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Japan
Sports Cars
1980s

Toyota Celica Third generation

1981 to 1985
Toyota Celica 3rd gen (1981–85)
Overview
ProductionAug 1981–Jul 1985
AssemblyTahara, Aichi, Japan Toyota, Aichi, Japan (Tsutsumi plant)
Body and chassis
Body style3-door liftback 2-door coupe 2-door convertible
LayoutFR layout
PlatformA60
Related

Toyota Supra

Toyota Carina
Powertrain
Engine1,588 cc I4 2T-B / 2T-G (TA60/61) 1,587 cc I4 4A-G (AA63) 1,770 cc I4 3T-E (TA62) 1,770 cc I4 3T-GTE (TA63) 1,791 cc I4 4T-GTEU (TA64) 1,832 cc I4 1S-U (SA60)  1,972 cc I4 21R (RA60/61) 1,995 cc I4 2S-C (SA63) 2,366 cc I4 22R/22R-E (RA64/65)
Transmission4-speed A40D automatic 5-speed W55, W58, T50 manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase98 in (2,500 mm)
Length174.6 in (4,435 mm)
Width65.6 in (1,665 mm)
Height52 in (1,310 mm)
Curb weight2,270 lb (1,030 kg)
 

August 1981 saw the introduction of the third generation Celica. The car was initially available in coupe and liftback forms with many buyers preferring the liftback. The US-made convertible came in 1984. Styling was changed considerably from previous models and power was provided by a 2.4 L 22R or 22R-E engine in all North American models, while smaller engines were used in other countries. The 2.4 L became the biggest 4 cylinder engine offered in any Celica ever. Other engines were the 1.8-liter 4A, 1.6-liter 2T, 1.8-liter 3T, 1.8-liter 4T, 1.8-liter 1S, 2.0-liter 2S, 2.0-liter 18R-G and 2.0-liter 21R, depending on the particular market. Trim levels are SV, ST, ST-EFI, SX, GT, and GT Rally. Rack and pinion steering was offered with this Celica.

Toyota Celica Third generation ST

Fuel injection became standard on all North American Celicas started from August 1982, therefore the 22R engine became 22R-EC. In August 1982, Toyota added the GT-S model to the North American market to re-inject the sports image that Celica had lost as it grew larger and heavier with each subsequent model. The GT-S included larger 14x7" wheels and 225/60HR14 tires, fender flares, independent rear suspension, a sports interior including special seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter knob. Most of these came from the Supra. This made sense as the Supra was based on the Celica. From the windshield back, both cars were nearly identical when in liftback form. There were also optional rear louvers for the coupe and liftback. The upgraded GT-S wheels are coveted as replacements by many people who own first generation Celicas as they remained four-lug and looked sportier than first generation wheels while still providing the "classic Celica" look and feel. The wheels were also polished aluminium as opposed to the flat finish of the lower models.

