New here .. Hi!! .... suggestions...., Gimme your suggestions for personalising my new Celica, please. Options

[DaveQB]

Hi all.

Love the idea of this site, dedicated to a generation of Celica's and their owners.
I have never been into Car's (even though my Dad was a racer, mechanic and started the Morgans Owners Car Club of Australia when he was alive), but now I had to get a new car, did the research and came to the conclusion I wanted a Celica, bought a 6th gen and have been driving it for about 3 weeks. Loving it. I am now itching to personalise it; to make it unique and MY car.

So.... I have a stock basic 99 Celica. What can I do ?

What I have done is:

installed good quality blue wipers
blue tyre valve caps
tinted the side and rear windows (just did that yesterday)
multiple little interior things like floor mats, etc.


What I am thinking of is ways to effects its look so its not so ... stock standard.
I'd also wouldn't mind a little bit more power too, but nothing crazy; I am no mechanic.
It seems to have a little bigger wheels then standard, 15" 205/55 I think. But good quality tyres with lots of tread left, so I will stay with them til they die.


Anyway, just saying "hi" great site, glad I am here! :-)

[playr158]

well you already got a short shifter so thats a good 1st start.

look into
suspension
-TEIN SS coilovers (~$1,000) / or if you don't wana spend that much H&R springs, or TEIN S-tech springs coupled with KYB GR-2 shocks.
-Suspension techniques sway bars
-HAWK/Ferodo brake pads
-Slotted rotors
-quality tires
- ss braided brake line + fluid flush

body
-Erebuni "h1" is a nice clean kit (don't put a spoiler on)
-wheels 17" light to medium weight (under 25lbs) wheels is a good size/weight
- procarparts makes clear sidemarkers and turn signals to help with the look
- TOYOTA JDM taillights

thats a decent start on top of the
intake, headers, exhaust

i just copied this from a similar topic this is a great guide line start

[6GenCelicaST]

Well the whole point of personalizing is to make it something that you like . I myself don't know what you like so I can't help you with the visuals of the car but I can give you a few suggestions for some HP mods. First off start like everyone else and get an intake. There are two ways of accomplishing this. You could A. Make your own, or B. Buy a kit online. There are also two different types of intakes. You have a short ram intake which is like a 60* elbow which will end where the air box is. Or you could spend a few extra dollars and so with a cold air intake which if I'm not mistake goes through the fender. Another option to getting an intake is to bump your timing by a few degrees and using 91 octane gas . Just a few suggestions to get you on your way.

[CelicaZR]

Welcome
Always good to have another Sydneysider
Enjoy your stay!
Its a very friendly and informative community

Join up @ ozcelica.com as well

[DaveQB]

well you already got a short shifter so thats a good 1st start.

look into
suspension
-TEIN SS coilovers (~$1,000) / or if you don't wana spend that much H&R springs, or TEIN S-tech springs coupled with KYB GR-2 shocks.
-Suspension techniques sway bars
-HAWK/Ferodo brake pads
-Slotted rotors
-quality tires
- ss braided brake line + fluid flush

body
-Erebuni "h1" is a nice clean kit (don't put a spoiler on)
-wheels 17" light to medium weight (under 25lbs) wheels is a good size/weight
- procarparts makes clear sidemarkers and turn signals to help with the look
- TOYOTA JDM taillights

thats a decent start on top of the
intake, headers, exhaust

Thanks mate!! Lost on some of the terms though.

TEIN SS coilovers, H&R and TEIN S-Tech :: What benefit do these offer ? Tigher for better handling ? Just for lowering and no practical benefit ?

Sway bars :: For better handling ? how does it effect the ride ? I imagine tighter suspension would help handling but make for a more ummm sensitive ride ?

Slotted rotors :: What is that ?

Erebuni "h1" :: This is a body kit of sorts ? I like the look for body kits, but, am I right in thinking they add no performance benefit at all ? I'd prefer, if I can, to make exterior changes that also have a bit of performance impact of any sort.

TOYOTA JDM taillights :: And they do .... ?

Whats a header ?

How does exhaust effect a car ? Obvioudly looks different, helps performance ? I am not a fan of loud sports exhaust, the quieter the better IMO.

Thank you for the information, I hope to learn from this.

