them.

I live in Calgary AB, Canada so if I need to order parts, I need to keep in mind the cost of them getting shipped. Also if you guys don't mind dumbing down the replies because I am still learning all I can...

Thanks for your help guys...

dJcHiKo · 07-19-2009, 12:35 AM

cant help u with much but,
the front door speakers are 4 inch

iToaster · 07-19-2009, 01:50 AM

Turbo will be easier, but there's only generic, nothing designed for the 7A-FE. To run any significant boost on the 7A-FE you'll need stronger piston rods, low compression pistons, etc. I had a phase where I wanted digital gauges, but extensive searching found absolutely nothing for the Corolla. Finally, front speakers are 4", rears are 5 1/4" IIRC.

slisgrinder · 07-19-2009, 09:40 AM

I have no rear speakers... if there were any, where are they located???

iToaster · 07-19-2009, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slisgrinder

I have no rear speakers... if there were any, where are they located???

Rear speakers would be found under two covers by the third brake light. If you don't have any stock you'll most likely have to wire them in.

slisgrinder · 07-19-2009, 12:38 PM

I don't have them as stock, but are there any mounting holes already built in or do I have to make them? I guess performance upgrade would be out of the question so a sound upgrade should suffice...

iToaster · 07-19-2009, 12:48 PM

There should be some form of provision for rear speakers in place. I'm not sure, as it's been a while, but there might be a separate mounting assembly for the speakers aside from what's simply on the car, though that can be had from a junkyard relatively cheaply if you need it.

slisgrinder · 07-19-2009, 12:53 PM

Thanks...I just had a look at the car and there are places to mount them in. Although I do believe that there is more required than to simply dropping in the speakers... I also found little plastic tabs that need to pinched and pushed up from the trunk, are they responsible for the felt panel that hide the gaping holes for the rear speakers???

Rip The E Brake · 07-19-2009, 01:54 PM

to get into the rear speaker areas, you need to remove the back seat back rest, then lift up on the back deck.

slisgrinder · 07-19-2009, 01:59 PM

What do you mean the back rest?

Rip The E Brake · 07-19-2009, 03:33 PM

The part of the back seat that your back rests on.

Yank up on the back seat BOTTOM, and it will reveale the screws that hold the back rest in place.

1jzdreamer · 07-21-2009, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iToaster

Turbo will be easier, but there's only generic, nothing designed for the 7A-FE. To run any significant boost on the 7A-FE you'll need stronger piston rods, low compression pistons, etc. I had a phase where I wanted digital gauges, but extensive searching found absolutely nothing for the Corolla. Finally, front speakers are 4", rears are 5 1/4" IIRC.

Im not sure if youd be interested, I have all the turbo parts off my old build on my 4afe. The manifold and downpipe should fit and the emanage ultimate is there. The intercooler and piping is all there for it as is the blow off valve and the vaccum manifold. I have 450cc injectors which should be more then enough for the 7afe as well. I ran it at 8 lbs on a t25 turbo. The kit needs a new turbo and an oil filter relocation kit to be complete. You would need to use the bolt in the upper portion of your oil pan as the oil return.
Im open to offers on any of it and am in winnipeg.

gameguru1360 · 07-22-2009, 06:44 PM

stock speakers are 4" for the front, 6.5" for the rear. Your rear deck seems to have the holes cut out as well. You can choose to put in 6x9's in the inner holes closest to the 3rd brake light, but you would need to use spacers or speaker brackets.

Peeps here will probably tell you to save your money for a better import car to put a supercharger or turbocharger on because it's just not worth it to pour lots of money on a fuel saver car or a grandma car!

Getting to the rear speakers also depends if your rear seat folds down or not.

gameguru1360 · 07-24-2009, 11:29 AM

what another posted earlier about the rear seats, you remove the seat cushion. Then if you have fold down rear seats, the cushions on the outer edge come off from their 10mm bolts. Once you remove those outer cushions, then you must remove about 3 plastic plugs on the rear deck in order to remove the covering and that's after you remove the 3rd brake light housing.

The factory rear deck speakers are 6.5", but there are also holes on the inner area which you can put 6x9's. You'd have to get speaker brackets though in order to secure them in.

slisgrinder · 07-24-2009, 11:45 AM

Thanks guys,

Also, what about putting paddle shifters??? Is that possible with the automatic transmission? And I have heard of Works Bell shifters and Mastershift shifters but how do you install these with an airbag wheel and is it safe to do the installation without running the risk of deploying the airbag in your face?

I apologize for all these questions but I am trying to learn myself so please bear with me...