  • PERFORMANCE: 1,588 cc
    max power (JIS): 115 hp (84 kW) at 6,000 rpm
    max torque (JIS): 109 1b ft, 15 kg m (147 Nm) at 4,800 rpm
    max engine rpm: 6,400; 69 hp/l (53.2 kW/l)
    power-weight ratio: GR Rally Coupé 21 lb/hp (28.5 lb/kW), 9.5 kg/hp (12.9 kg/kW)
    Fuel consumption: 34 m/ imp gal, 28.3 m/US gal, 8.3 Ix 100 km on Japanese emission test cycle.
    max speeds: (I) 30 mph, 48 km/h; (II) 52 mph, 84 km/h; (III) 77 mph, 124 km/h; (IV) and (V) 112 mph,180 km/h
  • PERFORMANCE:1,770 cc I4 3T-E (TA62)
    max power (JIS): 105 hp (77 kW)
    max torque (JIS): 120 1b ft, 16.5 kg m (162 Nm) at 3,600 rpm; 59.3 hp/l (43.6 kW/l);
    power-weight ratio: EFI ST Coupé 22.7 lb/hp (30.8 lb/kW), 10.3 kg/hp (14 kg/kW)
    Fuel consumption: 32.5 m/imp gal, 27 m/US gal, 8.7 Ix 100 km on Japanese emis- sion test cycle.
    max speeds: (I) 28 mph, 45 km/h; (II) 51 mph, 82 km/h; (III) 73 mph, 118 km/h; (IV) and (V) 109 mph, 175 km/h
  • PERFORMANCE: 160 hp (1,770 cc) turbocharged
    max power (JIS): 160 hp (118 kW) at 6,000 rpm
    max torque (JIS): 152 1b ft, 21 kg m (206 Nm) at 4,800 rpm
    max engine rpm: 6,500; 60.4 hp/l (66.5 kW/l)
    max speeds: (I) 28 mph, 46 km/h; (II) 50 mph, 80 km/h; (III) 74 mph, 120 km/h; (IV) 101 mph, 162 km/h; (V) 112 mph, 180 km/h
    power-weight ratio: G T-T Coupé 15.8 lb/hp (21.4 lb/kW), 7.1 kg/hp (9.7 kg/kW);
  • consumption: 31.7 m/imp gal, 26.4 m/US gal, 8.9 Ix 100 km on Japanese emission test cycle.
  • PERFORMANCE: 1,832 cc I4 1S-U
    max power (JIS): 100 hp (74 kW) at 5,400 rpm
    max torque (JIS): 112 1b ft, 15.5 kg m (152 Nm) at 3,400 rpm
    max engine rpm: 6,000; 54.6 hp/l (40.2 kW/l)
    power-weight ratio: SV Coupé 22.2 lb/hp (30.1 lb/kW), 10 kg/hp (13.7 kg/kW)
    Fuel consumption: 36.5 m/imp gal, 30.5 m/US gal, 7.7 Ix 100 km on Japanese emission test cycle.
    max speeds: (I) 28 mph, 45 km/h; (II) 52 mph, 84 km/h; (III) 75 mph, 120 km/h; (IV) 103 mph, 165 km/h - ST coupés (V) 109 mph, 175 km/h
  • PERFORMANCE: 1,968 cc I4 18R-G (RA63)
    max power (JIS): 135 hp (99 kW) at 5,8OO rpm
    max torque (JIS): 127 1b ft, 17.5 kg m (172 Nm) at 4,800 rpm
    max engine rpm: 6,400; 68.6 hp/l (50.4 kW/l)
    max speeds: (I) 31 mph, 50 km/h; (II) 53 mph, 85 km/h; (III) 79 mph, 127 km/h; (IV) and (V) 112 mph,
    Fuel consumption: 28.2 m/imp gal, 23.5 m/US gal, 10 1 x 100 km on Japanese emission test cycle

Toyota Celica Third generation side view

The Celica was updated in August 1983 for the 1984 model year. The revision included fully retractable headlights, restyled grille, and airdam. The rear combination lamps were also revised. The Japanese Celica 1600 GT got new 4A-GE engine, and the 1600 GT-R also powered by the same motor was introduced. Another new model was the turbocharged 1800 GT-TR.

The GT-S Convertible, built by American Specialty Cars (ASC) in California, released 200 units in 1984, and 4,248 units for the 1985 model year.The Australian, European, Japanese, and general export model Celicas came with rear side vents, which are highly sought after by North American Celica enthusiasts.In Europe, the Celica was offered as 1600ST with 2T engine, 2000XT (21R), and 2000GT (18R-G).

Toyota Celica Third generation st engine

In Australia, Toyota decided initially to use the 21R-C in the dulled-down model Celica. As a result the car only turned out a mere 67 kW (90 hp). However, this was later replaced, firstly, by the far quicker 73 kW (98 hp) 2S-C motor and then by the injected 2.4-litre motor (22R-E) which provided 87 kW (118 PS; 117 hp). Later versions used IRS rear suspension, rather than the traditional live axle differential.

