2005 Toyota Echo
Written by: C Blackmore.
Dave answered the content call without hesitation one day on an internet forum. I had stumbled across his build thread for the Toyota Echo and was a little bit stunned. This guy had a 2005 Toyota Echo with a Prius engine in it. He’d figured out they run a higher compression ratio and the head had bigger valves than a 4AGE. It was a prime candidate for tinkering.
Now, the Toyota Echo didn’t start life this way. It served as Dave’s faithful daily driver for many a year. But with the odometer getting up in the numbers and a new daily on the cards, it was only fair to let the Echo live out it’s senior years having a party.
In line at the strip, getting lots of attention
Vehicle: 2005 Toyota Echo (Vitz, or Platz)
SET UP: 1.5L 1NZFXE Prius engine, no electric stuff.
FUN FACTS: Race cam set up, better valve springs, BMW motorcycle ITB’s and 3D printed trumpets = 13.4 second down the 1/4 mile
Prior to seeing it in person, this thing had been conquering the 1/4 mile with 13.8 second passes and was definitely starting to get noticed locally. Dave invited us along to the next drag meet and we eagerly accepted.
With individual throttle bodies sourced from a BMW motorcycle, 3D printed trumpets and even a 3D printed manifold, this thing was more wild than you could ever imagine. The sound was something like a high power Honda hitting VTEC, the sight was slightly comical.
Dave managed to better his already mind blowing 1/4 mile times with this naturally aspirated beast during our visit and the video is a good watch.
Watch the video here:
