Toyota Corolla SR (1983-87)

The trusty Toyota Corolla SR from the '80s! Let’s dive into the garage and explore some of the common quirks and hiccups that these vintage gems might encounter.
1. Electrical Gremlins: Like any car of its era, the Corolla SR could occasionally suffer from electrical woes. Flickering lights, finicky switches, and temperamental gauges might make an appearance. But fear not! A patient mechanic armed with a mustimeter can usually sort out these issues.
2. Rust, the Silent Saboteur: Rust—every classic car’s arch-nemesis! The Corolla SR wasn’t immune. Check the usual suspects: wheel arches, sills, and the undercarriage. If you find rust, address it promptly to prevent it from spreading like gossip at a family reunion.
3. Carburettor Quirks: The SR’s carburetted engine could be a bit finicky. Idle problems, hesitation, or poor fuel economy might crop up. Regular cleaning and tuning are essential. And if you’re feeling nostalgic, you can even learn to adjust the choke manually!
4. Suspension Aging: Over time, the suspension components—like bushings, shocks, and struts—might start feeling their age. A saggy rear end or a bouncy ride could indicate worn-out bits. Thankfully, replacement parts are still available for these classics.
5. Leaky Seals: Oil leaks? Oh, the Corolla SR knew them well. Keep an eye on gaskets, seals, and valve cover leaks. A little drip here and there is part of the charm, but a major oil slick isn’t.
6. Transmission Troubles: Manual transmissions were the norm back then, and the SR’s gearbox was no exception. Clutch issues, worn synchro’s, or a stubborn shifter could pop up. Double-clutching might become your new party trick.
7. Cooling System Drama: The cooling system—radiators, hoses, and water pumps—could occasionally throw a tantrum. Keep an eye on the temperature gauge during those summer road trips. Overheating isn’t a great look for any car.
8. Aging Rubber: Rubber components—belts, hoses, and engine mounts—tend to age gracefully like fine wine. But sometimes they just crumble like old biscuits. Regular inspections and replacements are your best defence.
Remember, though, these quirks are part of the Corolla SR’s character. It’s like having an eccentric uncle who insists on wearing mismatched socks. If you’re passionate about classic cars, embrace the journey—the good, the bad, and the slightly leaky.
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Generations
The Toyota Corolla—a nameplate that has gracefully danced through the decades like a seasoned ballroom dancer. Let’s unravel the generations of this automotive legend, shall we?
1. The Early Days (1966-1992):
o The Corolla waltzed onto the scene in 1966 as the E10 generation. It was a modest little sedan, but it had big dreams.
o Over the next few decades, it cha-cha-ed its way through various generations, each with its own flair:
 E20, E30, E40, E50, E60, E70, E80, and E90—these were the early chapters of the Corolla saga. Two-door coupes, four-door sedans, and even a wagon or two joined the dance floor.
2. The '90s and Beyond (1992-Present):
o As the '90s swayed in, the Corolla decided to tango with longer life cycles. It flaunted its reliability, affordability, and efficiency—three moves that kept it at the top of the charts.
o Here’s a quick rundown of the more recent generations:
 Ninth Generation (E120, E130): Bigger, roomier, and still charming. It grooved from 2003 to 2008.
 Tenth Generation (E140, E150): Introduced in 2009, it even offered a larger 2.4L engine. Fancy footwork, indeed!
 Eleventh Generation (E170): From 2014 to 2019, this sleek Corolla strutted its stuff. It even brought along high-performance GR models.
 Twelfth Generation (E210): The current star of the show! Launched in 2020, it offers a choice of engines, including hybrids. And guess what? It’s still dancing—now with a mid-cycle refresh for 2023!
3. The Grand Finale:
o As of the summer of 2021, more than 50 million Corolla models have been sold worldwide. That’s like filling a stadium with Corollas and having a massive automotive concert
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Body Styles
The Toyota Corolla from the '80s—a time when shoulder pads were big, hair was bigger, and the Corolla was making its moves on the automotive dance floor! Let’s shimmy through the various body styles of the 1983-87 Corolla, shall we?
1. Four-Door Saloon:
o Picture this: a sensible, four-door sedan—the kind that takes you to work, the grocery store, and maybe even a weekend picnic. It’s like the dependable friend who always remembers your birthday.