Toyota Celica Third generation st dash view

Twincam Turbo Group B Rally Car

In September 1982, the first Celica turbo was launched in Japan for the local market only. The GT-T (TA63) came with the twin-spark 1.8-liter 3T-GTE engine, W55 5-speed manual gearbox, a limited slip differential, pump up lumbar "sports" seats and optional digital dash. To meet the FISA regulation for Group B Rally Car to compete in the World Rally Championship (WRC), 200 units of the Celica GT-TS were built. These were the basic cars for Group B Celica Twincam Turbo (TA64) which were built and rallied by Toyota Team Europe (TTE). The Group B Celica TCT made its WRC debut in the 1983 Rally Finland. The production car had 180 PS (132 kW; 178 hp) engine, and with 320 bhp (239 kW; 324 PS) 4T-GTE engine, the fully works rally car was the most powerful third generation Celica.

Toyota-Celica-Kenya-Safari-Rally-1985

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Title
Toyota Celica 3rd gen (1981-1985)

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Japanese Vehicles from 1980s | Vehicles launched in 1981 | Toyota Celica | Japanese Sports | WRC | Sports Cars

Technical

Technical
  • Toyota Celica 3rd gen Technical details and specifications (1981-1985)

    DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT
    wheel base: 98.43 in, 250 cm
    tracks: 53.94 in, 137 cm front, 53.15 in, 135 cm rear
    length: coupés 174.41 in, 443 cm - liftback coupés 175.20 in, 445 cm
    width: 65.35 in, 166 cm
    height: 51.57 in, 131 cm
    ground clearance: coupés 6.10 in, 15.5 cm - liftback coupés 6.30 in, 16 cm
    weight: 1800 SV Coupé 2,216 1b, 1,005 kg - 1800 ST Coupé 2,227 1b, 1,010 kg
    Liftback Coupé 2,238 1b, 1,015 kg - 1800 ST Liftback Coupé 2,249 1b, 1,020 kg
    weight: 1800 EFI ST Coupe 2,381 1b, 1.080 kg - 1800 EFI SX Coupé 2,403 1b,
    fuel tank: 13.4 imp gal, 16.1 US gal, 61 1 x 100 km on Japanese emission test cycle.
    weight: 1600 GT Rally Coupé 2,414 1b, 1,095 kg - 1600 GT Coupé 2,426 1b, 1,100 kg - 1600 GT Rally Liftback Coupé 2,448 1b,
    1,110 kg - 1600 GT Liftback Coupé 2,459, 1,115 kg.

    TRANSMISSION
    driving wheels: rear
    clutch: single dry plate (diaphragm)
    gearbox: mechanical; gears: 4 - ST coupés 5
    fully synchronized
    ratios
    4 speed I 3.587, II 2.022, III 1.384, IV 1, rev 3.484
    5 speed I 3.587, II 2.022, III 1.384, IV 1, V 0.861, rev 3.484
    5 speed I 3.566, II 2.056, III 1.384, IV 1, V 0.850, rev 4.091;
    gear lever location: central
    final drive: hypoid bevel
    axle ratios: 3.727,4.100,4.300
    width of rims: 4.5" 5"
    tyres: 165 SR x 13. 165 SR x 14.;185/70 SR x 14.

    CHASSIS
    integral
    front suspension: independent, by Mc- Pherson, trailing links, transverse arms, coil springs/telescopic damper struts, anti-roll bar
    rear: rigid axle, trailing links, upper torque rods, Panhard rod, coil springs/telescopic damper struts, anti-roll bar.
    rear suspension option: independent, semi-trailing arms anti-roll bar.

    STEERING
    rack-and-pinion
    turns lock to lock: 3.50.
    turning circle: 36.7 ft, 11.2 m

    BRAKES
    front disc, rear drum, dual circuit, servo.
    EFI SX coupés disc.

    ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
    12 V
    40 Ah battery
    55 A alternator
    Nihon-Denso pointless distributor


    ENGINE:1,588 cc I4 2T-B / 2T-G
    Engine capacity: 96.9 cu in, 1,588 cc
    Bore and stroke: 3.35 x 2.76 in, 85 x 70 mm
    valves: overhead, in Vee, thimble tappets
    camshafts: 2, overhead, chain-driven; lubrication
    6.7 imp pt, 8 US pt, 3.8 1
    Denso electronic injection
    fuel feed: electric pump
    cooling: 12.3 imp pt, 14.8 US

    ENGINE:1,770 cc I4 3T-E 100 hp
    Engine capacity: 108 cu in, 1,770 cc
    Bore and stroke:3.35 x 3.07 in, 85 x 78 mm
    valves: overhead, in Vee, push-rods and rockers
    cam- shafts: 1, side
    lubrication: 7.4 imp pt, 8.9 US pt, 4.2 1
    Denso electronic injection
    fuel feed: electric pump
    cooling: 12.3 imp pt. 14.8 US pt, 7 1.

