1973 Toyota TE27 Corolla: Three Decades And Seven Engines Later

Since 1988, Mike Muniz has owned this Toyota TE27 Corolla. In that time, its been street car, a drag car, a road race car, and currently it’s an homage to the TE27 rally cars that began with the chassis’ debut race at the 1973 RAC Rally.
Read more about this Corolla, now on its seventh engine, and go behinds the scenes during the making of this film at petro.li/TE27Co...
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[@juxtaposeism]

This guy is so committed it´s scary - another great Petrolicious story told...

[@obiverse]

Great respect for this guy

[@Taylordrifts]

I love these cars so much

[@hjc4552]

Taylor Ray yeh the sound 😏

[@Bartem_]

Taylor Ray me too!

[@GARAGESZERO]

samesies. i wanted one for awhile but finding one clean is super hard. so i started looking at te72s. and that brought me to the datsun 510. and then i said F this none of these are possible to find so i gave up haha

[@Taylordrifts]

HAHAH SO TRUE. I really want a 510 Sedan but they're also impossible to find. I do want a vintage japanese car at some point in my life.

[@jojomontaner2873]

@@GARAGESZERO lol i got the te47s dont know what to do with it hahahahaha.... still original engine tho

[@madmonkeycycling9098]

That rotary engine sound tho

[@stephen300o6]

I wonder what he was going to say, poor guy yanked away from the keyboard before he could finish. 'thought provoking' perhaps, or thoroughly bee like'..

[@ns.c3256]

Inspiration for a kid like me who also lives in the Philippines and is also 15 y/o with a ke35 car.

[@paulocuento9949]

bro... Filipino here too.. try seacrhing for parts in batanes, most japanese surplus parts are there.. get your ke35 some love

[@4banger875]

GTFOH!

[@airenesivad2975]

@@paulocuento9949 2tc engine?

[@MaxSpeedMike]

Man, keeping your car for that long is TRUE dedication, and love for cars!

[@anugrahelzaeira4223]

i have corolla too (KE30) from indonesia. keep your passion 👌

[@WiltXMas]

Shout Out To Big MIKE! lot of love from the philippines bro!! really great having a filipino to represent!!! Really great cars bro! its really rare, trying to find one here even if its not running its alright, you are my motivation to build my own, Lotta love here kuya! thankyou!

[@authenticmax6350]

I knew that the engine sound was not right, in that, it was not from Toyota. And then he said its a Rotary engine. I'm so happy with my ears that I want to kiss it, but I can't.

[@MrMakovadc]

Mr. Muniz; you sir, are my hero! Great job. Great history. And great love for a classic.

[@HachBoxe]

I'm so glad to see a fellow Filipino enjoy cars as much as I do. He seems like an honest man, and I wish I could meet him one day to tell him how he great he is.

[@derfyderf]

ChiengBang ikr

[@southhillfarm2795]

Nice Job!!! love these videos of plain cars that are done up. Vintage rally car look.

[@matthewshambler2644]

What an awesome story and great guy! Such dedication, rare to see that these days. Nice one Petrolicious, nice one indeed..

[@gaplandica7205]

He seems like one of those guys that would never run out of things or lessons to teach you

[@DriversSide]

I never thought I'd see the day when I thought a Toyota Corolla looked cool. Awesome video!

[@pebblez_]

350hp all motor? Siccc

[@TheGabe92]

Awesome, but I'm gonna need a dyno sheet to actually believe this.

[@pebblez_]

Ism Ael lol same

[@Vidar.m]

its a rotary engine they can easely put out several hundred bhp

[@Vidar.m]

dude he cleary says rotary

[@Pr0vost]

Vidar Mathisen He wasn't talking about the rotary engine when he said 350bhp - he was talking about the 152E that he has built and is putting into the car next.

[@DGG.85]

Such an aesthetically pleasing car

[@zhogsondarocks]

Absolutely awsome cars and much respect to Mike! I own a KE25 and it’s on sale right now. Some priorities in my life are pushing to sell it. I know that someone will enjoy it and continue the neverending build.

[@Casey_J96]

Sweet big Mike! He has a ton of good car stuff on his Instagram! I love that car!

[@Digitalstar3]

What is it pls ?

