Jon Rood’s Custom 1984 Toyota Celica: An Off-Road Rally Car Transformation

Safari Vet Paves the Way

How many times have you seen a 3rd-gen Celica rolling on 27-inch MTs? Probably never. But by now you’ve probably learned to always expect the unexpected. That’s exactly what Jon Rood’s 1984 Toyota Celica named “Carlos” is: Unexpected, in the best way possible. Almost everything on the car has been modified, but, even more custom than not, the original frame of the car is still recognizable to those who know what to look for.

“Almost everything on the car has been modified, but, even more custom than not, the original frame of the car is still recognizable to those who know what to look for.”
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Even from a distance, the Celica’s custom front grille stands out.

Seeing a Celica rip up in the desert like you’ll see on these pages is certainly unexpected, too. “Toyota never meant the Celica to be an off-road toy, Safari car to play in the desert,” Jon tells us, never one to be held back by what things are supposed to be, “I’ve used the car for all of it.” He’s driven Carlos as a course closing car at more than a dozen rallies, taken 300- to 400-mile Safari runs through the Arizona desert, camped in the high country, and more. Even just driving around town to work, to local CnCs, grocery shopping, picking his kids up from school, it’s a “do-anything car that I built for me to enjoy.”

There’s nothing like RWD for kicking up dust clouds.

Perfection Takes Time… And Money

All customizing of the chassis, suspension, and body was done by Jon himself, in a two-car garage. When Jon began working on Carlos in 2009, he intended it to be a fast and cheap off-road toy, just a fun interim side project to work on between rally races. In the years that have passed, though, he’s made some major upgrades. “Not as cheap as it was originally,” he laughs, “but still very reasonable when all the labor was basically free.”

Roodwerks Engineering, Jon’s side business that fabricates and sells race parts, provided the funding he needed to get the build started. But once the build proved itself just as reliable as it was fun, they started volunteering for rallies.

“Once the build proved itself just as reliable as it was fun, [Jon] started volunteering for rallies.”

The trained eye will instantly identify this 3rd-gen Celica.

Group B Rally Rigs

The Celica is a true ‘80s baby, inspired by the off-road ralliers of the era, whose Group B Safari Celicas paved the way for the race world we know today. Informed and inspired by Jon’s passion for the California Rally Series and rallying in the Southwest, the Celica is completely unique from the top down. Jon jokes that it’s also inspired by “too many video games like ‘Motor Storm.’”

“There is just something about an ‘80s rear-wheel car,” Jon reminisces. “You get the full driving experience, not just a point-and-go to some destination. It’s all sense, the sound of the engine, the slight vibration of the tires, the feeling of the slightly oversized leather steering wheel, the slightly soft grip of the shift knob, the smell of dust inside the car from all the adventures of the past…”

With Jon at the helm, the Celica is perfectly at home in the desert.

The odds you ever find a better-looking (or better-performing) ’84 Celica are slim to none. That’s thanks in part to that legendary Toyota reliability we all know and love, of course, but even more so to the work Jon’s put into it over the years. It’s going to take a while to talk about everything he’s done to the vehicle, so let’s get started.

Under the Hood

“Toyota’s workhorse for the ‘80s,” as Jon calls the 22RE 2.4L, powers the Celica, but Jon modified it to prevent failures and work perfectly for rally purposes. First is the addition of a camshaft RV grind, upping low-end torque. A Pacesetter header completes his custom 2 ¼-inch exhaust, which also features a race catalytic converter. An 18-inch glasspack muffler complements the rig’s looks with some ‘80s muscle sound.

Lots of expertise went into building the Celica. Combined with his own knowledge of building rally race cars, Jim Pierce of Advance Automotive in Torrance, California, provided the assist with many of this build’s internal elements. Race vets know exhaust system hangers are bound to break, so they chose to run the tailpipe right through the rear bumper. “If the hangers fail (and they have a few times),” Jon tells us, “the system would be caught by the bumper until I could stop and do something about it.” Pro Tip: Always carry stainless wire in your tool kit for this kind of repair.

Jon wants to explore all roads…including the imaginary ones.

Suspension Details

Of course, we’re going to see more than just a simple shock upgrade for this Celica. Starting with modified diffs from a 1984 Toyota Van, a 7.5-inch rear axle and brakes were given a 4.10:1 final drive with a Supra LSD clutch pack. Jon upgraded the brakes with disks and calipers from an ’84 Toyota Cressida, as well.

