95' st for Auto X (Help) Options

[Stambo]

I just purchased my 95' celica st about a month ago. It has about 150k on the engine. I just put in a weapon r intake about a week ago. Now, I can't decide what to do next. I was thinking getting a cat-back, or maybe a header, or possibly put front/rear sway bars in. I am planning to do autox this summer. Mind you I graduate high school next year. So I am not exactly full of money. What do you think is the best thing to do in my situation? I know a engine swap is in my mind, but not for another year. I've looked around on forums and really havn't found much.

[_mikeE]

Well, bolt on mods such as headers, intake, exhaust don't really do much on our cars. You'll probably get like a max 10-15hp out of those 3 altogether. But sway bars, strut bars, and upgrade your suspension, and tires would be a good essential if you're considering Auto X and if you want, you could get some pillowball strut mounts.
Oh and also invest in some Twos R'Us ST185 (5th gen celica) sway bar end links. Those work miracles for handling.

This post has been edited by _mikeE: Apr 24, 2008 - 10:57 PM

[bccentaur3]

First of all you have an ST. They are perfect for auto X. Get yourself some suspension techniques sway bars. Front and rear strut bars. st185 end links. And if you want a killer set-up get some adjustible coil overs. HP doesn't mean squat in auto x. Well it does, but it all depends on who you are running with. O yeah get some grippy tires.

[GotToyota]

Can the ST185 end links work on GT's as well?

Also, what's so special about them?

[bccentaur3]

Yes they will work on GTs. The difference is that they are beefier. I guess people say they can feel the difference. I don't know personally since I haven't tried the end links yet, because I would like to use them with some upgraded sway bars.

[Stambo]

I am hoping to order the sway bars in a month or so. Any personal preference on the brand of sway bars? Also, thanks for the input.

[Bitter]

im not sure (i think it would change your class) but the ebay header may help you, i noted a big boost in power from 3000 rpm and on up. if you're leaving the car in 2 on the track you'll pretty much stay in that rpm range the whole time.

[Stambo]

i really havnt heard anything bad about them, just being generic and all..

[Bitter]

mine is doing well after nearly 2 or 3 years of everyday use, wrapped for most of that time. definitely an increase in torque over the stock setup, especially above 3000 rpm all the way till 6000 rpm. i have my automatic trans kick down cable pulled a little tighter than stock to hold gears a little longer under part throttle and hold a little longer under WOT as well. consequence of this is that when my auto shifts at WOT it shifts at 6000-6200rpm.

[Tigawoods]

suspension techniques sways are dependable and affordable

for a good auto x setup. u can take out the back seats passenger seats and the spare tire. ST's are really light and that will be to your advantage

strut bars will also be helpful and are pretty affordable
like this


what trim is your car. hatch coupe...

[Stambo]

Coupe.

[dabazied]

Coupe.

Even lighter than lol.... woohoo for a potential autox 6gc coupe lol

[GotToyota]

Why is it that the ST's are better for Auto X'ing then GT's?

[bccentaur3]

Lighter.

[Stambo]

Ill keep you guys updated as to when i get sway bars on, and some new shocks n struts. It wont be for a few months, but ill keep you updated.

[Stambo]

I have a couple more questions. My car is kinda mid milage.... 160,000. Do you guys think i should replace some of the basics just to make sure everything is tip top shape? Maybe replace water pump, serpentine belt?