A Hot Rod class MWR Celica? It can't be.

[monkeywrench]

We've been having a great time building ZZ-powered street cars but at a certain point the compromises to streetability limit performance. To find the real potential of an engine you need to build a race car. Our shop MR2-S and GTS are both daily driven so they're not an option. Time to build something new.

We have begun construction of a FWD drag Celica to be run in the NHRA Sport Compact Hot Rod class. The starting point is a very humble 2001 Celica GT that was involved in some sort of off-road excursion, leaving the body in pretty rough shape. So far we've stripped most of the car and later this week cage construction begins. After that it'll be body work and paint, then we start assembly. It's going to be a huge project and will break a lot of new ground so we've got our work cut out for us.

http://monkeywrenchracing.com/images/MWRshopcars/hr1.jpg

http://monkeywrenchracing.com/images/MWRshopcars/hr2.jpg

So, with a project like this, sure we're going to use the old standby 3SGTE right? Nope! 2ZZ powered all the way. We're going to put something special together for this car and try out some new parts/ideas that will work their way in to the engines we build for customers after they prove themselves. This car will be a great test bed.

I don't expect any photo finishes with the GM factory Sunfire this season but we are looking to get the car out to a few events to turn some heads.

[Rico6983]

That's awesome. I can't wait to see how it comes out

[smartman2686]

this is great news. you guys are a blessing to the celica community. :headbang: :applaud:

[Speed4TheNeed]

Awesome!!! Glad your using a 2ZZ as well, I'll definately be keeping posted on this.

[btagoc]

:king: :king:

[Gravel]

Glad to see you're giving that Celi a far better 2nd life :D

How much FWD power do you think is really still going to be drive/dragabble?

Best of luck :thumbup:

[oONoGoAutoOo]

oh man! i cant wait to see the finished product!

[LEE3]

absolutly awsome to see a 2zz powered celi rippin down the 1320. cant wait.

[Carbonized_GT]

Good Luck guys cant wait!

[fraugts]

ooooh boy!
now we are talking.

[Smaay]

Matt this is awesome news, im so sad im here in CA, i want to be involved in this project

[emotart]

great news cant wait to hear about the HP #'s

[J5ISALIVE]

hmm....you all should have a horse power contest with LittleRocket....hes building a 2zz that can handle 50psi of boost....his engine, is quite posibly the most badass 2zz i have ever seen.

can any one say darton wet sleeves with closed deck block :) !!!

http://hosting.dynamis.net/littlerocket/2zz%20block%20project/2zz%20sleeves1.JPG

[mtskibum16]

Sounds great. It will be awesome to see what you guys can do!

[venomceli]

hmm....you all should have a horse power contest with LittleRocket....hes building a 2zz that can handle 50psi of boost....his engine, is quite posibly the most badass 2zz i have ever seen.

can any one say darton wet sleeves with closed deck block :) !!!

http://hosting.dynamis.net/littlerocket/2zz%20block%20project/2zz%20sleeves1.JPG

WHOA!

[rogergts]

Great to hear that your sticking with the 2zz and hopefully taking it to another level :thumbup:

[Smaay]

http://hosting.dynamis.net/littlerocket/2zz%20block%20project/2zz%20sleeves1.JPG



i need some alone time with this block...that is the sexiest thing i have seen in a while, well next to Kate :)

[monkeywrench]

The standard Darton sleeves have proven themselves to 33+psi with no signs of giving up in the less rigid 1zz, I'm sure they'll be fine in a higher pressure 2zz. Toyota builds a good block.

[X-EVIL-X]

glad your using a gts engine
i want to see what its capable of
and you can put some of the part to production im sure

[badceli]

Outstanding Matt. Are we finally going to see if stock Celica axles will handle slicks?

[turboengnr]

are you going to do any type of tube frame on it? Atleast a tube-frame front end?

My friend has a tube framed 96 civic hatch. All carbon fiber body panels and lexan windows. Without the motor, the car weighs in under 1000 lbs.

What are the limitations to the hot rod class?

I am very excited to see this. I havent seen anyone do this yet with my car (7thgen civic), and i like the celica. So this will definately be something i want to watch.

