Celica Generation 6 1.8 St 7Afe

[ldavey]

Hi guys,

I have just got myself a Celica 1.8 ST Generation 6 with the 7afe engine.

The previous lady owner never serviced this car for over 6 years of having it and it was running quite rough with the OIL black and on minimum. I have just treated it to a full service and it is now running much smoother.

Anyway I would like to ask other people with the 1.8 ST 7afe engine what there car is like in first gear. When I am pulling away in first I feel like i am revving out too quickly and gaining little speed. After owning a Toyota Camry before this car which did 35 in first gear easily I was expecting more acceleration in first with my celica. (I know the camry had an 4sfe and this has a 7afe).

Anyway I can get just about 30 in first with the engine growling at me loudly, not sure what the revs say but it takes a short while, is this normal or do I need to do more work on my car to make it run as it should be ?

I tried to google for information on what speed the engine can do through the gears but could find nothing.

Thanks guys.

[ldavey]

All these people with Gen 6 Celica's and no one knows how far they can go in first gear before needing to shift up ?

Anyway after driving around for a while after a full service and fuel system / injector cleaner I think my car is fine, can take it up to 30 mph before needing to shift without problem despite a bit revvy. (not that I normally do).

Still I expected to do that without pushing the revs so hard but then this is a 1.8 engine compared to a 2.2 engine in my old Camry.

I know my post is probably pointless but just wanted to say :)

[Leeky]

I think nobody replied as nobody regularly active on here owns an ST.... Mostly GT and GT4 owners....

Sounds to me like the clutch is on its last legs....

[Golden bay NZ]

If your clutch pedal allows you to change gear at the top of its travel (i.e by only pressing it down by an inch or two), you will be needing a new clutch.

[Old Red Celica]

It's not a sports car, so don't expect a 1.8 to launch with much gusto.

I have a SR (same engine/gearbox) never really looked at the speedo, but I'd guess 30 mph would be about right for 1st gear. Is there nothing in the Owners manual? I do have one but I'm not going out at this time of night in my dressing gown to find mine

[ericmani]

clutch is <if my vocabulary was any smaller, it would be nearly as small as my genitals>ed put it in 1st hand brake on and try to pull away if it stalls its ok if it revs and sounds like its slipping get it changed

[ldavey]

Thanks for the replies guys, sorry I not replied sooner I have not been able to get on a computer.

I can change gears easily without putting clutch down too far, when pulling away I am near top of pedal so guess that the clutch might be effecting the cars performance.

I don't want it to drive like a sports car just want it to drive how it was designed, although I know its not new so will never be perfect. I like the car and it don't feel quite right at the moment.

[Deeztoy]

I own a 94 Toyota Celica St 1.8L 5 speed 7afe.  You did mention that it hasn’t been serviced in years.  Like me, money has to be spent.  You and I get someone else’s headaches????  Change the transmission fluid, change the clutch, and tune-up.  Don’t forget to check fuel filter, it’s on the drivers side.  Clean fuel injectors.  There are four.  After all this, take it to the highways and GO!!!!  Mine is awesome!!!  You can do it one piece at a time until it runs how you would like.  I just did it all!!  Now I’m going to paint it!!!  Good luck on your situation!!  🙂🙂

[SilverfoxGen6]

I own a 1999 1.8 Sr 7AFE. I agree with the OP's point about the clutch. They are very forgiving on these cars anyway. By the way, for anybody else reading this, the dealers can still get parts (for a price of course!). Now I just need to find a reliable bodywork specialist to help me with dents and scrapes she has gained over the years. I love this car though, what a drive!