Can't imagine ever driving anything but a Toyota (or maybe a Honda...but too pricy). Just purchased a used 2001 Toyota Corolla S standard transmission vehicle. Very nice, very fast, and in pristine condition. However, I have many friends and relatives who say that Japanese cars are sluggish at best (all Ford/GM die-hards in spite of Toyota's obvious superior reliability). I already feel that my car is fast, but I know it could do so much more.
So...any ideas? What can I put in/do to a 2001 Corolla S in order to push it's performance up. It is literally untouched as far as performance is concerned. The vehicle has been (and is still) well maintained and had a complete inspection (including a code dump, a computerized compression test and a complete engine check). It will easily hit 60 mph in no time at all (guestimate 6-7 seconds). Is it possible to chip the car (or is it even worth it)? Is it going to be expensive or can I get the parts reasonably cheap. Can I do anything like a turbo or am I pushing my luck?
I'm not the most mechanically inclined, but I managed to do all but major repairs on my old '92 Tercel (also standard). So, no major undertakings (like engine replacement and whatnot) but anything that a "starting home mechanic" could do would be excellent!
While the car 'feels' fast (probably mostly because of the flat torque curve) the car definitely does not hit 0-60 in 6-7 seconds. I wish. It's more like 8.5 to 9 seconds (assuming 5-speed)
Use the 'Search' button as this topic has been beaten to death a number of times.
Basically there isn't a whole lot you can do short of becoming a pioneer and trying something new (and spending a lot of money in the process). The 03+ Corollas get all of the aftermarket support.
Thanks for your input MrRavenX. As for you Jake25, I am 25 years old and married. I am not a mechanic, I do not own a stopwatch, and I only guess at the performance (because I don't know any better). I am a computer network administrator who is currently studying Chemistry and Toxicology for a change in careers, so as you can imagine, my experience with cars is not considerable. The only reason I guestimated 7 seconds is because I can't find any pages that tell me how fast toyota expects it to go, and MSN Autos tested it at 8.17 seconds which I misread (being tired last night when I posted this) as 7.18 seconds. I do know that the S isn't faster than the other ones, however I didn't know if the engine was somehow different from the other ones (my parents have an LE which performs just the same). I am also well aware that BMWs (a company started by a guy who used to build planes for the military in WWII) are VERY fast cars in spite of their mediocrity in stability and reliability. No need to insult me. No need to laugh at me. I am simply uninformed.
Jake25...Just because I speak from ignorance doesn't give you the right to speak from arrogance.
Thank-you MrRavenX. I will look around. Jake25, please modify your attitude.
Hey Ren69. I know where to get the exhaust and intake, but where would I secure a supercharger? Also, would the exhaust add much performance? I know the intake would give it a little more push, but do I need to couple a new exhaust with that? Thanks for the suggestions.
Yeah.. TRD (Toyota Racing Depelopment) is an in-house tuner for Toyota, so your Toyota dealer can install, warranty them and service them. Get ready for a $2500plus cost though, but a nice increase in HP and lots of torque.
I myself don't think the Corollas are too slow, maybe the automatics. The 5-speed have a lot more kick to them.
Exhaust and intake would give you a nice 5-10hp increase. Don't get a rice muffler though.. get a sports exhaust like magnaflow or even TRD, don't get a straight thru because all they do is add noise.
Thanks for the input everyone. And, thank-you Jake25. I appreciate the kinder response this time. Sorry about my earlier rebuttal. I had just woken up, and I generally take lots of abuse over my love of Toyotas. That of course, lends itself to a curt response.
As far as stuff like the TRD oil filters and air filters. Is there any clear benefit to putting items like that in the car if it doesn't have intake or a supercharger attached? I would love to put parts like that in, but I don't have the cash...yet. Being a student is great except for exams, and a debt equivalent to some small countrys'. On my next service (1 week) I'll be sure to ask my dealership what they can do for me.
I've heard about building an intake from ABS tubing. Is it worthwhile going to the trouble?
a TRD intake is CARB exempt, which if you're living in CA is a big issue. cause if you're rolling down the street with
-Exhaust from TRD (legal)
-Custom made intake (illegal)
you can get a 340 dollar fix it ticket for the non CARB exempt intake
unless you dont live in CA
then you're fine..
as for a s/c i would go. i would just keep it until after colelge then get a much nicer car.
Anyone know if it'll work for the 2001 corolla as well? Since nothing engine wise changed in the corollas between 2001 and 2002, I am kind of curious why it's not listed as applicable.
Behrooz: Before you run off to a dealer to buy a TRD S/C, do a search on that topic. While the 01 and the 03 Corollas have the same engines, their are some fitment issues that will have to be addressed, and possible ECU issues if you plan on using the TRD S/C.
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