The engine was well dressed....
The engine was well dressed. Unfortunately, the 1.8-liter was configured such that the exhaust manifold exits rearward. So there was no cool-looking turbo perched in front of the engine. In full-tilt trim, the force-fed 2ZZ lays down 251 hp.
The ALT Wheels Celica made a lasting impression with us. The best thing about the turbo kit is that it is real. As it sits, the kit can be installed by XS for $5,999. Current plans call for revising the fuel system (possibly with secondary injectors) to make the kit easier to install. This is the first 2000 Celica kit we have seen, and the Celica, more than most of the new generation of imports, begs for boost. We hope that once word about this kit gets out, we will start seeing some Quick Class Celica's at the strip, because the Toyota's chiseled silhouette and stout engine are truly bred for speed.
The engine was well dressed. Unfortunately, the 1.8-liter was configured such that the exhaust manifold exits rearward. So there was no cool-looking turbo perched in front of the engine. In full-tilt trim, the force-fed 2ZZ lays down 251 hp.
Fast BrakeAfter our test drive, Hsiao took our advice about the stock braking system and contacted Advanced Engine Management (AEM). The company just happened to be in the final prototype stages of development with its Celica GTS set-up. The Celica kit is a Stage 1 package that adds big rotors while retaining the OE caliper. Other AEM kits provide a choice of hi-po calipers. The Stage 1 front Big Rotor set-up consists of 12.8-inch cross-drilled and slotted front rotors, billet aluminum adaptor hats, billet aluminum caliper relocation brackets and all necessary hardware. The rear braking system was updated in a similar manner with 12.5-inch rotors.
Braking performance is a key (and sometimes overlooked) aspect of the handling equation. Good brakes alllow a deeper, faster entrance into a corner and can help get you out of trouble when you courage outduels the capability of the car. Furthermore, the muscular drilled and slotted AEM rotors look tight behind the ALT aluminum.
The XS Engineering turbo system...
The XS Engineering turbo system uses a custom chiller that uses a big GTR core. When you see this Celica coming, you need not question its intention.
The pump and regulator approach...
The pump and regulator approach to fuel enrichment did a good job delivering the juice, but was so labor intensive that it jeopardized the kit's bolt-on status. The Celica ran a single-line fuel system, so in order to use a pump and regulator, XS Engineering had to plumb in a second (return) line. This part of the system will be reconfigured in the future, but this kit is a reality; XS will install the kit as you see it here for $5,999.
These radical MA Audio woofers...
These radical MA Audio woofers provide chassis- flexing bass. The 12-inch pounders, likened to Mr. Fusion power generators of "Back to the Future" fame, are housed in a trick enclosure constructed by Kustom Workz.