Get ready for 2nd generation of SS-four..., 4x4=205 ;) Options

[malpaso]

At last I can fully share with news... After my project failed I tried to figure out what would be the best with remaining budged. I talked to many friends and all said the same: "Buy ST205... you can not regret". So I made few messages and planned 1000miles trip

It started at Friday 14:50 with airborne


the same day after few hours in London's airport...


...at last boring part of trip ended in Manchester . I have met bodhi and his GT-four at the airport...


He took me to pick up my new baby . Yes... that white one GT-four below...


It's pure almost stock JDM model with all Japan market goodies I have always wanted to have in my car






First night as fresh GT-four owner (and after first few miles with RHD car I took a rest in bodhi's house. Thank you so much again for your help mate!)


Saturday morning 7:30... just quick inspection before long ride home...


Even in RHD car in the UK I was still on the right side of the road .


After 350 miles (about) I took the rest on ferry... pretty new experience as well.


Saturday 15:14... Good bye England.


So weird feeling... I definitely do not like traveling by boat (with car )


At last "solid ground". Damn long 90 minutes . Welcome France...


...and still the same side of road .


Sunday morning 9:15 I have left France to Belgium, than Netherlands and finally... Autobahn! No-speed-limit highway in Germany


First chance to test if limiter really has been removed (during gauge conversion to miles) JDM 180km max speed is boring right? .


Car runs unbelievably... but it costs something (I hate German highway... You would not believe how much fuel it can take when driving fast)


Sunday afternoon 18:00 at last first sign I'm close to Czech Republic again...


Sunday evening 20:00... After today's 600miles I got home... (Only here you can meet harvester between cars on road )


My trip is over but all fun still has not began . 2nd gen of SS-four needs some time and work

This post has been edited by malpaso: Aug 10, 2009 - 5:17 AM

[Rusty]

congrates mate... so a SS-four are you going to swap your ST kit over to your new GT4?

This post has been edited by Rusty: Aug 10, 2009 - 3:36 AM

[808celica]

Wow you gots $$$$$bank$$$$$$ so you gonna be cutting another gt4 bumper???? would you consider a silvertop 4age or even 4agze in the AT-T???

MArtin that is just plain sick!!!! Congrats

[trdproven]

I heard about that Germany no speed limit.

[manphibian]

Awesome mate. You really get things done :-)

[PR0PH37]

As Yoda would say, "So jealous, Iam."

[Wintersun]

Wow thats cool Malpaso!

Im sure you'll be smiling forever in your GT4

I work at the Port of Dover, im sure I saw a white faff driving through on Saturday.

This post has been edited by Wintersun: Aug 10, 2009 - 8:09 AM

[Keiri]

Congrats malpaso!

This thread has made my Monday; definitely keep us updated on your adventures with the GT-Four.

[96bluevert]

Contrats!

600 mile trip, good way to break the ice between you and your new GT-4

[njccmd2002]

so what would happen to the ss4. dont sell it!

[reko]

THIS is what you call a ROAD TRIP heh

[garin]

very nice... glad to see this!

[Nial]

News hit the GT4OC that someone from the Czech Republic had bought this GT4...didnt know it was you I`d have nipped over and said Hi had I known, I know Bodhi (Chris)..... His car is awesome and oh so clean....Hope you enjoy GT4 ownership. Nice road trip aswel. Makes my feet itchy.

[SwissFerdi]

AAHHHHH you're lucky...I'm envious.

Wow, amazing. Much luck.

[RbrtNdrws]

Awesome Martin! So, now what you're like one of three Gt-Four's in CZ?

What are your plans for the other Celica now?

Good luck! I will have to come back to Prague to see the car when you finish .

-Rob

[OOBE]

That is awesome, Malpaso. I'm really happy for you. Cannot wait to see what you're going to do to this one. Are you keeping the SS-FOUR? Hmmm...so many questions.

[delusionz]

Envious of your sunroof

Is that a 1996 model? Some things look familiar in there...

They say it's easiest to swap a whole hatch from a white 1994 wreck and add the riser blocks to that and swap the badge. Wonder if you'll beat me to it

[delusionz]

How do the UK guys work out their proper milage? Like, A large portion of that 139XXX would have ticked over in kilometers in japan, and then with the speedo correcter that would start ticking over at rate 1.6x slower? Do they just ignore the big number and just approximate the real answer if someone asks?

This post has been edited by delusionz: Aug 10, 2009 - 4:22 PM

[Batman722]

Martin congrats !!!

you did the right thing finally !
just do the suspension w/figure 8, intake, exhaust, boost controller and your just about good to go

also in this pic...



boosting with that little gas will help burn out your fuel pump

[CelicaST_CALI]

Your out of gas and your door is open haha

Congrats on getting a awesome car!How much did she run you?

This post has been edited by CelicaST_CALI: Aug 10, 2009 - 5:02 PM

[bodhi]

How do the UK guys work out their proper milage? Like, A large portion of that 139XXX would have ticked over in kilometers in japan, and then with the speedo correcter that would start ticking over at rate 1.6x slower? Do they just ignore the big number and just approximate the real answer if someone asks?

