Does anyone own an AWD Corolla or know where to get info?

[awdCorolla]

Hello,

I just picked up an '89 All-trac AWD corolla. I have searched for any info on these cars and have come up with nothing. I was wondering if anyone on here owns one. And knew of possible suspension replacement options, and diffent engine swaps that would bolt up with the stock tranny. Thanks.

[Rolla Pat]

Hello!

Well, you fell on the right guy. Me and my friend own a 1989 AWD Corolla sedan that we use for rallying. We've done pretty much everything to it as for modifications. Fron suspension is from a 1990 Corolla GT-S (struts, springs, roll bar, strut tower bar and disc brakes), rear suspension is from a 1986 Corolla GT-S (shocks, springs, roll bar and disc brakes). The engine has been swapped for a hybrid and home-built 7a-ge engine (4a-ge hi-comp head and 1.8 litre 7a-fe block). We had no choice because 4a-ge block doesn't fit in because of tranny transfer case. There's a special groove in the 4a-fe block to accomodate the case, not present on the 4a-ge block. 7a-fe block has that groove because some AWD Corollas were made in Japan and Europe between 1993 and 1997.

If you need any info, ask away!



_________________
Rolla Pat
Toyota 4ag addict
TOYOTEC - Canadian Toyota Club

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Rolla Pat on 2002-05-14 11:49 ]</font>

[awdCorolla]

Cool, I emailed you a whole list of questions too make it easier. Anyone else on this board have one?

[varietta]

i don't think anyone else here owns one. but there are a few ae92 (are the sedans called ae91?) model front wheel drive sedan owners on this board, including myself.

do you know about this rally car? its old and i'm not sure if it's still in competition.
http://www.japanese-auto.com/pics/corolla.jpg
it was for sale a year or two ago.

kevin

[awdCorolla]

Cool, I'd enjoy hearing anyone's mod's to there 4dr's. Here's my huge list of questions in case anyone wants to take a stab at them:

For the front suspension, do you need to swap the hubs and any components over from the '90 GT-S to make the aftermarket springs/struts/anti-swaybar fit?

For example, could I just go out and buy Koni aftermarket struts made for a 1990 GTS and have them slide in with no problems?

What about the front disc brakes, what componets are needed to swap these, are they bigger calipers?

I'm assuming any 1988-1991 FWD Corolla GT-S will work as a suspension brake/doner right?


For the rear suspension(on the AWD cars it's a live-axle), same question(s), will any aftermarket springs/shocks/swaybars just slide right in or is there special stuff I need from any AE86 to make it work?

Again, assuming any 1985-1987 GTS will work for the rear suspension right?

Here's my problem, it's got 150,000 Miles on it, with a blown headgasket. Could I just swap the higher compression GE head onto the stock block? Would it run okay with stock EFI and wiring?

I'm not sure if it would just be better to get a new motor. anyone?

Are there any differences in the normal 4a-fe engine compared to this AWD motor?

I noticed on a few websites that it stated there was some difference between this AWD motor and the one used in the normal corollas for 1989-1991.

Basically, will any 4a-fe motor swap in no problem? Or does it have to be specific years? I don't want to have to deal with wiring issues.

And finally, what type of AWD system is this(I also have 5-speed), when the center diff is UNLOCKED, I'm assuming it's open differentials front and rear, so one front tire would spin and one rear tire would spin with the diff unlocked at the same time. Then with the diff locked what would happen? All four wheels spin on ice? Are there any swappable LSD's for the front or rear?

How strong is the transfer case and system as a whole?

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: awdCorolla on 2002-05-16 14:54 ]</font>