In stock form, the Toyota Starlet is a compact economy car, but this one is very different from the factory version. This is a drag racer with a rotary engine under the hood and a gargantuan turbo feeding boost to the mill.<\/p>\n
The first part of the video puts the Starlet on the dyno. It has a raw sound at startup, which isn’t surprising given that the exhaust exits straight out the side of the hood, and there’s no muffler on the pipe. The sound grows to a scream at high revs. The microphone can barely capture the sound.<\/p>\n
The Starlet’s whole front end comes off, and it gets onto the dyno. According to the YouTube clip’s description, the first run is in a low-boost setting. Still, the engine pumps out an impressive 975 hp at the rear wheels. The second run appears to be with more boost because the pull nets an output of 1,072 hp.<\/p>\n
The next step is taking the rotary-powered Starlet to the drag strip for some tuning. There’s an issue with a clutch causing it to creep forward at the starting line and limiting the ability to launch the car. This means we get to see several runs, including how the Toyota shoots flames just before launching. It’s an impressive sight, especially at night.<\/p>\n
Unfortunately, the various issues mean we don’t see a complete quarter-mile run from the Starlet. In addition to the clutch problem, the traction control setting is too aggressive, which cuts power off the line. The wheelie bar and parachute on the back suggest this car can put down seriously quick times when everything is working right.<\/p>\n
The next step is to reduce the Toyota’s output when it launches. With over 1,000 hp at the wheels, the tires can’t handle the power. They spin off the line, which limits how quickly the Starlet can get down the quarter mile.<\/p>\n
The Starlet was only available in the United States from the 1981 through the 1984 model years. Unlike many small hatchbacks, it was rear-wheel drive rather than the more common front-drive layout. They had a 1.3-liter engine, rather than this one’s rotary powerplant and big turbo.<\/p>\n