1987 Corolla FX16 GTS Track Toy Build - Part 13

Illustration for article titled 1987 Corolla FX16 GTS Track Toy Build - Part 13

It’s been six months since the last time I posted an update and some pretty cool stuff has happened in that time.

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Illustration for article titled 1987 Corolla FX16 GTS Track Toy Build - Part 13

I added some aluminized tape to seal off the gap along the top of the radiator. This will help keep air flowing through, rather than around it, increasing it’s cooling efficiency.

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Illustration for article titled 1987 Corolla FX16 GTS Track Toy Build - Part 13

Two M16x1.5 oil drain plug bolts replaced the plastic plugs in the radiator. The exhaust is too close for comfort when it comes to plastic right there.

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Illustration for article titled 1987 Corolla FX16 GTS Track Toy Build - Part 13

With the radiator to keep things cool, it was time for another trackcross. Unfortunately the weather was less than ideal.

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Illustration for article titled 1987 Corolla FX16 GTS Track Toy Build - Part 13

On one of the last runs of the day the car suddenly became 100x louder. I limped the car back to the paddock, ears ringing, and found a broken downpipe. The slice/bent/re-weld method had bitten me in the ass. Fortunately a good friend of mine towed me home and then the car sat while I accumulated parts to fix it.

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Illustration for article titled 1987 Corolla FX16 GTS Track Toy Build - Part 13

After getting the right wire to weld stainless I was finally ready to start creating a new downpipe.

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Illustration for article titled 1987 Corolla FX16 GTS Track Toy Build - Part 13

It’s not pretty but it should be stronger and flow better than the old one.

Illustration for article titled 1987 Corolla FX16 GTS Track Toy Build - Part 13
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Can’t forget the wrap! Heat is the enemy.

Illustration for article titled 1987 Corolla FX16 GTS Track Toy Build - Part 13
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The car was up and running just in time to make it to the fall cruise. Clay and Brian also brought out their FX’s!

Illustration for article titled 1987 Corolla FX16 GTS Track Toy Build - Part 13
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I’ve never seen three in the same place before, so this was a really cool experience.

Illustration for article titled 1987 Corolla FX16 GTS Track Toy Build - Part 13
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I love boxy cars!

That’s it for this update, the next one will be up very soon and covers some nitty gritty suspension work.