Toyota is producing new engine components for the AE86 to preserve the legacy of the finest Corolla.

      Toyota

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      Approximately five years ago, Toyota launched the GR Heritage Parts program aimed at reproducing parts for some of its most cherished enthusiast vehicles, including the third and fourth generations of the Supra, classic Land Cruisers, and the rare 2000GT. The program also included more accessible sports cars like the AE86 Corolla Levin and Sprinter Trueno, initially covering only certain chassis components for a limited time. This week, Toyota revealed it would be adding reproduction engine parts for the sought-after 1.6-liter, 16-valve 4A-GE four-cylinder engines found in the AE86 models.

      AE86 owners who require new cylinder head and block sub-assemblies are in for good news. Toyota has stated that it is not only recreating these parts using modern materials and precise manufacturing techniques but also incorporating feedback from the automotive community. For instance, the engineers have thickened the walls of the intake and exhaust ports in the new block sub-assembly based on requests made during events.

      According to Toyota, current manufacturing techniques will enhance these components in various ways. For example, the combustion chambers in the cylinder head sub-assembly feature “additional machining” intended to equalize performance among engines that may have slightly different compression ratios. A new coating process for the intake ports aims to minimize surface irregularities that could negatively affect performance. Additionally, more cam cap knock pins have been added for “improved assembly workability.”

      The newly reproduced sub-assembly for the 4A-GE cylinder head is shown at the top, along with the cylinder block.

      Regarding the block, modern machining allows for precision levels that were unattainable 40 years ago. The use of more rigid cast iron and a redesign of the crank-cap structure, supported by computer simulations, is expected to enhance the part's durability. The design has also included bosses and ribs to allow for the engine to be mounted transversely in front-wheel-drive models in addition to the RWD AE86 twins.

      If you're in Japan and attending the Initial D 30th Anniversary event at Fuji Speedway this weekend, Toyota will be selling these parts for the first time. For others, obtaining them might be more challenging, especially considering current international shipping issues. Toyota notes that with the new AE86 components, it is currently offering over 200 parts across eight classic models.

      Toyota

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