Lift? 2zz? i need a clue... :D

[Superstuddc27]

I have no clue about some of the stuff talked about in this forum cause im new to the celica and all. The reason im looking into it is cause Im thinking of getting one pretty soon, so i want to be aware of the problems it has, maintenance, mods, and so forth. I've spent some time researching on this forum a little bit, and i think the 3 major problems that the Celica has, is the a) lift bolt b) belt tensioner and c) sunroof peeling. Did i leave any out?

1) First off, what is "lift"? From what i read, im assuming it's something like VTEC that kicks in in high RPM's... (in the Celica case, over 6500 RPM) So, if the lift bolts are broken or worn, then obviously the "lift" wont function which will make the car (GTS) into a GT, if not slower, correct?

2) Also, does every celica have these problems? (or the majority of them). It seems to be a major problem but i want to know the percentage of the people that have them just so i can be more aware when i check out a used car.

3) I have no idea what the belt tensioner is, or what the problem is, or how it is fixed. Can someone just fill me in on this real quick? All i know is that it makes rough noise from the engine at startup.

4) Sunroof peeling- i basically got this down. I saw some of the pics and boy, it looks horrible. But TSB should cover it...

5) Can i add an action pack to a 00-01 model celica? I understand that the 00-01 models did not have an action pack, but is it possible to order one from dealer and install? (yes i know it may be an expensive mod...... maybe i should just buy some side skirts and a front and back lip spoiler.. hehe :D)

FINALLY, the most important issue. What are the major differences between the years in the celica. (newer generations of course). I mean 00-01 should be together, and then 2002-2003 right? Well all i need is a comparison of the Celica (mainly GTS) from the years 00- 02. Any year past that should be too expensive for me to afford so it won't matter. Thanks... I hope to get reply soon. I just became a member :D

[Superstuddc27]

one more thing~! ... I rode in my friends celica GTS but only twice. Once was at night and he was giving me a ride so it was pretty short. I noticed that when you back up/reverse, this "backup" noise occurs. the *Beep beep noise. At first, i thought it was some construction they had going outside (cause the road was a mess)... then i realized that it was coming from the car. really weird..... that's a weird thing for Toyota to add on the car.

my questions: regarding backup /reverse sound
1) Where does it come from? The speakers?
2) Why is it even there? If the sound is somehow coming from outside the car, then people can hear it and so i guess it can be a safety measure. But if it's coming from inside, like the speakers, what the point? It's just annoying.
3) How do i get rid of it?
4) All years of the celicas have it? (00-04 models) Or is it just some of the earlier/later models. Thanks

[LeftOnRed]

The beep is there to let you know that you're in reverse and not first gear. This is how you remove it: http://www.newcelica.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=117426

As for a comparison bewteen the years, Toyota dropped the rev limiter, but I'm not sure which year they started doing that though.

[Blue Bomber]

From your first post:

1. Correct. Lift is the same concept as VTEC in that it switches cam profiles, but unlike VTEC, lift is activated by oil pressure. And yes, with fully broken lift bolts, your car may actually be slower than a GT, since the GT has a better power curve.

2. Yes, all GT-S' have lift bolt problems, but the new style lift bolt introduced in 02 seems to last longer. If you replace your lift bolts every 10K, you should be fine.

3. The belt tensioner is on the left side of the engine, and keeps enough tension on the belt so that it won't fall off. The only way to fix it is to get it replaced. It makes a rattling sound when it's broken.

4. TSB is only good up to 3yr/36k, so hopefully your car is under that, otherwise you'll need to buy a new moonroof ($$$).

5. Yes you can order the parts and have them installed at the dealership, but you could probably also buy a turbo for that price. ;) Better off getting a used kit and installing yourself (very simple).

Differences in years:
Early 00: 6000 RPM lift engagement
Mid 00: stiffer shifter springs, 6200 lift engagement somewhere around that time
Early to late 01: same as mid 00
Very late 01: changed shift gates (much wider), lowered rev limiter to 7800
02: same as very late 01, different knock sensor, least desirable year

From your second post:

2. Because people can't drive. ;) It's there so they don't think reverse is 1st, since they're right next to each other.

[Superstuddc27]

ahh icic.. thanks that answered my questions. But one more.. for the belt tensioner.. is that as common as the lift bolt problem? and do you need to replace constantly too? Or just that one time, IF it's broken. Thanks.

[Blue Bomber]

The belt tensioner is more common, since it affect a lot more cars. The new ones don't seem to break as easily, but the belts still squeal a lot. ;)

[Superstuddc27]

thanks blue bomber. you're a lot of help.. most of the things ive learned on this forum was from your posts :D.. well hopefully i'll join this celica community soon.

[LeftOnRed]

How much of a difference does having the lift engage at 6200 instead of 6000 make in terms of performance? Is there any way to tell (from the VIN or something like that)?