KE Dedicated Thread
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Some basic pointers for KE70 Corolla.
Engines and engine crossmembers:
TE7# and AE7# engine and gearbox crossmembers interchange to allow for easy engine conversions from K motors to T (including 2T-G, 2T-GEU, 3T-GTEU) and A (including 4A-GE, 4A-GZE, 4A-GE w/ 20V, 7A) motors, most of which are a definate improvement. T engine crossmembers don't have steering rack.
When fitting my 2T-G I used a T crossmember with the K crossmember's steering rack mounts welded on. Engine-to-gearbox reinforcement bracket (factory cast iron thing) fouled on the boss where the steering column/shaft met the steering rack. Removed this and my gearbox hasn't fallen off the engine just yet.
Suspension and Brakes:
Underlying suspension geometry and design is shared with AE86, pretty much. I think the Macpherson strut inside diameter is different on KE70, so you need different damper cartridges specific to KE70. Alternatively you can change the struts altogether.
Struts, brakes, steering arms, camber:
Steering arm flange pattern at the strut mount is shared with earlier Corollas, but not larger Coronas and Celicas of the same or earlier time periods; the bolt spacing is marginally wider in this application. Good to remember when changing struts for decent brakes.
On this note, RT132 struts and steering arms when used in tandem will give twin piston calipers, 266mm discs and larger-body inserts while bolting to the existing ball joint (ball joint p/n shared with early Corona, Corolla and Celica models). If this isn't enough, RT132 struts can be used with DBA F282 discs and RN104 calipers to give 4 pistons, big pads and vented discs. Master cylinder upgrade is required in this case. RA23/RA28/RA40 or #A6# struts can be used as an alternative. Dunno why you'd bother with less than #A6# struts, the earlier Celica brakes were pretty average and not much improvement.
I used RT132 struts with RT132 steering arms on standard KE70 control arms and found that when set up at a desirable ride height I achieved practically neutral camber; good for a street-driven setup. RT132 lower control arms are longer and will give more negative camber. RA40 arms are an alternative. Both models of control arm will fit the crossmember and almost any Corona, Celica or Corolla steering arm (including OEM KE70) without modification. All Crown and Cressida arms I've looked at are HOOJ and are not recommended unless 5+ degrees negative camber is somehow a necessary contribution to your self-image.
The KE70 strut tower is not big, most struts from larger cars (ie. RT132) would have a standard spring size too large for the tower. Wind a conical spring to suit your strut's lower seat and the KE70 upper seat in the length and rate you want, or convert to narrow coilover springs with a weld-on coilover kit. This has the added advantage of allowing additional clearance for alignment change.
EDIT: Seems as though AE86 strut tops are interchangable with KE70 - read on below.
More later.
Originally Posted by beige_bandit
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