[slivercrows]

hello, all
I am new here. I personally own a AW11 and ZZT231. I am not familiar with old celica/supra so I would like to ask a few questions hope you experts can point me to the correct directions. Thank you ahead.

I am looking to import a AA63 Carina into US. Wikipedia Page The 3rd gen Carina has 4AGE on A60 frame, so somewhat a better version of AE86. From research, I found the follow

All models used a MacPherson strut front suspension and a 5-link rigid axle rear suspension, except for the EFI engine models which used an independent semi-trailing arm rear suspension

The Carina I am looking at, obviously fall into the except category, as 4AGE is EFI. However, I have no clue what it means by "independent semi-trailing arm rear suspension".

Also I had some discussion with a stranger on FB regarding the Carina. This is what he said

hopefully it doesn't have the rear trailing arms that ma6s have

....it actually make drifting harder, massive camber + toe in on compression. Most "slammed" ma-style trailing arm cars sit around >= -5 degrees of camber. Theres only minimal things you you can do to correct it usually again about ~2 degrees via weld on brakcets.....

.....I have an x7 (I think he means X70 chassis) and I've tried my best to make it do what I want to to do but kinda just sucks in the end wish I just did a rear subframe swap....

this is what I found as AA63 rear suspension structure. Is this the so called trailing arm?

I am super confused, I have absolutely no idea what he is talking about, meanwhile I know the thing he's talking about is very bad.
I would like to ask for some explaining what is this "independent semi-trailing arm rear suspension", and if it is the same on the supra?
On the other hand, is A60 Supra easy to drift? Or like this guy said, not good for drift and needs heavy mod?
Thank you!

 

[alcyon]

Looking at that diagram, I would say that suspension system shown will not be good for drifting. The pivot point looks to be almost parrallel with the cv axles. While this suspension can articulate up and down well enough, there would be no camber gain at all when the body rolls. Under extreme cornering the handling will not be predictable. The MA60 Celica Supra would be much better.

 

[slivercrows]

The MA60 Celica Supra would be much better.

However from what I see, AA63 Carina parts catalog, this structure applies to almost all A60 chassis, that has an EFI engine. including
AA63 Carina 4AGE
GA61 Celica XX 1G-EU
MA6# Celica Supra 5M-GEU
RA63 Celica 18R-GEU
TA61 Celica 2T-GE
TA63 Celica 3T-GTE

I cross reference to 1982 Liftback Celica supra parts catalog, they do look the same. I personally think Carina should have the same structure as MA60 celica supra. so one of them can't be better as they are the same

On the other hand, as a comparison, A60 Carina with a non EFI engine (3A-U), it is different, so we can at least conclude that the below statement from toyota is correct. EFI A60 platforms do have a different rear suspension.

All models used a MacPherson strut front suspension and a 5-link rigid axle rear suspension, except for the EFI engine models which used an independent semi-trailing arm rear suspension

 

[slivercrows]

Complete MK2 Supension Write UP
from here I think I now start to understand the suspension on A60 platforms a little bit. Thank you all for the info.
I am not planning on building a drift car, but want to utilize the RWD for some occasional side way fun, as it would be my only RWD car. (AW11 is mid engine, hard to go side way but snap) So pretty much just wondering if Carina is possible doing that.

 

[dannoxyz]

Looking at that diagram, I would say that suspension system shown will not be good for drifting. The pivot point looks to be almost parrallel with the cv axles. While this suspension can articulate up and down well enough, there would be no camber gain at all when the body rolls. Under extreme cornering the handling will not be predictable. The MA60 Celica Supra would be much better.

Drawing is not drawn to scale. Carina has exactly same semi-trailing arm independent suspension as Celica Supra.

What the guy was talking about is "5-link live axle suspension" with both wheels tied together with solid axle. AE86 and non-GTS Celica has this type of suspension. Main benefit is zero camber-change as body rolls (both wheels stay flat on ground).

Both types work fine for drifting. Even more important is limited-slip differential or locked/welded diff.

 

[slivercrows]

Both types work fine for drifting. Even more important is limited-slip differential or locked/welded diff.

Appreciated for the clarification! I am going to look into if Carina comes with a LSD, and if not I can maybe swap MKII diff w/ LSD on it.

and seems like if I really want the 86 style 5 link setup, i can pick a non EFI old model, and swap the engine.

 

[dannoxyz]

For occasional drifting, make it easier and just get EFI model with IRS - independent rear suspension. I had '82 Celica GT before getting my '82 Celica Supra and the difference is HUGE. Much, much better ride-quality and handling with IRS. Less unsprung weight and better control. Rough mountain roads can be taken at much higher speeds without rear-end bouncing around and stepping out. Even models such as Corollas got independent rear suspension with semi-trailing arms after '88