160: Next-Level Toyota Builds with Ryan Tuerck – ST205 Celica

Wheel horsepower is the engine’s power measured at the wheels, after drivetrain losses through the transmission and differential. It often reads lower than “crank horsepower” but is a more direct indicator of how much usable power reaches the road.

The Toyota GR 86 is a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive sports car designed to deliver engaging handling rather than just straight-line speed. It’s often discussed in enthusiast circles because it’s a modern take on a classic “driver’s car” formula. In the podcast, it’s mentioned alongside a Ferrari 458 as part of the guest’s project-car background.

The hosts discuss the original engine choice for the Celica: the Toyota 3S GTE, a well-known turbocharged 2.0L inline-four. They then explain that Ryan moved away from it in this build, which is a key part of the episode’s “next-level” engineering story.

The episode references Ryan’s Toyota Stout project, described as freshly built at the time and running a 3S GTE. This matters because it shows he’s not only working on modern sports cars—he’s applying performance engineering to unusual Toyota platforms.

Ryan Tuerck’s new project is a Toyota Celica that he modernized with newer running gear and an updated engine setup. The episode frames it as a next-level build that keeps the Celica’s character but updates the hardware for more performance and drivability.

Ryan’s Celica build swaps from the older 3S GTE to the Toyota G16E, described as dropping a cylinder and some capacity. The G16E is a modern, direct-injected turbo engine architecture used in Toyota’s newer performance models, and it’s central to why this build is “modernized.”

The GR Yaris is referenced as one of the cars that uses the Toyota G16E engine. Mentioning the GR Yaris provides context for why the G16E is considered “very popular”—it’s proven in a performance-focused Toyota.

The transcript describes the engine as a “direct ejected turbocharged engine,” referring to direct injection combined with turbocharging. Direct injection helps deliver fuel more precisely, and turbocharging boosts power by forcing more air into the engine.

EFI (electronic fuel injection) tuning is the process of calibrating how the ECU controls fuel and sometimes ignition timing across different engine loads and temperatures. Good EFI tuning is critical for power, drivability, and engine safety because it directly affects air-fuel ratio and combustion.

A wiring harness is the bundled set of wires and connectors that routes power, signals, and sensor data between the ECU, sensors, actuators, and other systems. In engine builds and EFI swaps, harness quality and correct pinouts are essential to avoid misfires, sensor errors, and hard-to-diagnose electrical problems.

“Performance engines” refers to modifying an engine for higher output and better response, usually through changes to airflow, fuel delivery, compression, and engine internals. In tuning contexts, it often implies the engine is built with specific power goals and reliability targets in mind.

Data logging records sensor and ECU parameters over time (like RPM, throttle position, air-fuel ratio, and temperatures) to analyze how the car behaves under real driving or track conditions. It’s a key tool for diagnosing tuning issues and validating changes.

Fabrication is the process of building or modifying parts by cutting, welding, bending, and assembling metal or other materials. In performance builds, fabrication is commonly used for custom exhaust components, mounts, brackets, and chassis-related modifications.

3D modelling and CAD (computer-aided design) are used to design parts digitally before they’re built. For car projects, this helps with fitment, packaging, and creating accurate templates or components that match the vehicle’s constraints.

Formula D is a professional drifting series in the United States, known for judging style, angle, and control rather than traditional wheel-to-wheel racing. Mentioning it frames Ryan Tuerck’s background as coming from high-level competitive drift tuning and driving.

Drifting is a driving style where the driver intentionally oversteers so the car slides through a corner while maintaining control and speed. In motorsport contexts like Formula D, drifting is judged on technique—angle, stability, and how well the driver links turns.

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (often called the Evo) is a performance sedan known for its turbocharged engine and all-wheel-drive rally heritage. The podcast references it in a nostalgic way, saying the lineup has “gone dull and boring” because there isn’t an Evo anymore like there used to be. That’s why it’s used as a benchmark for what enthusiasts miss.

This describes a strategy where an automaker shifts resources toward enthusiast-oriented performance models rather than only mainstream transportation. In practice, it often means more motorsport influence, more aggressive powertrain/suspension development, and clearer product identity for driving enthusiasts.

The speaker uses the Toyota Camry as an example of a high-volume, mainstream “A to B” car. It’s contrasted with enthusiast-focused models to discuss whether niche performance cars can be justified commercially.

Formula One (F1) is the top level of open-wheel motorsport, and it’s a major technology and branding platform for automakers. When Toyota gets involved again, it can influence how the company develops performance engineering and marketing for road cars.

