thinking about an Echo Hatch.

[Project86]

hey guys, i was thinking about buying a echo hatch, but i wasn't too sure since i wanted somthing that had atleast some power. how does the echo perform? is it at all fast? i drive an AE86 right now. and wanted somthing a bit faster but.. just let me know how it stands. thanks guys

[echo_hrs]

My RS hatch is quite quick, quicker than my 2001 Corolla S. Not an STI, but same power to weight as a Gen 1 MR2. With intake and exhaust it does even better...

[Project86]

kool. ye the car wieghts about as much as mine if my research was correct.

[roc]

With a 5 spd. it IS quick. I wouldn't go as far to say that it is FAST, but handles like hell and very quick, fun little car. I had it up to 175km on the 403 this morning and it was still picking up.

[Project86]

hmm... alright . thanks.. see my main thing is that i'm planning on selling my Ae86 and going for somthing new. I know all about fun, quick cars, the AE86 isn't the fastest but it's quick and fun as hell to drive.. but it IS RWD which adds to the fun factor...

What kind of after market is therE? like are turbo kits easy to find?

[bgrieger]

Aftermarket is huge, if you have contacts in Japan or Europe. Here, if the Scion Xa/Xb part fits, you're fine, but anything unique is next to impossible. Too small an aftermarket considering were the only ones with the hatch on the continent.

[EchoHoLiK]

Trust me man, even stock is fun to drive, when u want it to be. I know it ain't RWD, but in Canadian weather, it's the next best thing. I never get stuck in snow (well, since I drive the manual which helps in terms of letting you choose the gear to start moving the car), while seeing lots of cars getting stuck or couldn't get up an icy hill. And with the manual, it is a quick car. Like what ROC said before, it's not fast (unless a supercharger is bolted on, which is part of my future plan for the Hatchback), but acceleration is quick and cornering is even quicker. Trust me because I used to drive a gen3 stock Camry like a racecar and this EchoHB can corner even faster!! Even high power cars cannot lose me in the twisties!! I wonder how great it can become once it's force-inducted!!!!

Another good thing is: the EchoHB is actually made in and imported from Japan. Enough said.

[Project86]

hmm... alright cool. thanks... oh.. are the even planning to rls a turbo/supercharger here? i heard something about their not going to cause of hood clearance issues

[EchoHoLiK]

^---- the hood clearance thing sounds like bullshit to me. It's more like Toyota won't bring it over because they think there ain't no market for the FI version of the hatchback. Either or, no one can stop you from importing the compressor over here yourself It all boils down to money basically.
Even if it's inadequate hood clearance, nothing will stop you if you really wanna fit it in, you'll find a way if that's your goal

[Project86]

hehe ye ye.. but superchargers are already expensive enough as it is.. without import costs and stuff.. :P . well i think i've decided on trying it out. maybe setup a test drive or somthing..

[bgrieger]

Actually, the hood clearance is the problem. We got taller engine mounts, and the supercharger hits the hood. Official line, and accurate from those that tried the Blitz (the TTE one is a blitz). Sure, bump up the hood, or find european engine mounts for the 1.5, and charge away.

[roc]

^Or have a hood scoop fabricated to allow that extra little bit of clearance that is needed. This wil also help rid the engine bay of some extra heat.

[Project86]

still have the problem of getting th parts :P