Using the stock front suspension as a starting point, Jon built a dropdown subframe that moves the Celica’s arm pivots down and inboard about 3 inches. This allowed for longer, custom A-arms, which pivot on heim joints that connect to circle track uniball joints.

About a year after Jon started the build, he added a set of Bilstein inverted monotube strut inserts, which were custom valved by Bilstein at the time. Jon converted the strut bodies to 2-1/2-inch coilovers with dual rate Eibach race springs and bolted the whole situation to the chassis with 2-inch strut top spacers and Rav4 strut tops. Since 2010, the front suspension has been rebuilt only once, with the help of Streetwise Motorsports.

“’There is just something about an 80’s rear wheel car.’”

Before we get to talking about the rear suspension, it’s also important to note the Celica’s custom rear seat delete, and lots of other chopping, which made room for all the customizations to come. While he was at it, Jon also took out the spare tire well and fitted that space for a 14-gallon gas tank. You know, casual. It’s not often we see a full rear seat delete mentioned as an afterthought, but that’s just how Jon rolls.

A custom 5-link suspension handles the rear axle, and Jon relocated the arms once again. While the lower rear arms remain in their stock location, the upper arm pockets were cut through the floor in place of the rear seat and tied into the 11-point cage.

Fox 2-inch reservoir off-road shocks give the Celica about 10 inches of travel in the rear. These also come up through the floor and tie into the back of the cage, where they’re sealed off by custom boots. Providing both additional protection and airflow, Jon mounted reservoir cans prominently along the rear cage legs. While the rear springs are still in their stock location, Jon needed ground clearance, so he raised both the length and rate.

Interior Upgrades

The interior of the Celica is fully outfitted for off-road racing. The steering rack’s new heim joint outer ends are located 3 inches higher than stock and bolt to the knuckles of the stock subframe in double shear mounts. “After working as Course Closing in 15 or 16 rallies plus thousands of other off-road adventures over the years, they still work as well as new, never bent,” Jon shares.

Fixed-back suspension-style PRP race seats lay the groundwork for all the tech on the dash. His Garmin 2797LM is mounted up with a RAM 1” ball system, but otherwise, his instruments are OEM. A dual-band HAM radio handles his comms, and a Yaesu FT-8900R Terratrip TerraPhone Amplifier swaps the HAM radio intercom outputs to the loudspeaker with the flip of a switch. To top it all off, an Odyssey PC925 12V race battery keeps everything powered up.

Bilstein, Eibach, and Fox shock systems will absorb this landing with ease.

Exterior Mods

From front to back, Jon’s made changes to just about every inch of the Celica. First is the front-end conversion from pop-up to fixed 5×7-inch LED headlights. “That’s what throws most people off from instantly identifying it as a 3rd-gen Celica, especially when approaching it from the front,” Jon tells us. Tying the front bumper together is a grille swapped from a 1988 Mazda pickup, modified to fit the height of the Celica’s front end, with a custom lower valance to trim out custom front bumper tubes. The grille also adds custom corners, smooth on the driver’s side, and a mesh grille cools intake on the passenger side.

“From front to back, Jon’s made changes to just about every inch of the Celica.”

Carlos the Celica speeds through the desert.

A couple of light bars finish out the exterior adds. Two 9-inch light bars provide low light, good for dust or fog on the front bumper. On the fenders, KC HiLites FE4 Safari lights give Jon all the lumens he needs for high-speed night driving.

A front skid plate gives a flat bottom to the drop subframe and protects the engine oil pan. Jon “Never found much need for more protection,” as “The rest of the body sits up high enough” that he’s confident everything is safe from scratches and dings.

Carlos Puts Passions Together

It’s Jon’s personal goal to explore “every single road Arizona has to offer, especially the dirt roads,” with Carlos the 1984 Celica. The team is always ready to head out on their next adventure. “When I can talk friends like Randy and Natasha into going out playing, I jump at the chance,” Jon says. All the work is well worth the reward: Armed with a killer suspension and careful engineering and fabrication, Jon and Carlos are out there enjoying the journey, mostly with Jon enjoying the joy of being behind the wheel of such a sweet ride.