Haas is a Formula One team, and referencing it helps place Toyota’s motorsport involvement in a real competitive context. It signals that the discussion is about top-tier racing rather than a lower-level series.

Scion was Toyota’s youth-focused brand in the U.S., and it often sold sporty, enthusiast-oriented models. In motorsports, Scion-backed teams and drivers leveraged that brand identity for visibility and sponsorship.

The Scion FR-S is a compact sports coupe known for its rear-wheel-drive layout and driver-focused feel. It’s often discussed by enthusiasts because it’s a popular platform for personal builds and modifications. In the podcast, it’s mentioned as the guest’s first Scion (non-Nissan) project car.

An inline-six is an engine layout with six cylinders in a single row, typically longer than a four-cylinder. In a front-wheel-drive chassis, swapping to an inline-six can shift weight forward and alter balance, which the speaker says changed the car’s chassis dynamics.

Front-wheel-drive (FWD) means the engine drives the front wheels, which strongly influences traction and how weight loads during cornering. The speaker specifically connects FWD to “weight over the nose,” explaining why the engine swap changed the chassis dynamics.

A steering kit is an aftermarket set of components that upgrades how the car steers and responds. On track-focused builds, it’s often used to improve steering feel, reduce play, and sharpen turn-in for more consistent driving.

The rear bumper length/shape affects how close you can get to walls without contacting the car. The hosts mention that a shorter rear bumper can make tire or wheel contact more likely when you’re grazing obstacles.

A six-cylinder engine is discussed as the upgrade path from the earlier four-cylinder setup. The hosts frame it as a move toward more capable and reliable power, especially once the four-cylinder was at its performance limit.

A four-cylinder engine is being contrasted with a six-cylinder swap in the build discussion. The hosts connect the change to needing more power and more reliable, capable output at the time.

The B58 is BMW’s well-known inline-six turbocharged engine family. In the context of this episode, it’s referenced as the engine program they invested in, and it’s used to explain why the build shifted toward more capable power.

The hosts describe a tuning reality: if your car is limited by power, you can’t fully exploit additional grip or chassis improvements. With more power available, you can add traction and adjust the setup to take advantage of it.

The hosts are talking about two key performance relationships: how much power you have relative to the car’s mass (power-to-weight) and how effectively that power can be turned into usable traction (power-to-grip). In drifting, grip is often the limiting factor, so “more power” only helps if the tires and suspension can keep the car stable and moving the way you want.

A trailing arm rear suspension uses an arm that pivots to control wheel motion, often allowing a strong focus on traction and predictable tire loading. The discussion highlights how this layout can increase usable grip, but may also change how the car behaves when you lift off the throttle.

A five-link rear suspension uses multiple control arms to precisely manage wheel alignment and camber changes through suspension travel. The hosts compare it to trailing arms, saying a five-link can be better for off-throttle behavior and getting grip without needing to “steer with the throttle.”

“Off throttle grip” refers to how much traction the car maintains when you lift off the accelerator. In drifting, throttle changes strongly affect weight transfer and rear suspension geometry, so some suspension setups can make the car lose stability or traction when you’re not on the gas.

“Horsepower at the wheels” (often measured on a dyno) is the power delivered to the drivetrain after losses through the transmission and differential. Drifting teams often target wheel horsepower because it correlates more directly with what the tires actually receive during acceleration and sustained throttle.

Low RPM torque is the twisting force an engine makes at lower engine speeds, which strongly affects how quickly the car accelerates from stoplight speeds and how “punchy” it feels. The hosts are comparing how a four-cylinder’s power delivery can feel more abrupt, while the six-cylinder setup may be smoother and more linear, and how nitrous can mask low-RPM shortcomings.

A power band is the range of engine RPMs where the engine makes strong power and torque. They’re saying the B58’s power band is wider, meaning it stays useful over more of the rev range, which can make acceleration feel more consistent.

Nitrous oxide (often shortened to “nitrous”) is an add-on that injects oxygen-rich gas to allow more fuel to be burned, producing a sudden power increase. Here, they describe it as delivering a “wall of power,” which can compensate for weaker low-RPM torque from a naturally aspirated or smaller engine.

Weight distribution describes how much of the car’s mass is carried by the front versus the rear (and sometimes left versus right). The hosts connect it to driving feel: more front weight tends to increase front-end “push” and changes how the car rotates around its nose, especially when swapping engine configurations.

Ballast is added weight placed intentionally to shift a car’s balance and behavior. In tuning and setup work, even “small” weight changes can noticeably affect how the car pivots and loads the front end during driving.

Engine tuning is the process of optimizing how an engine makes power and responds to the driver. It often involves adjusting fuel/air delivery, ignition timing, and other parameters through calibration changes.