2. Three-Door Hatchback:
o The hatchback was the cool kid in the Corolla lineup. Sleek, nimble, and ready for adventure. It said, “Hey, let’s hit the road, blast some '80s tunes, and find hidden shortcuts!”
3. Five-Door Liftback:
o The liftback was like the hatchback’s sophisticated cousin. It had that extra door for convenience, but it still knew how to party. Imagine folding down those rear seats and loading up with camping gear or oversized houseplants. Practicality with a dash of flair!
4. Two- and Three-Door Coupes:
o These were the rebels—the James Deans of the Corolla family. The two-door coupe was sleek and sporty, while the three-door coupe added a touch more practicality (because sometimes you need to carry more than just your leather jacket).
o Now, here’s the twist: drivetrains!
• The front-wheel drive (FF) magic was sprinkled on the hatchback, liftback, and saloon models. It optimized interior space and comfort—perfect for daily commuting or road trips with friends.
• But wait, there’s more! The rear-wheel drive (FR) groove was reserved exclusively for the coupes. Why? Because rear-wheel drive adds a sprinkle of driving excitement and a pinch of sportiness. Those coupes knew how to cha-cha around corners
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Engines
Under the bonnet of the 1983-87 Toyota Corolla and see what made these little legends tick.
1. Front-Wheel Drive Models:
o The Corolla’s front-wheel drive lineup had a trio of engines:
 1.3-Litre 2A-LU: This little powerplant was like the espresso shot of engines—compact but peppy. It woke up with 58 horsepower (or 65 PS, if you prefer metric units) and did its duty efficiently.
 1.5-Litre 3A-LU: Slightly larger, this engine offered a bit more oomph. It churned out around 71 to 75 horsepower (that’s 53 to 56 kW in fancy car lingo). Perfect for zipping around town or cruising to your favourite '80s tunes.
 1.6-Litre 4A-ELU: Now we’re talking! This one came with electronic fuel injection (EFI), which was like giving the Corolla a digital caffeine boost. It flexed its muscles with around 112 horsepower (or 84 kW) in rear-wheel drive applications. Smooth, efficient, and ready for action!
2. Rear-Wheel Drive Coupes:
o Ah, the coupes—the rebels of the Corolla family. These sporty two-door wonders had their own engine lineup:
 1.5-Litre Engine: Mounted longitudinally (that’s fancy talk for “lengthwise”), this engine was all about classic rear-wheel drive fun. It delivered a spirited drive, even if it wasn’t the most powerful kid on the block.
 1.6-Litre Engine: Similar to its smaller sibling, but with a bit more grunt. Whether you were carving corners or just cruising, this engine had your back.
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Spares
Ah, the quest for vintage car parts—a noble pursuit indeed! Let’s embark on this treasure hunt for Toyota Corolla SR spares from the '80s.
1. Autodoc (Online):
• Autodoc is like the digital Aladdin’s cave for car enthusiasts. They offer a wide range of auto parts, including those elusive bits for your Corolla SR. Just hop onto their website, select your model (in this case, the Corolla Coupe AE86), and explore their virtual shelves1. It’s like online shopping for car nerds!
• Autodoc Toyota Corolla AE86 Parts
2. Toyota Dealerships:
• If you prefer the tactile experience of holding a part in your hand (or just want to chat with fellow car enthusiasts), head to your local Toyota dealership. They might have a magical storeroom where vintage Corolla parts reside.
• One such dealership in the UK is FRF Toyota in Newport. They’ve been waving the Toyota flag for quite some time. Give them a ring or pay them a visit—perhaps they’ll have that elusive gasket or spark plug you’re after.
• FRF Toyota (Newport)
o Address: Toyota House Maesglas Retail Park, Newport NP20 2NY
o Phone: 01633 221120
o Opening Hours: Monday to Friday (8:00 AM - 5:30 PM), Saturday (8:30 AM - 1:00 PM)
3. Toyota Parts Direct (Online):
• For a virtual pilgrimage, check out Toyota Parts Direct. They’ve got genuine Toyota parts and accessories, all neatly organized. Secure payment, next-day delivery—what more could a vintage Corolla owner ask for?
• Toyota Parts Direct - Corolla Section
4. Local Car Clubs and Forums:
• Sometimes the best leads come from fellow enthusiasts. Join Toyota or classic car forums, ask around, and share your passion. You might find someone who knows a guy who knows a guy with a stash of Corolla SR goodies.