Does The MK7 Celica Deserve The Hate?

Josh's MK7 Celica is a beautiful example of a car that gets a lot of hate, but with just a few small mods, this car quickly turns into a certified head-turner.

Thanks again to Josh for starring on our channel, we had so much fun!

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The 7th Gen Toyota Celica has always been the ugly duckling of the Celica family. With oil issues giving this car a bad reputation, the lack of any AWD system letting down rally fans, and the lack of a turbo model, this car gets hated on quite a lot, but today we're here to stop that. This is Josh's 2002 Celica, and after putting on BC Racing coilovers, Enkei RPF1 Wheels, and a cat-back exhaust, this car has become a Need For Speed Underground fans dream car.

CHAPTERS
0:00 introducing Josh's MK7 Celica
0:15 The History of the Celica
2:27 Why This Car Sucks.
3:32 About Josh's MK7 Celica
6:13 What Mods Has it Got?
7:12 Need for Speed Vibes
7:53 How Does it Drive?
9:11 Josh Let's Cleave Take it for a Spin
12:00 Does It Deserve the Hate?

#daycrew #jdm #celica #toyotacelica #mk7celica #jdmcars #modifiedcars

[daycrew]

Are MK7's underrated or overrated?

[zzlow]

I'm sorry but labeling both 1zz and 2zz "not reliable" is a slap on the face for those that took care of them and made them last over 200k miles

[brianmccarty]

I loved my 2000 GTS. A few years ago I gave it my son and it is still a great fun reliable car. As for the styling when I first bought it I had so many people looking as I drove my and even occasionally asking me what it was at stop lights. Many times while going through a drive through I would have the person helping me comment on how much they liked it even after it was 10-15 years old.

[abuelb]

I have a 2002 2zz 6spd mica blue and looks brand new with 405k smiles. Owned it since 2002💪💪💪💪

[tsunamirider]

Beautiful car. Still quite stunning in 2023. Definitely underrated.

[kyuhl_]

him saying its not really reliable
My celica with 270k miles and still running

[craig]

The 2ZZ GE engine is super reliable. It gets any hate due to poor maintenance or Honda fan boys. Lotus didn't want this engine in their cars because it was poor performing and unreliable.
However, that being said, maintenance is essential to a long life over 250K miles:

1. Regular oil changes - every 3000 miles with a good 5W 30 synthetic oil. 5W 40 can be used also.
2. Lift bolts. Pre 2002 models swap out lift bolts with newer design. Easy DIY job (unless broken bolt).
3. VVTi and VVTLi filters/OCV - clean every 20K (new filters or use carb cleaner). Easy job.
4. Oil pump is Achilles heel. If wrong downshift then the engine will implode.
5. Sump. If racing round tight corners at high revs, the 2ZZ does not have a baffled sump. You can get aftermarket sumps. MWR (Monkey Wrench Racing) supply Moroso baffled sumps. Some people use the 1ZZ sump (which is baffled ironically), but there are conflicting opinions on this being used on the 2ZZ as effective.
6. Oil Leaks. The 2ZZ can leak oil. Common areas as the timing cover gasket and the o ring on the timing chain tensioner. However, whenever fitting a new timing cover gasket change out all gaskets on cover including water pump and it is imperative 4/5 key areas RTV is used (usually where head meets block etc). There are some great videos out there. @2zzlow has some good ones for this job.
7. Every 15K clean out throttle body and MAF sensor. Change air filter every 5000K. Some good aftermarket ones out there also but standard Toyota filter does a decent job for everyday use. CAI for me is a better option than an aftermarket cone by the engine as it can suck in heat.

Good cheaper end upgrades:

1. CAI filter
2. IK20TT Denso plugs
3. Cat Back exhaust (good quality one)
4. Consider better springs/shocks or a good set of coil overs. However, these can end up being costly for a good set up. Avoid cheaper ones on eBay etc.

Bodywork:

1. Check sills and subframes. Surface rust can develop. So inspect those if in a wet/salty road country. Sort and use a good waxoil.
2. Paint is not the thickest when Toyota built them. Red cars can suffer lacquer peel and fade in hotter, sunnier climates.
3. Good wax twice to three times a year helps protect paint.

