MonkeyWrench
New member
Some of you are probably familiar with our work on the 2ZZ and 1ZZ based Celicas, MR2-S, Corollas and Lotus cars. These are all 2WD vehicles but being in Detroit, it's nice to have a fun AWD car for the winter. Sure, I could have just bought an Alltrac or I could have converted a 7th gen Celica but I though this would be a little more unique.
97 Rav4 4WD 5-speed 120hp, 2650 lbs
+
99 Caldina 3S-GTE with AWD 5-speed trans 260hp stock
=
The point was to build a simple, low budget AWD vehicle that would be nimble and fun in any sort of low traction situation. We've already had it out ice racing on a frozen bay and rallyx racing around a dirt course. It is an absolute blast. The wheelbase is tiny at 86" so it takes a bit of work to keep it straight but the flipside of that is that is is extremely nimble and responsive. The power is fantastic- at 18psi this thing really moves.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8Q216Ewb60
The 350hp number on the video may be a bit optimistic
I have not had it on the dyno because we have a 2WD Dynapack. It's running on a stock ECU which works great. Wiring was not what I'd call easy but it's doable if you know wiring. A ST205 swap would have been much easier.
Current engine mods include a full 3" exhaust, 3" cold air intake, front mounted intercooler and AVC-R boost controller. I'm planning to run it this way until the stock turbo gives up then upgrade to something slightly larger. I have no interest in going 200mph in this thing so a large turbo would be a waste. 350-400whp would be plenty.
Suspension mods include Koni adjustable shocks and modified H&R springs which lower it about 4.5". I did an aggressive street alignment. Currently riding on 17x8 wheels with Blizzak tires. I can't complain about the handling.
97 Rav4 4WD 5-speed 120hp, 2650 lbs
+
99 Caldina 3S-GTE with AWD 5-speed trans 260hp stock
=
The point was to build a simple, low budget AWD vehicle that would be nimble and fun in any sort of low traction situation. We've already had it out ice racing on a frozen bay and rallyx racing around a dirt course. It is an absolute blast. The wheelbase is tiny at 86" so it takes a bit of work to keep it straight but the flipside of that is that is is extremely nimble and responsive. The power is fantastic- at 18psi this thing really moves.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8Q216Ewb60
The 350hp number on the video may be a bit optimistic
I have not had it on the dyno because we have a 2WD Dynapack. It's running on a stock ECU which works great. Wiring was not what I'd call easy but it's doable if you know wiring. A ST205 swap would have been much easier.Current engine mods include a full 3" exhaust, 3" cold air intake, front mounted intercooler and AVC-R boost controller. I'm planning to run it this way until the stock turbo gives up then upgrade to something slightly larger. I have no interest in going 200mph in this thing so a large turbo would be a waste. 350-400whp would be plenty.
Suspension mods include Koni adjustable shocks and modified H&R springs which lower it about 4.5". I did an aggressive street alignment. Currently riding on 17x8 wheels with Blizzak tires. I can't complain about the handling.
