Toyota Corolla Coupe Build

Build A Toyota Corolla Coupe With A Toyota Tercel Coupe!👈

 

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!

Rear/Front Of A 5th Gen Toyota Tercel Coupe

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

Check with your local laws and regulations before modifying, swiping motors, and transmission..👈

Swapped Nissan Toyota Corolla

Go Big With Nissan Power!

#VQ35DE 

A VQ35DE

Go Big With Nissan's V6s!

Drop a Nissian VQ35DE into your fitted Toyota Corolla. The VQ35DE was a 3.5(3,498cc) oversquared aluminum block piston motor, from Nissian’s VQ Series. This motor has a production line from 2001 to present. The VQ35DE can be found in many Nissan vehicles such as to 2002–2018 Nissan Altima and 2002–present Nissan Maxima. The bore of a VQ35DE was 95.5 mm and the stroke was 81.4 mm. The VQ35DE had an output between 228 -305hp with up to 274ft•lb of torque at a given rpm. The VQ35DE had compassion ratios of 10.0:1-10.3:1. There were different updated versions of this motor. These engines were designed to improve power and fuel efficiency. The motors were all DOHC V6s and had several appearances. There were also JDM versions.

           

A VQ35DE

The VQ Series is very popular among many car enthusiasts. The Nissan world has a large aftermarket for these engines alone. A VQ engine can be rebuilt for NA power or for force feed induction fun. A modified force inducted VQ35DE is known to make big power. Like the 2GR-FE, a VQ35DE has potential in it's own league at monstrous power. A daily tuned VQ35DE, with low compression pistons, can make up to 375PS with a customed/blot ons, decent turbo, supercharger kit, or 350PS using a high compression piston kit/NA mods. Many customed or blot on parts can be found at HKS turbokits, Greddy, importperformanceparts, turbokits, maxpeedrods, car-part, Retrex, or get the VQ35DE GT Supercharger kit. 

#SR20DET

An SR20DET Silvertop Motor With Transmission

The perfect swap for a fitted Corolla would an SR20DET Silvertop out of a Nissan Avenir W10/11 or B13 Sentra. The SR20DET was a popular series of 2.0(1,998cc) squared all aluminum block piston motors. The engines came from Nissan's SR power train. The SR20DET Series were all force inducted motors. There were 4 different versions of the i4 motor. The Redtop, Silvertop(mentioned) and Notchtop were among them. These engines were made available from 1989- 2002. The bore and stroke of the engines were 86 mm. These engines had an output anywhere between 201-250hp with up to 220 ft•lb of torque at a given rpm. The SR20DET had compassion ratios anywhere from 8.3:1- 8.5:1. Later gen versions had minor updates and appearances. The SR20DET was designed to improve performance and fuel efficiency. There were JDM versions of the SR20DET.

Aftermarket for the SR20DET is pretty large. There are customed or bloted parts at turbokits, Greddy, importperformanceparts, turbokits, ptuning, maxpeedrods, or car-part. Prices can be compared for your likings. A modified force inducted SR20DET, is known to make serious power. Like the 3S-GTE, a built SR20DET can make well over 1000+hp. A lighty modifed and tuned daily SR20DET can still produce up to 300PS.

An RB25DET NEO Motor

Another swap for a fitted Corolla would an RB25DET NEO out of a R34 Nissan Skyline. The RB25DET was a popular series of 2.5(2498cc) oversquared aluminum/cast block piston motors. The engines came from Nissan's RB power train. The RB25DET NEO is an all force inducted motor. The motor had a bore of 86 and a of stroke 71.7. This engine had an output of 280PS with up to 267 ft•lb of torque at a given rpm. The RB25DET NEO had a compassion ratio of 9.0:1. This gen version had minor updates and appearances. The RB25DET NEO was designed to improve performance and fuel efficiency. There were JDM versions of the RB25DET NEO.

