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No GT4's in the US? - 6G Celicas Forums

Topic #35328 51 posts Started by 94wrc
94wrc
#1
Hello,

I have heard that for some reason you guys in the States are not allowed the GT-Four in it's standard form, is this correct? I heard that a lot of engines get shipped out for you to put into "normal" celica's. Does anyone know the reason you aren't allowed them? is it down to emissions?

Thanks

Nathan
1994 JDM ST205 WRC with 17" OZ Chrono's wearing 215/45/17 Eagle F1's. HKS Induction Kit, Blitz DV, Decat and full SS System, Blitz SBC-iD and Power Meter running at 1.12Bar = 17mpg and a lot of fun
fastgt
#2
you are correct...

we did however get the st-185 up until 93. In 94 the 6gc came out without a gt-4 model in the states, apparently the main reason was that the previous gt-4 did not sell very well in the states.

6gc owners have begun swapping st-185/205 motors into their celicas but still keeping the car fwd, but theres also some that have supposedly coverted their celica to awd.

its a shame.....im sure the gt-4 would of sold very well, but at the same time there was no real market for it back then as there is now.

This post has been edited by fastgt: Mar 24, 2006 - 11:43 AM
2011 Spice Orange Mini Cooper2011 Alpine White BMW E92 M3gone but not forgotten2008 Space Grey BMW Z4 ///M2009 Black Honda Civic LX Coupe2006 Magnetic Black Nissan 350Z2007 Crimson Red BMW 335i Coupe
94wrc
#3
It is strange but I am right in thinking that most of your "fast" cars have huge engines (4.0l +)? I heard that you can't even import a GT-Four into the States and a couple of people have done so and get stopped by the police whenever they drive them, whether this is true or not I don't know.

Excuse the stupid questions but I know nothing about the US car scene.

Thanks

Nathan
1994 JDM ST205 WRC with 17" OZ Chrono's wearing 215/45/17 Eagle F1's. HKS Induction Kit, Blitz DV, Decat and full SS System, Blitz SBC-iD and Power Meter running at 1.12Bar = 17mpg and a lot of fun
RallyeMonkey
#4
Does anyone know what it would take to import one? Several thousand for shipping?
fastgt
#5
several thousand for shipping...might want to buy a few for crash testing....then find one you like , then make the car d.o.t compliant....then make it smog legal....uhhh list goes on....it aint gonna happen
2011 Spice Orange Mini Cooper2011 Alpine White BMW E92 M3gone but not forgotten2008 Space Grey BMW Z4 ///M2009 Black Honda Civic LX Coupe2006 Magnetic Black Nissan 350Z2007 Crimson Red BMW 335i Coupe
95CelicaST
#6
>
QUOTE
>Does anyone know what it would take to import one? Several thousand for shipping?


You would need to have the engine removed and shipped seperately from the body, that way you can register the body and engine as "Parts". Once it is over here you can just reinstall and register as a Kit Car, but I think you still have to pass emissions.
1991 MR2 - T-tops - Crimson Red - Gen3 3SGTE - Lots of moneyI'm not really an asshole, but I play one on the internet.**** Photobucket
Bigmeanbulldog55
#7
>
QUOTE(94wrc @ Mar 24, 2006 - 11:49 AM) [snapback]412541[/snapback]
>
It is strange but I am right in thinking that most of your "fast" cars have huge engines (4.0l +)? I heard that you can't even import a GT-Four into the States and a couple of people have done so and get stopped by the police whenever they drive them, whether this is true or not I don't know.

Excuse the stupid questions but I know nothing about the US car scene.

Thanks

Nathan

American's like to brag on thier fast cars with the 5.0 plus liters. Anything less than that and it might as well be an import. Even though we didn't get the GT-4, we still have the TT Supra, so we're not too deprived. We have cars here that you don't. I see the new GTO's and Mustangs running around everywere. I doubt you see more than a couple, if that. We do have a few faster small liter motors. V6's, and 4 cylinders, but Americans seem to dissown them. Bigger is better here, I guess. We have the 80's Grand Nationals, which were a 3.8 turbo V6, that was a strate line demon. Also had a Shelby Dodge Omni, it was a 2.2 turbo. It was a good all around track car. But it couldn't match Euro and Japanese realiability. We are now picking up a lot of the techonology that has been elsewere, but we still aren't doing it right in most cases. We have the Corvette, and it is the best engineered American car ever in my opinion, even if it does have a 5.7liter V8.
Live Free, Be Happy
fastgt
#8
we have plenty of motors that rock and arent big v8's

look at the evo/sti motors...4 bangers with turbos....those motors rock

or look at the vq35(z,g35,maxima, etc.) that motor has won motor of the year many times..

we have a have a lot eco motors running around *cough toyota*...but we dont need v8's to show our power....i mean look at the 2jz-gte...awesome motor...

