MUST READ: Everything You Wanted to Know About the tC...
#1
MUST READ: Everything You Wanted to Know About the tC...
...But Were Afraid to Ask.
I realize this will probably be moved, although I think it should be a sticky in this forum, since it is model specific. Either way, I'll let the powers that be decide.
The purpose of this FAQ is to clear up some questions and mysteries about the car. This is a basic rundown, I'll be updating it as I learn more.
Design:
Exterior Dimensions:
Wheelbase in. - 106.3
Overall Length in. - 174.0
Width (w/o mirrors) in. - 69.1
Height in. - 55.7
Track, F / R, in. in. - 59.3
Curb weight, 5M/T - 2,905
Curb weight, 4A/T - 2,970
weight distrib., F / R % 61 / 39
Driver/Passenger Dimensions:
Headroom, F / R in. - 37.6 / 36.6
Shoulder room, F / R in. - 54.3 / 50.0
Hip room, F / R in. - 53.2 / 47.3
Leg room, F / R in. - 41.6 / 33.6
Hip point in. - 19.9
Couple distance, F to R in. - 36.2
Passenger vol. ft³ - 84.7
EPA cargo vol. ft³ - 12.8
Cargo dimensions:
Seatbacks up in. - 26.4
Seatbacks down in. - 59.7
Seatbacks down & ft. seat reclined in. - 103
- The front and rear bumpers, as well as other plastics on the car, are made from recycled material, called Toyota Super Olefin Plastic. Yep, from old toyotas
- The car is built with very little lead. Battery terminal clamps, wire harnesses, radior, heater core: all lead-free components. This makes the car much easier to recycle someday
- Toyota reduced the use of Cadmium in plating and electrical components, for the same reason as stated above.
- Where polypropylene is used, it is from recycled stocks.
- The SRS airbags have been converted to non-sodium azide deployment.
- That weird dash texture? The designers wanted it to be something like rice paper. The center console is designed to have "waterfall" qualities.
- One of the main objectives with designing the tC was to build "a driver's car with room for friends." (They got it right!)
- The sunroof tint blocks roughly 75 percent of actual light. It also blocks roughly 97 percent of harmful UV rays. (Same glass and tint used in Lexus RX 330)
- The panorama moonroof has the same standard welding as a car with with a solid roof. The design exceeds federal roll-over requirements.
- The windshield has a green tint surface that blocks 100 percent of UV rays. The front door & back hatch glass provides a 90% UV-cut. the rear door & quarter window glass provide an 85% UV-cut.
- All the glass on the car reflects most if not all infrared heat rays to keep internal temperature down.
- The tC was designed with american drivers in mind, involving their opinions, questions, and responses from concept to production.
- The rear seats recline from 25 to 45 degrees back. With headrests removed, both front seats recline to be even with the rear seats, creating a "social space." The rear seats also fold forward, flat with the cargo area.
- There are 3 CRS tether anchors and 4 Steel tie-down hooks.
- The air conditioning system is designed for optimal flow versus noise, and uses a smooth compressor that is typically found on other premium models.
- The tC stereo uses 6 speakers: two tweeters in the doors, two 6.3" speakers in the front doors, and two 5.6" speakers in the rear. The head unit provides 160 watts of output.
- Sound deadening materials can be found underneath the carpet, behind interior panels, and throughout the luggage area.
- The front seatbelts have pyrotechnic pretensioners as well as 2-stage force limiters.
- There are purpose-built head impact protectors in the visor area
- The tC utilizes Toyota's first ever driver's knee airbag. You are the gineau pigs
These are just a few facts about the car's basic design. You'll find even more design practices in the Engine and Suspension Sections:
I realize this will probably be moved, although I think it should be a sticky in this forum, since it is model specific. Either way, I'll let the powers that be decide.
The purpose of this FAQ is to clear up some questions and mysteries about the car. This is a basic rundown, I'll be updating it as I learn more.
