I know this is stupid, but Im brand new..

[MindBlowin03]

OK. Im really lookin into buying a Celica GT-S. Ive only been browsing this board for about 2 days. From what Ive read, I still dont really know too much about these cars. I have a few questions.

1) I know the GT-S has like 30+ more hp than the GT. Is it like the V-Tec system honda uses that makes the HPs? Can someone please explain?

2) What is 'lift'? Ive been hearing this word alot.

3) I want a 6-speed. From what Ive read, they're alot better?

4) I know the TQ isnt too high on these cars. How does that affect normal and abusive driving?

5) What are the cheapest, most effective mods for these cars? Intake, exhaust, ect.?

I dont really know much else about these cars yet, but if someone wants to give me a quick rundown on some things I should know, it would be appreciated.

[chameleon]

Wow, thats a lot of questions...

1. The GTS makes 40 more horse power than the GT. The system that is used to get this horse power is extremely similar to honda's vtec system.

2. Lift is something that GTS owner's get on their Celica's, and is the source of the extra 40 horse power. When a GTS Celica reaches 6,000 rpm's, oil pressure pushes on the lobs of the camshaft which transforms its profile into a high rpm power builder. Like I said earlier, it is very similar to what honda does. The reason that it is referred to as lift is because the camshaft profile gives the intake valves more lift.

3. 6-speed is a lot better for performance when compaired to an automatic. The automatic GTS is about 2 full seconds slower than the 6-speed manual GTS.

4. I've never noticed a lack of tourqe during every day driving. I've always considered the Celica to be "peppy" even during normal rpm speeds. The car is really responsive.

5. The cheapest and most effective mods to our cars? Thats easy, intake and exhaust.

The only things that I will bring up that you did not mention is this. First off, there is lots of aftermarket support for our cars except for the big power getters such as cams, internals, and a forced indution system. Lots of stuff is promised to be on the way, but it has been promised to be on the way for a long time now. Still, I am optimistic about the aftermarket support, I think that next year will be the big year for us.

The only reason I bring this up is because you specifically asked about the 6 speed transmition, and I know that some one else will mention this. A lot of people on this board feel that the transmition is more prone to miss shifting due to the gates being really close together. They also think that it is weak because a lot of people have problems with the syncro's. My opinion is that the 6 speed in the celica is great. I love the closeness of the gates as well as the overall feel of it. The only reason that the syncro's go bad is because people abusivaly slam the shifter into the next gear so the rpm's won't fall below the magic 6k rpm lift zone. And I know that a lot of people dissagree with me, but lets face it, the way for a transmition to be miss shifted is for you to put it into the wrong gear. The transmition doesn't do this, the user does.

My advise to you is to keep reading the posts on this board so you can reach your own conclusions about this stuff so you can make your own educated decision when you walk into the dealarship to pick out a Celica. Good luck.:)

[oreo]

chameleon hit it all on the head. the only benifit he forgot to mention was the girls...
:p

[MindBlowin03]

Well, Im not really looking for 14s or 13s in times. I just want a faster car that maybe I would add an intake, exhaust, etc. Nuttin too much. Right now I have a 94 Talon n/t slightly modded. I do have a few more questoins though...

1) When you hit the lift point(6K?) does the car kinda take off? What I mean is, when the car hits 6K does it feel like a power boost or something?

2) I know for a turbo'd car, you can get a boost controller to control your boost. I there anything like that for these cars? To control that lift?

3) What is the name of this lift? Honda's is called VTEC, Toyota's is called _____?

[ishido]

1) there is a major boost at 6K, this is the magic number on the celica. If you went with the automatic, you could never stay above 6K which is where all the power is. It can be tough enough to stay in it w/ a 6sp. The major increase can be upsetting on, per say, and autocross track. If you're in a turn and hit lift, it'll steal traction from the front. That's how much of a boost in power there is. It's even better w/ mods 4 sure. :D

2) nothing to control lift, but you can get a SAFC. I don't have one so someone else will be able to fill you in on this.

3) VVTI-L I believe... i'm terrible at remembering acronyms. Compared to VTEC it's more advanced. It senses the throttle position and is constantly adjusting. It's comparable to Honda's new iVTEC, which is featured in the RSX and the new Civic.

Not sure how long VVTI-L has been out... anyone????

Check out the DYNO section for the stock GTS models and the modded ones. You'll notice a jump at 6K, but will also get an idea of how much torque you'll have at low-mid rpm range. prolly more your Talon, esp after 6K. Better yet, go for a test drive :)

[chameleon]

MindBlowin03, if you arn't looking for 14's or 13's in times you will be more than happy with a GTS Celica. The GTS runs 14's bone stock. There is a guy who posts here with just an LSD, and I beleive an intake/exhaust who is almost hitting high 13's.