    ENGINE: 1,770 cc 160 hp turbocharged

    turbocharged
    Engine capacity: 108 cu in, 1,770 cc
    Bore and stroke:3.35 x 3.07 in, 85 x 78 mm)
    compression ratio: 7.8:1
    valves: 2 per cylinder, overhead, thimble tappets
    camshafts: 2, overhead, chain-driven
    lubrication trochoid pump, full flow filter, 7.4 imp pt, 8.9 US pt,
    exhaust turbocharger, three-way catalytic converter with oxygen sensor
    fuel feed: electric pump
    water-cooled, 13.4 imp pt, 16.1 US pt

    ENGINE: 1,832 cc I4 1S-U
    location front
    4 stroke; 4 cylinders, in line
    Engine capacity: 111.8 cu in, 1,832 cc
    Bore and stroke:3.17 x 3.54 in, 80.5 x 90 mm
    compression ratio: 9: 1
    cast iron block
    light alloy head
    5 crankshaft bearings
    valves: over-head, rockers and hydraulic tappets
    camshafts: 1, over-head, cogged belt
    lubrication: gear pump, full flow filter
    7 imp pt, 8.5 US pt, 4 1
    1 IS-U downdraught twin barrel carburettor.
    fuel feed: mechanical pump
    emission control by secondary air induction, 3-way catalytic converter with
    oxygen sensor and exhaust gas recirculation
    water-cooled, 10.6 imp pt, 12.7 US pt, 6 1.

    ENGINE: 1,968 cc I4 18R-G (RA63)

    Engine capacity:120.1 cu in. 1,968 cc
    Bore and stroke: 3.48 x 3.15 in, 88.5 x 80 mm
    compression ratio: 8.3:1
    valves: overhead, thimble tappets
    camshafts: 2, overhead, chain-driven
    Denso electronic injection
    fuel feed: electric pump.

    OPTIONAL
    automatic transmission, hydraulic torque converter with 4 ratios (I 2.450, II 1.450, III 1, IV 0.689, rev 2.222)
    3.909 axle ratio; (for ST coupés only)
    power-steering, 3.10 turns lock to lock of steering wheel.
    limited slip differential

    © Motor car History

Service
  • Toyota Celica 3rd gen Service Guide (1981-1985)

    1,972cc (Single OHV)

    BORE/STROKE (mm) -84 x 89
    CAPACITY (cm') -1 ,972
    COMPRESSION RATIO -9:1
    FIRING ORDER - 1-3-4-2 (No. 1 at front)
    OIL PRESSURE (lb/in2—Hot) -64 (4•5 kg/cm2)

    CARBURETTER  
    Twin-choke (Exhaust gas analysis,CO 1/2-1 1/2%)
    Choke (mm) -23/29
    Main jet -108/28

    VALVE CLEARANCE -(Hot)
    Inlet -0.20mm (0008")
    Exhaust -0.30mm (0012")

    VALVE-TIMING

    VALVE-TIMING INDICATION -Timing wheels
    VALVE TIMING Inlet opens -22 btdc

    BREAKER GAP -Electronic ignition
    SPARK PLUGS -NGK BPR6EY
    PLUG GAP -0.8mm (0030")
    IGNITION-TIMING INDICATION -Pulley and pointer
    IGNITION TIMING (STATIC) -8 btdc 750 rev/min max

    OIL REFILL 
    Engine sump -4.3 litres (incl. filter)
    Gearbox -2.4 lt (auto: 6.3 lt)
    Differential -1.2 litres 2.1pt)

    BATTERY

    12v, neg. earth, 60 a-h

    -Toyota Celica 3rd gen Advanced Maintenance is available for registered users-

    © Motor car History

Manuals

Download: Workshop manuals Tech Guides exclusive to registered users.

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