Japanese Toyotas R the best!

[87FX16GTS]

I collect Toyotas and 1963 Ford Galaxies. My 4 Runner is a 1997 model built in Japan with 239,000 miles. It needs nothing and asks for nothing on a daily basis, a truly outstanding vehicle. I love it because it has no problems, and I enjoy modifying it as needed, when I have the time. It was an absolute bargain for $2900 with no dents or rust, and all SR5 options.

It's a red 2WD model (common in FL where there is no terrain) and it is far superior mechanically and engineering wise to the 2004 Tundra and 2005 Tacoma I owned previously which were made in the USA. I found the newer trucks to be sporty and good looking but overall they were gas guzzlers (especially the 4.7 tundra!) and the fit, finish and NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) to be more pronounced than the old Japanese model I now use. Why have a $20,000 truck when the old girl does the same thing?

I have added a nice set of platinum 2005 Tundra 17" wheels and 265 / 70/ 17 Michelin LTX / MS2 tires which are the best road tire on earth for an SUV I think. It needs a bit on the suspension, probably a set of Bilsteins and I'd like to lower it but it will probably never happen as I have about 10 other cars!

Today I replaced the stock awful SR5 cloth seats with a pair of power lumbar leather units from a '99 Mercury Mountaineer. This was quite an endeavour with a lot of cutting and fabricating, though the comfort level is way up so I'm pleased. The seats were a bargain at $120 a set with the power tracks. I tried for over a year to find some decent OEM ones but they were all ripped, burned in the sun or just too expensive! Ford to the rescue...

Does anyone know of a decent bolt on dual exhaust or is this a U Fab item for a muffler shop? I'd like to keep up / downstream O2 and catalyst for fuel metering but with one cat how do we get a nice dual system?

I also own a mint 1987 Corolla FX-16 GT-S in red, bought it (inoperable) for $300. I have more than that into the 4AGE head now, hope to get it running soon...

Jeff

 

[BrianSD_42]

Sounds interesting. People around here like pics

 

[87FX16GTS]

other yota

Here's my FX, right now it's only got Fred Flintstone power, I hope to hear it run soon!

 

[Stick Figure]

I almost picked up a black FX Corolla, but we were too far apart on price. I did have an AE92 with the 4AGE in and several 1st gen MR2's with that engine. Not the most powerful engine stock but plenty of potential. If you were closer I would offer to let you come dig through the 4A graveyard but shipping across country would probably kill it for anything you need.

 

[fightman80]

Welcome aboard man! NIce Corolla man! Very good shape.... where I come from, those are far and few between... too much road salt to keep them around that long! lol!

The oldest Toyota Car I've seen lately that was in decent shape... was a 98 Tercel that was for sale. It was rusted to $hit, and they still managed to sell it in 3 days! lol!

My 4Runner is most likely the least rusted 3rd Gen I've seen around, with exception to maybe one other one... but I've yet to stop the owner to talk to him about it.

You should post some pics of your 4Runner man, I'm interested to see what those seats look like and definitely post pics of that Ford you have too!

 

[87FX16GTS]

4AGE parts?

Hello,

I'll get some shots of the 4 Runner today; regarding the AE parts, I would really like to put a manual in this FX Corolla, I will be removing the block and trans soon as #4 cylinder was compromised with coolant.

I have read that the 4AGE should not be bored at all, anyone know more? I do have a good machinist whom is capable of sleeving but don't want to put a million in here. I look up pistons and they go from $90 to $900 a set, quite a range.

Here's a couple shots of my Fords; the green '64 was the original SUV, and the black one is a '63 at my shop. I have 2 others also undergoing a slow restoration!

 

[spectre6000]

I think the '49 VW Type II Kombi would have to argue with your "original SUV claim" (and Chryslers "original minivan" claim for that matter). Something like 10" of ground clearance, capable of hauling lots and lots of stuff and/or people, lightweight, engine over the drive wheels for traction (four wheel drive vehicles were just starting to make it to the civilian market at that time), etc. etc.

 

[A.Wilson013]

In regards to your dual exhaust, it's definitely a self fab job... The only way I can see a dual keeping the same o2s and cat would be a simple y pipe after the downstream o2, and some trick pipe bending to get it to come out the driver side. Not a true dual exhaust, but could perhaps look nice.