Design:
Exterior Dimensions:
Wheelbase in. - 106.3
Overall Length in. - 174.0
Width (w/o mirrors) in. - 69.1
Height in. - 55.7
Track, F / R, in. in. - 59.3
Curb weight, 5M/T - 2,905
Curb weight, 4A/T - 2,970
weight distrib., F / R % 61 / 39
Driver/Passenger Dimensions:
Headroom, F / R in. - 37.6 / 36.6
Shoulder room, F / R in. - 54.3 / 50.0
Hip room, F / R in. - 53.2 / 47.3
Leg room, F / R in. - 41.6 / 33.6
Hip point in. - 19.9
Couple distance, F to R in. - 36.2
Passenger vol. ft³ - 84.7
EPA cargo vol. ft³ - 12.8
Cargo dimensions:
Seatbacks up in. - 26.4
Seatbacks down in. - 59.7
Seatbacks down & ft. seat reclined in. - 103
- The front and rear bumpers, as well as other plastics on the car, are made from recycled material, called Toyota Super Olefin Plastic. Yep, from old toyotas
- The car is built with very little lead. Battery terminal clamps, wire harnesses, radior, heater core: all lead-free components. This makes the car much easier to recycle someday
- Toyota reduced the use of Cadmium in plating and electrical components, for the same reason as stated above.
- Where polypropylene is used, it is from recycled stocks.
- The SRS airbags have been converted to non-sodium azide deployment.
- That weird dash texture? The designers wanted it to be something like rice paper. The center console is designed to have "waterfall" qualities.
- One of the main objectives with designing the tC was to build "a driver's car with room for friends." (They got it right!)
- The sunroof tint blocks roughly 75 percent of actual light. It also blocks roughly 97 percent of harmful UV rays. (Same glass and tint used in Lexus RX 330)
- The panorama moonroof has the same standard welding as a car with with a solid roof. The design exceeds federal roll-over requirements.
- The windshield has a green tint surface that blocks 100 percent of UV rays. The front door & back hatch glass provides a 90% UV-cut. the rear door & quarter window glass provide an 85% UV-cut.
- All the glass on the car reflects most if not all infrared heat rays to keep internal temperature down.
- The tC was designed with american drivers in mind, involving their opinions, questions, and responses from concept to production.
- The rear seats recline from 25 to 45 degrees back. With headrests removed, both front seats recline to be even with the rear seats, creating a "social space." The rear seats also fold forward, flat with the cargo area.
- There are 3 CRS tether anchors and 4 Steel tie-down hooks.
- The air conditioning system is designed for optimal flow versus noise, and uses a smooth compressor that is typically found on other premium models.
- The tC stereo uses 6 speakers: two tweeters in the doors, two 6.3" speakers in the front doors, and two 5.6" speakers in the rear. The head unit provides 160 watts of output.
- Sound deadening materials can be found underneath the carpet, behind interior panels, and throughout the luggage area.
- The front seatbelts have pyrotechnic pretensioners as well as 2-stage force limiters.
- There are purpose-built head impact protectors in the visor area
- The tC utilizes Toyota's first ever driver's knee airbag. You are the gineau pigs
These are just a few facts about the car's basic design. You'll find even more design practices in the Engine and Suspension Sections:
#2
Power:
- The 2AZ-FE is built from aluminum and uses a single-row timing chain.
specs:
2362 cm³ (144.2 in³) engine
88.5 mm bore X 96.0 mm stroke (3.48 X 3.78)
compression ratio = 9.6:1
DOHC, 4-valves per cylinder
engine output on regular 87 octane
160 bhp @ 5,700 rpm;
163 lb.-ft. @ 4,000 rpm
EPA estimated fuel economy:
5M/T: 22 city / 30 highway mpg
4A/T: 23 city / 30 highway mpg
- The 2AZ uses some lightweight and low-noise engine building techniques, including a magnesium cam cover, a glass-reinforced plastic intake manifold, and double-layer tubular exhaust headers. The block, crank case, and cylinder heads are made from aluminum.
- The tC uses electronic throttle control with "intelligence." It uses no cables, and integrates manual control with cruise control and idle. This improves torque delivery and fuel economy while reducing the amount of unburnt HCs.
- The exhaust system uses a dual-wall downpipe that retains hear between the pre-cat and main cat converter.
- The 2-way muffler has a variable exhaust valve that reduces pressure under max load acceleration. The valve opens gradually near 3000 rpm depending on amount of throttle being applied.
- VVT-I works by automatically adjusting the intake valve timing at different load and temperature conditions, as well as RPM ranges. This is to ensure the motor makes maximum power in any conditions. It provides a wider torque curve and improves throttle response.
