A Noobie Question

[Supernaut]

I've seen a lot of refernce on these Celica forums to the term "hitting lift". I know this has something to do with the VVTL aspect of the engine, but what exactly does it mean and why do some people seem to have trouble with it?

[brandon6976]

essentially the basic idea is that its like Vtec except not.

Vtec is a very smooth progression. However "lift" is a very hard hitting shot of power .. essentially the cams change their profile at 6,000rpm to be much more aggressive. The car gains 40hp instantly so its really like a 50shot of nitrous at 6,000rpm (redline on the GT-S is 8,200rpm).

As for trouble usually no one has trouble hitting lift .. however people who have the 6 speed (as apposed to the automatic) and can shift good have an advantage. When they're driving if they shift RIGHT at redline they land in lift for the next gear. So most people can't do the "1-2" so going from first to second to land in lift takes almost perfect timing.

[brandon6976]

now that being said also the lift bolts do wear. However toyota doesn't tell you this. They should be replaced about once a year (depending on how much you drive), and to replace em is only about 1 hour of labour for a good mechanic.

Its an issue thats recently come to light and its harder to replace the bolts if they wear down to the point where they break.

[Piotrov]

Hey Welcome to the Site Chris!
Oh and if you own a 2002 Celica GTS 6 spd you can only dream of landing in lift from 1 - 2 cuz we got shafted with a rev limiter that cuts out 500 rpm's ( i believe it is) earlier then the 2000-2001 and 2003's
DAMN YOU TOYOTA!!!! But i still love it :D

[Manny]

Brandon i thaught it was 8350 rpmfor the redline!

[brandon6976]

i'm not sure to be honest. Mine seems to go at 8,200, some people say its 8,300 some people say 8,400 as there is a small delay on the tac.

I guess you'd need a RSM or similar device that can measure how far you go before fuel cut off