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MOTRS

KE70 Corolla

1979-1983 / Sedan / Coupe / Japan

All KE70 Corolla problems All workshop issues
Common Gearbox, T50 5-Speed Manual

Synchro Wear (2nd and 3rd Gear)

Symptoms

Crunching or grinding when shifting into second or third gear, especially on quick downshifts. The synchro ring can't match the input and output shaft speeds, causing the gear teeth to clash.

Cause

The T50 is a compact, lightweight gearbox originally designed for the K-series engine's modest torque. Second gear synchro wear is accelerated by aggressive driving, particularly rev-matched downshifts and drift-car abuse. On engine-swapped cars with significantly more torque, the T50 synchros wear even faster.

Fix

Gearbox rebuild with new synchro rings, bearings, and seals.

Cost: $800-1,500.

For engine-swapped cars making more than 100 kW, consider upgrading to a W50, W55, or W58 gearbox from the Celica or Supra.

These are stronger, shift better, and handle more torque.

W-series swap: $500-1,000 for the gearbox plus $200-400 for bellhousing adaptation.

Cost mentioned in fix
Cost: $800-1,500$500-1,000 for the gearbox$200-400 for bellhousing

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// More KE70 Corolla problems

Other known issues

Common Gearbox, T50 5-Speed Manual

Gearbox Oil Leaks

Oil leaking from the input shaft seal, output shaft seal, or gearbox-to-bellhousing joint. Oil dripping onto the exhaust or ground.
Minor Rust and Corrosion

Rear Quarter Panel Corrosion

Bubbling paint on the rear quarter panels, progressing to perforation. Rust visible inside the boot behind the wheel arch trim. In severe cases, the inner wheelarch structure is completely gone and the outer skin is all that's holding the shape.
Common Rust and Corrosion

Boot Floor and Spare Tyre Well Corrosion

Soft, rusted, or perforated metal in the boot floor. Water pooling in the spare tyre well. Damp smell from the boot. Rust staining on the boot carpet.
Minor Rust and Corrosion

Sill (Rocker Panel) Corrosion

Paint bubbling along the sills below the doors. Soft metal when tapped. In severe cases, the sill collapses when jacked, and the door gaps change as the body flexes.
Minor Rust and Corrosion

Floor Pan Corrosion

Soft or perforated floor pans. Visible rust when the carpet is lifted. In extreme cases, you can see the road through the floor.
Critical Engine, 3K-C and 4K-C Pushrod Inline-4

Oil Leaks

Oil weeping or dripping from multiple points on the engine. Oil residue on the rocker cover, sump, and rear of the engine. Oil spots under the car.
View all 16 KE70 Corolla problems