slamburglar Posted January 27, 2013 Report Share Posted January 27, 2013 (edited) Hey all, (hopefully I don't get flamed for this because its in another thread just looking for help) I'm Brian, just picked up my first Corolla. Been eyeing a few online for a while and finally found one with the right amount of miles, owners condition ect. Looking to get pointed in the right direction. As I don't know much about these cars yet all though I am learning. I started out with european cars such as Audi, Vw and now Volvo. Lost my precious Volvo wagon to a jackass that should have his license removed. So moving on from that decided to pick up a Corolla. I showed some pictures to my friend and he said its a KE-30. Looking around on this forum ive been trying to figure out the differences between different Corollas. Such as KE-55, KE-38. Was thinking you guys could help me out. Super excited about this car. It is the daily for right now because of its awesome MPGs. can't wait to find something else to daily and get this baby in the garage full time. Any input would be awesome. can't wait to put the right wheels on and lower it. 1978 Corolla "Deluxe" 5-spd. I am the new proud 3rd owner. 150,000 original miles. Edited January 27, 2013 by slamburglar Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rian Posted January 27, 2013 Report Share Posted January 27, 2013 (edited) This is no KE30, it would be a TE3* or something. Which are way better than KE30s because of the stronger engine/gearbox. PS. That bonnet vent is dope! Edited January 27, 2013 by rian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slamburglar Posted January 27, 2013 Author Report Share Posted January 27, 2013 (edited) This is no KE30, it would be a TE3* or something. Which are way better than KE30s because of the stronger engine/gearbox. PS. That bonnet vent is dope! Cool deal. Yeah like i said still trying to figure out everything on this car so i know what i can do to it as far as coilovers etc. When we checked out the car. The metal plate on the firewall says 2T or T2 can't remember exactly. And my drop light is toast or else id run out and double check. And thanks I do really like the vent. When i drive it i tend to stare at it lol. EDIT ------------------------------ Just looked at my title. Not sure if this means its TE3 or not (I'm assuming it does) The first 3 letters of the vin are TE3 Edited January 27, 2013 by slamburglar Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B.L.Z.BUB Posted January 27, 2013 Report Share Posted January 27, 2013 (edited) Itll be a TE31, the T denoting that it has a T series engine. In your case it has a 2T. Aussie got KE30s, which had puss K engines. Youll also have a stronger drive line which makes engine conversions easier. The US got the better bersions, the only real better thing on Aussie KE30 is the full chrome bumpers. As for chassis codes : A 6 denotes panel van ie KE26 KE36 An 8 denotes 4 doof wagon ie KE38 A 5 is a coupe ie KE15 KE25 KE35 A 7 is the sprinter model KE17 TE27 TE37 But, i have a KE18 which is a 2 door wagon and the KE16 are pretty much the same car. It seems after the E3 series the different codes were dropped. E5's are all KE55, just coupes sedans and wagons. Same with KE70s. At least in the Aussie market. Once you start digging there are so many differsnt versions in so many different markets it becomes hard to keep track. I'm sure my info will be corrected, been playing with them for 5 years and i still feel like a noob. Edited January 27, 2013 by B.L.Z.BUB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slamburglar Posted January 27, 2013 Author Report Share Posted January 27, 2013 Itll be a TE31, the T denoting that it has a T series engine. In your case it has a 2T. Aussie got KE30s, which had puss K engines. Youll also have a stronger drive line which makes engine conversions easier. The US got the better bersions, the only real better thing on Aussie KE30 is the full chrome bumpers. As for chassis codes : A 6 denotes panel van ie KE26 KE36 An 8 denotes 4 doof wagon ie KE38 A 5 is a coupe ie KE15 KE25 KE35 A 7 is the sprinter model KE17 TE27 TE37 But, i have a KE18 which is a 2 door wagon and the KE16 are pretty much the same car. It seems after the E3 series the different codes were dropped. E5's are all KE55, just coupes sedans and wagons. Same with KE70s. At least in the Aussie market. Once you start digging there are so many differsnt versions in so many different markets it becomes hard to keep track. I'm sure my info will be corrected, been playing with them for 5 years and i still feel like a noob. Either way if its corrected or not its a lot of help to me man! Thanks. and btw Love the name haha. now i guess my next question. In looking for coilovers for my fronts ive been looking on https://technotoytuning.com/ as far as the suspension goes. they list they have product for ke-20,30.70 te-27,37.... just not sure what i can use. not sure if because mine is a 3rd gen. it just falls under ke-30 stuff as far as that goes.. Thanks Brian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B.L.Z.BUB Posted January 27, 2013 Report Share Posted January 27, 2013 All their ke30 te37 stuff will probably be identical. I'd avoid their Coilover kits, they are a slip on sleeve with a weld on plate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slamburglar Posted January 27, 2013 Author Report Share Posted January 27, 2013 All their ke30 te37 stuff will probably be identical. I'd avoid their Coilover kits, they are a slip on sleeve with a weld on plate. Thanks for the heads up. Yeah i just went out and looked at my metal plate. Guess i coulda checked that first haha. Well glad i know more about my car. Now just need to lower it to make it look better lol. Brian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ATOYOTA Posted January 28, 2013 Report Share Posted January 28, 2013 We use Makita lowering kits to make our cars look good. It'll drive like a completely different car when you drop coilovers in, you'll be amazed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B.L.Z.BUB Posted January 28, 2013 Report Share Posted January 28, 2013 can't use an angle grinder on leaf springs. Lowering blocks are plentiful though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ATOYOTA Posted January 28, 2013 Report Share Posted January 28, 2013 Or do what the kool kids do and flip them. I saw an AE71 once where the guy had cut the springs so short it was sitting on bump stops. Hey I have an idea! Forget the springs altogether and just weld the bump stops to each other! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
altezzaclub Posted January 28, 2013 Report Share Posted January 28, 2013 I saw an AE71 once where the guy had cut the springs so short it was sitting on bump stops. lol! I know a Corona where he had smashed the bumps stops from riding on them, then the lower arm jammed on the chassis and the tyre sidewall was the only suspension he had.... No names... a member on here! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slamburglar Posted January 30, 2013 Author Report Share Posted January 30, 2013 lol thats funny. I'm far used to that type of suspension. I had a 87 and 84 volvo 240 87 a wagon 84 sedan. Both riding only on bump stops. Reason behind. I refuse to pay 2k for coilovers. so i said fudge it and cut them off on the car lol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
parrot Posted January 30, 2013 Report Share Posted January 30, 2013 Welcome to the wonderful world of Corolla's! Another US based website you may like to visit www.3tcgarage.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slamburglar Posted January 30, 2013 Author Report Share Posted January 30, 2013 Welcome to the wonderful world of Corolla's! Another US based website you may like to visit www.3tcgarage.com Sweet thanks man. Ill give it a look. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skellington Posted February 2, 2013 Report Share Posted February 2, 2013 Nice. Good to see another te31 on here. Yours has a lot more blue than mine. I am curious to see what you do with your suspension. I plan to lower mine 2" all around. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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