Ben-89

155/70?R13 was standard fitment on the KE30 and KE55 series. When the KE30 was released, there were other imports such as the Gemini, Civic, Galant, etc which ran On "Cross Ply" tires. They were diabolical in the best of conditions, in fact the Corolla was commended for its handling as it had Radial tires fitted.

Late KE55 square headlight through to KE70 had a single outlet exhaust manifold. Models prior (KE30 1974-1978) and early KE55 round headlight had the twin pipes... I have seen it many times over the years, if anyone begs to differ then the car may have had a change over engine put in from a later lower km Corolla. As Littleredspirit pointed, typically parts marked such as the manifold are ones from wreckers who sell over the counter.

Awesome little first car, plenty of parts available that are reasonably cheap! I have a CSi Hatch with the 4afe and 5 speed and it's zippy and fun to drive. These motors are built for economy so modifications don't necessarily improve the performance. They perform well for what they are, regularly servicing will benefit it. As you suggested make it handle, they have a good chassis so a good quality suspension upgrade will compliment the car greatly. You will also understand the cars limits responsibly also. A front spoiler off a MX83 Cressida fits nicely on the front bumper as mine shows.

Love the attention to detail with this build. I was following it on MCM and an SX Sedan would've been awesome! Well done, keep the updates coming :)

Lovely lovley a beautiful example of a XX, even has the update linear graphics on the side! The colour name is Granite :) like the exhaust tip! Glad to see its in good hands :)

Some examples from Hiro are true, they sound appealing but the appearance off the car is completely opposite. It's all marketing... Mechanical Sympathy was getting warmer.... CS stands for "Cloth and Stereo" I'm not making it up as it sounds good but that's what it is. A number of magazines from 1976 stipulate this as this was the newly released trim level across the range. A rank above the SE and two above the L model. Your ke55 is a square headlight 1980/81, I guess you have removed the chunky bumpers? Looks great judging by the photo, made a ride thread yet?

Aaron the car is looking great, glad to hear of the progress! It can be slow, but its better than nothing :) I didnt realise you could get the crystal lenses for the S2 front bar.... I had the frosted type for my S2 however I recently reverted back to my amber ones as it tied with the spoiler for that factory look.. MX73 Lip? can't say ive seen one on a E9, but I did this one to mine... MX83 Cressida Lip.

Ive always admired your ke20, when you told me of the ae93 I couldnt wait to see the pics.... :) If anything its gone to a deserving owner who will maintain it as it is. All the best with them!

I like where this is going! Pity the series two has been nipped and tucked.... Turbo interior is very 80s...... Which is very Cool! Any plans to keep the frowny front from the series two? Keep up the good work!

You've definitely cleaned it up well, those clutch cables have a tendency of spitting off the circlip.... Mums one did it many years ago while entering the city.... Wasn't very nice! Keep up the good work mate!

Console looks great, it should've been there the whole time :)

Looks like a tidy car to start with, much more fn to drive than a VR Commodore! Those pin stripes are cool, that brown interior will grow on you with time :) Atleast its already got extractors on it, saved a few $$ already. These motors are built for economy, so a conservative approach in carburettor may be the solution. Something too big wont do performance any favours or economy. Some people tend to focus on the handling and suspension as a starting point, then move onto the mechanicals and performance aspects later on. Keep the updates coming, I drive one these too. Awesome little cars!

Welcome to the club! There is another member from WA who has one, it had the 4ke nd 5 speed combo... Great little cars which Aus missed out on. It's definitely a head turner :)

Glad ill be seeing the at CJ this year, I remember it at the previous ones. Was always a treat!

Just got some quick photos on the iPad of the brochure... This brochure covers the 1979-81 builds as it doesn't have disc brakes featured. Even the interior lacks the digital clock and other niceties that the 1982 builds had. Can't rotate one of the pics as I'm using the iPad. Cheers Snotty, got some better ones!