Whats up guys. The names Chris and i live in Chesapeake Virginia. I have been working on cars my whole life and was heavily into drifting (AE86 baby) for several years until financially I learned that I couldnt deal with the travel, parts, and tires anymore. I recently picked up a 1989 Corolla GT-S, mainly because the interior on this thing is perfect, it has 130k original miles, and runs like a beast. I have always loved the body style and know the power plant well. My main reason for posting up here is to get some info, and anything guiding me in the right direction would be great. I have done some searching but i find actual member interacton to be the most productive. Here are some things.
The shifter is sloppy...do they make new bushings that fix this like on the AE86?
I need a new oil cooler, mine leaks...should i find an OEM one or just mount an aftermarket one up?
When i start off in first, she shakes a little up front and is smooth throughout all the other gears, ring any bells as to what that could be?
What are some general things you guys do to insure proper performace in these things and any other tips or tricks would be great.
Thanks again guys!
Some eye candy. Dont mind the shift knob...it was on it when i got it and it wont come off....bastard ricers.
Dorifto!
Cheers
Last edited by idrum2loud; 01-11-2009 at 09:41 AM.
As I said on the pics thread... the front seats seem to be out of an SR5 coupe, GTS seats are different up front, and are very prone to ripping for some reason.
The shifter is sloppy...do they make new bushings that fix this like on the AE86?
When i start off in first, she shakes a little up front and is smooth throughout all the other gears, ring any bells as to what that could be?
The FWD shifter is not as precise as the RWD, I think, because of the cable linkage.
Try swapping in one from a salvage yard and see if that halps, but at 130K I wouldn't think yours should be worn that bad.
Did the previous owner swap in a high performance clutch?
If they put one in that doesn't have damper springs, it will shudder when moving off in first, unless you keep the revs up really high.
Have you checked your engine mounts? Check the ones at the front and rear of the engine conpartment. Those can cause shuddering if they are worn badly.
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'88 Corolla, AE92 SR-5, 7A-FE swap/GT-S suspension
'87 Corolla, AE82 FX-16, 4A-GZE swap (autocrosser)
'03 Tundra 4X4 Access Cab, (FX tow vehicle/Home Depot runner)
Modification: Changing something to what you thought it should have been from the start!
The FWD shifter is not as precise as the RWD, I think, because of the cable linkage.
Try swapping in one from a salvage yard and see if that halps, but at 130K I wouldn't think yours should be worn that bad.
Did the previous owner swap in a high performance clutch?
If they put one in that doesn't have damper springs, it will shudder when moving off in first, unless you keep the revs up really high.
Have you checked your engine mounts? Check the ones at the front and rear of the engine conpartment. Those can cause shuddering if they are worn badly.
Awesome point. There was a new clutch installed but i am sure it was an OEM spec clutch so it should ave the springs. The engine mounts look intact but i am not 100%. It shutters a little bit when pullingoff in 1st, thats exact. Another thing is there is a pulsating vibration once i got over 60....my guess was the wheels arent balanced upfront. I think that big retarded shift knob isnt helping as far as the shifter goes....i wish it had the OEM one on it
ANother thing i am noticing thats new to me is that when i go to start it, i have to hold the key all the way over for a second and then it cranks over...it has a slight hesitation to it. Any idea what that could be? Thanks for all the help guys.
ANother thing i am noticing thats new to me is that when i go to start it, i have to hold the key all the way over for a second and then it cranks over...it has a slight hesitation to it. Any idea what that could be? Thanks for all the help guys.
-chris
Could be the ignition switch worn. Not the lock mechanism, but the electrical module on the back side of it.
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'88 Corolla, AE92 SR-5, 7A-FE swap/GT-S suspension
'87 Corolla, AE82 FX-16, 4A-GZE swap (autocrosser)
'03 Tundra 4X4 Access Cab, (FX tow vehicle/Home Depot runner)
Modification: Changing something to what you thought it should have been from the start!
Hey Chris, very nice car, and I feel you on the shift knob, it must be annoying, welcome to the site and all of the advice the guys have given you here are straight up and they are real help here...here another site that might interest you its......www.corollacarclub.com....the guys here are also very cool and helpful....take it easy
The shifter is sloppy...do they make new bushings that fix this like on the AE86?
not that I know of, it just has the shifter linkage, the only thing I can think of is there might be bushings in the engine bay where the linkage connects to the trans.
Quote:
I need a new oil cooler, mine leaks...should i find an OEM one or just mount an aftermarket one up?
I would probably just try to get a used one from the junkyard.
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When i start off in first, she shakes a little up front and is smooth throughout all the other gears, ring any bells as to what that could be?
sounds like the guy before you didn't know how to drive clutch and overheated it (by slipping the crap out of it)... mine used to do that, after you drive around for a while it should go away as your clutch gets reconditioned. Either that or it's your engine mounts like donald said. If the engine mounts are good and it doesn't go away after like 5k, then you'll probably have to replace the clutch to get rid of it.
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What are some general things you guys do to insure proper performace in these things and any other tips or tricks would be great.
I would probably just start by giving it a nice tuneup (sparkplugs, filters, etc.) and replacing all the fluids. timing belt isn't a huge issue in these cars because the engine is non-interference. As far as performance goes, it's pretty much the same as any other car...
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Thanks again guys!
Some eye candy. Dont mind the shift knob...it was on it when i got it and it wont come off....bastard ricers.
I would probably go to the junkyard and see if you can get another stock shifter, or you might be able to order one from toyota or something.
PS - that is one hilarious radiator cap you have
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'01 Impreza 2.5 RS - Mud flaps, skid plates, Gravel Dampers
'89 RX-7 TurboII - Megasquirt-3 - 270 rwhp
'89 Corolla SR5 - 4AGE ST 20V 6spd LSD, Megasquirt II, Koni Race Dampers + GroundControls + camber plates F/R, GT-S Rear brakes
'81 BMW R65 For Sale: GT-S strut bar + Front GT-S koni yellows
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