Overkill's Ride Plans and Details., Code name Celeste Options

[Overkill]

Hello all. I had my project thread posted in General, but when the website went down it was lost so I am restarting my thread here (where it should have been in the first place anyways).

So I will start at the beginning. I have always loved Celicas. My brother-n-law Matt (aka DEATH here on 6gc) has always had a Celica and I have loved helping him work on his when I got the chance. Hell, I was in one of his Celicas (3rd or 4th gen I think) when it was totaled. I love the sleek lines and curves of the body. The cockpit style instrument panel, and the possibilities for modifications. I used to have a 1990 Supra 7M-GE, but always kind of regretted not getting a 6gc. Since I made the biggest mistake of my life my trading the supra in, I have been in search of the right celica at the right time. There has always been an issue of money, or not being able to find the right celica. I believe the search for my celica lasted about 9 years, but I am now the owner... Proud Owner... of my 1999 Celica GT (auto ). The reason I got the auto is simple, I needed a car, got a great deal on this one, and I didn't pay for it.

Since purchasing my Celica, I have come up with a plan for modifications in the future, driven over 800 miles, been clipped by a crazy lady here in Huntsville, and started modding/repairing Celeste. Today I did my first major repair/modification. I installed drilled & slotted rotors, and changed the brake pads. If I knew how to bleed brakes, I probably would have installed some SS braided brake lines. I do not know how to do that yet though. I will need to learn soon though because while I was doing the brakes, I found that the right rear caliper will need to be replaced at some point. There is a small slice in the lower connection bolt boot. The main reason I did this repair was because my brakes were vibrating at mid-to-high speed braking, and did not want to get into an accident because of it. Celeste stops extremely well now, and I have to say... I am extremely proud that I did this on my own (well, my wife handed me tools). While the car was jacked up, I went ahead and did an oil change to Mobile 1 Fully Synthetic High Mileage. I'll be honest... It seems Celeste likes the oil change.

Tomorrow I am planning to replace the spark plugs, wires, cap and rotor. I will also replace the windshield wipers, and windshield spray nozzles while I'm at it. After that, I might replace the driver's seat belt that I have been meaning to replace since I bought the car.... lol@laziness.

Oh yeah... I already did the S2000 Antenna swap... there should be a thread/post about it in the exterior/electronics category.

Here are a few pictures for your enjoyment....

[Box]

That's what I named my car, you have to choose another name!

[Overkill]

no can do sir...

[richee3]

That's a clean chassis. Nothing like the feeling of getting your hands dirty and finding out that you can change your own brakes, right? Gotta love that feeling of accomplishment.

[Box]

Fine then, this just means I have to sell mine and buy a third Supra.

[Overkill]

That's a clean chassis. Nothing like the feeling of getting your hands dirty and finding out that you can change your own brakes, right? Gotta love that feeling of accomplishment.

Thank you! and you are absolutely correct. I had gloves on, but took them off... didnt feel right. lol!

[Zephri]

aaaand I bet it still has more get up and go than mine

[Overkill]

aaaand I bet it still has more get up and go than mine

I dont know. I've never gone over 85 in my celica, but I am sure that will change.

[Box]

aaaand I bet it still has more get up and go than mine

I dont know. I've never gone over 85 in my celica, but I am sure that will change.

*throws on leather vest and cap* You'll be breaking the law, breaking the law!

[cheela]

That's a clean chassis. Nothing like the feeling of getting your hands dirty and finding out that you can change your own brakes, right? Gotta love that feeling of accomplishment.

Thank you! and you are absolutely correct. I had gloves on, but took them off... didnt feel right. lol!

gloves. hahaha I've never used gloves.
you're right, it just doesn't feel right.

[bnr32celica]

That's a clean chassis. Nothing like the feeling of getting your hands dirty and finding out that you can change your own brakes, right? Gotta love that feeling of accomplishment.

Thank you! and you are absolutely correct. I had gloves on, but took them off... didnt feel right. lol!

gloves. hahaha I've never used gloves.
you're right, it just doesn't feel right.

That's what she said.