[DaveQB]

Well the whole point of personalizing is to make it something that you like . I myself don't know what you like so I can't help you with the visuals of the car but I can give you a few suggestions for some HP mods. First off start like everyone else and get an intake. There are two ways of accomplishing this. You could A. Make your own, or B. Buy a kit online. There are also two different types of intakes. You have a short ram intake which is like a 60* elbow which will end where the air box is. Or you could spend a few extra dollars and so with a cold air intake which if I'm not mistake goes through the fender. Another option to getting an intake is to bump your timing by a few degrees and using 91 octane gas . Just a few suggestions to get you on your way.

Well I do realise people can't say what I like, but what options are there out there ? Your dealing with a totally car blind person ....til now. So need suggestions, links to image etc, of little things one can do to change the look from stock standard! :-)

I have ran into cold air intake. So this is something one can install themselves or best to take to a mechanic ? A big costly job ? How much does it improve your take off/performance ? Doesnt impact you fuel economy ?

Bumping my timing ?? I generally fill with Premium (95) unleaded.

[playr158]

coilovers and springs = lower ride height, increase handling ability

sway bars = less body roll, better handling

slotted rotors = brake rotors with slots, they look like this
let me know if you need a reliable source for a quality slotted rotor

sorry the bodykit was specific to that post for that topic, bodykits are personal choice and offer NO aerodynamic benefit, at least for our cars.

Toyota JDM tails is an aesthetic mod for the hatchback celica, its an oem toyota part

Header, its the very first piece of your exhaust system which comes off the motor. I'm not sure which motor you have but you can find them on ebay here
http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?f...&category0=

you can put together (have someone at a local speed shop) make you a custom exhaust fairly cheap. you can gain around 15-20hp out of it, chose your own mufflers/resonators ect.

as to the reply by celicaZR, since he is an OBD2 motor he's not going to be able to change his timing mechanically. so that isn't really an option for him

as to the INTAKE suggestion, go to K&N and buy a drop in panel air filter, then remove the intake resonator boxes (located behind the driver side fender) and you will have a good performing intake

This post has been edited by playr158: Dec 9, 2007 - 11:22 PM

[DaveQB]

Welcome
Always good to have another Sydneysider
Enjoy your stay!
Its a very friendly and informative community

Join up @ ozcelica.com as well

Yep. Where in the Sydney area are you ?

Yeah, looks like it, trying to read through the members rides for idea's. although the terms are mostly over my head.

It seems I have joined ozcelica.com in my mad look for all things Celica. I'll now actually have a look at the place!! :-)

[DaveQB]

coilovers and springs = lower ride height, increase handling ability

sway bars = less body roll, better handling

slotted rotors = brake rotors with slots, they look like this
let me know if you need a reliable source for a quality slotted rotor

sorry the bodykit was specific to that post for that topic, bodykits are personal choice and offer NO aerodynamic benefit, at least for our cars.

Toyota JDM tails is an aesthetic mod for the hatchback celica, its an oem toyota part

Header, its the very first piece of your exhaust system which comes off the motor. I'm not sure which motor you have but you can find them on ebay here
http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?f...&category0=

you can put together (have someone at a local speed shop) make you a custom exhaust fairly cheap. you can gain around 15-20hp out of it, chose your own mufflers/resonators ect.

as to the reply by celicaZR, since he is an OBD2 motor he's not going to be able to change his timing mechanically. so that isn't really an option for him

as to the INTAKE suggestion, go to K&N and buy a drop in panel air filter, then remove the intake resonator boxes (located behind the driver side fender) and you will have a good performing intake

Thanks alot for that verbose information.

Trying to find info on these JDM tail lights. See what they look like. Is JDM what they are called in Australia ?

What do "slotted rotors" actually do over the ummm non-slotted rotors?

That much more hp from a simple exhaust swap ? WOW!

I have the 5S-FE motor.
So I am liking the idea of:

- JDM tail lights (need to see them first though and see how much they are)
- Sway bar (again, gotta see how much, how much better handling do they offer? Say compared to lowering and low profile tyres ?)
- new Exhaust

Looking at that short list, I feel I am neglecting the exterior. Hmmm, need to search through the members ride list to see whats out there.

[lubu]

JDM means Japan Domestic Market, and yes its called JDM everywhere.

Slotted rotors or drilled or a combo of both reduce the heat builtup around the rotors.

Maybe you want to consider the projector headlights and highclears, as well as front end GT4 conversion...hehehe expensive though.

3sgte swap???

[nightryder]

JDM means Japan Domestic Market, and yes its called JDM everywhere.

Slotted rotors or drilled or a combo of both reduce the heat builtup around the rotors.

Maybe you want to consider the projector headlights and highclears, as well as front end GT4 conversion...hehehe expensive though.

3sgte swap???

i think that a 3s swap is a little more than he intends to currently undertake...


Welcome btw!

This post has been edited by nightryder: Dec 10, 2007 - 1:15 AM

[playr158]

The benefit to a slotted rotor is that it dissipates the gases that build up between the pad and rotor. Increasing your braking performance.

[CelicaZR]

Welcome
Always good to have another Sydneysider
Enjoy your stay!
Its a very friendly and informative community

Join up @ ozcelica.com as well

Yep. Where in the Sydney area are you ?

Yeah, looks like it, trying to read through the members rides for idea's. although the terms are mostly over my head.

It seems I have joined ozcelica.com in my mad look for all things Celica. I'll now actually have a look at the place!! :-)

Parra area

[ImportChick95]

If I were you, I would work on getting an exhaust system, intake, & some good lowering springs for now. You might also want to save up for some nice wheels later on down the road. I would not buy slotted rotors because the car is slow & all of that extra breaking power is pointless for a slow daily. JDM tails cost around $200 and they will add a nice touch to your car.

[Rusty]

look around here for ideas
Styling

[celicaST]

there is no way an exhaust on our cars is going to net 15-20hp

[DaveQB]

JDM means Japan Domestic Market, and yes its called JDM everywhere.

Slotted rotors or drilled or a combo of both reduce the heat builtup around the rotors.

Maybe you want to consider the projector headlights and highclears, as well as front end GT4 conversion...hehehe expensive though.

3sgte swap???

So whats so special about JDM Tail lights for 6th Gen's ?? I haven't managed to find a pic of them yet.

Hmm projector headlights ? whats highclears ??
I'll try and google image search them and see what I get, sounds interesting...
GT4 front end conversion ? What is a GT4 ? A US model version of a Celica ? I thought there was only an SX, SX-R and ZR.

[DaveQB]

i think that a 3s swap is a little more than he intends to currently undertake...


Welcome btw!

I think so too. Is the 3S a more powerful motor ? Must check its spec's. I thought it would be less. But what do I know.

Thank you.

[DaveQB]

The benefit to a slotted rotor is that it dissipates the gases that build up between the pad and rotor. Increasing your braking performance.

Ahh cool, thanks for the explanation.

Wouldn't tyres/wheels have a much greater impact on braking though ? Mine feel good, but I am no car expert, as previously discussed.

Can you get ABS installed into a 6th gen ? And if so, ballpark cost for that ?

[DaveQB]

Parra area

Cool. Campbelltown for me. I'll check out those forums some more..so far this thread is providing me lots of info.

Who in Sydney do you buy from ? I guess it depends on the parts hey ?

If I were you, I would work on getting an exhaust system, intake, & some good lowering springs for now. You might also want to save up for some nice wheels later on down the road. I would not buy slotted rotors because the car is slow & all of that extra breaking power is pointless for a slow daily. JDM tails cost around $200 and they will add a nice touch to your car.

Ahhh ok, yeah, I'll put these slotted brakes down on my list, I feel likes its braking plenty good.

Is it true that
better exhaust = more noise ?
Cold intake interests me, not much performance pick up is there ? Effects fuel economy ?

look around here for ideas
Styling

Thanks mate *opens in a new tab*

there is no way an exhaust on our cars is going to net 15-20hp

Oh, yeah ? Hmmmm so what would effect the cars performance/take off power the most ? (A 5S-FE motor 6th gen, that is)

[playr158]

a full header back exhaust should put you right about 15hp gain, this can mean a slight increase in noise to a massive increase in noise. again its HOW you build your system.

JDM tails and tailllight info here
http://www.6gc.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=30123

if stock brakes feel fine, good for your driving.....drive harder

for the rest of the information...use the search button

This post has been edited by playr158: Dec 11, 2007 - 7:13 PM

[DaveQB]

Welcome
Always good to have another Sydneysider
Enjoy your stay!
Its a very friendly and informative community

Join up @ ozcelica.com as well

Ok, so I joined awhile ago it seems, but still havent been "activated" by the boards admin. Trying the validation URL error's saying the boards admin hasn't enabled my account yet.