A KA24DE Motor

Find another swap for a fitted Corolla would be a KA24DE out of a Nissian Altima. The KA24DE was a popular series of 2.4(2389cc) undersquared aluminum/cast block piston motors. The engines came from Nissan's KA power train. The KA24DE came in SOHC and DOHC variants. This motor had a bore of 86 and a of stroke 96. This engine had an output of 155PS with up to 152ft•lb of torque at a given rpm. The KA24DE had compassion ratios of 8.6:1-9.5:1. The KA24DE had minor updates and appearances. The KA24DE was designed to improve performance and fuel efficiency. There were JDM versions of the KA24DE as well.

A Nissian engine swap will never be a direct fit although some were fitted with different layouts. All the electronics/ECU are different and they are more of a challenge. All the proper equipment from the donated car including a suitable or modified transmission is needed for a successful swap. These swaps requires a lot of customization including customed motor mounts, suspension, custumed high proformance axles, shifter, fuel system, cooling system, A/C/power steering, intake/exhaust, suspension/brakes, and tires. 

These swaps were done to the MR2, Celica, and Toyota Corolla. There are custom fitted parts for these motors at importperformanceparts, car-part, maxpeedrods, driveshaftshop, gatorracingaxles, or turbokits. Rotrex and Eaton has a Series of superchargers that can work on these motors. Aftermarket for these engines is quite large. Turbo or supercharged applications may require upgraded injectors, upgraded ECU, a blot on or customed built manfold, fuel pump, and boost controller. Every motor and transmission has a weakness. It is very important to address your motor and transmission for weaknesses before modifying them. 

Check with your local laws and regulations before modifying, swiping motors, and transmission..👈

Swapped Honda Toyota Corolla

Build A Honda Powered Toyota Corolla!👈

Honda! The Power Of Dreams!👈

J32A2

#J32A2

A J32A2 Vtec Motor

The perfect engine swap for any fitted Toyota Corolla would be a J32A2. You can find this motor from an 2nd Gen Acura TL-S, 2nd Gen CL-S, or a 3rd Gen Honda Inspire. The J32A was a 3.2 oversquared (3210cc) SOHC VTEC design. It was an all-aluminum piston motor, from Honda’s J Series power train. Surprisingly, there were three updated versions of the J32A with a more fitted design. These engines were made available from 1998-2008. The J32A had a bore of 89.0 mm with a stroke of 86.0 mm. The J32A2 itself, had an output between 260hp-270hp with up to 252ft•lbs of torque at a given rpm. More power depended on that particular J Series motor. The J32A Series had compassion ratios of 9.8.1-11.1:1. The J Series were designed to improve performance and fuel efficiency. There were JDM versions of this motor with many having different appearances.

Aftermarket for the J32A Series is very popular and is running strong for modifications. The J32A Series can be retrofitted with other J parts(other high preformance NA mods) can be had for a whooping of 290PS. A customed forced inducted J32A, can be rebuilt to make big power.

K24A

#K24A2

A K24A2 iVtec Motor

A K24A2 swap is possible for any fitted Toyota Corolla. The perfect engine swap can be found from a Acura TSX or "Honda Accord". The K24A was a series of 2.4(2,354cc) undersquared all aluminum block piston motor. These motors came from Honda’s K Series power train. Like many Honda motors, a K Series engine has its own specific code and design. The engines were produced from 2001- 2011. The bores of the engines were 87 mm and their strokes were 99 mm. The K24A Series had an output between 158-205hp at a given rpm, with up to 171ft•lb of torque. The K24A Series had compassion ratios between 9.6:1-11.1:1. The K24A engines were respectfully designed to improve high performance and fuel efficiency. The K24A Series had a high profile cam system called i-VTEC.

K20A

#K20A2

A K20A iVtec Motor

The perfect engine swap for any equipped Toyota Corolla would be a K20A2 from a RSX Type R or Civic Type R. The K20A were a series of 2.0 perfect squared (1998cc) aluminum block, high revving, piston motors. They came from Honda’s K Series power train. The engines were produced from 2001-2011. The bores and strokes of the K engines were 86 mm. The K20As output were anywhere between 150-221hp, with up to 159ft•lb of torque at a given rpm. The K20A Series had compassion ratios between 9.6:1-11.7:1. These engines were designed to improve high performance and fuel efficiency. The K20A Series had a high profile cam system called i-VTEC.