This post has been edited by fastgt: Mar 24, 2006 - 12:40 PM
2011 Spice Orange Mini Cooper2011 Alpine White BMW E92 M3gone but not forgotten2008 Space Grey BMW Z4 ///M2009 Black Honda Civic LX Coupe2006 Magnetic Black Nissan 350Z2007 Crimson Red BMW 335i Coupe
95CelicaST
#9
>
QUOTE
>look at the evo/sti motors...4 bangers with turbos....those motors rock


Except the cost of maintaining an EJ engine, and the chance of busting a timing belt on the EVO and smashing up the valves...
1991 MR2 - T-tops - Crimson Red - Gen3 3SGTE - Lots of moneyI'm not really an asshole, but I play one on the internet.**** Photobucket
Fastbird
#10
>
QUOTE(Bigmeanbulldog55 @ Mar 24, 2006 - 12:26 PM) [snapback]412575[/snapback]
>
American's like to brag on thier fast cars with the 5.0 plus liters. Anything less than that and it might as well be an import. Even though we didn't get the GT-4, we still have the TT Supra, so we're not too deprived. We have cars here that you don't. I see the new GTO's and Mustangs running around everywere. I doubt you see more than a couple, if that. We do have a few faster small liter motors. V6's, and 4 cylinders, but Americans seem to dissown them. Bigger is better here, I guess. We have the 80's Grand Nationals, which were a 3.8 turbo V6, that was a strate line demon. Also had a Shelby Dodge Omni, it was a 2.2 turbo. It was a good all around track car. But it couldn't match Euro and Japanese realiability. We are now picking up a lot of the techonology that has been elsewere, but we still aren't doing it right in most cases. We have the Corvette, and it is the best engineered American car ever in my opinion, even if it does have a 5.7liter V8.


I agree with what you're saying, americans hold true to the bigger is better mo. Just look at the SUV's.

Examples (just the popular American sports cars off hand):

Mustang GT (05+): 281 CID 4.6L OHC V8 305HP/325TQ
Pontiac GTO/Chevy Corvette(05+): 364 CID 6.0L OHV V8 400HP/400TQ
Corvette ZO6 (06+): 427 CID (SMALL BLOCK) 7.0L OHV V8 505HP/475TQ
LS1 Chevy Camaro and Pontiac Firebird (98-02): 5.6L 346 CID OHV V8 325HP/335TQ
LT1 Chevy Camaro and Pontiac Firebird (93-97): 5.7L 350 CID OHV V8 305HP/325TQ

If anyone says a Cavalier, Cobalt, Sunfire, Ion, Grand Am, Escort, Focus or the like is a sports car I'm goign to reach through the internet and smack ya. biggrin.gif

It's a shame, but the DOT keeps some of the more cool cars produced overseas just that: Overseas. I'd love to have seen a GT4 or Skyline here stateside, but importing one, while doable, is extremely cost prohibitive.
celicaST
#11
>
QUOTE(Fastbird @ Mar 24, 2006 - 11:39 AM) [snapback]412629[/snapback]
>
>
QUOTE(Bigmeanbulldog55 @ Mar 24, 2006 - 12:26 PM) [snapback]412575[/snapback]
>
American's like to brag on thier fast cars with the 5.0 plus liters. Anything less than that and it might as well be an import. Even though we didn't get the GT-4, we still have the TT Supra, so we're not too deprived. We have cars here that you don't. I see the new GTO's and Mustangs running around everywere. I doubt you see more than a couple, if that. We do have a few faster small liter motors. V6's, and 4 cylinders, but Americans seem to dissown them. Bigger is better here, I guess. We have the 80's Grand Nationals, which were a 3.8 turbo V6, that was a strate line demon. Also had a Shelby Dodge Omni, it was a 2.2 turbo. It was a good all around track car. But it couldn't match Euro and Japanese realiability. We are now picking up a lot of the techonology that has been elsewere, but we still aren't doing it right in most cases. We have the Corvette, and it is the best engineered American car ever in my opinion, even if it does have a 5.7liter V8.


I agree with what you're saying, americans hold true to the bigger is better mo. Just look at the SUV's.

