Dilemma... Options

[Rider]

My Celi is about to hit 112k miles and it's already 10 years old. I think in the spring I'm gonna have about $1500 - $1700 saved up, which is just about enough for ummm....a paintjob and maybe rims? lol. I don't really race it so I think any major performance mods are out of the question. My options are to spend the money on this car and make it look nice or...I could sell it and use the money to buy another car, but I think I'm too attached to my Celica to do it lol.

If you have any suggestions they would be welcome. If not, thanks for reading anyway .

P.S. What are some cheap(er) ways to add some hp in the neighborhood of $400-500? And just curious, how much would a more performant engine cost? Please include labor lol

This post has been edited by Rider: Oct 15, 2004 - 11:36 PM

[Blakout16]

well, im in that hp adding range to... well a good lil hp + sound is an cat-back exhaust for a good way less then 400-500 thats if you get headers to... which im in the process of looking where to get them

[neoklis]

You are not getting anything better for the amount of money you are talking. i would recommend you keep the Celi and use some of the money reconditioning it. Forget power mods also because they will not worth it as you are not interested in racing.

Furthermore, try reconditioning your paint job rather than paint the whole of your car from scratch.

[turboinduction]

[Rider]

Yeah, I didn't think it was worth investing money in performance upgrades either, especially since it's an older engine...The ride/handling is not bad so I don't know if I want to change the whole suspension.
I would like to lower my car a little though so I'll ask for some advice from those who have gotten springs: what's a good brand that won't make the ride harsh over bumps and potholes while providing good handling? (in this area the roads leave something to be desired).
As for wheels, I don't think I'll go bigger than 16's b/c I don't think they would look that good on my car. Thanks for the comments so far .

[turboinduction]

[Manta5x]

If your worried about the mileage ,dont
I have 217000 miles and its still running good ,same engine same trans
you should be able to get another good ten years out of her. that's ten more years without a car note. I had the same dilemma when I got to 100k miles. I'm glad I kept my celica.

[SlowCelica94]

You can get some cool wheels for 400-500 and nice tires which could improve handling. Also try reconditioning the paint. Wash, wax, clay bar, wash.

[mr_dude]

I second the suspension recommendation. A set of Eibachs and KYBs is fairly cheap. I don't know what the recommendation is, but you'll probably be due to change them soon.
The Eibach/KYB set will be way less than OEM replacements and (even though you don't need it) noticeably improve performance.

Don't get a cheap paint job. Definitely.

New rims are fun, but realize that this will increase your tire cost - bigger rims = more expensive tires. If your income ain't that great you feel it every time you have to get tires.

Other recommendations: tint is good if you don't have it. Audio enhancements if you're an audiophile.

Edit: Check my page (linked below), I found myself in the same spot as yourself about a year ago.

This post has been edited by mr_dude: Oct 19, 2004 - 8:59 PM

[GTGraphix]

i wouldn't worry about the paint, cause it's not worth it unless your putting a body kit on it. Although you save a lot of money if you learn how to do it your self. i painted mine for about $600 bucks, changed the color and painted on graphics. price not including body kit.

for performance, you could get the TRD short shifter, TRD air filter, TRD Stabalizer bar and better plugs and wires. Which would help you performace out, not significantly but better then what you have now. est. price for all $600+

for suspension, it is a defenitly a good idea, but mainly only for us who like to take 25mph turns at more around 60mph! Basicly needed if you are into autocross. KYB struts work fine for stock performance $300 for the set or Koni adjustable performance set for close to a grand.

wheels would defenitly be your best bet, cause nice rims adds a lot to the looks of you car. I would go with 17s at least though, just don't get smaller then a 40 tire cause you can bend your rims very easy with smaller tires. I bent my one of my enkei rims a week after i got the set, cause i hit a big ass pot hole. Luckly i had insurance on them. Anyway, a set of good wheel and tire package will run about a grand +or-. (for 17" or higher)

[turboinduction]

that avatar isn't by chance you is it?

aside from that, most of these people gave good ideas.

With 1500, I'd do suspension and rims as I stated above. You already have an intake (TRD Air Filter?? GTGraphix? K&N is fine). The short shifter by TRD is very nice, bought one myself. Thats fun and a good install. Mr Dude is right on tint for looks, along with Audio for some good bumping. However, if so, invest in Dynamat. You can ask people like Shid or Coomer (site owner) for some ideas.

I know you were original for performance, so maybe a 3SGTE or Built 5SFE is up your aisle. I know you can get a built 5S for 1300, but that doesn't include labor. So DIY!!! w00t!

Good luck

-Ti

This post has been edited by turboinduction: Oct 20, 2004 - 8:19 AM

[GTGraphix]