1987 Toyota Celica Service and Repair Manual

The 1987 Toyota Celica is recorded for this model year with a single engine, the 2.0L twin-cam four (3S-GELC), fitted across the ST, GT and GT-S cars in coupe, hatchback and convertible bodies with automatic or standard transmissions. The trim on a given car sets the body and transmission combination it left the factory with, so that is the thing to establish before ordering parts or setting any figure against it.

Engines

• 2.0L 1998CC l4 GAS DOHC Naturally Aspirated

Trims

• GT, 2D Convertible, Automatic
• GT, 2D Convertible, Standard
• GT, 2D Coupe, Automatic
• GT, 2D Coupe, Standard
• GT, 2D Hatchback, Automatic
• GT, 2D Hatchback, Standard
• GT-S, 2D Coupe, Automatic
• GT-S, 2D Coupe, Standard
• GT-S, 2D Hatchback
• ST, Automatic
• ST, Standard

Known issues on the 1987 Celica. One recall stands on federal record for this model year, and it falls on the suspension by way of replacement parts rather than anything fitted at the factory: Ride Control is recalling certain front strut mounts branded as Gabriel Ride Control or ArvinMeritor, part numbers 142435, 142193, 142305 and 142303, sold as replacement equipment for these vehicles. The defect is a missing weld, and the absence of that weld can allow the strut to come out of its mounting position. Owners have filed 6 complaints against the 1987 Celica, and 7 technical service bulletins have been issued for it.

On a car of this age the front strut mount is worth confirming before any other suspension work, since the recall reaches replacement mounts carrying those part numbers rather than the parts the car left the line with, and a mount that has lost its weld will not hold the strut in position under load. Alignment and ride-height figures set against a mount in that condition will not hold either.