The Celica GTS is the first car ever to have VVTL-I. Just so you know, VVTL-I stands for Variable Valve Timing and Lift with Intelligence.

I agree with ishido, you definately feel and hear the extra power kick in at 6,000 rmps. There will never be a controller to controll the lift in the way you are thinking. With a boost controller you can turn up the boost which will force more air into the engine. The celica is naturally aspirated, so if you wanted to up the power that would kick in, you would want to replace the camshaft with a different one with a profile that has higher lift.

[MindBlowin03]

That leads me to the question...

What is an SAFC? Thanks guys.

[amicek]

heres a good description of SAFC (more accurately, safc fuel computer):

"you can use aftermarket tuning devices such as SAFC to richen or lean what information the ECU gets fed, you can change the open loop fuel curve.
"
so, its a computer performance mod.

another good thing to remember would be that starting in '02 the rev limiter for the gt-s is lower. however, the gear box has been tweaked so the gates aren't as narrow and the ratios i believe are better. i don't know for sure. (can somebody tell me if i'm full of bs or not?) i believe only one person on this board has done this but if you got an '02 then you could put a '00 or '01 computer in, which would give you the high rev limiter with the optimized gear ratios.

oh, and people have described the lift in the celica as a "kick in the pants" if that helps any. also, the gt-s IS NOT the gt just with lift. there are many distinguishing factors between these two vehicles that cause the gt-s to perform better.

[maztur]

Originally posted by amicek
heres a good description of SAFC (more accurately, safc fuel computer):

"you can use aftermarket tuning devices such as SAFC to richen or lean what information the ECU gets fed, you can change the open loop fuel curve.
"
so, its a computer performance mod.

another good thing to remember would be that starting in '02 the rev limiter for the gt-s is lower. however, the gear box has been tweaked so the gates aren't as narrow and the ratios i believe are better. i don't know for sure. (can somebody tell me if i'm full of bs or not?) i believe only one person on this board has done this but if you got an '02 then you could put a '00 or '01 computer in, which would give you the high rev limiter with the optimized gear ratios.

oh, and people have described the lift in the celica as a "kick in the pants" if that helps any. also, the gt-s IS NOT the gt just with lift. there are many distinguishing factors between these two vehicles that cause the gt-s to perform better.

What exactly are ALL of the differences between the GTS and GT? I assume it's like the Civic SI and EX ... (i.e. suspension, wheels, body color moldings, etc etc. there is more that I know none of you care to know :D )

All I know is 6speed option, different wheels/tires, VVTL-i, ??

[chameleon]

The only difference between the GTS and a GT is the engine, transmition, and brakes. The GTS gets VVTL-I, four wheel disk brakes, and either a 6 speed manual or a sport shift automatic.
The wheels are actually not a distinguishing factor. While its true that just about every one with a GTS has the 16" alloy wheels, they are not standard equipment. The dealers just order them all that way because they know people will want it, just like the sliding sunroof and rear spoiler. Other than that, the GTS and GT are identical, same suspension and every thing.

btw, it is widely accepted on this site that the 2002 Celica's have a lower redline and different gear ratios in the transmition but that is a completely false rumor. The 2002's redline and gearing is identical to the previous models. Its not your fault for reporting this, amicek. Like I said, this rumor was started a long time ago and a lot of people still accept it as fact, but there are many 2002 GTS owners who post here who have confirmed that the fuel cutoff is not below redline.

[Maelfyn]

Originally posted by maztur
What exactly are ALL of the differences between the GTS and GT? I assume it's like the Civic SI and EX ... (i.e. suspension, wheels, body color moldings, etc etc. there is more that I know none of you care to know :D )

All I know is 6speed option, different wheels/tires, VVTL-i, ??

Aesthetically, the GT and GT-S are nearly identical. That is until you pop the hood.

[amicek]

thanks for clearing that up chameleon. i'll try and find out some more facts about the 2002 now. hopefully with more people getting them, the old rumors will be laid to rest.

[MindBlowin03]

What is the redline on the GT-S?

[Maelfyn]

The redline is 7800 with the actual fuel cut off at 8100 or 8300 depending on which ECU you have. I can say this with confidence because my friend has two ECUs. With one the lift starts at 5800 and cut off is at 8100. THe other starts at 6k and ends at 8300.