- The same system is used on many Toyota models.
- There is a timing actuator on the intake cam sprocket.
- The exhaust cam is driven directly by the cam chain.
- Intake valve timing varies by 43° of crank angle, providing a wide range of valve overlap at different engine loads and RPM ranges.
- The relative rotational position of the vane-type rotor and housing varies by oil pressure control, while the dual-cycle controlled oil valve in the cylinder head passes pressurized oil to chambers between the rotor and housing.
- The 2AZ uses a number of Low noise/Low friction technologies, such as dual counter-rotating balance shafts to reduce vibration and booming noise at idle. It is supported below the crank, driven at 2x speed, and scissors gear & plastic gears.
- The low mass, low friction pistons use low tension piston rings. That's alot of lows.
- The crank centerline is offset 10mm from the cylinder centerline. The thrust line between the piston pin and crank bearing is vertical at peak combustion pressure. This reduces side-load on the piston crown, reducing vibration and wear, as well as improves torque at low RPMs.
- The tC is qualifies as a ULEV (Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle) (Shocker!)
- A low mass cam drive with timing accuracy and reduced friction uses 5mm valve stems, shimless lifters, reduced tension valve springs, and a 10mm pitch silent drive chain.
- The tC uses sequential fuel injection and direct ignition for an ideal fuel-air mixture.
- The tC uses long-life coolant, with a 1st change due after 100,000 miles, and every 50,000 thereafter.
- A new ECM-controlled vacuum pump pressurizes the EVAP system for leak-down tests while improving accuracy of self-diagnostics.
Automatic Transmission:
- The U241E is a 4-speed electronically controlled automatic transaxle. It uses a gated shift lever as well as a low-mass, low friction design. A "lock-up" torque converter improves highway fuel economy.
- The Auto Transmission uses Uphill and Downhill "Grade Logic." The ECM can determine when you are climbing or descending a hill by comparing the actual acceleration rate with the amount of throttle applied. Upshifts and downshifts can be inhibited when lifting the throttle to take a curve. This keeps the engine RPM in the peak torque band for a smoother ascent. It also increases engine braking during descent.
- A momentary overdrive switch resets when the engine is once again turned on. This is to improve fuel economy if you accidently leave the switch off.
(Note to auto owners: I'm pretty sure this means overdrive turns back on when you re-start the car, so if you start the car in the "3" position, you're still in overdrive. I think.)
Manual Transmission:
- The E350 transmission is a compact, lightweight 5-speed manual. There is a double-cone synchro on the REVERSE gear. Triple-cone synchros can be found on FIRST and SECOND gear. This provides faster gear engagement, smoother shifting, and reduces noise.
- The five speed manual has a specific higher final drive ratio. The very short gearing amplifies the low-end torque, providing quicker acceleration from stopped and passing. This ratio is 7 percent lower than the Camry's E351 Manual Transmission, which is 3.944.
Now, on to the gear ratios.
5MT:
1st 3.538
2nd 2.045
3rd 1.333
4th 0.972
5th 0.775
Reverse 3.583
Final Drive 4.235
4AT:
1st 3.943
2nd 2.197
3rd 1.413
4th 1.020
Reverse 3.145
Final Drive 2.740
That's it for the engine portion...for now. The next topic covered will be suspension.l be suspension.
- The 2AZ-FE is built from aluminum and uses a single-row timing chain.
specs:
2362 cm³ (144.2 in³) engine
88.5 mm bore X 96.0 mm stroke (3.48 X 3.78)
compression ratio = 9.6:1
DOHC, 4-valves per cylinder
engine output on regular 87 octane
160 bhp @ 5,700 rpm;
163 lb.-ft. @ 4,000 rpm
EPA estimated fuel economy:
5M/T: 22 city / 30 highway mpg
4A/T: 23 city / 30 highway mpg
- The 2AZ uses some lightweight and low-noise engine building techniques, including a magnesium cam cover, a glass-reinforced plastic intake manifold, and double-layer tubular exhaust headers. The block, crank case, and cylinder heads are made from aluminum.
- The tC uses electronic throttle control with "intelligence." It uses no cables, and integrates manual control with cruise control and idle. This improves torque delivery and fuel economy while reducing the amount of unburnt HCs.
