Engine 1ZZFE in Celica vs. Corolla

1ZZFE in Celica vs. Corolla

I have always been curious about the discrepancy in horsepower ratings between the 1ZZFE in the Celica (140hp @ 6400rpm), and the 1ZZFE in the Corolla (130hp @ 6000rpm). I've got my theory. Toyota purposely low balled the HP ratings in the Corolla so they weren't taking away from the "sportiness" as it were, of the Celica. Theoretically if that were true, the extra 400rpm would make up for that 10hp difference. Or would it?

Does anyone have an explanation for this?

I've never seen a dyno sheet side by side, but it could have to with a few things: the ECU programming, the exhaust system, etc. I know for sure that the exhaust is much more sporty in the Celica.

I believe there is a few other things on the Celica like the TB also which are larger and flow more air... but, a good driver in a Corolla could beat a so-so driver in a Celica I believe...

ive heard that it was underrated by a couple of people now.

celica intake manifold?

the TB and intake manifold is definately beneficial to the celica.

Nothing that can't be made up for with a few mods though

Throttle Body

Would a throttle body swap from a Celica to a Corolla produce any signifigant gains? Or would it be waste of time/effort? That's assuming if it were possible in the first place.

Would not be a direct swap, the throttle body would have to swapped with the Celica intake and ECU to take advantage of the greater air flow into the engine, plus fiddling with linkages to get it right. Probably not worth the time/effort/expense - unless you got every very price or free. If it would be worth the effort or had the guaranteed power gains - then everyone would swap in Celica pieces instead messing with aftermarket parts.

Would get better gains in performance by going with free flowing aftermarket intake/exhaust, lightweight wheels with better tires, and lightening your car overall. Or go with an aftermarket piggyback ECU (like Greddy E-Manage) and tune the car yourself - some have seen gains anywhere from 5-15HP.

But keep in mind that the 1ZZFE was designed for low maintenace, good fuel economy, and decent low tom midrange torque. Suspension mods take the make the most effect on Corollas. For the difference in price between the Celica and Corlla - you could setup a pretty decent suspension. The Celica may take you in a straight line, but you could spank in the twisty stuff.

Would take some bucks to get significant HP gains. If you have a 9th gen Corolla - the TRD S/C is the best choice for streetable power. NOS for the best bang for the buck.

Celica's handle very good stock though, you'd have to put a quite a few $$$ into the Corolla suspension to outhandle one I believe...

Vamp did the celica TB and intake manifold swap in his rolla.
And he said the LOSE hp/tq, he had to get the e-manage to gain it back.

And about the celica vs rolla, I think the ECU did a great job too.
Long time ago, someone here (forgot who) did put the auto Celica ECU into his auto with manual conversion 8th gen vvti rolla, and it pulled a lot harder and quicker. The ECU is just "plug & play" in auto Celica and auto 8th gen Rolla (not sure about 9th), the pin are the same, but you will lose the reverse. That's why one has to do the manual conversion if you want to reverse.

I mean, don't get me wrong, I agree that the Celica's suspension is pretty good from OEM - but with difference in price between the two (around here they are about $3K-$4K difference between the two), that would pay for a pretty tough suspension setup on the Corolla.

you don't have to spend that much to get the Corolla suspension to be just as good though. I'm riding on Tokico Sport Blues and H&R Springs, and a TRD Strut brace and I can lose most higher end cars in the corners.

If I beefed up the Sway bars, it would be even better.

All in all... it would cost maybe $1200

I honestly don't think the Celica suspension is better then my set-up

I'm running even less than you and I can say from experence that I lose celicas in the canyons (tein H-techs srounding stock struts with just a I want to say type-Z strut bar... its just some off brand)

What about an ECU swap manual celica, to manual corolla? I understand that the benefits would be minimal w/o swapping TB, and going to less restrictive exaust. But the question being "Is it 'Doable?'" Or would it once again be a waist of time/money?

The newer corolla has a torsen bar rear suspension. The celica has a front machpherson strut and rear multilink suspension, that design is downright better from the factory.

Would also depend on your definition of a waste of time/money. Some people will drop $500 to gain 5HP - others want more for their money.

From what I picked up from most of the info floating out there - swapping just the ECU from the Celica may net you about 5-10HP. About the same range as CAI or catback exhaust. But I have not seen any dyno sheets to prove how much and where the power is made.

Doable project - sure. Is it worth the time and effort - that is up to you. If I got one for free - I would give it a shot. But with some of the price ranges I've seen out there for an ECU ($300 for a verified unit to $1100 for a new one) - I'd invest in something else that was a bit more tunable - like E-Manage.

is the transmission different between Celica GT and corolla cuz the celica could've gotten a shorter ratio gearbox..

sorry to thread-jack, but i wanted to find out what color fineline's springs are. i still cant find the part numbers on my suspension

WOW dude I own both, 03 corolla and 04 celica and trust me you need a lot more then that to loose a celica in "the canyons" the smallest suspension mod on the celica and it will win hands down. there is no comparison, for one the celica is already lower to the ground and it is wider, the wheels and tires are even wider. but I love my rolla . I have taken certain turns in my area that I have taken in my celica when it was stock ,with my corolla and I almost flipped it. there is a hugh difference in the suspension setup. And to set the records straight a non supercharged chevy cobalt cannot beat a corolla

yes they are

that dosen't make sence why would it lose reverse ? I wonder about 7th gen celica to 9th gen rolla ecu swap I should do that

I don't why it will just lose the reverse. Someone did that sway here long time ago and that what he reported.
Maybe someone can borrow his friend's GT ECU and try it on his rolla and report it to us.

I own both, I should try it one weekend

Go ahead and try it man!!! It gonna be a good news to us if it works without the reverse problem.

wasn't the 3 speed tranny not control by the ECU?

I believe that you are correct