The Beginning

The original idea of the "Locost 7" was to use a donor car for as many parts as possible - engine, transmission, wheels, hubs, rear end, instruments, wipers, etc.

I chose to start with a 1985 Toyota Corolla GTS. These have fantastic engines, rumored to be based on the original Ford crossflow used in early 1960's formula cars. It's an excellent little engine, 1.6 litres, 4 valves, cross flow, DOHC. stock is about 120 hp, but can easily be built to 150 - 175 hp. This is the basis of the engine used in the original formla atlantic open wheel series - producing aproximately 250 hp from 1.6 liters, normally aspirated.

The Corolla GTS was also rear wheel drive, with a live rear axle - just like the original 7.

Stock 4AGE as used in the Toyota Corolla GTS

A formula atlantic 4AGE stuffed into a Corolla. Probably 225 high strung hp. Not very streetable though - probably no torque under 5000 rpm.

This is my 4AGE, which I fully rebuilt:

• new rings
• honed cylinders
• new valves, reground seats
• new main, rod end bearings
• new belts and seals

Trial fitting the fully rebuilt engine.. no suspension yet, just a bare frame

shortened oil pan for ground clearance - aobout 1-1/2" cut out and welded back together. Probably does not leak. I might go to the trouble to fabricate an aluminum oil pan to get back lost oil capacity.

shortened oil pickup to fit modified oil pan

New main bearings

trial fitting new oil pan - note home made build stand