How long does it usually take ? Can you give them a poke in the ribs ?

a full header back exhaust should put you right about 15hp gain, this can mean a slight increase in noise to a massive increase in noise. again its HOW you build your system.

JDM tails and tailllight info here
http://www.6gc.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=30123

if stock brakes feel fine, good for your driving.....drive harder

for the rest of the information...use the search button

Thanks mate.
I have been looking around online for someone in Sydney that does customer exhausts. I'll see around ozcelica.com as to whom they recommend in there.

Hahaha drive harder ? I think I need bigger and better wheels and sway bars to go harder :-)

Yep, gotta love search, sometimes hard to know what I am searching for, hence my thread (ultra-noob)

Thanks

[goferris]

Oh, yeah ? Hmmmm so what would effect the cars performance/take off power the most ? (A 5S-FE motor 6th gen, that is)

turbo will give you the most bang for your buck IMO
it will be a bit of money up front but you will gain about 100hp+ by getting a nice turbo set up. for more info on that check out the forced induction section of the site. if you want to see what JDM tails look like you can check my sig or profile. that's what i have on my car. as for the exterior you have a 99 right? does it have sideskirts stock like mine? if so i would look into getting some front and rear ssIII splitters. (just search for them ) it's a simple and subtle look that always looks good.
do you have an automatic tranny or manual? if it's a manual i would highly recomend a 7th gen celica short shifter. shifting feels a lot better with it IMO
but as for everything it will all come to you with a little searching and reading. i'm sure it will turn out nice.
welcome to the site

[CelicaZR]

Welcome
Always good to have another Sydneysider
Enjoy your stay!
Its a very friendly and informative community

Join up @ ozcelica.com as well

Ok, so I joined awhile ago it seems, but still havent been "activated" by the boards admin. Trying the validation URL error's saying the boards admin hasn't enabled my account yet.

How long does it usually take ? Can you give them a poke in the ribs ?

I'll get that organised for ya
What was your nick?
In return I want some pics

[DaveQB]

Oh, yeah ? Hmmmm so what would effect the cars performance/take off power the most ? (A 5S-FE motor 6th gen, that is)

turbo will give you the most bang for your buck IMO
it will be a bit of money up front but you will gain about 100hp+ by getting a nice turbo set up. for more info on that check out the forced induction section of the site. if you want to see what JDM tails look like you can check my sig or profile. that's what i have on my car. as for the exterior you have a 99 right? does it have sideskirts stock like mine? if so i would look into getting some front and rear ssIII splitters. (just search for them ) it's a simple and subtle look that always looks good.
do you have an automatic tranny or manual? if it's a manual i would highly recomend a 7th gen celica short shifter. shifting feels a lot better with it IMO
but as for everything it will all come to you with a little searching and reading. i'm sure it will turn out nice.
welcome to the site

Thanks for that. I have read through that thread another member posted back a few posts, about styling.
http://www.6gc.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=39945&st=0

Thats a great thread and giving me lots of idea's.


Hmmm turbo hey. What kind ballpark figure ? How would effect fuel economy and the longevity of the car and motor ? It would up my insurance policy I assume.

JDM tail lights.....not doing alot for me right now looking at pics, I mean its just another tail light style. Afterburners look cool though. The JDM's might appeal to me more when I have a great understanding/appreciation of cars and Celica's
Auto tranny for me ;-)

No, no side skirts. I saw the splitters, front and rear, and side skirts in that thread. Yes does look good, I would like to add that, or a body kit of some sort, but so costly and its purely cosmetic, serves no other purpose. I'd prefer to spend money on tyres/wheels, looks good plus adds a little bit to the handling.
But if someone is giving a body kit away dirt cheap.....I'd get it ;-)

And thanks for the welcome!

I'll get that organised for ya
What was your nick?
In return I want some pics

Thanks mate.

DaveQB, as I am in all of the 40+ forums I am a member of ;-)

Ahhh yes, I must take some and add to my profile. Very plain Jane car now, but it would be a start and then can update as I mod the car.

Thanks everyone!
Keep the idea's rolling.....

This post has been edited by DaveQB: Dec 12, 2007 - 9:39 AM