[monkeywrench]

Outstanding Matt. Are we finally going to see if stock Celica axles will handle slicks?

We'll be starting with totally stock GTS axles and working from there.

[monkeywrench]

are you going to do any type of tube frame on it? Atleast a tube-frame front end?

My friend has a tube framed 96 civic hatch. All carbon fiber body panels and lexan windows. Without the motor, the car weighs in under 1000 lbs.

What are the limitations to the hot rod class?

I am very excited to see this. I havent seen anyone do this yet with my car (7thgen civic), and i like the celica. So this will definately be something i want to watch.

It'll be tube in front of the strut towers as allowed by the rules. We'll eventually be going to lexan but will stick with glass initially to get to the track sooner. The car will be thoroughly stripped and is already pretty light.

We can't chop the body up too much. We can't alter the front suspension geometry. We have to stick with a stock style transmission and transverse engine. We're going to stick as close to a stock setup as possible initially and work from there. There are weight minimums but I don't think we'll hit them this year.

Cage construction starts Monday. I'll post pics as they're available.

Thanks for the support guys. We're psyched about this project and can't wait to hit the track.

[BHam00GT-S]

So is this 2zz going to be n/a or turbo w. lower comp pistons?

[S|Lv3rBu||et]

You guys never cease to amaze me, totally awesome work!!
I'm sure the finished project will be totally mind blowing! :drool:

[PRRedCelicaGT]

:bowdown: very nice news...

[Illusive]

cool. good luck with the project. keep us updated

[robare99]

i need some alone time with this block...that is the sexiest thing i have seen in a while, well next to Kate :)

And not a single hoof in sight!

[celicajonz]

awesome news!!!

[many]

And not a single hoof in sight! :rofl:

[cool2miketlu]

i need some alone time with this block...that is the sexiest thing i have seen in a while, well next to Kate :)

And not a single hoof in sight!


Unless he run over a deer going down the tracks :gap:

[Smaay]

So is this 2zz going to be n/a or turbo w. lower comp pistons?



im going to pretend you didnt say that

[Carbonized_GT]

hahahaha

[Oo DaRk StAr oO]

i need some alone time with this block...that is the sexiest thing i have seen in a while, well next to Kate :)

And not a single hoof in sight!



Unless he run over a deer going down the tracks :gap:


Then it might end up in a lake :D

[liquidg]

keep us updated on the progress of this car.

[monkeywrench]

Car is coming along nicely. We've started on the engine. It will be almost all off the shelf parts, nothing too custom or fancy. Most of the parts are here just waiting to be bolted up when the car returns from body and paint.

The clutch arrived today. It's a prototype twin plate but once we've tested it we'll most likely make them available to everybody.
http://monkeywrenchracing.com/images/mwr2zztwinplate.jpg

[Curt705]

Its not fair...your 2zz is coming along faster than mine :(

[fraugts]

well, now I know why my order has been untouched... :angry:

[Hetts]

I think we'll all be better off when this thing gets built...

[Curt705]

Is that twin plate clutch like Blitz's clutch?

[BHam00GT-S]

im going to pretend you didnt say that

I'm gonna pretend I didn't say that either.. I started reading this thread this morning sober thinking I've never seen it before, then read that and I was like 'WTF did I say that for?!' Apparently, I must;ve been drinking a little too much when I posted that

[monkeywrench]

Is that twin plate clutch like Blitz's clutch?

Yes, a twin plate.

Guys- the race car is not slowing customer orders down. Customer orders take priority. In fact I just sent the race car's block out to be done- every block we have had on hand has been used to fill customer orders, the race car has been waiting in line.

[Smaay]

keep up the good work Matt....i cant wait to see the finished results...

[VladsGTS]

i <3 MWR :) makes me love my celi . dont forget to keep us updated

[X-EVIL-X]

that clutch will make the same noise as blitz right? i have the blitz clutch for about 5 months it was a race clutch and had the noise whenever you stepped on the clutch.
it was also stiff as a rock.

[leftovercrack]

any updates on this?

[FITGT]

PICS! :) MWR you guys have done so much for the celica crowd.

[GTsRasta]

Is this the same celica you got into the 11's on stock internals, or are you upgrading the internals in this?

