Heya guys. I read the other purchasing topics and they have really excellent tips, so don't worry on that account.

Specifically I want to know if http://images.craigslist.org/00v0v_7Wsm ... 00x450.jpg
is an 86 or 85.

The post lists it as an 86 but in the messaging it says "This is an 85 SR5".

What's the easiest way to tell? It sounds like the engine is the main easy difference but it doesn't have pics of the engine bay, which I can request.

I'm also not 100% how to spot the difference myself.

Any ideas?

My 86 is a 1985 SR5
chassis code stamped in the engine bay is the best way to tell.
You can't really miss it

"86" refers to the chassis code. it appears to be a 1985 sr5 from the pic. everyone calls theirs an 86, were not going by the year on that

Doesn't a gt-s have ae88 in it's chassiscode?

no, in its VIN it does. check your firewall, not the VIN plate, there's your chassis code

SR-5 in jdm land say AE85 right there. USDM, the chassis code is always AE86.

Hm, okay. Thanks for all the info!

I'm trying to get one for track/autocross reasons, so bang for buck should I hold out for a sprinter GTS?
Or will this particular model serve that purpose

3A-powered cars are AE85, these were only sold in Japan.
4A-powered cars are AE86, these were equipped with the 4A (not sold in Japan) and 4A-GE (sold in Japan and overseas).

AE85/86's were produced from 05/1983 to 07/1987, model years 1984-1987 for North America.

In North America the AE86 came in 3 grades, DX, SR5 and GT-S. The DX and SR5 came with the 4A-C engine (SOHC, carbed) for all model years. The GT-S came with the 4A-GEC engine (DOHC, EFI) for the 1985-87 model years only.

The car was badged as a Corolla in North America, pretty much only Japan called it a Sprinter (for pop-up headlight models, Corolla for fixed-headlight models).

VIN's for DX start with JT2AE85, SR5 start with JT2AE86, GT-S start with JT2AE88; these are all still AE86 chassis codes.

The car in the picture looks to be an 1984-85 AE86 SR5. It would have the 4A-C engine with a 6.38" rear differential and rear drum brakes.

Jeff

Alrighty, so I have investigated that 86 and it's Vin has the 86 code in it so definitely the sr5. It's a coupe red with pop up headlights but I had some questions... here's a couple of pictures.


This is about the worst of the rust. All the rest has a little bit of it, but this is definitely the roughest. I plan to take all the rust bits off and give it a good cleaning but does this throw up major red flags to anyone?

Here's a pic of the engine bay :

Looks pretty free from damage and rust.

Also the car doesn't start by itseld, it does with starter fluid. Guy says it's an issue with the fuel system.

Seem like a good project for someone new to maintenance or a pass? I really love the platform but I don't want to take on something I can't handle.

So, did you end up buying it?