FAST

FACTS

The GT-S Celica uses the same twin-cam engine (2ZZ-GE) and 6spd gearbox found in the Lotus Elise. The difference is that the Lotus ECU, intake, and exhaust gives the Elise an extra 10 hp. Also, the Elise weighs a mere 1,950lbs, while the GT-S weighs 2,500 lbs (which is still quite low – the same year Miata has a curb weight of ~2,300 lbs, for comparison)
Designed by Yamaha, the 2ZZ is a very peaky engine that doesn’t come alive until about 6,400 RPM. The 11.5:1 compression is higher even than Acura’s high-strung Integra Type R (10.6:1 compression), with the 8,350 RPM rev limiter kicking in slightly sooner compared to the Type R (8500 RPM)
The engine employs forged steel connecting rods and a block made of high-pressure cast aluminum alloy. The cylinder walls are strengthened with Metal Matrix Composite (MMC), which is a reinforcement material made up of ceramic parts and fibers
Paired with Toyota’s reliability standards, you can see why Lotus chose this engine, as well as why it zero internal changes for the Elise. Even the 6spd gearbox from the GT-S needed zero changes for the Elise, as the throws were short and precise enough for Lotus standards
Compared to the GT, the GT-S models came standard with VVTL-i engines (2ZZ-GE) vs the VVT-i engine on the GT (1ZZ-FE). The GT-S engine was developed with Yamaha and can vary both the valve timing and valve lift (hence the “L”) which provides the same function as Honda’s VTEC system (featuring a low lift cam and a high lift cam) as well as variable valve timing. GT-S models also received bigger brakes, fog lights, leather-wrapped steering wheel, sport pedals, premium sound, Cold Area Package (heavy-duty starter and battery), and more. The GT-S could also be optioned with larger 16″ 5 spoke wheels (shown here)
For an unknown reason, the rev limiter on 2002 and 2005 models is reduced to 7800 RPM (same engine). Unfortunately, the lower cutoff makes it impossible to keep the Celica in its powerband in gears other than 1st, as the lower shift point drops the RPM to below the peak powerband when engaging the next gear (think of it as trying to stay within the VTEC engagement range in a Honda). However, the rev limiter can easily be raised with help from the aftermarket

Key Model Year Changes:

2000
First year of the GT-S Notable changes don't occur until 2003
2002
Rev limiter is reduced to 7800 RPM The 6spd manual receives wider shift gates Knock sensor is updated to the 2 wire design
2003
Rev limiter goes back up to 8300 RPM Throttle switches to Drive by Wire Synchros are updated Air Injection system is introduced at some point this year Engine receives upgrades to reduce oil consumption Updated front and rear bumpers and tail lights, as well as side skirts First year of optional HID's First year of the perforated seats and power antenna New head unit/JBL sound system Updated headliner and interior fabric Clock/radio now have an orange screen
2004
Cabin air filter is added First year of Thunder Cloud Metallic (1D2)
2005
Rev limiter drops back to 7800 RPM