[vegeta4ss]

haha nice. I can't wait to see the end product.

[Carbonized_GT]

Is this the same celica you got into the 11's on stock internals, or are you upgrading the internals in this?


No, i believe they recieved a junked GT and are building that up. They say they will be using the 2zz.

[leftovercrack]

i checked there website and theres no information about how this project is going. i didnt expect much but i did expect it to be in there somewhere. oh well. hopefully they will chime in on how the projects going.

[pnoy]

Can't wait to see how the engine goes. I might eventually have to upgrade my 1zz to a fully buit 2zz later on :D

[imp]

um...you guys do realize this thread is from March,right?

[Carbonized_GT]

yeah so?

I believe we all are looking for updates.

[vegeta4ss]

um...you guys do realize this thread is from March,right?
I never saw it in march, so its new to me :D

[GTsRasta]

No, i believe they recieved a junked GT and are building that up. They say they will be using the 2zz.

I believe that the celica they got in the high 11.9's was with a 2zz. Check the top of the track times for the GTS:

http://www.newcelica.org/other/tracktimes/page.php?sort=celicagts

It looks like they used their daily driven celica to get that time!!! :bowdown: I s0o0o want to check out the specs for a fully built & stroked 2zz.

[Carbonized_GT]

No, i believe they recieved a junked GT and are building that up. They say they will be using the 2zz.

I believe that the celica they got in the high 11.9's was with a 2zz. Check the top of the track times for the GTS:

http://www.newcelica.org/other/tracktimes/page.php?sort=celicagts

It looks like they used their daily driven celica to get that time!!! :bowdown: I s0o0o want to check out the specs for a fully built & stroked 2zz.


YES I know.

YOU asked if they were going to use their 11 second celica as the Hot Rod Class Celica. I Replied with:
No, i believe they recieved a junked GT and are building that up. They say they will be using the 2zz.

[GTsRasta]

lol woops. Sorry, just really tired today.

[elcelicagts]

yeah if this was all started in march, whats the 411 on this now?

[monkeywrench]

Correct, the Celica that ran 11.9 is our shop GTS. Full interior, full weight, daily driven (when the weather's too nasty to drive the MR2-S!)

The race car is coming along nicely. We were pretty occupied during race season so we're only getting back to full concentration on this project right now. The custom body work and paint are done and the cage (legal to 8.50) is complete. This car is a complete stunner and I'm very happy with how it came out. I'll post pics soon.

We'll be finishing the powertrain and electrical and have the car ready for the tracks first thing in the spring. Definitely looking forward to surprising some people.

[Boosted2.0]

Correct, the Celica that ran 11.9 is our shop GTS. Full interior, full weight, daily driven (when the weather's too nasty to drive the MR2-S!)

The race car is coming along nicely. We were pretty occupied during race season so we're only getting back to full concentration on this project right now. The custom body work and paint are done and the cage (legal to 8.50) is complete. This car is a complete stunner and I'm very happy with how it came out. I'll post pics soon.

We'll be finishing the powertrain and electrical and have the car ready for the tracks first thing in the spring. Definitely looking forward to surprising some people.


Sweet! Looking forward to seeing some pics.

[VladsGTS]

sounds awesome. maybe il come visit one day 3 hour drive aint that bad

[sleepy_celi]

yey

[Celicahzn]

wow, Can't wait to see this.

[monkeywrench]

A sneak peek:

http://monkeywrenchracing.com/images/MWRshopcars/mwrracecar.jpg

[emotart]

^ freaking nice job guys ...

[timm3r]

i dont see a picture

[VladsGTS]

now open the hood :)

[Carbonized_GT]

:king:

[GTsRasta]

:drool: Push that badboy to its limits & get us some custom turbo packages!!!

What's the setup you're planning on running (stroker, turbo, boost, etc)?

[Boosted2.0]

Purdy! Whats it weigh?

[Carbonized_GT]

Whats it weigh?



Word.

[GTsRasta]

:drool: Push that badboy to its limits & get us some custom turbo packages!!!

What's the setup you're planning on running (stroker, turbo, boost, etc)?