Reflashing is updating the car’s engine control unit (ECU) software with new calibration. This is commonly used to change fueling, ignition, boost (if applicable), and other performance settings.

CAN bus (often misspelled as “Canbus”) is the communication network many modern cars use to let modules talk to each other. “CAN bus devices” in tuning usually refers to tools that interface with that network for data access or controlling signals.

Formula Drift is a professional drifting series where drivers compete on judged runs rather than traditional timed racing. Cars are set up for controlled oversteer and repeatable tire wear, and the scoring rewards style, angle, and line consistency.

“Celica GT4 ST205” refers to the Toyota Celica GT-Four, with the ST205 being the generation/chassis code. GT-Four models are known for rally-bred all-wheel-drive hardware and a turbocharged setup in many markets, which is why they’re popular starting points for modern builds.

The Ferrari 458 engine is the powerplant from the Ferrari 458 (a V8 used in multiple 458 variants). Swapping a Ferrari engine into an FRS/86-style chassis is a major engineering project because it changes everything from cooling and wiring to drivetrain fitment and weight distribution.

SEMA is the Specialty Equipment Market Association show, a major annual event in the U.S. focused on aftermarket parts, custom cars, and fabrication. It’s a common place for builders to debut projects and network with the industry.

This describes an engine/drivetrain swap philosophy: keeping the original chassis while updating the “running gear” (engine, transmission, differential, suspension components). It’s a common approach in tuned builds because it can modernize reliability, parts availability, and performance while retaining the original car’s character.

The speaker emphasizes parts availability as a key constraint when planning a swap or build. Before choosing an engine/drivetrain combination, they check whether the donor components are still around and whether spare parts can be sourced reliably.

“Engine combination” refers to selecting a compatible powertrain setup (engine + transmission + supporting components) that can be made to work with the chosen chassis. The speaker frames it as a research-driven process based on what’s available and supportable.

“Chassis combinations” highlights the compatibility side of swaps: matching the chassis to the drivetrain and the practical mounting/fitment requirements. It reinforces that successful builds are about system integration, not just picking a fast engine.

The Subaru WRX is a compact performance sedan/wagon platform built around rally-style driving, including all-wheel drive and a turbocharged engine. It’s frequently discussed alongside other turbocharged “enthusiast” models because it’s a common choice for modification and motorsport-inspired setups. The podcast groups it with cars like the Evo, STI, and Celica as well-known performance staples.

JDM stands for Japanese Domestic Market, meaning cars originally sold in Japan rather than for the U.S. market. These often have different engine/transmission setups, trims, and sometimes more performance-oriented options than what you could buy new in the States.

“Donuts” are tight, circular slides that test traction and tire grip. Doing them in an all-wheel-drive car highlights how AWD can help maintain control and deliver power to multiple wheels while you break traction.

“NA” means naturally aspirated, referring to an engine that makes power without a turbocharger or supercharger. In the context of this segment, the host contrasts the NA ST202 with the more performance-focused JDM approach they wanted.

A “donor” car is a cheaper base vehicle you buy specifically to harvest parts or use as the foundation for a build. In this segment, the host prefers a front-wheel-drive donor to avoid cutting up a more valuable JDM ST205.

The World Rally Championship (WRC) is the top-level international rally series run by the FIA. Cars like the Toyota ST205 Celica were engineered to meet WRC rules, which can include constraints on components and fitment.

Wheel diameter matters in rally because it affects tire size, brake clearance, and how the suspension geometry fits the car. This segment suggests the ST205 had packaging/clearance constraints that made fitting smaller wheels (like 15-inch) difficult.

Rally New Zealand is a well-known event on the WRC calendar (or related FIA rally series depending on the era). Mentioning it anchors the discussion in a specific place and time when ST205 Celicas were actively competing.

Anti-lag is a turbocharging strategy used in rally to keep boost pressure available during throttle transitions, especially between gear changes. It helps reduce turbo lag so the driver can stay responsive on corner exits and sudden throttle inputs.

Pace notes are written (or sometimes recorded) instructions used in rallying to tell the driver what the road will do next—like turn type, severity, and timing. They allow drivers to attack stages at high speed on unfamiliar roads while still preparing for grip changes and corner geometry.

A drift car is set up and driven to intentionally oversteer and maintain a controlled slide through corners. The driving inputs emphasize balancing slip angle with throttle, steering angle, and (often) power delivery characteristics—skills that can transfer to other motorsport disciplines but not always directly.

