1976 Toyota Corolla Liftback SR5 1.6 gas
Summary:
Potential antique pocket rocket
Faults:
Car started overheating at 85,000 miles which resulted with a slightly blown head gasket. Re-rodded and cored radiator cured the problem. Still haven't replaced head gasket yet.
Clutch went out at 100,000 miles.
Master cylinder went out at 100,000 miles.
General Comments:
This car is running a Toyota 2T-C engine, which is quite popular for the mini sprint cars at the local tracks, so a Toyota enthouiast can really turn a small commuter hatch-back into an older performance car for only a slight amount of money. For the right amount of money and patience, one can pull about 175hp out of this small 1.6 litre engine.
Great with gas mileage around town and on the highway.
The SR5 and the S5 models of the Corolla come with a 4 speed manual transmission with overdrive 5th gear. So on the highway it gets about 70mph at 2800 RPM. With no emission parts (I removed mine after I left California) it has some decent rear end torque and speed. I recommend this car for first timers or for people who love a project car, trying to squeeze every ounce of horsepower out of a small import engine.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 21st January, 2001
3rd Mar 2001, 17:52
I owned (2) 1976 Toyota Corolla SR5 liftbacks from '77-'86. I put 198,000 on one before the body rusted out and about 210,000 on the second one before selling it. Both ran like tops and I kick myself for having ever sold the second one.
Here it is 2001 and I am looking for one in excellent or restorable condition. The SR5 liftback was one of the best all around cars I ever owned. They handle incredibly well when fitted with aftermarket hi-perf struts, and haul butt when fitted with a pair of Webber carbs.
They were also incredibly easy to work on. A couple of bearings in the tranny went out while touring the country. I pulled the tranny and replaced the worn out parts on a picnic table! Seriously, try that on a new car!
Oh what a feeling! Oh what a great car!