[@Casey_J96]

DigitalV3 bigmikemuniz

[@Digitalstar3]

thx bruv

[@yourhandlehere1]

I bought a 1968 KE10 Corolla in 1988. It finally stopped being my daily last year but still driving it today. I don't have near that much money in it. Over time, I put the disc brakes, 13 inch wheels and high back seats from a 72 in it. I couldn't find parts for the 1100, needed a crankshaft... so I rebuilt the 72's 1200 and used that with the 1100 head which gave me 10-1 compression...and enough torque to break the bolts and twist the rear end (why is my car going left...in the back?) Once I got that sorted out it was a pretty damn peppy little micro hot rod. Smoke first and second, burn third, squawk fourth...awesome in traffic and when I wasn't pushing it, it still got 50 mpg. It's all back mostly stock now. I really could use a new windshield, but nobody seems to have them anymore. I don't have the money or connections to hunt overseas. A new steering box would be awesome too. I'd like to get it where the grandkids could take it over one day. I've had a few offers but I don't want to sell it...best was $22k ( haha...I know) It's the first generation, the first US model, one of just over 7000 sold....and my first car. I paid $300 for it.

[@PANTHERBURNS]

This is the most legit dude I've seen on Petrolicious. Came to America and got shit done. Built the car himself. Much respect.

[@knockout818]

Windshield wipers on headlights!, even more awesome.

[@FarrFromPerfect]

When you do a night rally, those are the best things ever. I remember not having them on my Vauxhall, and last 10 minutes were the scariest driving of my life. It's like driving using a candle for light.

[@Adamdub612]

That motor sounds so nice and healthy!!! Nice Corolla there brotha

[@chrissymostuy]

one of my dream cars forsure

[@JasonWaterfalls13]

Damn what a cool car and the owner seems like a great dude as well!! These are the kind of videos I love to see! Thank you.

[@jasoncarpp7742]

Sweet looking Toyota Corolla. I've always loved old-school JDM Japanese cars.

[@Requiredfields2]

If there's nothing wrong there's something wrong. 2:12 Words to live by or even better: If there's something wrong there's nothing wrong.

[@jongeddes09]

Requiredfields2 sounds a lot like the Roadkill philosophy lol

[@ArmandoVictorForno]

His dedication is so inspiring...

[@Ecosse57]

pleeease revisit this guy when he gets that toyota beast installed. he's hard core and knows his stuff.

[@6rimR3ap3r]

What a great guy, such dedication and patience.

[@Legotruck82]

Hey it's BIGMIKESOCAL ! Glad you're still getting around, used to follow your channel for this car, the jet powered porsche and your other interest with noisemakers.

[@dzrotary]

Hi .When I heard you crank the engine I KNEW IT WAS A ROTARY!!!!!! I had a 1982 Celica with a 12 a . Had to get rid of it and I still haven't got over it. LOVE YOUR CAR . WE do this kind of swaps in Puerto Rico all the time. I have a volvo 240 wagon as a project with a 7mgte.

[@cyb3rbyte19]

Danny z ^^ nice. I'm a Volvo guy and I approve of this message.

[@dzrotary]

CYB3RBYTE thank you.Also almost forgot I am a tesla freak too. I am only able to afford the 1/32 scale and I have the 2 S models S 60 and the other one I think is an S85 made by Matchbox.lol. my project is also a job in progress with a whole bunch of parts like wrx. camry corolla. Saab.Toyota 4 runner.supra.cressida.oldsmobile.scion.rx7.Volvo 940.Suzuki forza (87) Mitsubishi evo.dodge. Hyundai.Toyota echo.BMW. and all customized to work on the spot where it will perform.ok you can see it runs in our blood to do stuff like this. take care . dz

[@cyb3rbyte19]

Let me know if you're ever down on business, I have a 200/700/900 Wagon Swap with a Modern T6 engine proposal for you.

[@dzrotary]

CYB3RBYTE thanks

[@williampenturf6298]

Had a 76 I miss it dearly and will have one again someday

[@MrAntennaBall]

Everybody's into AE86, I'm so sick of it... I prefer these old, oldskool JDM's and I'm so glad that you're keeping yours in tip-top shape! Heck, I'll even be happy with the '75 SR5 if I could find one. For me the chrome-bumpered Corollas are still the best!

[@imtiredbosss]

I like the AE86 but I dislike the whole weeb/initial D mob that has surrounded the car. Garbage anime and garbage fans.

[@coffelt683]

True, I fell in love with the AE86 after owning an AE92 with the 4afe. I didnt even understand what initial D was until trying to find videos on youtube about the AE86's. The AE92 was the most practical and fun handling car ive owned (current daily is a foxbody) so I figure the rwd version would be a great car to drive every day. I will own a nice coupe one day, Im not fan of the hatchback.

[@RobinVerhulstZ]

While i do agree the AE86 is overrated, the initial D anime really isn't bad. personally i'd love a 4th gen celica (which looks pretty similar to an 86 actually)

[@jojomontaner2873]

got te47s dont know what to do with it lol

[@thetreblerebel]

Those wheels are just georgous

[@cjones7854]

Hey, I met this guy at the Petersen Museum at the Japanese car cruise in! I recognize the orange car. So gorgeous!

