1985 Toyota Celica GT-S review from North America

I bought the car for $1000 knowing that it needed some work.

The steering had a lot of free-play so I replaced the rack-and-pinion unit (which was worn and leaking fluid) as well as the shocks/struts with koni/kyb units respectively.

I also replaced the cylinder head which had a cracked valve and worn valve stem seals.

While the engine was torn apart I replaced all the timing components and oil pump.

Replaced the clutch after I destroyed it while practicing 180 degree turnarounds at speed with the handbrake.

Lastly, 4 new Falken Ziex ZE-502 tires on those beautiful 14"x7" alloy wheels.

The above cost around $1000, mainly for parts having done most the work myself.

There is still a little slop in the steering so near future plans include ball joints, wheel bearings, bushings.

Will probably also replace the brake rotors/pads.

I noticed one survey noted they thought this model was built with rallying in mind, I concur and bought the car with that in mind. I have participated in SCCA RallyCross events with this car usually beating at least a few of the all-wheel-drive Subaru's. I hope to eventually get rally tires, a roll-cage, and some safety equipment installed so I can really rally it.

The 22R-E engine was used in Toyota Trucks through 1995, so parts and performance mods are readily available.

This car had in 1985 many features that are still considered desirable today and found mainly only in performance cars such as :

4 wheel disc brakes

Independent rear suspension

Rack-and-pinion steering

Close ratio 5spd transmission

8-way adjustable seats

A mere.34 drag coefficient

Wide 60 series tires on 14"x7" wheels (lots of imports cars then had 13-14" by 4-5.5" wide wheels)

Interior includes:

Tilt wheel

AM/FM Cassette stereo with graphic equalizer and Dolby noise reduction

Rear defrost and wiper with it's own washer fluid system

Retractable cargo cover in hatch area to guard against prying eyes

Power windows, locks, mirrors.

One thing that does annoy me is that if you open the door while the ignition is on, when you close the door it locks. I can appreciate Toyota efforts here though since '85 was when car-jackings were getting started. It's funny though now because my past '95 and current '01 Toyota Tacoma's won't let you close a locked door while the engine is running, it automatically unlocks.