[Overkill]

Changed the Cap & rotor, Spark Plugs & Wires, and the Windshield Wiper Blades. I tell you what... The lower Cap bolt was a bitch and a half to get in! Hopefully by the next time I have to change it I will have either a Beams engine or a SRI so I dont have to deal with the stock intake box... ugh!

Tomorrow I am planning on changing the Windshield Wiper nozzles and hoses.

[Box]

The stock air-box is easy to remove, maybe takes all of five minutes.

[Overkill]

The stock air-box is easy to remove, maybe takes all of five minutes.

I dont think it even takes that long. But I didnt want to have to take it off to replace the cap and rotor. The job was easier after I took the intake box and hose off though.

[Overkill]

Okay Guys and Gals... I have a dilemma.

I have two different sets of wheels I am considering getting for my ride. I would appreciate your input and opinions. Thank you in advance.

1st Set - Motegi MR116 18X8


2nd Set - XXR 535 18X8


At some point... either set might be sent off for Powder Coating to match the paint on my car, but not till way in the future.

[Box]

The XXR wheels look better than the Motegi wheels.

[Overkill]

The XXR wheels look better than the Motegi wheels.

I am beginning to lean towards the XXRs... thank you for your input Box.

[Overkill]

Updates coming soon.

[Box]

Holy crap nearly three years later. Has to be an engine swap right?

[Overkill]

Everything. Engine, trans, suspension, wheels, interior, exterior paint. Going to finally try to turn this into my dream car.

[Box]

Should be interesting too see unfold. Also good for you, it's nice to obtain a car you've always wanted even if that means having to remake a car to fully get there.

[Overkill]

I purchased ImportRacer's TRD strut tower brace. I am trying to install it now, but have no idea what bolt size to use on the middle two holes that attach the brace to the firewall. Anyone know?

[Overkill]

http://imgur.com/TcFvgbd

Updated engine bay with the new TRD strut brace

Also, the proper bolts to be used on the center connection of the strut brace and fire wall are M10X2.5cm or M10X1.25in and uses a 13mm socket head.

This post has been edited by Overkill: Oct 16, 2016 - 3:40 PM

[ImportRacer]

Looks good

[W8NKER]

Nice trd strut brace!
Thoughts on the strut brace? have you noticed fairly noticeable increase in handling at high speeds?

want to know your personal opinion and hopefully not just placebo reaction haha. thanks

[Overkill]

Looks good

Many Thanks to you for selling it to me! BTW guys and gals! If you ever see a sale item from ImportRacer... I can attest to the item being shipped quickly and with awesome packaging!

[Overkill]

Nice trd strut brace!
Thoughts on the strut brace? have you noticed fairly noticeable increase in handling at high speeds?

want to know your personal opinion and hopefully not just placebo reaction haha. thanks

I was weary of spending a lot on a strut brace, but knew that if I were to get one... this was the one I wanted. IMO this is a true 3-Point strut brace. The ST205 "typical" strut brace is a 2.5-point strut brace. I have noticed increased rigidity and handling at higher speeds, mostly while taking turns. Here in Houston, there is a swooping right hand turn when going from I-10 Eastbound to 610 South (headed towards the galleria). Before the strut brace taking the corner at 60 was somewhat sketchy. However, I recently took the corner at about 70-75, and it was much easier to hold my line.

with that being said, I still have a lot to do with my suspension. I have a vibration in the steering from an unknown source. It happens very slightly all the time, but is mostly noticeable when I exceed 70mph. My plan is to replace the motor mounts, springs, struts, and also take a look at the axles. However, I will be replacing the axles with my swap... so if I find the source of the vibrations being the axles, I will simply wait until then do fix the problem.

[cheela]

suspension upgrades really help our 20+ year old cars feel nimble again. I love cornering with this car even though mine's just an ST, still feels great.

[Box]

^Yup, mine just had Tein springs and KYB struts with new mounts and on 14" all season tires it still handled really well. Lowering springs, struts, and some 16" rims with summer tires would go a long way.

[ImportRacer]

Looks good

Many Thanks to you for selling it to me! BTW guys and gals! If you ever see a sale item from ImportRacer... I can attest to the item being shipped quickly and with awesome packaging!

Thanks! For me it was also a pleasure to deal with you.