[@dovahkiin777s]

I actually have one sitting in my garage lol rescued it from its grave a few months back. He isn't kidding when he says hard to get parts. The 1.6l is a unicorn to most places. Ill have it all together eventually

[@facebookcollection]

im a filipino... i have a ke70 rolla... there's just something about these era of corolla.... mad love from this... and i love the idea of a 13b in a corolla....

[@NunoRealCooperS]

Great cars, very popular here in Portugal, you still can see them as a daily driver very often.. In my home village every street had a couple of Corolla´s!!

[@kedr77]

This is what I call having a passion!

[@Sagara09]

This car will/is a museum piece.

[@TheBlkzenki]

that is one badass garage! Love when people have cars they enjoy and not what is trendy

[@davidrbrtsn]

So easy to find parts for these cars in South Africa! So many sold here and looked after, kept in-land where they didn't rust.

[@ConnerSpeed6]

Not only is this car amazing, Mike is a genuinely good dude! Putting together a little video for him in Forza Horizon 4 using the 74 Corolla!

[@thetreblerebel]

The REAL Petrolicious. Owner, and their car. Unique show here, and the format change fugged it up

[@nunomc2815]

This car in both 1.2 and 1.3 liters versions, together with Datsun 1200, were very popular in Portugal, during early 70’s.

[@uesugikaru]

this has to be my favorite petrolicious video so far! Much respect to my fellow expat Mike Muniz. I would love to know more about this ongoing project of his.

[@usergonemad]

Doesn't matter what car you're passionate about...it's all about the passion.

[@heybulldog137]

You living the dream, brother. Rock on

[@josharana]

I have been waiting for so long for you guys to shoot an old corolla. Thank you!

[@odas1862]

Sometimes I feel like getting rid of my te27 but Good thing I still have it around.

[@paulocuento9949]

gotta love the women in his life.. the mom was cool, wife was supportive.. car is superb.. great vid as always

[@JR-bw6jd]

I had the opportunity to buy a JDM E20 for $8K back in 2010. It was very clean and used from time to time for racing. Nice thing about it was the fact that it was a stock original car. Our buddy had waited 10 years to be able to purchase the car and after less then a year offered it to me before he sold it. Should’ve jumped on it…..

[@Dethmeister]

He had so much trouble finding the first two and getting them from Japan but he was able to get 33 more of them to crash?

[@heckenka]

I think he was in the Philippines when he got the first two, but i may be mistaken.

[@071086]

I think the first 2 cars he had trouble getting was when he was in the US.

[@TheDr1Acula]

Like he said, once you know the right people, it's easy getting these cars.

[@Thommybee-85]

maybe he used sedans? rwd Corollas are getting more expensive where i live in Australia but the sedans arent super rare. The coupes are a bit harder to come by. He must have had a few USDM models to use for the lhd conversion.

[@vtr0104]

So cool... reminds me of an old 1600 Escort Rally

[@coscorrodrift]

Damn this dude is dope, hella effort put into those cars

[@GTE_Channel]

Great car. Rotary sound is wicked. It's your car do what ever you want with it. Enjoy!

[@eponce130]

Proud of you kabayan! I love your passion for old toyota cars. I used to have a 73 toyota sprinter back home and raced it at Clark AB. Ayos yung mazinger Z poster, lol! More power!

[@eugeneignacio1414]

Very proud on what you do man... thumbs up to you. 👍 I have the same passion as you... a car builder from the Philippines. But your stuff is of a higher level .. keep it up.

[@mechashiva8328]

I wish he would go more into why he ran the rotary engine to begin with. I don't know everything about them but they sound like a solid choice if you have a vintage or purpose built race car. All your tuning and upgrading can go towards reliability and performance without emissions getting in the way. I enjoy non factory engine swaps like his. I still fantasize about a 70's Barracuda with a 4 rotor built as a race car.

[@PratitBandiwadekar]

This channel is PURE AWESOMENESS ❤️

[@turbogrin]

Great video young man and best of luck in your quest to keep them all running !

[@angry.8]

Very cool, always loved the unique sound of the rotary.

[@grgprincipe]

Philippines!! Represent!!

[@bobbyross2023]

Owner is freaking cool and the car is absolutely gorgeous!

[@wckoek]

Nice write up, I am prepping a E30 for classic enduro rally, 2 doors above 1.2 liters in good condition is getting harder to find.

[@mdarefin8083]

About time a rolla got featured here =)

[@cardoso1999]

Hearing "Portugal" made me proud!

