Japanese Sleeper: 1985 Toyota Celica GTS with LS1 5.7-Liter V8

Monday, June 22, 2009 | 5 Comments » Categories | , , , , |

Sleepers or as Brits prefer to call these type of automobiles, Q-cars, is a term used to describe standard looking vehicles with extensive mods under the hood. This custom-made 1985 Toyota Celica GTS fits the description perfectly as the owner of the Japanese coupe swapped the rear-wheel drive Celica's humble four-pot with a brawny LS1 5.7-liter V8 from a fourth-generation 2001 Camaro that produces around 325 horsepower.

It goes without saying that these kind of engine swaps demand the replacement and/or modification of various other mechanical components. Among other changes, the LS1-powered Celica features a Z06 clutch, a front swaybar from a 1992 Iroc Z and a custom-made radiator.

Source: LS1 , Via: Engineswapdepot


5 Comments

  1. Nordic » June 22, 2009  

    Kudos to the owner. I love this kind of job...crappy car with a big engine.

  2. Anonymous » June 22, 2009  

    I used to like these Celica's... they don't mke them anymore. What's happened with Toyota?

  3. Anonymous » June 22, 2009  

    The LS1 - God's chosen engine!

  4. Anonymous » June 23, 2009  

    The term Q-Car is much more commonly used to refer to standard cars that have unassuming exterior styling with high performance capabilities. It is not usually used in reference to modified bangers like this celica.

  5. Anonymous » June 24, 2009  

    This is debatable as a sleeper. The trained eye or ear would, pick it out immediately. Looks more like a Banger Rat Rod.

    I could create an entire website based on sleepers in the NW USA area alone. Everything from a V-8 stock looking Miata's, to big block Mercedes 190's, 220's and 280SL's, not to mention the occasional BMW 2002',and 320's. And that's just the import 'Sleeper' scene.

    A real sleeper has a totally stock appearance and muffled exhaust. Stock rear wheels are widened while retaining stock caps. Ride height is modified only slightly if at all.

    I have created many a 'Sleeper' myself, V-8 powered 544 Volvo's, V-6 powered Bug Eyes, etc., and if I ever find another nice BMW 320, I will build another one.

    3Deuce27

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