It looks promising

[The Polack MSgt]

[Mopar151]

1. A nickel rocket...

Those RWD Celicas were tin cans from new. Stamped from thinner than thin metal - you can flare the front fenders with a pair of heavy gloves! It won't last long without some serious chassis reinforcement, if driven enthusiastically.

The OE brakes on Toyotas of that era are abysmal. Tiny, unvented, barely adequate with the crappy 18RC OE engine.

Not dumping on Sarah - I suppose this sort of thing appeals to her audience, who've had little real-world experience with fast cars - or slow cars being driven fast!

I know a few speedy, wrench-savvy Sarahs. Fans of Monster Gararge have seen one of them (Pikes Peak Racer episode).

[The Polack MSgt]

2. I've watched a few projects before, and I expect her to fabricate the frame upgrades/braces -

Required to get this project going quickly down the road.

She knows her shit and is a meticulous detail freak.

A while ago, she restored her Grandma's Ford Ranger to factory condition. It was an amazing project.

Here is the final video - and it has a play list link to see the whole series.

[Mopar151]

3. There are MANY better candidates for V8 conversions.

I was a Mr. Goodwrench in the day ( GM certified mechanic), and have "put the wrench to" many similar cars of the era. The Celica would be near the bottom of my short list. Nissan, Volvo, BMW, and Mazda are probably the top tier chassis choices for that kind of car.

An example from a parallel world 70's 4x4's. Legions of fans for the Jeep CJ5, not so many for the Ford Bronco. But! Want t beef up your rig a little? Be prepared to spend $5K++ on axles, another 1K on the steering, plus a wheelbarrow of cash for transmission, engine, and driveline. Just to get the Jeep as strong and reliable as a STOCK Bronco!