On wednesday the 27th April 2005 at Bruntingthorpe Proving Ground, we broke what must be a world record for the world`s fastest corolla, 200.4mph, driven by Adrian of Fensport
For those that don`t know the car so well, a brief recap - A highly modified Toyota Corolla 2001 model, converted with a 650hp tuned version of the 2.0 Celica GT4 engine along with the transmission and 4 wheel drive system. The car is 3 years into its development programme and it was the first time we had tried a "Top Speed Run"
For full detaills af the car please see www.fensport.co.uk/fensportcars.htm
The conditions were perfect, a cool day with no crosswind, and the track was clean from debris. After a couple of slow recce runs, the runway was measured and a braking point marked at 1.25 miles, An escape route was planned and made by moving some barriers so we could, if needed, extend the braking zone into the car park area.
Next was to decide whether a rolling start around the lower corner on to the runway would be faster than a standing start, A quick run around the corner established an exit speed of 85mph, and it was soon clear a standing start was faster as the car was already doing 105mph by the exit point of the corner, so standing start it would be.
The car was then fitted with the timing gear by Datron Technology, please see www.datrontechnology.co.uk
Run 1; A recce run with Steve from J - Tuner magazine, in the passenger seat, a full launch and flat out run was the plan, but lift if the braking point wasn`t to our liking, on our approach to the braking point, the straight seemed to be getting very short very quick, so I braked earlier to be safe, the car was perfectly stable and braking was fine slowing the car from 197mph with plenty of runway left.
Run 2; The first run on my own, a reasonable launch and straight through the gears and with no drama at all, managed 198.6mph at the braking point.
Run 3; I was expecting more on run 2, without the pasenger, but I put it down to heat soak, so run 3 was a short run around the lower runway, come back to the starting point and stop, then immediately launch the car into the run, with a good launch the car was on its way, 150mph in 14.1 seconds, and then passing 190mph at the 1 mile mark and on to the magic 200.4mph at the braking point.
We had achieved a remarkable result and membership of a very exclusive "200mph at Bruntingthorpe club"
I would like to thank the following people, for their support, and for making it all possible.
Fensport Staff - Engine & Vehicle Development
John Edwards Motorsport - Engine Development & Engine Builder
HKS Europe - Engine parts
TRD Japan
Motec Europe
Turbo Dynamics
Millers Oils
Koni Suspension
Dunlop Tyres
THANK YOU from all at Fensport
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Having created the UK`s fastest Front wheel drive Corolla`s, we decided it was time for a 4WD version and have used the latest Japanese specification Corolla RunX 4wd bodyshell. Originally imported in april 2002, as a 1.5litre Automatic ! By July 2002 the car was completely stripped and rebuilt using the engine and transmission from the celica gt4. Since then it has become a major development project for us, getting faster every year.
This car has now been extensively modified to compete in both drag and track based events, it has been designed with all round performance in mind.
The engine used is the 3SGTE, 2.0 litre twincam 16 valve turbo, as used in both the MR2 Turbo and Celica GT4, The capacity has been increased to 2.1 litres, using a HKS longer stroke crankshaft & TTE steel connecting rods with Custom Forged Pistons, TRD Bearings and ARP Bolts. ARP headstuds and a HKS metal headgasket.
Fensport Racing ported and flowed cylinder head with racing valves and double valve springs, HKS vernier pulleys and 272 camshafts. The inlet manifold is modified to accept a 75mm Aston Martin throttle body.
The fuel system is upgraded with a modified fuel rail and TTE 950cc fuel injectors, HKS fuel pressure regulator, -6 braided fuel lines and a modified 255L/HR fuel pump.
The turbocharger used is the Garrett GT35/42 Ball bearing unit, mounted on a HKS stainless steel tubular manifold, a HKS 50mm remote wastegate with 50mm screamer pipe. The exhaust system is handmade in house, using 90mm mandrel bent pipework from turbo to single back box with 90mm stainless tailpipe.
A Blitz LM Front mount "bar & plate" Intercooler, from the mitsubishi evo 6, is used with custom made stainless steel 70mm piping and Samco silicon hosing. The ERL water injection system is controlled by motec, and keeps the intake charge cool.
The cooling system is modified using a trd low temp thermostat and a high pressure cap. A GT4 ST185 radiator is used in conjunction with an alloy header tank and a swirl pot is used to seperate air and water.
Our Fensport Racing Triple plate clutch with lightweight steel flywheel, handles the immense torque which is fed into the standard transmission from the celica GT4.
A MoTeC M4 Pro ECU is used to control the engine as well as Boost Control, Water injection, Full throttle gearchange, Launch control, Data logging and Wide band Lambda, all mapping is done by ourselves.The standard ecu has been retained to run all the normal functions such as dashboard etc.
The Front suspension is handbuilt using Koni adjustable shocks and GT4 front springs. Superflex bushes and a Trd strut brace. Whiteline adjustable camber bolts.
Rear suspension uses Koni adjustable shocks with Fensport Springs, The chassis is modified to accept a MR2 Turbo anti-roll bar with poly bushes, and custom droplinks.
Front brakes are Hi - spec 6 Pot Calipers with massive 335 x 32mm front discs, The rear brakes have been upgraded using the 20valve corolla disc conversion, 263mm diameter.
Interior - TRD Race seats (6.3kgs), Momo steering wheel, Blitz and Spa digital gauges, ERL digital display,no rear seats.
The car has now been modified for drag and track use and by using race fuel the power is lifted to over 650bhp, with torque over 500ft/lbs.
Weight is 1280kgs in race trim.