I forgot 1 more question, what internals and EMS do you guys plan on using? The PFC or Hydra? Are you guys knowledgable with tuning the Hydra?

[S|Lv3rBu||et]

A sneak peek:


:drool: :faint:

Sweet Jeebus guys!! You've really gone all out this time....
I don't know about everyone else, but I'm on the edge of my seat waiting for more details!!!

[monkeywrench]

What's the setup you're planning on running (stroker, turbo, boost, etc)?

1.8L, built engine, lots of boost.

[monkeywrench]

Purdy! Whats it weigh?

Don't know yet. Expecting ~2000 lbs.

[monkeywrench]

I forgot 1 more question, what internals and EMS do you guys plan on using? The PFC or Hydra? Are you guys knowledgable with tuning the Hydra?

We're very good at tuning both but will be using neither. More info to come on that.

[Boosted2.0]

Cool deal - where are you guys going to be campaigning this thing Matt? Just locally or all over?

[GTsRasta]

Cool cool. Keep us posted on the build and its details.

[bigjuice61]

have you guys figured out a solution for the 2zz's weak bearing problem. maybe some custom rods and a modified crank shaft to fit a wider contact surface something really needs to be done about that.

[Boosted2.0]

have you guys figured out a solution for the 2zz's weak bearing problem. maybe some custom rods and a modified crank shaft to fit a wider contact surface something really needs to be done about that.


Ummmm MWR already sells upgraded race bearings...

[monkeywrench]

Cool deal - where are you guys going to be campaigning this thing Matt? Just locally or all over?

Planning to run as much of the NHRA, NDRA, and BOTI national circuits as possible.

[monkeywrench]

have you guys figured out a solution for the 2zz's weak bearing problem. maybe some custom rods and a modified crank shaft to fit a wider contact surface something really needs to be done about that.

So far I believe that the 2zz's bearing problem is an oil pick-up problem. Our car's bearings looked fine after being over 400whp for a while. We'll see how they do at 600-700whp.

[Boosted2.0]

Cool deal - where are you guys going to be campaigning this thing Matt? Just locally or all over?

Planning to run as much of the NHRA, NDRA, and BOTI national circuits as possible.


Cool! If you guys are running in Houston and need a hand or a place to wrench or just want to hang out give me a ring - it would be great to meet you - Jeff says you're a pretty cool guy.

[bigjuice61]

any plans on fixing the pickup maybe producing youre own?

[McCelicaGTS]

All I care about is seeing the engine and when you guys are coming to Englishtown, NJ!

[monkeywrench]

any plans on fixing the pickup maybe producing youre own?

Already done. The Moroso oil pan fixes the oil pickup issues. We'll be running a stock oil pickup and oil pump on the race car.

[Carbonized_GT]

I want an update.

[JSPITZ]

MWR, is your mr 2 S a stock 1zz?

[badceli]

MWR, is your mr 2 S a stock 1zz?
:laugh:

[streetluger]

are you going to be running at us 131 motorsports park this spring? If so do you know the date for that? Also if you plan to head out and test it at a local track try to post the date, i would love to spend my day watching a fast celica tear up the track.

[monkeywrench]

Update: lots of work underway right now. Specs:

Standard stage 4/3 race engine
Full custom competition turbo system, 4" exhaust, FMIC
AUTOMATIC transmission, stock
Tein suspension
26x10 and 25x8.7" front tires (needed to meet different rules)

We have decided, because of some rule changes, that this will be a street class car. That means mostly full interior, rear exit exhaust, stock fuel tank, no lexan. None of this will slow us down much. It's all about the power.

We're prepping the car for the Autorama car show in Detroit in early March. I'll get pics when the car is all together.

[monkeywrench]

We'll be running national events with NHRA and NDRA as well as smaller events at 131 and Milan.

[monkeywrench]

MWR, is your mr 2 S a stock 1zz?

1zz, low compression, big bore, ported head. Our basic stage 4/3 race engine, nothing fancy.

[GTsRasta]

:king: I can't wait to see the 2zz's limits!

[Carbonized_GT]

whoawhoawhoa.

did you say STOCK AUTO transmission?

now clarify this, do you mean stock GTS tranny, stock GT tranny or are you being a mad scientist and throwing in a different car/make transmission?