“Armed with a killer suspension and careful engineering and fabrication, Jon and Carlos are out there enjoying the journey…”

Jon Rood stands in front of Carlos, his 1984 Toyota Celica off-road rally car.

Jon’s Extras

Below is a list of additional items Jon carries with him in Carlos.

3 ft shovel strapped to the cage (found on the car’s first off-road run, jumped in deep that day, 150 miles round trip with only road testing prior to that.)
Bow saw, for branches and small down trees along trails
Hatchet, same reason
20-ft tow rope
Spare tire nestled into the cage where the back seat used to be, for good balance and out of the way
3-inch ratchet straps, two holding down the spare that double as super-slow hand winching ability
Tool kit that has a full array of hand tools for any bolt on the car
ARB tire plug kit
12V portable air compressor (Costco twin cylinder)
Tred traction mats
Tarp
Random rope section
Emergency medical kit, small
Long lasting snacks, like granola bars (I should probably swap those out for fresh ones soon)
5 lbs. fire extinguisher
Spare parts: Strut top, tie rod, 2 to 3 heims, oil and wate

UPGRADES

1984 Toyota Celica GT

Engine: 22RE 2.4L; Mild camshaft “RV” grind; Pacesetter header running into a custom 2-1/4-inch exhaust with a race catalytic converter and18-inch glasspack

Suspension: 1984 Toyota VAN differentials, 7.5-inch rear axle and brakes; 4.10:1 final drive with Supra clutch pack LSD. Front: Drop down subframe moves arm pivots down and inboard 3 inches; Longer custom A-arms that pivot on heim joints; Ball joint duty handled by circle track uniball joints; Brakes upgraded with ’84 Cressida disks and calipers. Bilstein inverted monotube strut inserts, custom valved by Bilstein Motorsports. Rear: Custom 5-link suspension, custom location for upper arm pockets; 10-inch travel Fox 2-inch reservoir off road shocks.

Wheels & Tires: Stock 14-inch P-Type Celica GT-S wheels, Supra rims, 14 X 7; Kumho Road Venture MT tires, 27×8.50 R14

Interior Accessories: PRP Fixed Back Suspension Style Race seats; Garmin 2797LM mounted with a RAM 1” ball system; Custom rear seat delete; Custom 11-point cage; Dual band HAM radio with 2-person headset intercom; Yaesu FT-8900R Terratrip TerraPhone Amplifier; Odyssey PC925 12V race battery

Exterior Accessories: Modified 1988 Mazda pickup grille; Custom lower valance, front bumper tubes, and grille corners; Led 5×7-inch headlights; Two 9-inch front bumper light bars; Fender mounted Safari KC HiLiTES FE4 light bar; Front skid plate; Front end conversion to fixed headlights

Additional Modifications: Custom built 14-gallon fuel cell in place of spare tire; Steering rack customization

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How did Jon Rood progress from being a crew member to building his own rally car?

Jon Rood’s journey from a crew member to constructing his own rally car is a tale of passion and progression. After gaining substantial experience working on rally teams, Jon’s desire to venture into building his own car became undeniable. He chose to channel his extensive knowledge acquired during his crewing days into this new endeavor.

Jon started his project with an affordable, lightweight car. Initially, he fitted the vehicle with a reliable 1.6-liter engine, which served as a solid foundation for his experiments. However, Jon’s ambition soon led him to seek more power. In the second year, he upgraded the engine to a dual-overhead-cam 1.8-liter variant, borrowed from a more performance-oriented vehicle, which increased the horsepower significantly. The result was a nimble car with an impressive weight-to-power ratio.

As his skills and confidence grew, Jon decided to take on a more ambitious build. He tackled a more complex project by enhancing a different vehicle model with a high-performance engine, a custom-built transmission, and upgraded suspension. This bold move elevated Jon’s standing from simply completing rally events to regularly achieving podium finishes, marking a significant milestone in his rallying career.

How did Jon Rood become involved in rally racing?

Jon Rood’s Journey into Rally Racing

Jon Rood’s path to rally racing began unexpectedly about 15 years ago. A fellow car enthusiast and friend invited him to assist with a rally event in Prescott, AZ, which would soon become a pivotal moment in Jon’s life. Although Jon was already skilled with tools and had a deep affection for automobiles, he was unaware that rally racing had a foothold in the United States.