- The exhaust system uses a dual-wall downpipe that retains hear between the pre-cat and main cat converter.
- The 2-way muffler has a variable exhaust valve that reduces pressure under max load acceleration. The valve opens gradually near 3000 rpm depending on amount of throttle being applied.
- VVT-I works by automatically adjusting the intake valve timing at different load and temperature conditions, as well as RPM ranges. This is to ensure the motor makes maximum power in any conditions. It provides a wider torque curve and improves throttle response.
- The same system is used on many Toyota models.
- There is a timing actuator on the intake cam sprocket.
- The exhaust cam is driven directly by the cam chain.
- Intake valve timing varies by 43° of crank angle, providing a wide range of valve overlap at different engine loads and RPM ranges.
- The relative rotational position of the vane-type rotor and housing varies by oil pressure control, while the dual-cycle controlled oil valve in the cylinder head passes pressurized oil to chambers between the rotor and housing.
- The 2AZ uses a number of Low noise/Low friction technologies, such as dual counter-rotating balance shafts to reduce vibration and booming noise at idle. It is supported below the crank, driven at 2x speed, and scissors gear & plastic gears.
- The low mass, low friction pistons use low tension piston rings. That's alot of lows.
- The crank centerline is offset 10mm from the cylinder centerline. The thrust line between the piston pin and crank bearing is vertical at peak combustion pressure. This reduces side-load on the piston crown, reducing vibration and wear, as well as improves torque at low RPMs.
- The tC is qualifies as a ULEV (Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle) (Shocker!)
- A low mass cam drive with timing accuracy and reduced friction uses 5mm valve stems, shimless lifters, reduced tension valve springs, and a 10mm pitch silent drive chain.
- The tC uses sequential fuel injection and direct ignition for an ideal fuel-air mixture.
- The tC uses long-life coolant, with a 1st change due after 100,000 miles, and every 50,000 thereafter.
- A new ECM-controlled vacuum pump pressurizes the EVAP system for leak-down tests while improving accuracy of self-diagnostics.
Automatic Transmission:
- The U241E is a 4-speed electronically controlled automatic transaxle. It uses a gated shift lever as well as a low-mass, low friction design. A "lock-up" torque converter improves highway fuel economy.
- The Auto Transmission uses Uphill and Downhill "Grade Logic." The ECM can determine when you are climbing or descending a hill by comparing the actual acceleration rate with the amount of throttle applied. Upshifts and downshifts can be inhibited when lifting the throttle to take a curve. This keeps the engine RPM in the peak torque band for a smoother ascent. It also increases engine braking during descent.
- A momentary overdrive switch resets when the engine is once again turned on. This is to improve fuel economy if you accidently leave the switch off.
(Note to auto owners: I'm pretty sure this means overdrive turns back on when you re-start the car, so if you start the car in the "3" position, you're still in overdrive. I think.)
Manual Transmission:
- The E350 transmission is a compact, lightweight 5-speed manual. There is a double-cone synchro on the REVERSE gear. Triple-cone synchros can be found on FIRST and SECOND gear. This provides faster gear engagement, smoother shifting, and reduces noise.
- The five speed manual has a specific higher final drive ratio. The very short gearing amplifies the low-end torque, providing quicker acceleration from stopped and passing. This ratio is 7 percent lower than the Camry's E351 Manual Transmission, which is 3.944.
Now, on to the gear ratios.
5MT:
1st 3.538
2nd 2.045
3rd 1.333
4th 0.972
5th 0.775
Reverse 3.583
Final Drive 4.235
4AT:
1st 3.943
2nd 2.197
3rd 1.413
4th 1.020
Reverse 3.145
Final Drive 2.740
That's it for the engine portion...for now. The next topic covered will be suspension.l be suspension.
#3
Suspension & Handling:
- The tC has low-pressure N2 gas shocks with linear control valves all around.
- It uses a torsionally rigid unit-body chassis.
- It uses a MacPherson strut front suspension, with a full subframe that supports the suspension links for stable handling. this isolates the body from road noise for increased comfort, as well as providing excellent turn-in and response.
- The front anti-sway bar is 21 mm.
