1977 Toyota Celica GT 2000 2.0 DOHC 18RG
Summary:
A very quick and rare classic with the pulling power of 140 horses.
Faults:
Sills under doors required steel plates to be welded, which cost about $200 NZ.
General Comments:
This car was purchased as a toy project. The model was a 2 door lift-back which I later found out were quite rare in NZ. The engine had just been reconditioned and came with twin Mukini carbs when I bought it. The engine was an 18RG.
In standard form this car was reasonably quick pulling somewhere between 140-145BHP and only weighing ~950kg.
Being 6"2 I found the 'cockpit' a bit small, however the drivers seat was very comfortable and all instrumentation within easy reach.
When I sold the car I had it running with hardened springs and at 184BHP with modifications to the exhaust, extractors and head.
I would recommend this car to any driver looking for a car that is bullet-proof and has outstanding accelaration for its year. This engine is particularly easy to modify. If I could get my hands on one, I would definitely buy another.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 11th August, 2003
17th Dec 2005, 04:07
You're wrong. The 1977 RA28 weighs more than 1040kg. Your scales are wrong or you have ripped out stuff from your RA28 to make it lighter. Check your specs and do some research because 950kg for an RA28 is utter rubbish. The TA22 weighs 940kg and I can assure you the liftbacks weigh a fair bit more.
7th Mar 2007, 03:18
Hi, I have a 1977 celica with an 18RG motor. It will be good for parts, it has not been running for a while and has a lot of rust, but a lot of things are still good if anyone is interested than please write back cheers.
28th Mar 2007, 22:47
1040KG sounds about right.. The LT RA28 1977 2D Liftback has a kerb weight of 1080KG.
22nd Jul 2004, 05:00
The liftback weighed more than 950kg. The TA22 Celica coupe weighed in at 940kg - the 1973 Liftback (RA25 GT2000) weighed in at 1040kg and it was the lightest of the early model liftabcks. The 1977 (I assume you mean the RA28?) weighed more than 1040kg.