The turning point for Jon came when he observed the intense challenges unique to rally racing. He vividly recalls seeing a competitor’s VW Golf arrive at the service area missing crucial components like its left-rear wheel and spindle. Astonishingly, the car was ready for the next stage after just 30 minutes of trackside repairs. This display of resilience and quick problem-solving sparked Jon’s passion for the sport, cementing his role as a rally crewman.

Following this initial venture, Jon soon joined the crew for a friend who raced a Mazda 323 GTX. His dedication and expertise quickly earned him a reputation as a reliable and skilled mechanic in the rally community. Over the subsequent years, Jon’s growing pedigree saw him working with various rally cars, including models like the Toyota FX-16, VW Golf, Subaru Impreza, and Subaru Legacy, establishing his place in the rally racing world.

What was Jon Rood’s initial experience in rally racing as a crew member?

Prescott, AZ

Why did Jon Rood choose the RA64 Toyota Celica for his rally car project?

Jon Rood chose the RA64 Toyota Celica for his rally car project due to a mix of inspiration and practicality. He was keen on creating a unique project to fill his newfound spare time, drawing ideas from various sources like immersive gaming with MotorStorm on the PS3, the iconic Mad Max films, and a mix of rally events from different eras. These influences led him to seek something distinct and unconventional for his project.

Among the shortlist of vehicles Jon considered were the Nissan 200SX, Ford Mustang II, and the Mazda RX2 or RX3. However, what truly captivated him was the allure of a rally car with a storied past. The RA64 Toyota Celica, especially its Group B Safari edition from the early 1980s, stood out. This model’s history and rally heritage resonated with Jon, placing it at the forefront of his choices.

Additionally, during his search in 2009, the Celica was relatively accessible and affordable, making it a practical choice for someone ready to dive into a rally car build. Ultimately, Jon found a $400 Celica that was rust-free and only needed a fuel pump, sealing the deal for his ideal project car.

What were Jon Rood’s early car builds before the RA64 Toyota Celica?

Jon Rood’s Early Car Creations Before the RA64 Toyota Celica

Jon Rood initially threw himself into the world of rally racing by helping out established teams, soaking up knowledge and skills along the way. However, his aspirations soon shifted towards crafting his own vehicle. Armed with a deep understanding of Mazda engineering, Jon set his sights on building something distinctive yet affordable—the Ford Festiva was his choice.

The First Build: A Humble Beginning

Engine Specs: The Festiva began with a modest 1.6-liter engine. It wasn’t the fastest, but reliability was key in this phase.
Weight Efficiency: At approximately lbs, the car was designed to be lightweight and agile.

Despite the modest power, Jon’s first year with this setup laid the groundwork for his future ambition.

Seeking Power: The Revamp

Year two brought a significant upgrade. Jon swapped the existing engine with a dual-overhead-cam 1.8-liter engine from an Escort GT. This enhancement boosted the car’s horsepower by 40, reaching a total of 125. The lightweight design paired with the increased power transformed Jon’s rally experience, making his rides notably quicker.

Evolution of Performance

As Jon’s skills and ambitions grew, so did his engineering efforts. His subsequent project involved a Ford Escort GT—this time, built for serious competition. The car featured a high-performance race engine, a finely-tuned transmission, and advanced suspension. These upgrades elevated Jon from simply finishing races to capturing podium spots consistently.

Each of these builds showcased Jon Rood’s ingenuity and progressive mastery in rally car construction, setting the stage for his later work on the RA64 Toyota Celica.

What is the impact of Jon Rood’s rally car build on the sport and community?

“Armed with a killer suspension and careful engineering and fabrication, Jon and Carlos are out there enjoying the journey, mostly with Jon enjoying the joy of being behind the wheel of such a sweet ride.”

But Jon Rood’s impact stretches far beyond personal thrill. Fifteen years ago, he dove into rally racing not just with a passion for the sport, but with a vision for community involvement. His reputation quickly grew, marking him as a key player dedicated to both innovation and camaraderie.