[Totoy Bibo]

Stock auto trans!!?!?!

i would like to know as well

[exile27]

Yeah, I need some clearification on this stock auto trans. Mine got tore up with just the turd s/c.

[lowredcruzr]

purdy but i want more pics

[jlitman]

AUTOMATIC transmission, stock
This is news... :AF:

Have you guys set up the PFC to work in parallel with the ECU? If so, will you be selling these pre-programmed in the future?

Any mods at all to the AT? Valve body? Torque converter? If so, would these be made available in the future?

Also, I guess we'll see just how much torque the AT can withstand :eatpop:

[emotart]

Glad to hear someone else is going balls out with Auto Celica, Cant wait to see some numbers and info on that auto tranny stats

[enjoi4586]

AUTOMATIC transmission, stock
This is news... :AF:

Have you guys set up the PFC to work in parallel with the ECU? If so, will you be selling these pre-programmed in the future?

I forgot 1 more question, what internals and EMS do you guys plan on using? The PFC or Hydra? Are you guys knowledgable with tuning the Hydra?

We're very good at tuning both but will be using neither. More info to come on that.

;)

[jlitman]

^^^ Ah -- I forgot about that. Hmmm. Well whatever they use, if its controlling a blown 2ZZ with an auto tranny, I'm certainly curious about it...

Glad to hear someone else is going balls out with Auto Celica, Cant wait to see some numbers and info on that auto tranny stats
Yeah, seriously -- this is very interesting news, especially to those of us with autos. Matt, please tell us more about it!

[vegeta4ss]

this thread is doing a good job of occupying my attention once again, Matt please post up some more updates and info to hold us over :drool:

[S|Lv3rBu||et]

this thread is doing a good job of occupying my attention once again, Matt please post up some more updates and info to hold us over :drool:


Seriously, this is some of the most painfull anticipation I've ever endured!! :AF:

[exile27]

^
Haha! You're telling me.

[GrimIndustries]

I got to see this beast with my own 2 eyes last time I was there. It's honestly amazing.

[S|Lv3rBu||et]

I got to see this beast with my own 2 eyes last time I was there. It's honestly amazing.


:furious: No Fair!!! :furious:

[GrimIndustries]

Whats really not fair is I've gone for a ride in the red one haha.

[monkeywrench]

any plans on fixing the pickup maybe producing youre own?

Done.

http://monkeywrenchracing.com/mwr_moroso_oil_pan_toyota_zz.html

[monkeywrench]

The setup, initially at least, will be a stock untouched 2zz automatic trans with a slightly tweaked torque converter. This will be controlled by a mechanical shifter. No electronics whatsoever. I have set up several non-Celicas like this with great results as long as you don't mind the trans shifting very hard and quick all the time. This is a big heavy trans and we've gone through one looking at the components. Everything looks pretty strong. I'm sure there will be some development needed to get it to hold up to 600+ whp reliably but it certainly appears to be a strong starting point. I'm not saying the 6-speed wouldn't hold the power (don't know for sure) but with this much power the car will be faster and more reliable with an auto.

Engine computer will be an AEM EMS. I hope to have the VVL and VVT both fully operational.

[Carbonized_GT]

freaking sweet.

[jlitman]

The setup, initially at least, will be a stock untouched 2zz automatic trans with a slightly tweaked torque converter. This will be controlled by a mechanical shifter. No electronics whatsoever. I have set up several non-Celicas like this with great results as long as you don't mind the trans shifting very hard and quick all the time. This is a big heavy trans and we've gone through one looking at the components. Everything looks pretty strong. I'm sure there will be some development needed to get it to hold up to 600+ whp reliably but it certainly appears to be a strong starting point. I'm not saying the 6-speed wouldn't hold the power (don't know for sure) but with this much power the car will be faster and more reliable with an auto.

Engine computer will be an AEM EMS. I hope to have the VVL and VVT both fully operational.

:bowdown:

Please, please develop some goodies (e.g., mehanical shifter, trans rebuild kit, torque converter) as a result of this awesome project for those of us with autos.

