Celica Forums General Discussion Engine and Performance Does GTS clock a higher rpm than a GT

I am a GT (A/T) owner. I was test driving a low mileage A/T 2003 GTS (80k miles). Looking to turbo a Celica for a 220-240 hp fun driving.
I noticed that my GT holds the rpm at 2000 @60 mph and the GTS clocked 3000 rpm @60 mph. Is this normal and expected?
What is the reason?
Also, Is a GTS meant to be driven at a higher rpm so, 5000-7000 would be normal to hit a few times in a day ?

Thank you

Hey, welcome!

To answer your question in short, yes, the GTS is absolutely a higher revving car. Due to gear ratios, power band, and tune, the GTS is meant to be revved higher so it is no surprise that the RPMs stay higher than a GT when traveling the same speed.

The GT (1ZZ-FE) is tuned for fuel efficiency, meaning most of the car's power is down low in the RPMs, and as such, stays at a lower RPM (where the power is).

The GTS (2ZZ-GE) is tuned for performance, meaning most of the car's power is high up in the RPMs, and as such, stays at a higher RPM (where the power is).

Going off of that, being tuned for performance, the GTS is in fact meant to be driven at a higher RPM. Revving all the way out every so often shouldn't damage your engine, provided it is well-maintained. Remember, the rev limiter is there for a reason.

I have owned both a GT and a GTS and have observed the same thing, so it is completely normal.

Have fun!

Thanks !
Looks like the stock internals: Rods, Piston, bore are better suited to load the engine+tx with 240+ whp.
Found this read, informative: https://dustrunnersauto.com/toyota-zz-specs/

For sure!

I would agree, the 2zz would generally be preferred for forced induction. The only perk I can think of for a 1zz turbo build would be lower compression and more linear power.