Four-wheel drive (4WD) rally cars distribute power to both axles, which changes how the car rotates and how quickly it responds to steering and throttle. The added traction and front-wheel involvement mean drivers must set up for corners earlier and adjust depth perception and braking/throttle timing.

“Pivoting” in performance driving refers to rotating the car around its axis to change its direction quickly—often by combining steering input with throttle (and sometimes braking) to manage weight transfer. The segment contrasts how pivoting is easier in RWD drifting versus slower/less immediate in 4WD rally setups due to different traction and drivetrain response.

“3S” and “5S” refer to Toyota’s engine families (the 3S series and 5S series). Combining parts from different engine families is a common hot-rodding approach to get better performance or packaging, but it requires careful matching of components and tuning.

Cam control typically refers to variable cam timing (and sometimes variable valve timing) that adjusts when the camshaft opens the valves. That improves efficiency and drivability across different engine speeds, compared to older fixed-cam setups.

The Toyota GR Corolla is a hot hatch built around the G16E turbo engine, tuned for strong street performance and enthusiast driving. In the segment, it’s used as a reference point for how the engine feels in factory form—especially its torque and turbo response.

A longer stroke means the piston travels farther up and down, which can increase torque characteristics—often improving low- to mid-range pull. In turbo engines, that can help the car feel responsive even before peak boost is reached.

“Spooling the turbo” describes how quickly the turbocharger builds boost after you press the throttle. Faster spool generally means less turbo lag and a more immediate surge of power.

The BMW 8 Series is a luxury grand touring car, built to combine high performance with comfort and long-distance capability. In the podcast snippet, it’s tied to discussion of engine numbers and performance figures, suggesting it’s being referenced in the context of measurable output. That makes it a relevant topic when talking about what modern powertrains can achieve.

“GR” refers to Toyota’s Gazoo Racing performance line. When someone calls it a “GR engine,” they’re usually pointing to a modern Toyota performance engine family that’s designed with motorsport-derived development and tuning in mind.

A three-cylinder engine has fewer cylinders than a typical four-cylinder, which changes how power is made and how the engine behaves under boost. In this segment, the key point is that a 1.6-liter three-cylinder can still make very high power when engineered and tuned correctly.

Nidda Performance Engineering is referenced as the supplier for rods and pistons used in the build. In high-boost engines, stronger rods/pistons help the rotating assembly survive higher cylinder pressures and reduce the risk of failure.

A head gasket seals the combustion chambers to the engine block and cylinder head. On boosted engines, the head gasket is a common weak point because higher cylinder pressures can cause leaks or combustion gases to escape if the gasket isn’t up to the task.

Head studs replace or supplement factory head bolts to clamp the cylinder head more securely to the block. They’re often used on high-boost builds to help prevent head lift and protect the head gasket under extreme cylinder pressure.

The oil pan is the lower sump that holds engine oil and helps manage lubrication. The hosts describe the engine’s height “from the oil pan all the way up to the valve cover,” which is a key packaging constraint when fitting an engine into a tight engine bay.

The valve cover is the top housing that protects the valvetrain and seals the top of the engine. In this segment, it’s used to define the engine’s overall height, which affects how the engine can be positioned in the bay.

Engine bay packaging refers to how an engine is positioned to fit within the available space while still allowing clearance for components and service access. Tilting the engine backward toward the firewall (around 10–15 degrees here) can improve space management, reduce interference, and make certain service tasks easier.

Vertical placement is how high or low the engine sits relative to the chassis and bodywork. The hosts emphasize it because the engine is “really tall,” so the build must manage height from the oil pan to the valve cover to avoid clearance issues.

Serviceability refers to how easily mechanics can access components for maintenance and repairs. The hosts note that the packaging decisions free up space, allowing easier servicing in some areas even though the engine has to be positioned carefully.

“Drive trailer” appears to be a transcription error for “drivetrain,” which is the system that delivers power to the wheels. The context immediately asks whether it’s stock, indicating they’re discussing what’s been changed in the powertrain components.

A Hollinger MFE is a purpose-built racing gearbox known for durability under high torque and for precise shift control. In this build it’s described as a full six-speed sequential setup, meaning the driver shifts through gears in order with minimal interruption to power delivery.

A sequential gearbox lets you move through gears in order (typically up or down one step at a time) rather than selecting any gear directly. That design is common in motorsport because it can reduce shift time and help maintain traction and acceleration during repeated launches and hard corner exits.

A transfer case splits power between the front and rear axles in many all-wheel-drive layouts, and it can also provide different gearing ratios. In a custom drivetrain swap, the transfer case choice is critical because it affects how torque reaches the wheels and how well the system behaves under load.