Higher Performance Upgrades:

Monkey Wrench Racing is a good starting point for the 2ZZ GE Celica. There are others such as Se7en Motorsports in the UK. Research a good and reputable shop or join an owners forum. Celica world has a great and dedicated, friendly community across the globe.

NB: You can turbo charge or fit superchargers to the 2ZZ. However, a stand alone or dedicated piggy back system must be used as the standard CPU cannot be programmed as such. Again, do your research.

If remaining N/A then consider a larger intake set up/throttle body and exhaust header. Again the community can help with this and where to source. DDR were a good place for intake/throttle body but not sure if they still exist. @2zzlow may be able to help on that one plus other dedicated Celica users.

Conclusion:

Celica is a great car and underrated. Even standard it can embarrass many higher performing cars through the bends. Look after her and she will look after you for many, many fun miles.

[captainjosue]

A lot of the hate comes from other Celica fans. Usually, those that were fans of previous generations who had expectations that were not met with the 7th gen. I have 2 Celicas both 2001 GT's and I absolutely love them. The 1zz and 2zz engines are super reliable (after Toyo fixed the oil burning issue), the rev high and are super fun to drive.

[stevekuruc]

Beautifully modified 7th gen. Love it. Ive had one for years, still going strong, drives well, cuts a few looks too. Definitely a fun affordable package if you want something different.

[Chrs]

Thank you for taking the time to reply mate, much appreciated. I will look them up. I am in Ireland. 🇮🇪 Chris 👍

[DimoS...]

Nice video mate, the car is very beautiful. Also The 2zzge is SUPERrelible and robust engine i know over 20 examples from stock 2zzge with 450.000 miles and 2zzge with 150.000 miles and gtx2867 380hp from 95.000 miles (100% stock internals) also many rotrex set up (250-350hp with over 200k miles) This engine needs only oil pan if pass 1.1g lateral pressure on track days. If maintenance is good has not oil consumption issues like 1zzfe 1999-2002 models. Also the break oil pumps is driver false from wrong downshifting if pass 9.000rpm the first weak point is oil pump. If someone want reliable 2zz on RACING times need forged oil pump gear and aftermarket oil pan. Also the crankshaft and rods is forged with cast pistons and 11.5:1 compression in turbo set up if change the pistons can handle easy, reliable and with longlife 400-500hp but with another gearbox.

[JC_WT]

Hidden gem for sure. A real driver's car 👌

[vampireotaku]

The celica is so fun to drive. That counts for alot. It's light and analog too.

[henzo]

I bought a fairly clean manual GT Celica a few years ago for $2100. I can attest that these cars are a lot of fun to drive, are cheap and are extremely easy to work on. A few weeks ago I successfully finished a junkyard 2zz swap which was quite doable considering it was my first time attempting something of this caliber. For anyone wanting to have a little fun on the cheap with longevity in mind these cars are an awesome option. The 1/2zz where found in the Toyota matrix, Corolla, Celica, runx and Pontiac vibe, making parts plentiful and cheap in the junkyard.

[burningknuckle]

I loved my Celica GT. It was so reliable and fun and looked great.

[MHanssen]

I have endurance raced a 7th gen with the 1zz and it was extremely fun. I also own a 6th gen AT200 (Euro spec with 88k km's) which i absolutely adore.

[bencleaver]

Such a great vid / expose on the Celica. Well done Daycrew

[Shawneverette]

With over 250, 000 miles on my 7th gen 2003 Celica I took it to get the timing chain tensioner oil leak fixed and that killed the compression in the engine. It is in the shop getting a new engine. Good Grief! Amazing driving car that is just fun to drive at legal speeds. I had a 1979 Celica but traded it in around 2000 because the frame was rusting off of it. But it started and drove just fine.

[hotwheelshuntinguk]

I love this gem. I think the styling is the best of all celiacs. Followed by the Gen 6

[ShadowNGPF]

Great video, definitely a gem! Recently I had two kids wave at my TS Celica while I was driving by, absolutely core memory for both parties :))