Discovering your dream project on Craigslist that’s not worn out is like contemplating the chances of a homeless man marrying Jessica Alba—highly unlikely. Yet, occasionally, a rare occurrence unfolds, akin to a super moon, and you stumble upon your treasure. Usually, this happens precisely when you’re low on funds and unable to seize the opportunity. However, on rare occasions, an orange moon appears, aligning the stars, and your dream car materializes on Craigslist just when you have the means to make it yours—an automotive serendipity.
Tyler Williams experienced this serendipity when he found his coveted 1977 Celica, a car he had yearned for since spotting it in the winter of 2010, back when he was financially strapped and fresh out of school. Patience paid off, and in 2011, he finally reunited with his long-lost love. Tyler described the car as fully restored, boasting excellent paint, a flawless black interior, and air conditioning that could make Frosty the Snowman opt for warmth.
Initially, the Celica served as Tyler’s daily driver for several months until the inevitable bug that bites all enthusiasts surfaced—the thirst for more power. The 20R engine wasn’t cutting it anymore. Thus, the Craigslist-dating scene resumed until Tyler found the solution to his unfulfilled desires—a complete RB25 swap for a mere $900, inclusive of transmission, wiring, and an ECU.
Taking the car to a mini truck fabrication shop for the engine and transmission installation, Tyler was pleasantly surprised that only minimal modifications, like shifter and cross member adjustments, were required. Even the intercooler piping neatly fit through the bumper shock holes. However, the OE turbo setup proved incompatible due to the steering shaft, prompting Tyler to opt for a top mount manifold and a generously-sized turbo at an affordable price.
The subsequent weekend was dedicated to the wiring phase—tidying up the harness and eliminating unnecessary components. After completing the wiring and successfully starting the car, challenges arose, with the vehicle blowing coil packs due to a faulty ECU and subsequent fuel pressure issues.
Despite these setbacks, Tyler resolved the fueling problem, and for the past nine months, the car has proven to be reliable. Tyler remains entirely satisfied with his decision to acquire the car and undergo the swap. Every project has its highs and lows, but the satisfaction of sitting back and admiring the results with a smile makes it all worthwhile.
While some purists might frown upon fitting a Nissan motor into a Toyota, Tyler’s clean swap defies such concerns. Often, people get bogged down by purist mentalities and worry more about others’ opinions than the satisfaction of their personal achievements. Tyler, however, is not one to be swayed by such concerns, and we appreciate his unique approach.