The K Series are kings when it comes to aftermarket. K20A/K24 parts are exchangeable with other K Series motors. A modified force inducted K20A2 is known to make serious power. Like the legendary 2JZ-GTE, a built K Series can make well over 1000+hp. A tuned K20A or K24A can still produce an extra 80PS overstock. Daily mid-built K Series are known to make well over 400hp with a decent customed/blot on turbo, supercharger kit, or NA build. Rotrex has a C Series of supercharger kits that can work well with a K Series motor. The K Series is known to make ridiculous power for cars like the Civic and RSX. Monkey Wrench Racing sells quality conversion parts for the 1ZZ-FE powered vehicles.

D16Y 

#D16Y8 

A D16Y8 Vtec Motor

The perfect engine swap for any fitted Corolla would be a D16Y8 from a 1996–1997 Honda Del Sol Si, 1996–2000 Honda Civic EX, 1996-1998 Honda Civic Coupe, 1996–2000 Honda Civic Si, 1997-2000 or the Acura EL. The D16Y8 was a 1.6L (1,590cc) all-aluminum piston motor from Honda’s D Series. Surprisingly, there were many updated versions of this motor with a fitted SOHC VTEC design. The engine was made available from 1996-2000. The engine had a bore of 75.0 mm with a stroke of 90.0 mm. The D16Y8 had an output of 127hp with up to 107ft•lbs of torque at a given rpm. More power depended on the engine itself. The D16Y8 had a compassion ratio of 9.6:1. The D Series were designed to improve fuel efficiency. This version of the D Series had many appearances.

A D16Y8 Block

Aftermarket for the D16Y8 is very popular and is running strong for mods. The D16Y8 can be retrofitted with other D series engines to produce decent gains. A modified force inducted D16Y8, can be rebuilt to make big power. Like many D Series motors, a tuned D16Y8 can still produce up to 170PS on the stock internals. A built D16Y8, will make well over 250hp with a decent customed turbo or supercharger kit.

An L15B7 Motor And Transmission 

The perfect engine swap for any fitted Corolla would be an L15B7 from a 2016–2021 Honda Civic Si. The L15B7 was a 1.5L (1,497cc) all-aluminum turbocharged piston motor from Honda’s L Series. Surprisingly, there were some updated versions of this motor with a fitted VTC or VTEC design. The engine was made available from 2016-2022+. The engine had a bore of 73.0 mm with a stroke of 89.4 mm. The L15B7 had an output of 176-205+PS with up to 190ft•lbs of torque at a given rpm. More power depended on the engine itself. The L15B7 had compassion ratios of 10.3:1-10.6:1. The L Series were designed to improve fuel efficiency and performance. This version of the L Series had many appearances.

Aftermarket for all of these engines is quite large. Turbo or supercharged applications may require upgraded injectors, upgraded ECU, a blot on or customed built manfold, fuel pump, and boost controller.

A honda swap is not a direct fit. All the electronics/ECU are different and they are more of a challenge. All the proper equipment from the donated car including a suitable or modified transmission is needed for a successful swap. These swaps requires a lot of customization including hood clearance in some swaps, customed motor mounts, suspension, custumed high proformance axles, shifter, fuel system, cooling system, A/C/power steering, intake/exhaust, suspension/brakes, and tires.

Manu of these engine swaps were done to the MR2, Honda Civic, other Acura models, Toyota Celicas, and Corollas. There are custom fitted parts for these motors at importperformanceparts, CT Engineering Supercharger, car-part, ptuning, maxpeedrods, Magnum, driveshaftshop, gatorracingaxles, turbokits.com, or kmodperformance. Rotrex and Eaton has a Series of superchargers that can work on these motors. Every motor and transmission has a weakness. It is very important to address your motor and transmission for weaknesses before modifying them. 

Check with your local laws and regulations before modifying, swiping motors, and transmission..👈