Also, very glad to hear that the stock auto trans looks to be sturdier than people had thought :D

[VladsGTS]

Whats really not fair is I've gone for a ride in the red one haha.


me too :)

[jlitman]

Oh, will you guys be running open dif and stock axles?

[killer2239]

Haha, i saw the turbo going on that sucker. I cant wait to see results.

[Punkers7465]

what ever became of that prototype twin plate clutch from page one?

[GrimIndustries]

me too :)

It's awesome isn't it?!?!

A little OT, I WANT your car.

[monkeywrench]

Oh, will you guys be running open dif and stock axles?

No and yes.

We have to get creative with the diff. There is nothing off the shelf. Yet.

[monkeywrench]

what ever became of that prototype twin plate clutch from page one?

http://monkeywrenchracing.com/clutchmasters_multiplate_toyota_1zz_2zz_1_8l.html

Works great.

[JSPITZ]

:laugh:

I meant the internals silly

[jlitman]

Oh, will you guys be running open dif and stock axles?

No and yes.

We have to get creative with the diff. There is nothing off the shelf. Yet.

You guys are offically my heroes :bowdown:

Do you think you might wind up developing a few items for the AT as a result of this project?

For example, I would happily buy a LSD, valve body, shifter, or trans rebuild kit developed by MWR... Actually, I think there's quite a few of us with AT's that would be very interested in stuff like this :D

[Jesse IL]

MWR, is your mr 2 S a stock 1zz?
:laugh:

I meant the internals silly

:laugh: :laugh:

[monkeywrench]

Do you think you might wind up developing a few items for the AT as a result of this project?


Certainly possible. The differential is a priority.

[jlitman]

Do you think you might wind up developing a few items for the AT as a result of this project?


Certainly possible. The differential is a priority.

:applaud:

[Punkers7465]

any updates?

[jlitman]

any updates?

Wondering the same :)

[crystalalien87]

A sneak peek:

http://monkeywrenchracing.com/images/MWRshopcars/mwrracecar.jpg
car looks like its sleeping

[Entranced]

haha,... whaaaat

[kaminaricelica7]

any new updates?? :) pics...vids?

well vids might be pushin it haha

[jeevsdew]

Correct, the Celica that ran 11.9 is our shop GTS. Full interior, full weight, daily driven (when the weather's too nasty to drive the MR2-S!)

...

We'll be finishing the powertrain and electrical and have the car ready for the tracks first thing in the spring. Definitely looking forward to surprising some people.

Its almost summer now, and it was supposed to be done first thing in the spring. I was wondering if you ran into any problems or complications?

[d3im05]

A sneak peek:

http://monkeywrenchracing.com/images/MWRshopcars/mwrracecar.jpg
car looks like its sleeping

next time you'll see it, it's eyelids will open up halfway and 6000k HID beams shining @ you, in the transformers movie
:chuckles:

[Curt705]

Matt...anyway you guy's could do a write up on the cage construction?

[S|Lv3rBu||et]

That pair of pictures you gave us is entirely unsatasfactory....
I demand more eye-candy!

[Carbonized_GT]

That pair of pictures you gave us is entirely unsatasfactory....
I demand more eye-candy!


I second that.

[youngxlos]

what ever happened to the project?

[TRD-CELICA-GT02]

Been awhile since I've been on the board, any update to this?

[GTsRasta]

So far I believe that the 2zz's bearing problem is an oil pick-up problem. Our car's bearings looked fine after being over 400whp for a while. We'll see how they do at 600-700whp.

Any updates? I'm also curious to know what turbo you'll be running...

[boardernr]

my guess would be somewhere around a GT40-ish

[jlitman]

In another thread MWR said they were finishing up the wiring on this car, so we should be getting an update soon.

All auto haters must now come to terms with the fact that a realy fast AT GT-S is in the works :D

[Rombomb420]

Trust MWR to make it happen too. Damn I want that shifter mechanism! No more slush box would be REAL nice....

[pmpjce]

good stuff MWR. Very nice, high five

[Gt to GtS Swap]

Question about the differential.. Are you going to use Quaife, TRD, or MWR. I have no idea if the differentail works the same in a manuel as an auto.