- The double wishbone rear suspension is similar to the avensis, but is mostly derived from the late celica. A-shaped control arms and rigid upper arms connected to the subframe provide low unsprung weight.
- The rear anti-sway bar on an automatic is 20 mm thick. on a manual, 18 mm.
- The stock spring rate in the front is 25.5 N/mm. The TRD springs provide 29.8 N/mm.
- The stock spring rate in the rear is 45 N/mm. The TRD springs provide 57 N/mm.
- There are 3 lateral reinforcement braces not found on cars in this class. They run across the rear floor deck, and in front of and behind the rear suspension to reduce overall flex.
- The stock 17 inch wheels use a 45 mm offset and a 5 x 100 mm bolt pattern, with 215/45/ZR17 (same tires offered on Lexus IS300)
- The tC uses aerodynamic fender spats to route airflow under and around the tires. This reduces wind noise and increases high-speed stability without compromise to the brakes.
- The 4 wheel disc brake system was designed to feel like a european compact.
- The tC uses 10.8 inch vented rotors in the front, and10.6 solid rear rotors in the rear. The parking brake is an internal drum.
- There is a 2 step "booster" in the brake pedal to improve reponse and feel.
- The tC is equipped with an electronic brake distribution system, which measures minute amounts of wheel slip to transfer braking force from front to rear as well as side to side.
- The tire pressure monitor system measures wheel speed at each wheel, and uses the outside ambient temperature to compensate correction for density. if a tire's pressure is low, you will be notified by a signal in the instrument cluster.
Hope this helps your understanding the car's dance moves.
---
And that's it for the FAQ, for now. Keep in mind that this FAQ covers the stock car more or less. I hope it helps alot of you young drivers with a better understanding of your car. I also hope that it helps experienced drivers appreciate the work and creativity put in to make this car something special.
Send comments, disputes, or additions to john@johndupre.net
----
Submitted by JasonH on 11/17/04
- The tC braking system is virtually identical to that of the Celica GT-S. In fact, brake rotors and calipers are the same, and most big brake kits for the Celica GT-S will fit the tC.
- The front upper strut mounts on the tC are connected to the A-pillars and firewall and include extra gusseting to provide an exceptionally stiff front suspension.
- The exhaust manifold is made of stainless steel and has an integrated catalytic converter.
- The tC has more sound deadening material than anything built by Toyota that's not a Lexus.
- For those with the factory VSE Bazooka subwoofer: It is mounted only to the side of the car and the cover over the spare tire and tools is easily removed when you need to get to them.
- The tC has low-pressure N2 gas shocks with linear control valves all around.
- It uses a torsionally rigid unit-body chassis.
- It uses a MacPherson strut front suspension, with a full subframe that supports the suspension links for stable handling. this isolates the body from road noise for increased comfort, as well as providing excellent turn-in and response.
- The front anti-sway bar is 21 mm.
- The double wishbone rear suspension is similar to the avensis, but is mostly derived from the late celica. A-shaped control arms and rigid upper arms connected to the subframe provide low unsprung weight.
- The rear anti-sway bar on an automatic is 20 mm thick. on a manual, 18 mm.
- The stock spring rate in the front is 25.5 N/mm. The TRD springs provide 29.8 N/mm.
- The stock spring rate in the rear is 45 N/mm. The TRD springs provide 57 N/mm.
- There are 3 lateral reinforcement braces not found on cars in this class. They run across the rear floor deck, and in front of and behind the rear suspension to reduce overall flex.
- The stock 17 inch wheels use a 45 mm offset and a 5 x 100 mm bolt pattern, with 215/45/ZR17 (same tires offered on Lexus IS300)
- The tC uses aerodynamic fender spats to route airflow under and around the tires. This reduces wind noise and increases high-speed stability without compromise to the brakes.
- The 4 wheel disc brake system was designed to feel like a european compact.
- The tC uses 10.8 inch vented rotors in the front, and10.6 solid rear rotors in the rear. The parking brake is an internal drum.
- There is a 2 step "booster" in the brake pedal to improve reponse and feel.
- The tC is equipped with an electronic brake distribution system, which measures minute amounts of wheel slip to transfer braking force from front to rear as well as side to side.
