I've got an 86 Celica SX with the 2 litre 3SGE engine with 180K in the odometer. It suffers from pinging when I step too much on the gas pedal, and it puffs a cloud of white smoke when I start it (I use it only on weekends). Also, it's a consumes oil a bit more than I would expect. Can anyone give some hints? I'm planning to get the overhead valves and valve seats ground. Is this much better than just hand-lapping the valves? Is there a big difference between original Toyota valves and guides and the after-market ones (eg Repco) aside from the 6x price  difference? Does anyone know of a good dependable company that would do the grinding and changing valve guides? I know there are some re-conditioners out there who get slack and do the valve grinding by hand, hence not getting the angle and concentricity right

I'm planning to get the overhead valves and valve seats ground. Is this much better than just hand-lapping the valves? I rebuilt the head on my P6 recently.  I had the valves refaced at repco and procured a head where the seats had been faced also.  Facing the valves and seats ensures they are round and maximums the contact area. Valves can seats can only be refaced so many times (once is generally a good bet).  It cost me $30 to reface 8 valves.  Now they have been reface they need to be lapped in.  The lapping grinds the mating surfaces of the valves and the seats to ensure a good fit (i.e. not high spots or gaps).  It took me about an hour to lap them by hand and this was my first time.  The biggest problem is trying to get the suction cup to stay on the valve. Your valve guides may also need replacing.  I only replaced the seals in mine.

I had the same *problem* but to a slightly less extent. Smoke after sitting for the w/e but only a little more oil consumption. It had 125K on the clock and never had its 100K checkout and so I booked it in with the agents. The rubber rings were changed and the valves lapped and a few other minor things. I was relieved of $2800. I'd say - take the $999 offer. The bottom end is probably fine. Cheers. Murray Kelly. Brisbane.

Is there anyone out there who knows where I can get a hold of some sort of car repair or technical manual for a Celica (preferrably compatible with 1977 LT 2.0L models).  I have looked everywhere - Gregory's don't appear to make one and I have searched the WWW under Toyota and Celica with no success. Is it that these cars are just too good for anyone to fix? Cheers P.S. I'll be prepared to pay for a copy if anyone has one themselves.