Examples (just the popular American sports cars off hand):

Mustang GT (05+): 281 CID 4.6L OHC V8 305HP/325TQ
Pontiac GTO/Chevy Corvette(05+): 364 CID 6.0L OHV V8 400HP/400TQ
Corvette ZO6 (06+): 427 CID (SMALL BLOCK) 7.0L OHV V8 505HP/475TQ
LS1 Chevy Camaro and Pontiac Firebird (98-02): 5.6L 346 CID OHV V8 325HP/335TQ
LT1 Chevy Camaro and Pontiac Firebird (93-97): 5.7L 350 CID OHV V8 305HP/325TQ

If anyone says a Cavalier, Cobalt, Sunfire, Ion, Grand Am, Escort, Focus or the like is a sports car I'm goign to reach through the internet and smack ya. biggrin.gif

It's a shame, but the DOT keeps some of the more cool cars produced overseas just that: Overseas. I'd love to have seen a GT4 or Skyline here stateside, but importing one, while doable, is extremely cost prohibitive.


i understand the legal issues, but i dont wee why it has to be such a big deal. i mean its not like were importing heroin, its just a dang car. how bout the cobalt ss supercharged?
I think Bigfoot is blurry, that's the problem. It's not the photographer's fault. Bigfoot is blurry. And that's extra scary to me, because there's a large, out-of-focus monster roaming the countryside.
fastgt
#12
The cobalt ss is no better than that damned srt-4
2011 Spice Orange Mini Cooper2011 Alpine White BMW E92 M3gone but not forgotten2008 Space Grey BMW Z4 ///M2009 Black Honda Civic LX Coupe2006 Magnetic Black Nissan 350Z2007 Crimson Red BMW 335i Coupe
RallyeMonkey
#13
>
QUOTE(fastgt @ Mar 24, 2006 - 12:12 PM) [snapback]412563[/snapback]
> several thousand for shipping...might want to buy a few for crash testing....then find one you like , then make the car d.o.t compliant....then make it smog legal....uhhh list goes on....it aint gonna happen




So your saying it would be cheaper and easier to move to the UK... kindasad.gif

fastgt
#14
cheaper? probably not.. is the money worth the car? the car is great but not really worth it..

the only reason its soo hard to bring one over here is because we probably have some of the highest safety standards in the world...if they havent tested the car here in the states, or have proof that it meets our standards ...the u.s d.o.h.s says its unsafe

now if you think thats bad....california has the the most strict smog laws...you know what the means....no twin turbo for my Z
2011 Spice Orange Mini Cooper2011 Alpine White BMW E92 M3gone but not forgotten2008 Space Grey BMW Z4 ///M2009 Black Honda Civic LX Coupe2006 Magnetic Black Nissan 350Z2007 Crimson Red BMW 335i Coupe
trd94
#15
>
QUOTE(fastgt @ Mar 24, 2006 - 12:39 PM) [snapback]412583[/snapback]
>
we have plenty of motors that rock and arent big v8's

look at the evo/sti motors...4 bangers with turbos....those motors rock

or look at the vq35(z,g35,maxima, etc.) that motor has won motor of the year many times..

we have a have a lot eco motors running around *cough toyota*...but we dont need v8's to show our power....i mean look at the 2jz-gte...awesome motor...

all of these motors are not v8 indeed, but at the same time they are not american made .the american car companies dont realy offer a strong 4 cylinder that performs like the motors you listed smile.gif

This post has been edited by trd94: Mar 24, 2006 - 4:45 PM
fastgt
#16
Im aware that they are japanese made motors, i was just stating the motors that are available here in the u.s, and youre right the u.s market has nothing to compare to this motor....and please somebody dont say that the supercharged ecotec motor or the peon srt-4 motor is comparable to these motors....

true the srt-4 motor is easily tunable but will never be as reliable
2011 Spice Orange Mini Cooper2011 Alpine White BMW E92 M3gone but not forgotten2008 Space Grey BMW Z4 ///M2009 Black Honda Civic LX Coupe2006 Magnetic Black Nissan 350Z2007 Crimson Red BMW 335i Coupe
NaKeD
#17
I'm not 100% sure about America, in australia its really really hard to import a gt4/ssii/ssiii
because we already produce the celica SX and ZR, the government is trying to protect
Australian Cars against import.. they want people to spend money buying australian cars and keep the money in Australia. Especially since we produce celica already.....
if its a car we don't produce.. its not that hard...

