Using AE92 as a Tow Truck...

[Kick Ass Matt]

I know it sounds crazy but...

Someone gave me a 1990 Corolla (AE92). Engine is very strong with 185 PSI across, the car was religousily maintained by the previous owner (synethic everything). 3 speed auto transmission hooked up to 4AFE engine.

My friend and I are into building cars and racing a lot; in the old days we used to drive all the way from Toronto into Shannonville, unload tires, tools, set up, and hot-lap like everybody else that goes to Shannonville. But ever since we did a 98 SPEC B18C5 swap into his EG6, the car hums at 5000 - 6000 RPM when he's doing 130 - 140 due to its high final drive (something like 5.something to 1). That's a lot of wear and tear on the transmission when you run it that high for 2 hours non stop.

I myself has an extensive background in welding, fabricating and engineering so him and I decided that we would run out to Pricess Auto and buy a car dolly plan, weld up the dolly and use the AE92 to tow it.

I plan to do the following to beef up the AE92 for towing duty...
- DUAL tranny oil cooler (the largest one I can find at Crappy Tire) + Mobil 1
- HAWK HP-Plus pads in the front
- Wire the fans on a manual switch so I can have them always on if I want to
- Short ram intake for torque
- 18 pound rad cap
- Thermos that opens earlier
- Custom weld in a Class II hitch at the frame rails and back sub frame so the tongue weight of the dolly is as far up front as possible.
- Put in rubber spring helpers.
- Trailer brakes

Here are my questions:
Which model Toyota has the largest-bolt-on-off-the-shelf-junkyard calipers that will work on the AE92 (searched but too much off shore stuff, part numbers please? I've read that the AE101 or AE111 GTS would do; I know it sounds like a dweeb question but bear w/me because I come from Nissan/Honda background...)

Who makes beefed up springs and dampers for our cars. I think maybe the GTS as well since its a sportier car so logic would dictate that it has a higher dampening rate. What about Koni?

Whats the largest tire I can put on the AE92 w/out rubbing and slashing my rubber. I've read 195-50-15, varify please?

TIA

[REN69]

on 15's you could probably go to 195/55-15's that's what I'm running on the back on my car and they fit fine.. on the front I haven't tried yet.. my car is a GTS though so suspension and fenders might be different from sedans and wagons.

16's I've seen people run 205/40-16s but with spacers on the back so it doesn't rub or hit the struts.. but you're probably about half a centimeter away from the fender. gotta watch it when you bottom out.

AE92 with a 3spd transmission.. Don't know how much beating that 3spd will take, but don't expect it to run lower than the EG6 when it comes to RPM. Actually my 5spd runs at about the same RPM at the same speed as your friends.. 5th gear synchro is now gone.. but I got 340,000km plus on the car.

[Flashmn]

I'd put a supercharger for torque.

[boosted gt]

you might be better off with a tire that has more sidewall like a 185 70 13

[Kevin108]

What do you plan on towing with this when it's done?

[cobrajet25]

Uhhh...why the hell are you trying to turn a 4-cylinder Toyota station wagon into an F-150?! I am all for modifying cars, but I don't get this one... Regards, Aaron

[Kick Ass Matt]

Well I am planning to tow a gutted EG6 (1992) hatch Civic. My race car. On top of a car dolly; not a trailer, just dolly where the front two wheels are suspended.

Sorry, I dont like F150's I am more of a 4 X 4 Silverado 2500HD Diseal fitted with the 6 speed manual type of guy, but at this moment in time I don't have $$$ for a 1 -ton truck yet.....sad...

[Abnmouse1]

Hey, as far as your rear suspension goes, have you ever thought of putting full air ride under the rear of you AE92? Well if you're interested, I've possibly got a set of rear struts a couple of air tanks and 4 vavles that all together retail for about a grand USD, but I'm willing to take a major sacrifice on them if your interested.

[4A-GE]

why not?

[automatic]

My recently rebuilt auto puked some fluid with just a few people in the car during normal driving; the thing only holds 3 quarts after all!
I have since changed the fluid to B&M Trickshift, and it shifts more crisp now, but I don't know about a trailer.
Moog sells a line of aftermarket springs called "Cargo Coils", they are about twice as stiff as stock, have soft coils on the end in order to ride decent, stock ride height, run about $60 a pair. It's what they've used in cop cars for years.

Just make sure the trailer isn't heavier than the car, don't even ask why.

[aaron7]

Damn, my 3 speed auto couldn't even take the car itself... I'd hate to see one pulling more!