A 5th Gen Toyota Tercel Coupe
Build A Hybrid Corolla II
There's More Advantages! There's More Old-School Swaps! There's More Mods! There's More Potential! There's Even A Coupe Version! There's Less Weight!
Owning an old-school Toyota Tercel opens the door to a range of advantages for car enthusiasts and tuners alike. The 5th generation Tercel, also known as the L50 series, represents a line of compact economy cars that balanced reliability, simplicity, and potential for customization. Built by the renowned Japanese automaker Toyota, these models were designed with versatility in mind. Available in a variety of body styles, including sedans, 2-door coupés, 3-door hatchbacks, 5-door liftbacks, and 5-door station wagons, the L50 series offered something for every type of driver.
One of the key highlights of the Tercel is its lightweight build, with a maximum weight of under 2,100 pounds. This makes it an ideal platform for performance upgrades, old-school engine swaps, and other modifications. In different markets, the Tercel was also known under names such as the Toyota Corolla II, Toyota Corsa, and Toyota Soluna, further proving its widespread appeal and adaptability. With its compact size, mechanical simplicity, and multiple body options, the 5th gen Tercel continues to be a favorite among enthusiasts seeking a classic Toyota with true modding potential.
An 8th Gen Toyota Corolla With A 2002 Bumper Kit
Car enthusiasts often gravitate toward the 4th or 5th generation Toyota Tercel Coupe due to their compact, sporty appeal and potential for customization. These models have developed a cult following for their lightweight build and classic design. However, when compared to the 8th generation Toyota Corolla, there are significant differences, particularly in styling and structural components. While both are from Toyota’s economy lineup, they serve different tastes and tuning communities.
One major difference lies in the bumpers and electronic systems between the two models. The 8th gen Corolla features more modern electronics and design elements that don't naturally align with the older Tercel. This means that installing an 8th gen Corolla bumper onto a Tercel isn't a straightforward bolt-on process. In most cases, enthusiasts who attempt this swap must customize their bumpers to fit around the Tercel’s original front ends, including the hood and headlights.
Some builders take the customization a step further by performing a full 8th gen Corolla front-end conversion on their Tercel. This involves replacing not just the bumper, but also the headlights, fenders, and hood. The goal is to give the Tercel a completely different look, often aiming for a more aggressive or updated aesthetic. However, because the two models were never meant to be interchangeable, this level of modification requires careful planning and skilled fabrication.
Additionally, a complete conversion typically includes custom side skirts to match the new front end. The entire process demands extensive customization, not just in terms of bodywork but also to ensure all components fit and function correctly. While challenging, such a project is a testament to the dedication of car enthusiasts who are willing to go the extra mile for a unique and personalized build. For many, the effort pays off with a standout vehicle that reflects their vision and creativity.
Check Out ALL The Modern Engines And Builds You Can Swap Into A Tercel.
The Best Modern Engine Swaps For A Tercel With Piggyback ECU!
- MWR 1ZZ-FE NA/Turbo/Supercharged 160-250PS
- MWR 2ZZ-GE NA/Turbo/Supercharged 166-250PS
- MWR 2ZR-FE Turbo/Supercharged 180-250PS
- 2AR-FE MOD NA/Turbo/Supercharged 250PS
- 2AZ-FE MOD TRD Supercharged 205-240PS
- 1NZ-FE Greddy Supercharged 145PS
- 1NZ-FE Rotrex Supercharged 145PS
- 4E-FTE MOD 170-250PS
- 4A-GE 16V MOD NA/Turbo/Supercharged 150-250PS
- Rotrex Supercharged 145PS
- Built 4A-GE MOD NA/Turbo/Supercharged 150-250PS
- Built 7A-GE 16V MOD NA/Turbo/Supercharged 170-250PS
- Built 4A-GE 20V MOD NA/Turbo/Supercharged 170-250PS
NA/Turbo/TRD/MWR/Rotrex/Eaton Supercharged Complete Builds/Standalone ECU
- Built MWR 2ZZ-GE 300+PS
- Built MWR 1ZZ-FE 300+PS
- Built 3S-GE 300+PS
- Built MWR 2ZR-FE 300+PS
- Built 2VZ-FE 300+PS
- Built 2GR-FE 300+PS
- Built 1MZ-FE 300+PS
- Built 3MZ-FE 300+PS
- Built 2AZ-FE 300+PS
- Built 2AR-FE 300+PS
- 3S-GTE 300+PS
- Built K20A2 350+PS
- Built K24A2 350+PS
- Built J35A4 350+PS
- Built J32A2 350+PS
- SR20DET 300+PS
- G16E-GTS 300+PS
- Built 1NZ-FE 300+PS
- 2JZ-GTE 350+PS
- 1JZ-GTE 350+PS
- Built 1JZ-GE 300+PS
- Built 2JZ-GE 300+PS
- Built 2RZ-FE 300+PS
- Built 5VZ-FE 300+PS
- LS3 350+PS
- 1UZ-FE 300+PS
- Built 4E-FTE 300+PS
- Built 5E-FE 300+PS
- Built 5S-FE 300+PS
- Built 4A-GE 20V 300+PS
- Built 4A-GE 16V 300+PS
- Built 7A-GE 16V 300+PS
- Built 7A-GE 20V 300+PS