Mine is a 7A-FE 1.8L, the old corolla cast iron blocked engine.
It seems to be rather happy working @ ~43-45mph at the current load, my 100% best mpg numbers and engine load (according to scan gauge) is something like 60%. Hills kill it, which is why I really dislike the down shift since I have to go 45-47mph to get back into highest gear + the weird mode I get better mpg in (retarded spark, and less tps). Probably a sensor going bad but w\e tank averages says it is good so far
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Another thing I should note about my engine... it has a very low RPM for the max tourqe, I beleive it was 2600rpm while just about every other 4 cyl has the max at around 4400-5800+. Pretty sure my engine has more of an eco cam in it than the average 4 cyl. Oddly, it does get up and go pretty well, but runs out of steam around 4500rpm, shifting early is faster than R-ing it out to 5500+. Of course I rarely drive like that, only to clear out the system, or trouble shooting, and once in a while the late run to work.
EDIT:
Ok 2800rpm is my max tourqe
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http://www.motortrend.com/cars/1997/...pecifications/
Compaired to the 1.6L same car... 4400rpm
http://www.motortrend.com/cars/1997/...pecifications/
And a newer 1.8L (1ZZ series I think?) - 4400rpm
http://www.motortrend.com/cars/2000/...pecifications/