[@cocoloco1994]

I saw one here in the Philippines, its white and has a 2tg engine owned by a toyota purist, every bolts has the same numbering on the head. He also owned a kp61 TRD inspired. Complete with decals. And ofcourse a collection of rare mag wheels for his toys.

[@arturoallard173]

yooo those are really high revs! sick cars

[@TheRiceguy78]

So is he gonna sell the rotary and engine management? what a beautiful vehicle

[@mattcampbell8328]

This guy might be one of my most favorite human beings EVER!

[@PiXeLaTeDiMaGeS1]

Mike's cars are cool. Not my cup of tea. But he definitely has the passion, drive and dedication to do something he loves and enjoys. That deserves respect. Good luck with making your own parts. Another great video Petrolicious. :)

[@hutch430]

Very nice story, car and person.

[@yuephoria]

"My nag-igator"...Lol! Great work, Mike and Petrolicious!

[@siviunative5241]

You're a committed mechanic,

[@jeffreyortiz-luis5120]

AWESOME BUILD PARE

[@robertbarnaba241]

Awesome video. True car guy ! Very cool build.

[@timtrial3971]

I remember in the late 80s most of these Corollas were falling apart with rust. I'm not surprised they are rare

[@Big_Mike_Muniz]

They are rare for that reason. Most have died at the junk yards. Now they are becoming collectible. A rough example of a 1971-1974 TE27 in Japan cost no less than $27,000 USD, All the major collectors already have the American and Euro cars they can collect. It is now slowly shifting to the Japanese car market.

[@sam80sj47]

That orange one with the TRD Tosco's looks amazing, You are amazing good sir, wish the rest of the yanks had a fingernail of your passion.

[@oilguzzler]

Love the Mazinger Z poster in Spanish. This guy must be from the ‘70.

[@ali.ahmed.qureshi]

Very close on the deal to buy this. And you upload a video about it. Love you Petrolicious, perfect timing.

[@januarvontatil3770]

i love your dedication sir! saludo ako sa iyo.

[@StabberMcShanky]

Now I want one

[@Mr.B.Speedy]

Mike....respect.

[@ObesePuppies]

I really hate guys who complain about other peoples cars.. Who cares ehats in the car, just seeing the shell of the car makes me happy

[@jazzyflames]

Great car love the metal rattling engine Toyota rocks.

[@SaveTheManuals]

"...and now, it's a rally car" 😃👍👍👍

[@mjl.9-19]

This guy... Legend.

[@hickslightfoot]

Never ending project sounds about right, thats when you know your in love ... Great video, really enjoyed listening to this guy talk about his car... I laughed out loud at his comment about his wife... was it "Nagigator" ? LOL

[@karlInSanDiego]

My parents competed in Time-Speed-Distance Rallye for years, and I got to drive and navigate in a dozen or so. Eventually, they teamed up with another couple and swapped navigators, because you don't fight with your friend, but it's hard not to fight with your spouse. It goes something like this: R at stop Ok. What? R at stop Ok RIGHT! RIGHT! RIGHT! L after red barn Ok What are we looking for? L after red barn I just saw a barn didn't you? No Should I back up NO! Are you sure. I'm pretty sure I saw a red barn. But there was no Left. But if we don't know if there was a barn, we won't know if we should execute the left? I HATE YOU. WE'RE NEVER EVER DOING THIS AGAIN TOGETHER!

[@alleyezonm3sportsandgaming807]

i love your videos, will be amazing if you can make a video of a Toyota KE10

[@EliteJovenAgent]

Surprised that I saw a filipino featured in this channel. I would hope I could see a feature video that is filmed in the Philippines

[@rideroundandstuff]

Damnit that car is awesome!

[@LeadFootash23]

Keep up the good work guys, if my channel even becomes half as epic as yours i'll be happy

[@boysthings5153]

right now, iam struggle finding money to buy this toyota.....it's not cheap in Malaysia but ill try to make our dreams come true

[@TheWwhhiizzzz]

This guy is awesome.

[@namefinder]

fantastic car, great work!

[@RobotsandPots]

There's a te27 down my street living under a tree in someone's driveway. Been tempted to throw an offer to the owner for a while now.

[@FarrFromPerfect]

Do it or live the rest of your life in regret. I had an MINT 82 Sapporo, with lots of rally goodies. Swapped it to get back into bikes........saw it rot under a tree.......thought to myself "I should really try and get it back" now I live in a different country...........it still haunts me!!!!!!! Do it tomorrow. Do it now!!!!!

[@Maxim-S.]

Эххх... Надеюсь, про меня и про мою Е110 тоже когда-нибудь снимут что-то подобное)))

[@thegreenskeep1]

Great story.