[Grant-53]

My Corolla was a '95 with a 5 speed. I used the aluminum rims from an older Ford Escort GT. Since you are not planning an engine overhaul, use aerodynamic improvements. Fixing the rust spots reduces skin friction a bit. The air dam could be lower in front of the tires and a lip over the rear window would help in addition to the mods previously mentioned. If you have access to a technical library check articles by W H Hucho and Joseph Katz among others. Look at the photos of the Probe V, Citation IV, and Mercedes Benz C-111 Mk. 3 prototypes. The wheel strakes on the Probe could be made from foam.