Toyota Gazoo Racing Brings Back the Legendary 4A-GE Engine Parts for AE86 Fans

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Classic car lovers know one of the hardest parts of owning an older vehicle is keeping it alive. Finding replacement parts is a never-ending struggle. Original equipment (OE) parts are rare, expensive, and often worn out from decades of use. Reproductions exist, but quality is never guaranteed, and for less popular cars, even those are scarce.

Toyota enthusiasts, however, are getting some of the best news in years. Toyota Gazoo Racing (GR), the motorsport and performance division of Toyota, has officially announced that brand-new cylinder blocks and cylinder heads for the legendary 4A-GE engine are coming back into production. This is the engine that powered the iconic 1980s AE86 Corolla, a car famous for its lightweight design, twin-cam engine, and role in drifting culture.

A Revival with Modern Improvements

What makes this announcement so exciting is that the new parts are not just simple reproductions of the old 1980s castings. Toyota has applied 40 years of engineering progress and feedback from decades of AE86 owners to improve the design while keeping it faithful to the spirit of the original.

The new cylinder heads, for instance, have thicker walls in critical intake and exhaust areas. They also benefit from modern machining techniques, allowing the casting to be shaped with greater precision. This leads to smoother surfaces, more consistent airflow, and improved durability, things the original 1980s tooling simply couldn’t achieve at the time. While technically not exact replicas, they are stronger and better for real-world performance.

As for the engine block, it too has been modernized. Toyota is using more durable cast iron, a better cylinder honing process, and a revised crankshaft cap structure for added strength. Interestingly, Gazoo Racing has even added features that make it easier to adapt the block for transverse engine setups, expanding its potential use beyond the traditional rear-drive AE86. More Photos

A Gift for the AE86 Community

For AE86 enthusiasts, this is more than just a parts release; it’s a lifeline. Owners around the world race, drift, and modify their AE86s, often pushing the 4A-GE engines to their limits. Original blocks and heads are becoming harder to find and are often in poor condition after decades of use. With Gazoo Racing stepping in, fans can now build, restore, or upgrade their engines with confidence, knowing the parts are brand new and factory-backed.

What This Means for Collectors and Owners

If you’ve been holding onto original 4A-GE blocks or heads, now may be the time to cash in. Once these new GR-engineered parts hit the market, the value of old, worn-out units is likely to drop significantly. Enthusiasts who once had to rely on secondhand components will now have a fresh supply directly from Toyota itself.

This move also signals Toyota’s commitment to preserving its heritage vehicles. It’s not the first time Gazoo Racing has stepped up for classic Toyota owners. The GR Heritage Parts Project has already reintroduced parts for iconic models such as the Land Cruiser 40, 60, 70, and 80 series, the legendary 2000GT, and both the A70 and A80 Supras. Adding the AE86’s 4A-GE to the list proves just how much Toyota values its enthusiasts.

Have Your Say in What Comes Next

Toyota isn’t stopping here. Gazoo Racing has opened up a survey where owners and fans can request which parts they’d like to see reproduced in the future. This gives enthusiasts a direct voice in shaping what spares make a comeback, ensuring the most needed components get priority.

Final Thoughts

The return of 4A-GE engine parts is huge news for the AE86 community and for car enthusiasts in general. It shows a major automaker recognizing the passion of its fans and actively supporting cars that are now nearly 40 years old. Instead of leaving owners scrambling for scraps, Toyota is keeping these classics alive for future generations to enjoy.

So whether you’re planning a full restoration, looking to build a drift machine, or simply keeping your beloved Corolla on the road, help is finally on the way. The legend of the AE86, and its high-revving twin-cam heart, is set to live on well into the future.

FAQs

When will the new Toyota 4A-GE parts be available?

Toyota Gazoo Racing says the new cylinder blocks and heads will be ready by May 2026. Preorders are starting earlier, with a demo car being shown at Fuji Speedway in Japan.

Are the new 4A-GE parts exact copies of the old ones?

Not exactly. They look the same and fit the same, but Toyota improved them with stronger metal, thicker walls in some spots, and better machining. That means they are even more reliable than the originals.

Will these new engine parts fit my AE86 Corolla?

Yes, they are designed for the AE86 Corolla’s 1.6-liter 4A-GE engine. They should also work for other cars that use the same engine, but always double-check with your mechanic before ordering.

Why are old 4A-GE parts so expensive right now?

Original parts are rare, and most of them are worn out after 40 years. Collectors and racers compete to buy them, which drives up prices. Once Toyota’s new parts are released, those prices may go down.

Can I use these parts for racing or drifting?

Yes. In fact, Toyota made the new parts stronger because they know AE86 owners often push their cars hard in racing and drifting. These parts are meant to handle real use, not just sit in a museum car.

What other classic Toyota parts has Gazoo Racing brought back?

They have already made parts for the Land Cruiser 40, 60, 70, and 80 series, the 2000GT, and the Supra A70 and A80. The AE86 is the latest car to get support.

How can I ask Toyota to bring back other old parts?

Toyota Gazoo Racing has a parts request survey online. Fans can submit the parts they need most, and Toyota will consider making them again.