Technical Marvel: Jon’s creation, Carlos the Celica, stands out with its unique engineering and design. It’s a testament to his ability to transform a road car into a rally powerhouse, made to tackle mud and dirt with finesse.
Community Champion: Beyond his technical prowess, Jon invests in the rally scene by crewing for teams, managing events, and ensuring courses are ready for race days. His efforts create a supportive environment, fostering growth and enthusiasm in the sport.
Inspiring Future Racers: This dedication isn’t just about personal achievement; it’s about drawing others into the exhilaration of rally racing. Jon’s work is a beacon, inviting newcomers to explore this thrilling world.

Jon’s journey with Carlos is about more than just the drive—it’s about leaving a lasting legacy in the rally racing community.

What is the potential impact of Jon’s car build on the sport’s growth?

Jon’s meticulously crafted car has the potential to draw new enthusiasts to rally racing, contributing to the sport’s increasing popularity.

How does Jon contribute to the rally racing community beyond racing?

Beyond racing, Jon actively participates by supporting teams, managing events, and organizing course closures, showcasing his commitment to the sport.

What makes Jon’s car, “Carlos the Celica,” unique?

The car stands out due to its innovative engineering and design, tailored for navigating rough terrains, while also reflecting Jon’s personal aesthetic vision.

How has Jon’s reputation developed over time?

Jon quickly became recognized in the rally racing world fifteen years ago, and he has since solidified his status as a passionate and dedicated figure in the community.

How has Jon Rood’s involvement in rally racing evolved over the years?

Jon’s journey into the world of rally racing began humbly 15 years ago when a friend introduced him to the Prescott Rally. Despite his mechanical prowess, Jon was initially unaware of rallying’s presence in the United States. Witnessing the high-stakes action firsthand, especially a VW Golf’s miraculous trackside repair, fueled his passion. He quickly gained a reputation as a skilled crewman, working on various cars including the Mazda 323 GTX and Subaru models, and relishing the challenge of quick, innovative fixes under pressure.

Three years into his rally career, Jon transitioned from crewing to building his own cars. His intimate knowledge of Mazda cars led him to the Ford Festiva, which he transformed with a powerful dual-overhead-cam engine, significantly boosting its performance. This marked the beginning of Jon’s evolution from simply finishing rallies to achieving podium placements. His next ambitious project was a Ford Escort GT, further cementing his reputation in the rally community.

Eventually, Jon’s sights landed on the RA64 Toyota Celica, inspired by its Group B Safari legacy. The project began modestly, but as Jon worked on Carlos, major upgrades unfolded over the years. “Not as cheap as it was originally,” he laughs, “but still very reasonable when all the labor was basically free.” His dedication to refining the Celica, focusing on reliability and performance, aligns with his philosophy of building a “do-anything car.”

Today, Jon stands as the Chairman and Co-Organizer of the Prescott Rally, a testament to his dedication and leadership in the sport. His journey from a curious newcomer to an influential figure in rally racing reflects a passion that has only grown stronger with time.

What challenges and innovations did Jon encounter in his rally career?

Jon faced challenges such as executing rapid repairs during races, which honed his quick-thinking and problem-solving abilities, allowing him to devise innovative solutions to keep cars operational.

What were some of Jon’s key achievements or milestones in car building?

Key milestones in Jon’s car-building journey include the engine swap in his Ford Festiva and further developing a Ford Escort GT, both of which marked his growth from competitor to podium finisher.

What leadership role does Jon hold in the rally community?

Jon holds a significant leadership position as the Chairman and Co-Organizer of the Prescott Rally, underscoring his dedication and influence within the rally community.

How did Jon transition from a crewman to building his own rally cars?

After several years of crewing, Jon decided to build his own rally car, starting with a Ford Festiva. His intimate knowledge of vehicles and a desire to create something unique drove this transition.

What was Jon’s early experience in rally racing like?

Jon’s early rally experience involved working as a crewman on various teams, where he gained hands-on experience with cars like the Mazda 323 GTX and others, building his reputation as a skilled mechanic.

How did Jon Rood get started in rally racing?

Jon Rood’s entry into rally racing began when a fellow enthusiast invited him to help crew at the Prescott Rally. This experience sparked his interest, particularly as he was unaware that rallying existed in the U.S. At the time.

What is the significance of Toyota in the history of Group B rally cars?

“The Celica is a true ‘80s baby, inspired by the off-road ralliers of the era, whose Group B Safari Celicas paved the way for the race world we know today.” While the Toyota Celica may not be the first name that springs to mind when discussing the legends of Group B rally, its impact is undeniable.

