We began this project due to the inadequacies of our environment. Namely, in our area there are simply no AE86 Corolla GT-S’s for sale. So unfortunately, we were forced to buy an SR5 and make due. The SR5 is terrible, it’s 4A-C single overhead cam carbureted engine does nothing more than consume fuel without any pleasurable result. It is a great car to take to the Laundromat.
The GT-S on the other hand has the 4A-GE engine, a dual-overhead cam fuel injected 1.6 liter that redlines in a much more enjoyable place.
This walkthrough seeks to be an entry-level instruction set for those of you out there that were like us. It details the conversion of the USDM SR5 to the GT-S model. We will attempt to make plain the mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic differences between the two models, and to give you tips that would have saved us a lot of time and worry.
If you follow the directions, and look at the pictures carefully, you should be able to achieve the changeover in only a few weeks. It can be done even faster if you don’t have to work or go to school.
One caveat: This kind of operation is very involved. If you are not familiar the tools and techniques that you will require for this, you may want to re-think it. All told, from 4A-C start to 4A-GE finish took us approximately five weekends.
Remove SR5 Rear Differential Carrier
Remove SR5 Fuel Tank
Remove SR5 Transmission
Remove 4A-C Engine
Remove SR5 Power Steering lines
Remove SR5 Wiring harnesses
Remove SR5 Clutch slave cylinder line
Install GT-S fuel pump in tank
Install GT-S fuel lines
Install GT-S rear differential carrier
Install GT-S wiring harnesses
Install GT-S power steering lines
Install 4A-GE Engine
Install GT-S Transmission with driveline
Good luck!
Chris Wester
Will Anthony
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