My KE70
November 7th, 2011
So after 6 and a half years of shooting cars through a viewfinder of a camera, I finally purchased my first RWD car β a Toyota KE70 which was made in the early 80’s. Β The car is dead standard running the 4KC 1.3L with a 5 speed gearbox. I picked it up just over 1 week ago for $600 as is. The amount of rust is very minimal which is a great start. I immediately fell in love with the car as soon as I saw it was the colour it was, sure, for some it’s probably not very appealing but it’s actually quite rare to see KE70’s in this particular colour.
The interior is as clean as the exterior. For a car that was made almost 3 decades ago I was so surprised to see one in this condition. The dash is a lovely beige colour with only 1 little crack in the dash. It also came with a Toyota ball shift knob which I’ve never seen before and will definitely be replacing my skeleton shifter from Japan. Every component works, even the analog clock in the cluster.
Over the week of owning the car I’ve picked up some spare parts to freshen things up a little bit. We managed to track down and pull out some rear EA Falcon which happened to be King springs so they should be a kilogram or two heavier. Other parts such as spark plugs, drive belt, oil and fuel filter, rear taillights, radiator, oil and coolant should help the little 4KC run a little smoother. The car hasn’t been driven on the road for about 6-12 months so I’m really looking forward to stretching its legs once I get a RWC and registration.
So, here is what I wanted to show you mostly. Last night my mate Robo brought around his 14 x 7 +0 (UEO Spec) TE37s to test fit on my car. Sure, most KE70’s these days run old school dished SSRs, quad headlight and lips but I want to style mine away from the crowd. I think these wheels suit the car so perfectly, 7J +0 is so ideal for standard guards. Note: these two photos are photochopped, the car still has standard suspension, I just wanted to see what they would look like once we lower the car. It’s always good to play on the computer to see what you want before you spend the money.
Here is one final shot a little closer. I think this will be around the height I will run the car, just in line with the top of the tyre. Personally, I think the colour of my car can pull of any sort of wheel. We’ve also tried Watanabes, TOM’S Igetas and Hayashi Streets but I think these work wonders. After a while I will be looking to change from the standard KE70 lights to DX front and rear. For now I want to concentrate on suspension and getting this little girl on the road.
November 7th, 2011 at 2:53 pm
Mate that is a nice ke. What are you using it for?
November 7th, 2011 at 2:59 pm
Thanks man! A car to learn to slide in!
November 7th, 2011 at 3:04 pm
Wooooooo! looking good.
November 7th, 2011 at 3:13 pm
Looks great mate, can’t wait to see what you do with it. I’m sure someone as clued up as yourself will be able to work wonders with a base like this. Good luck.
Kieran
November 7th, 2011 at 3:24 pm
is the bumper going back on? dx is just a trim code nothing to do with quadlights. looking good keep it up.
November 7th, 2011 at 3:44 pm
TOO MUCH TIRE! lol
November 7th, 2011 at 3:50 pm
Bumper will be staying off, I enjoy the look of it without it. I will be getting DX rear lights and possibly front too!
November 7th, 2011 at 4:07 pm
Hey man!! Nice KE!!! Techno Toy Tuning in Cali have some mad products for u!!
November 7th, 2011 at 4:14 pm
I’m running bc coilovers from a ae86. In mine but went over board and did the brakes steering swaybars and new bushes. Should handle like a dream LOL. Techno toy tuning have great gear for sprinters.
November 7th, 2011 at 4:34 pm
Thanks Wally. Will be sure to check them out!
November 7th, 2011 at 5:44 pm
So when are you going to put a 4age in it?
November 7th, 2011 at 7:32 pm
Really good looking car, and good platform to start. Keep us posted about progress. Good luck and have fun with your new car!
November 7th, 2011 at 8:00 pm
Nice car! And love the wheels I have those too for my Miata in similar spec but different color π
November 7th, 2011 at 9:27 pm
needs a 1-UZ on throttle bodies. mmmmmmmmmm!
November 7th, 2011 at 11:47 pm
It looks so naked without the rear bumper π
November 7th, 2011 at 11:54 pm
LOL i got the exact same gear stick from autobacs back in july. its so pimp!
November 7th, 2011 at 11:56 pm
That’s exactly where I got mine too!
November 8th, 2011 at 5:58 am
It’s the best coincidence that Robo is selling his motor at the same time you bought your car. Do it man, borrow or steal or whatever but get that motor.
November 8th, 2011 at 9:15 am
Holy crap you got that for $600!? That’s a great find if I’ve ever seen one, over in Michigan it’s impossible to find anything for that price, much less something as clean as that! I’m sure you’ll have plenty of fun with even with only a 1.3 :p
November 12th, 2011 at 2:42 am
nice one bro!. head over to my blog for E7 Malaysia scene with love. revsphotoblog.blogspot.com
November 15th, 2011 at 7:43 pm
Your car looks amazing !