<Toyota>’s participation in the fiercely competitive Group B era saw several impressive wins, showcasing innovation and resilience. However, these accomplishments were often eclipsed by the era’s powerhouses: the formidable Audi S1, the agile Ford RS200, the dominant Lancia Delta, and the iconic Peugeot 205.

Despite this, the Celica carved out its own niche, leaving a lasting legacy. Its adventures on the rugged safari circuits demonstrated the brand’s commitment to pushing boundaries and laid the groundwork for future rally innovations.

In the grand tapestry of Group B, Toyota’s Celica stands as a testament to the era’s daring spirit and relentless pursuit of excellence.

Did Toyota achieve success in Group B rallying?

Yes, Toyota did achieve several wins during its Group B rally career, though these achievements are often overshadowed by more famous rivals.

Who were the major competitors in Group B rallying?

The major competitors included iconic models like the Audi S1, Ford RS200, Lancia Delta, and Peugeot 205, which are often more celebrated in rally history.

What is Toyota’s place among other Group B rally cars?

Toyota participated in Group B rallying but didn’t achieve the same legendary status as some of its competitors. Its success was present but not as prominent as others.

How did Jon Rood customize the rear and front axle of his Celica for rallying?

“Starting with modified diffs from a 1984 Toyota Van, a 7.5-inch rear axle and brakes were given a 4.10:1 final drive with a Supra LSD clutch pack. Jon upgraded the brakes with disks and calipers from an ’84 Toyota Cressida, as well. The factory axle was swapped for its width and matching lug pattern, while a rebuild kit doubled the lockup force, bringing the package up to snuff.

To handle the rigors of rallying, the rear axle is attached with a modified upper 4-link system, allowing nearly double the factory suspension travel. Fox 10″ remote-reservoir offroad race shocks are integrated into a custom cage, lifting the chassis with 15″ long race springs. This setup elevates the rear above 27″ tires, granting the vehicle the clearance needed for various terrains.

Using the stock front suspension as a starting point, Jon built a dropdown subframe that moves the Celica’s arm pivots down and inboard about 3 inches. This modification allowed for longer, custom A-arms, which pivot on heim joints that connect to circle track uniball joints. Bilstein 30mm inverted mono-tube race struts, originally from a TRD road race car, were fitted alongside 2″ strut-top spacers to enhance front-end performance.

The front subframe was strategically dropped and tucked, facilitating the installation of custom 3″ longer A-arms. To maintain precise steering, the tie rods were relocated above the steering arms, with double-shear mounts crafted for the heim joint ends. Dual-rate coilover springs were also fitted, lifting the front to match the rear’s height and ensuring balanced handling.

Further customization included slotting the floor where the rear seats used to be, allowing for adjustable 4-link mounts tied to the cage, enhancing the car’s adaptability to rally conditions.”

What are the chassis modifications related to the rear suspension?

The chassis was modified by creating slots in the floor where the rear seats used to be, allowing for adjustable 4-link mounts. These mounts are tied to the custom cage, offering greater flexibility and strength in the rear suspension setup.

How were the steering components modified?

The steering components were altered by relocating the tie rods above the steering arms, and custom double-shear mounts were created for the heim joint outer ends, ensuring robust and reliable steering under rally conditions.

What changes were made to the front subframe and why?

The front subframe was repositioned by lowering it 3 inches and moving it inward by the same amount on each side. This adjustment was necessary to accommodate custom 3-inch longer A-arms, enhancing the vehicle’s ability to handle the demands of rallying.

What specific shocks and springs are used in the rear, and how are they integrated?

The rear suspension utilizes Fox 10-inch remote-reservoir offroad race shocks and 15-inch long race springs. These components are integrated into the vehicle by connecting them to a custom-built cage, offering significant clearance over rough terrain.

What modifications were made to the suspension system?

The suspension system was enhanced with a modified upper 4-link setup, which nearly doubles the original suspension travel, providing improved performance for rally conditions.

Why was the specific axle chosen for the rear?

The 7.5-inch axle from a mid-’80s Toyota van was selected mainly for its appropriate width and the compatibility of its lug pattern, which were essential for the vehicle’s rally needs.