- The tire pressure monitor system measures wheel speed at each wheel, and uses the outside ambient temperature to compensate correction for density. if a tire's pressure is low, you will be notified by a signal in the instrument cluster.
Hope this helps your understanding the car's dance moves.
---
And that's it for the FAQ, for now. Keep in mind that this FAQ covers the stock car more or less. I hope it helps alot of you young drivers with a better understanding of your car. I also hope that it helps experienced drivers appreciate the work and creativity put in to make this car something special.
Send comments, disputes, or additions to john@johndupre.net
----
Submitted by JasonH on 11/17/04
- The tC braking system is virtually identical to that of the Celica GT-S. In fact, brake rotors and calipers are the same, and most big brake kits for the Celica GT-S will fit the tC.
- The front upper strut mounts on the tC are connected to the A-pillars and firewall and include extra gusseting to provide an exceptionally stiff front suspension.
- The exhaust manifold is made of stainless steel and has an integrated catalytic converter.
- The tC has more sound deadening material than anything built by Toyota that's not a Lexus.
- For those with the factory VSE Bazooka subwoofer: It is mounted only to the side of the car and the cover over the spare tire and tools is easily removed when you need to get to them.
#5
Re: Everything You Wanted to Know About the Scion tC...
Originally Posted by cad455
- The tC utilizes Toyota's first ever driver's knee airbag. You are the gineau pigs
#7
Re: Everything You Wanted to Know About the Scion tC...
Originally Posted by Portablecow
Originally Posted by cad455
- The tC utilizes Toyota's first ever driver's knee airbag. You are the gineau pigs
#8
Re: Everything You Wanted to Know About the Scion tC...
Originally Posted by Portablecow
Originally Posted by cad455
- The tC utilizes Toyota's first ever driver's knee airbag. You are the gineau pigs
Yes, I too believe the automatic cars have the slightly larger rear sway bar. I read it a while ago but can't find a link right now. I think it's partially to offset the extra weight of the automatic transmission. The other reason could be that the smaller bar is equipped on the manual to keep inexperienced drivers from spinning the car. You have virtually no chance of inducing lift-throttle oversteer in the automatic tC, but it's a possibility in the manual.
Let me add a few more facts:
- The tC braking system is virtually identical to that of the Celica GT-S. In fact, brake rotors and calipers are the same, and most big brake kits for the Celica GT-S will fit the tC.
- The front upper strut mounts on the tC are connected to the A-pillars and firewall and include extra gusseting to provide an exceptionally stiff front suspension.
- The exhaust manifold is made of stainless steel and has an integrated catalytic converter.
- The tC has more sound deadening material than anything built by Toyota that's not a Lexus.
- For those with the factory VSE Bazooka subwoofer: It is mounted only to the side of the car and the cover over the spare tire and tools is easily removed when you need to get to them.
#10
Originally Posted by chipmOnk
Originally Posted by cad455
- The rear anti-sway bar on an automatic is 18 mm thick. on a manual, 20 mm. (sorry auto owners! )
i thought it was the other way around...
corrected
#14
weight distrib., F / R % 61 / 39
car and driver has it listed as F/R: 58.5/41.5%
still not the best, but a little closer to 50/50. which one is correct?
http://www.caranddriver.com/article....&page_number=4
wonder if the difference is from AT/MT. AT is about 90 lbs (?) heavier than MT. If most of this 90 lbs is added to the front wheel, that fits in the 70ish lbs (2900 x 2.5%) difference between the 2 figures.
car and driver has it listed as F/R: 58.5/41.5%
still not the best, but a little closer to 50/50. which one is correct?
http://www.caranddriver.com/article....&page_number=4
wonder if the difference is from AT/MT. AT is about 90 lbs (?) heavier than MT. If most of this 90 lbs is added to the front wheel, that fits in the 70ish lbs (2900 x 2.5%) difference between the 2 figures.
#17
Originally Posted by cad455
- The stock spring rate in the front is 25.5. The TRD springs provide 29.8.
- The stock spring rate in the rear is 45. The TRD springs provide 57.
- The stock spring rate in the rear is 45. The TRD springs provide 57.
#19
Check out this PDF file from Toyota about the Scion tC.
http://pressroom.toyota.com/presstxt...005tC_tech.pdf
http://pressroom.toyota.com/presstxt...005tC_tech.pdf