NaKeD
lilsteeg
#18
>
QUOTE(Bigmeanbulldog55 @ Mar 24, 2006 - 12:26 PM) [snapback]412575[/snapback]
>
>
QUOTE(94wrc @ Mar 24, 2006 - 11:49 AM) [snapback]412541[/snapback]
>
It is strange but I am right in thinking that most of your "fast" cars have huge engines (4.0l +)? I heard that you can't even import a GT-Four into the States and a couple of people have done so and get stopped by the police whenever they drive them, whether this is true or not I don't know.

Excuse the stupid questions but I know nothing about the US car scene.

Thanks

Nathan

American's like to brag on thier fast cars with the 5.0 plus liters. Anything less than that and it might as well be an import. Even though we didn't get the GT-4, we still have the TT Supra, so we're not too deprived. We have cars here that you don't. I see the new GTO's and Mustangs running around everywere. I doubt you see more than a couple, if that. We do have a few faster small liter motors. V6's, and 4 cylinders, but Americans seem to dissown them. Bigger is better here, I guess. We have the 80's Grand Nationals, which were a 3.8 turbo V6, that was a strate line demon. Also had a Shelby Dodge Omni, it was a 2.2 turbo. It was a good all around track car. But it couldn't match Euro and Japanese realiability. We are now picking up a lot of the techonology that has been elsewere, but we still aren't doing it right in most cases. We have the Corvette, and it is the best engineered American car ever in my opinion, even if it does have a 5.7liter V8.

no no no no, the corvette it a verry well engineered car but the viper and saleen s7 are better, oh and the 5.0 plus is wrong the mustang rocks a 4.6

This post has been edited by lilsteeg: Mar 24, 2006 - 8:30 PM
bloodrain
#19
>
QUOTE(RallyeMonkey @ Mar 24, 2006 - 11:51 AM) [snapback]412543[/snapback]
>
Does anyone know what it would take to import one? Several thousand for shipping?


the first thing you have to do is 1) get the car D.O.T. approved. which they will need approximatly 200 GT-Fours just to wreck and crash test. Then each part of the car has to go through testing and get a D.O.T.stamp. Then the frame must be properly reinforced for the crash tests. So figure 200 cars x $15,000. Then each new car that comes over has to get certified (about another $20,000) So after the the $3,000,000 you just spent on getting the GT-FOURS legalized, you gotta fork out another $35,000 for the car (total). Im not sure which dildo did that for the Skylines but thank god it wasnt me. You can buy a R34 US legalized for about $60,000 w00t w00t.
To live, is to sufferTo survive, thats to find meaning, in the suffering....
lilsteeg
#20
i dunno, there are a few gt-4s floating around in the us, but you could count them on 1 hand
Bigmeanbulldog55
#21
>
QUOTE(fastgt @ Mar 24, 2006 - 4:19 PM) [snapback]412709[/snapback]
>
The cobalt ss is no better than that damned srt-4

I'm pretty sure both these cars have Japanese influence. That's why I don't consider them. I know the SRT-4 has had a lot more builds than the Ecotec 4cylinder. But that Ecotech is really building a racing reputation. That thing is nice. But, I still think it doesn't count as a true American engine. And there will never again be a true American engine due to so much convergence in manufactures.

>
QUOTE(lilsteeg @ Mar 24, 2006 - 6:07 PM) [snapback]412752[/snapback]
>
no no no no, the corvette it a verry well engineered car but the viper and saleen s7 are better, oh and the 5.0 plus is wrong the mustang rocks a 4.6

The Corvette is better than both the Viper and the Saleen S7 and the GT40. It's about cost effectiveness and what not. For the money, the Vette is a great car, especially now. The older ones weren't too great. You'll hear guys yack about the big block Vettes. That's a 454cupic inch 7.4 liter motor in that car. As far as the little 4.6 Mustang, they weren't so great. I don't hear a lot of Ford guys bragging about them. Most of the time they just want a bigger V8 in there. A 4.6 isn't much for an American V8. I'm no expert though, that's for sure. I only know what I've heard.
Live Free, Be Happy
trd94
#22
>
QUOTE(fastgt @ Mar 24, 2006 - 5:30 PM) [snapback]412738[/snapback]
>
Im aware that they are japanese made motors, i was just stating the motors that are available here in the u.s, and youre right the u.s market has nothing to compare to this motor....and please somebody dont say that the supercharged ecotec motor or the peon srt-4 motor is comparable to these motors....

