RT40 Corona - engine work without replacing

[brewtalburnett]

Hi all,

I've bought a 1969 RT40 Corona with the 2R engine and the body etc is all pretty decent - a few cobwebs here and there, but nothing some lovin won't fix.

I'm yet to have it on the road but I'm not expecting miracles under the hood. It's the 4spd manual but I expect it to drive like a granny. Wondering if anyone can shed some light on their experiences in squeezing just a little more power out of the good old 2R without turfing it altogether? I would be tempted to go for a transplant but have seen other guys try this and have to cut the floor pan - the 2R has a "mid-sump" whereas most desirable engines have a front sump.

Specifically:

1. Intake/exhaust heat - this is the first car I've owned with a non-crossflow head - the intake literally bolts onto the exhaust manifold. This can't be real good for cold air intake! Anyone played with insulating/shielding the intake with good results? I looked into exhaust wrap but I'm not keen to destroy the headers. This will be my daily driver, not a track car.

2. On the subject of intake, I'd be keen to learn about other carbi's that may fit/upgrade performance, even if it requires a custom manifold. Suggestions? See youtube clip below.

3. Rebuild? A local performance shop I rang said they could rebuild it for $2000-$2500 with some 5R "bottom end parts" that would help. I'm trying to work towards closer to $1000 for engine performance but this obviously would help. Anyone tried this?

4. New head - anyone know if there are other compatible heads from other R engines that would fit? I've seen a video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYMas305zQo) where a guy has a 2R head on his 12R RT80 and 4 bike carbs - it sounds pretty beefy! I'm silly enough to try something like that. But my main point was that if another head was similar bore and I could bore out my 2R block etc could I get some more power or possibly even get into a cross flow head?

Any other thoughts are most welcome. I'll do the usual tune up and maybe exhaust, but beyond that I'm out of my depth with older Toyota engines.

Many thanks! Jon

[Zammo]

The 2R is a chunck of crap with its three main bearings its weak as piss other than a std rebuild i really wouldnt bother.

get a 12R if you can much better but not much

minimal work to put in an 18R or 20/22R much better motor to start with can do some mild work to them they move ok or a 4AGE all these motors could be picked up for less then the rebuild costs of a 2R



can we see some pics of your mighty beast please

i luv RT40s

[brewtalburnett]

Cheers for your thoughts. I'd be keen for an 18RG but have no experience changing engines/fitting drivelines & gearboxes/fuel pumps etc. Obviously some people do this at home - is it achievable without mechanical help? I'm fairly cluey when it comes to figuring things out but would want to rebuild an 18RG while it's out and then fit her fresh. Any tips on finding one? Seems to be a little less common than 4AGE's etc that are around. There's one on eBay at the moment which is the first I've seen for a while.

Either way, I've attached some pics for you - currently refreshing the back end which was all rusty/dirty. Doing shocks and bodywork before roadworthy, and may even get her on the road first with the 2R and then look into a an engine transplant down the track.

Cheers, Jon.

[Zammo]

Thats a sweet looking beastie you got there

18RGs are rare and expensive compared to the other motors do it if you can get one and are willing to spend the money and time it takes to build one