Ryan Tuerck is well-acquainted with extreme engine swaps. He once inserted a Ferrari V8 into a Toyota GT86, after all. The pro drifter’s newest project remains within the Toyota lineage, equipping a 1994 Celica with the powertrain from the contemporary GR Corolla and a rally-ready suspension setup. This undertaking has been in development for a while, but it just made its competitive debut at the FAT Ice Race.
Referred to as the GT411, the Celica’s construction is showcased in several videos on Tuerck’s YouTube channel. The aim was, in Tuerck’s own words, to create a “mad rally car” reminiscent of the Celica GT-Four from the 1990s. Tuerck owns a JDM GT-Four road car but wanted to maintain it as a daily driver. Consequently, the GT411 was built on a USDM Celica GT that was stripped down to expose its rusty frame.
The four-eyed, sixth-generation Celica was exclusively available with front-wheel drive in the United States, so transforming it into a rally car necessitated significant alterations. Major changes included modifying the floorpan and installing a tubular rear subframe to accommodate an all-wheel drive drivetrain, featuring Wavetrac differentials linked to a Holinger sequential gearbox. Additionally, a roll cage and carbon fiber body parts aided in transitioning this Celica from a forgotten street vehicle to a rally car.
In contrast, the 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine fits neatly into an engine bay that previously contained a four-cylinder unit. Instead of the GR Corolla’s 300 horsepower, the G16E engine generates 500 hp under low-boost conditions and 600 hp with maximum boost. This is made possible by a Garrett G30-770 turbo along with a custom exhaust header from Teixeira Fabrication, who handled most of the modifications on the vehicle. The engine is also equipped with Nitto Performance Engineering forged pistons and rods, Kelford Stage 2 camshafts, and a Supertech valvetrain.
Celica GT4 – We Achieved Podium in Our First Event!
After a year of effort, the GT411 participated in an impressive lineup of cars at the FAT Ice Race in Big Sky, Montana. Tuerck managed to secure second place in the vehicle’s inaugural event—not a bad outcome for a newly constructed car. For anyone who has watched footage from the 1990s World Rally Championship, feelings of nostalgia are hard to avoid.
The Celica was a constant presence in the WRC during the 1990s, although the ST205 GT-Four, which shared its body structure with this model, is perhaps best remembered for the illegal turbo restrictors utilized during the 1995 season. Furthermore, if recent previews hold any validity, a new iteration of the sporty coupe may make a comeback in the WRC.
**Ryan Tuerck Integrates 600-HP GR Corolla Engine into AWD Celica Rally Vehicle**
In an innovative automotive endeavor, professional drifter and car aficionado Ryan Tuerck has effectively fitted a 600-horsepower engine sourced from the Toyota GR Corolla into a beloved all-wheel-drive (AWD) Toyota Celica rally vehicle. This daring project not only highlights Tuerck’s mechanical expertise but also emphasizes the potential of contemporary powertrains in vintage automobiles.
**The GR Corolla Engine**
The Toyota GR Corolla is a high-performance hatchback that has attracted significant interest for its remarkable design and agile capabilities. At the core of the GR Corolla lies a turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine that delivers an exhilarating 300 horsepower. Tuerck’s alteration, however, involves boosting this output to an impressive 600 horsepower, accomplished through careful tuning, enhanced components, and sophisticated performance upgrades.
**The Celica Rally Vehicle**
The Toyota Celica boasts a rich legacy in motorsport, particularly in rallying. Renowned for its lightweight design and agile handling, the Celica is praised among rally fans. Tuerck’s decision to integrate the GR Corolla engine into a Celica serves not only as a tribute to this heritage but also aims to create a distinctive fusion of classic rally features with contemporary performance.
**The Installation Process**
The installation process was no trivial task. Tuerck and his crew encountered numerous hurdles, such as modifying the engine mounts, incorporating the GR Corolla’s advanced systems, and ensuring accurate alignment with the Celica’s drivetrain. The AWD configuration of the Celica was also altered to accommodate the heightened power, ensuring that the vehicle could effectively distribute power to all four wheels for maximum traction.
**Performance Expectations**
With the new engine installed, the modified Celica is anticipated to deliver thrilling performance whether on the rally course or drift track. The blend of the lightweight Celica body and the robust GR Corolla engine promises rapid acceleration, precise handling, and the capacity to navigate diverse terrains. Tuerck’s ambition is to construct a versatile machine that can excel across various motorsport arenas.
**Conclusion**
Ryan Tuerck’s initiative of integrating a 600-horsepower GR Corolla engine into an AWD Celica rally vehicle signifies a noteworthy accomplishment in automotive innovation and ingenuity. This creative amalgamation of classic and modern technology not only expands the limits of performance but also serves as an encouragement for car enthusiasts wishing to merge tradition with state-of-the-art advancements. As Tuerck gears up to showcase the modified Celica on the racetrack, the automotive community looks forward to the exhilarating outcomes of this daring venture.