GR Corolla Ownership: Aftermarket Mods, Upgrades, and Cooling Challenges

- Authors
- Published on
- Published on
- Name
- By Dushyant
- (@dishs)
In the latest episode of savagegeese's long-term GR Corolla ownership series, they dive into the world of aftermarket modifications and the challenges they face with the car. They chose the GR Corolla because they believed it had the most potential for improvement in the mechanical department. Their mission was to see if the aftermarket could solve some of the car's deficiencies without compromising its day-to-day livability.
After purchasing the car from Toyota of St Charles, the team wasted no time in making some cosmetic changes. They sent the car to Chicago Auto Pros to have it wrapped in a vinyl material that not only changed the color but also provided customization options. The decision to wrap the car was driven by the limited color options available from the factory. They also applied a ceramic coating to protect the vinyl film and extend its life.
Moving on to the aftermarket modifications, the team focused on upgrades that can be easily done in a garage and have a relatively low cost. They started with a break-in oil change, switching to a 5W30 full synthetic oil to improve thermal performance. They also replaced the brake pads, installed camera bolts, and upgraded the wheels and tires. The brake pads were sourced from CounterSpace Garage, a trusted supplier with a range of options for different applications. The wheels chosen were from Apex, known for their lightweight and durable construction. Bridgestone provided the tires, selecting the Potenza Race for its balance of grip and longevity.
To get a deeper understanding of the car's mechanical strengths and weaknesses, the team visited Limit Plus One, a performance shop specializing in GR Corollas, GR86s, and GR Supras. The focus of their discussion was the cooling issues faced by the GR Corolla, particularly the rear clutch pack overheating during track sessions. Unfortunately, there are currently no cooling solutions available for the rear clutch pack, but the team is working on developing one to address this issue.
Overall, savagegeese's journey with the GR Corolla is shaping up to be an exciting one. They are pushing the boundaries of what the car can do and exploring ways to enhance its performance and reliability. Stay tuned for more updates on their long-term ownership experience and the modifications they make along the way.

Image copyright Youtube

Image copyright Youtube

Image copyright Youtube

Image copyright Youtube
Watch Toyota GR Corolla Ownership | Good and Bad Times Ahead on Youtube
Viewer Reactions for Toyota GR Corolla Ownership | Good and Bad Times Ahead
Current part list for the car is provided in the description
Praise for the car wrap and desire for Toyota to offer the green color as an option
Concern about potential car damage during filming
Appreciation for the cinematography and floor mat ad
Warning about scuffing from Tuxmats' mounting clips
Comparison of Corolla's overheating issue to the Focus RS
Interest in Mark's TuxMat addiction
Positive comments about the car's appearance and wheel fitment
Request to see Mark in the backseat during a drive
Appreciation for the technical information and production quality of the video
Comments on the color-changing wrap and the performance of the forged wheels
Envy of the ability to spend money on a cool car and track days
Frustration with the auto emergency call service
Discussion of the cooling issue and aftermarket solutions for the GR Yaris
Criticism of the plastic used for the wrap and its alleged lack of benefits
Disappointment with the car's problems considering its price
Praise for the video content and uniqueness of the channel
Personal anecdotes about living near the dealer or owning a 90s car
Criticism of car wrapping as a waste of money
Question about the most comfortable car among several options
Appreciation for the horror short at the end of the video
Relief about owning a 90s car instead of one with an emergency call feature
Surprise at the MSRP-only dealer
Comment about the car's 3-cylinder engine
Positive comment about sponsored segments on the channel
Amusement at the emergency call going off on the track
Concern that negative comments about the car will ruin someone's own car experience
Request for an update on Civic Type R ownership.
Related Articles

Unveiling the Maserati mc20 GT2: Track-Ready Performance Excellence
Explore the Maserati mc20 GT2 stradal, a track-focused supercar with a carbon tub and Nuno twin-turbo V6 engine. Discover its performance enhancements, aerodynamics, and driving experience as the team tests it at the escari circuit. Compare it to competitors like the GT3 RS and Lamborghini stto to uncover its unique blend of performance and exclusivity.

Porsche 911 Turbo vs Aston Martin Vantage: Power vs Style Showdown
Porsche 911 Turbo vs Aston Martin Vantage: A showdown of power and style. Discover the technical prowess of the Porsche and the emotional allure of the Aston Martin in this thrilling comparison.

Mini Countryman Review: Pricing, Features, and Performance Analysis
Savagegeese reviews the Mini Countryman, starting at $38,000. The John Cooper Works model, priced over $52,000, offers more power and unique features. Despite its customizable exterior and interior, the car falls short in practicality. Issues include a reflective plexiglass HUD, a laggy infotainment system, and a rough stop-start mechanism. The Mini Countryman JCW, a larger SUV, shares similarities with BMW X1/X2. The JCW variant boasts optimized engine components, wider wheels, and enhanced braking. During the test drive, the team praises the car's power and all-wheel-drive performance but criticizes its narrow power band and abrupt stop-start system. Despite lacking adaptive dampers, the Mini Countryman JCW impresses with its engine and handling. The car's unique character and customization options may appeal to those seeking a distinctive SUV experience.

2025 Volkswagen ID Buzz: Innovative Electric Minivan Review
Discover the 2025 Volkswagen ID Buzz, an innovative all-electric minivan blending nostalgia with futuristic design. Explore its features, pros, cons, and unique driving experience in this in-depth review.