77 Corolla and 81 Starlet Questions

[curtisz]

I just recently aquired a 77 Toyota Corolla 2 door sedan (K30 I believe) with a 3KC engine w/4 speed transmission (HK40?). I also have a 81 Starlet with body damage that I am in no position to repair. The Starlet has a 4KC engine w/5 speed transmission.

My questions are:

The 77 Corolla has bad rear bearings and possibly axel. Does anyone know if the 81 Starlet rear end is the same? I tried looking up part numbers through some automotive websites, and the few parts that I could find (bearings and oil seals) are the same.

I am playing with the idea of putting the 4KC engine and 5 speed transimission from the Starlet into the Corolla also (or just move the 5 speed over to the Corolla and keep the 3KC, because of the fewer emissions controls). The 4KC and transmission are both in better condition. Are there any large differences in the 2 engines that I should be made aware of?

Also, if anyone knows someone with a good radiator for the 77 Corolla, it is in minor need of one. The 81 Starlet radiator mounts differently, and looks a bit different, but I may be able to make it work, if I had to.

I'm more concerned with the first question. The 3KC and transmission are operating decently, but, like I mentioned, the rear end on the Corolla is questionable.

I appreciate all the help, and I'll get pictures sometime soon to post.

Thank You,

Curtis

[micro214_kp61]

Curtis.. AFAIK, the rear ends are the same on all K equipped cars. they're both 8 bolt so i'm sure you can make it work. it's better to use the 4K with the K50. good for daily driving esp highway driving. however, i've seen people mating the 3K head on a 4K block to create high comp K motor. there's a couple of sites you can also check out http://www.club-k.co.nz/Forums/index.php and www.kp61.net

[curtisz]

I appreciate the advice and the links. I will definately research this.

Thanks,

Curtis

[LatinRacer79]

Curtis,
The rear end are the same from the Starlet to the Corolla, the only difference is the suspension. The Starlet is coil springs and the Corolla is leaf springs. Also, I myself have a 1979 Corolla with a 4kc block and a 3kc cylinder head. Not a bad combination for a daily driver, but I'm working on making it better. If you decide to swap out the 3kc and install the 4kc, would you be willing to sell the 3kc? If so, how much would you be asking? Thank you for your time and I hope the info helps you out.

[iya_ke35]

I think the best way for you is to consider if you really wanna trash the starlet to save the corolla, if youre ok with that then go on and do the 4kc with the 5speed into the corolla, it will take more work rather than swapping the transmissions but you will end up having a better power engine than the 3kc. If i were you save the starlet rather than the corolla.. kp61 parts are easier to find than K series corollas nowadays.. just a thought..

[REN69]

man oh man.. where's all these old schoolers coming from?? I'm loving all these old schooler's joining here and showcasing their rides.

[iya_ke35]

old school baby..only way is to go back.. embrace the heritage.. toyota for life!!

[cars101]

are you intrested in selling the 4speed from the corolla?

[curtisz]

A bit late with the reply, but I ended up getting rid of the 77 Corolla and 81 Starlet for a 78 Toyota Pickup. I needed the truck more than the cars since I had bought a 2008 Corolla (to replace my 87 Camry) for my daily driver.