true the srt-4 motor is easily tunable but will never be as reliable

i totally agree biggrin.gif
fastgt
#23
actually the legalizing of the skylines is no longer true...except for the r33....story is here

http://www.350zmotoring.com/forums/showthread.php?t=38173
2011 Spice Orange Mini Cooper2011 Alpine White BMW E92 M3gone but not forgotten2008 Space Grey BMW Z4 ///M2009 Black Honda Civic LX Coupe2006 Magnetic Black Nissan 350Z2007 Crimson Red BMW 335i Coupe
dans_st
#24
So far as importing the GT-4 I could have it shipped with the motor removed and then get the motor shipped separetaly, THEN when they get here RE-install the engine and I have a complete GT-4 that is not registered and not DOT approved to drive here-Right???

Couldn't I just switch the VIN and chassis code plates from my celica to the GT-4, move my already registered plates, and inspection sticker to the GT-4 and just drive it that way??

I have switched VIN's and other tags on old chevy's and used the title that I had on a better condition cab/body, So couldn't it be done with the GT-4?

and as far as the emmisions I get my car inspected and don't have a cat or any other emmisions related product on my car as it is, along with NON-d.o.t. approved JDM taillights- SO is this possible??

And how much would it cost for the car and engine as well as the separate shipping?
If anyone is missing NASCAR and it's not on Speed Channel, take a fistful of Skittles, throw them in the toilet and hit the flush handle. Instant NASCAR!!!
alexjb
#25
My Celica is in the UK, while I'm in Japan on business.
I been liiking into JDM tails and projectors... but that's a different story wink.gif

I'm in Sagamihara and I get the buss to the CAT plant each day, on the way I pass a dealer (went to have a look) with a Skyline GTR 80K Km for 840000yen = 4200quid = 7600bucks, thats a lot of car for not a lot of money.
Us guys in the UK pay over the ods for second hand import jap cars to be imported, you guys in the US get ass F*^ed! frown.gif
A plesant chap with no ulterior motivesGen 6, 97 ST202 Jap import.
bloodrain
#26
>
QUOTE(dans_st @ Mar 25, 2006 - 12:45 AM) [snapback]412900[/snapback]
>
So far as importing the GT-4 I could have it shipped with the motor removed and then get the motor shipped separetaly, THEN when they get here RE-install the engine and I have a complete GT-4 that is not registered and not DOT approved to drive here-Right???

Couldn't I just switch the VIN and chassis code plates from my celica to the GT-4, move my already registered plates, and inspection sticker to the GT-4 and just drive it that way??

I have switched VIN's and other tags on old chevy's and used the title that I had on a better condition cab/body, So couldn't it be done with the GT-4?

and as far as the emmisions I get my car inspected and don't have a cat or any other emmisions related product on my car as it is, along with NON-d.o.t. approved JDM taillights- SO is this possible??

And how much would it cost for the car and engine as well as the separate shipping?


yes you COULD do that, but search a little bit, there was another thread about importing them. Basically if you have an illegally imported car in the U.S. and they find out, your car gets destroyed on the spot, no questions asked. (Not literally on the spot, they tow it and then take care of it)
To live, is to sufferTo survive, thats to find meaning, in the suffering....
bloodrain
#27
>
QUOTE(alexjb @ Mar 25, 2006 - 9:14 AM) [snapback]412976[/snapback]
>
Us guys in the UK pay over the ods for second hand import jap cars to be imported, you guys in the US get ass F*^ed! frown.gif


and thats actually being polite.
To live, is to sufferTo survive, thats to find meaning, in the suffering....
CelicaST204
#28
I hear that there is suppose to a 6th gen GT-FOUR at Import Face-Off april 2. at Red River Raceway. I seriously doubt that. maybe someone got the 93 confused with being a 6th gen. but since i live 30 mins. away from there, i'm going. If it turns out to be true, then i will die a happy man, seeing my dream car in person. I will fill up my digi cam with gt-four picks. screw the silvia and r33. i'll be with the celica god all day. lol
crismillencolin
#29
So does it make you guys jealous i could go buy a few GT4 awd's today biggrin.gif LOL - sorry frown.gif

I dont understand how if the car can be ok for the rest of the world but not ok for america ? Surely the differnencs in regulatons arent that tight that a TOYOTA cant be allowed ??smile.gif
351.5bhp RWD TT
Jeremy1210
#30
IT comes down the thes testing. Like the glass isn't DOT approved and neither are the headlights. Amybe some body, but not really IMO
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