If it's done say 100k Km when it gets converted, we just work out the km in miles (in that case, 62k miles) from the import certificate and then add the rest on from there. Some people take the calculated value in miles and then have the clocks altered to match. Mine is a UK ST205, so I don't have to bother with the pesky conversion or speed limiter

Oh, and the fuel gauge on Martin's is a bit quirky as you can see the low fuel light still works, but the needle appears to have resigned.
I drove this car on Friday night and I can definately vouch for how smooth it drives. The gearbox is silky smooth compared to mine. In fact, i want a new gearbox now after that drive!

Was great to meet you at last Martin, and so pleased that you made it back from your adventure safely. I was a bit worried about how you'd manage with the steering wheel on the wrong side Looking forward to seeing this new project take shape.... this forum has no popcorn smiley

[SwissFerdi]

Wait, I just noticed...why does yours say GT-4 coupe? It doesn't exist.

That's a bit degrading to the car itself.

This post has been edited by SwissFerdi: Aug 10, 2009 - 6:36 PM

[hurley97]

Very nice Martin!!! Congratulation!!!

I want to know what your secret plans are for the blue car now...

[manphibian]

Wait, I just noticed...why does yours say GT-4 coupe? It doesn't exist.

That's a bit degrading to the car itself.

Coupe is what it is in the UK. Hatchback is Civic, Golf, focus etc...

Celica, TT etc is a coupe.


Over here, a celica with a boot (trunk) would be called a saloon. But it was only inflicted on you guys j/k

[SwissFerdi]

Coupe is what it is in the UK. Hatchback is Civic, Golf, focus etc...

Celica, TT etc is a coupe.


Over here, a celica with a boot (trunk) would be called a saloon. But it was only inflicted on you guys j/k

I understand the difference in shape, and that Celica's have more of a "coupe" body line, but still, it has a hatch.

This post has been edited by SwissFerdi: Aug 11, 2009 - 2:28 AM

[96bluevert]

I thought saloon was a sedan (4 door) lol

I consider the 6gc hatch more of a fastback, but I'm used to the American names.

[malpaso]

Wait, I just noticed...why does yours say GT-4 coupe? It doesn't exist.

That's a bit degrading to the car itself.

Coupe is what it is in the UK. Hatchback is Civic, Golf, focus etc...

Celica, TT etc is a coupe.


Over here, a celica with a boot (trunk) would be called a saloon. But it was only inflicted on you guys j/k

Exactly! Even I have written my celi is coupe in my registration book. We have just different words in Europe sometimes

[SwissFerdi]

Granted, I thought coupe at first when I saw my Celica, but I guess I'm used to USDM terms now

[malpaso]

It seems I owe you all a lot of answers

To Rusty: That's the plan. I will definitely use body kit on that GT-four...
To 808celica: Not at all. No cutting of other bumper . Plans for future not set now... depends on if I'm able to register RHD car here or must do LHD conversion... we will see.
To trdproven: To see there that "derestriction sign" was really cool . Here more info.
To manphibian: Thank you mate. I still can not believe it went so smoothly...
To PR0PH37: Thank you. Let the force be with you
To Wintersun: World is so small lol. That is unbelievable!
To Keiri: For sure I will keep you all updated. Honestly there is no other community like this... so I know only here I can share with news about my car freely.
To 96bluevert: Tell me about that. I had some experience with RHD cars but mostly with AT. This is first time I must face shifter on left side... so 1000miles (total) did good job for my RHD MT driving skills .
To njccmd2002: So far I have just plans... Until they are fixed and confirmed it's too soon to say what would happen with "old SS-four". Sad fact is I can not get decent price for it here . So there are only two ways to go... keep it or break apart.
To reko: You bet I call! Running through 6 countries and handle 1000miles in two days is not my daily habit
To garin: Me too . There were so many things that might fail... I really can not believe it went so easy and smooth.
To Nial: The world is really small . At GT4OC I have used different nickname (since I didn't have GT-four and I'm not UK citizen). BTW.: do you know anyone else from CZ crazy enough to do something like that? lol
To SwissFerdi: Yes I'm. I have had luck as hell. Especially with my UK guide Chris. He is my GT-four guarding angel
To RbrtNdrws: Hi Rob! In CZ were only two GT-fours officially sold. Still I'm sure there are more of them because I can not believe I'm only one who had idea importing it. Definitely when you come back to Prague you will see it .
To OOBE: Yea... as I said. So far I have just plans and options. Nothing is really fixed. I would like to keep both cars but I'm more and more afraid it is not possible .
To delusionz: You would not believe but sunroof was condition #1 when buying it . Car is 10/1995 and according to papers first time registered in japan 11/1995. About that mileage. It's bit complicated . First 110k is as kilometers. Than speedo has been converted to miles and is working and counting in miles... that means it has about 160k kms or 100k miles. I probably keep that conversion to miles chip and will bee running in miles (because when I remove it car would have 180km/h speed limiter active again). According that I have already prepared new gauge with exact calculated mileage



To Batman722: You are right. A lot of work to do . Ton of upgrades coming . About that fuel gauge. Unfortunately that gauge is not working . Now I'm glad I have a lot of spare parts already at home so it will be working in no time again. Meet the donor



To CelicaST_CALI: lol, it's not as it seems. I have used flash so believe me at 135mph I keep my doors closed. Top speed I tried was about 155mph. But honestly never more... It's really scary speed.
To bodhi: I will never be able to say "thank you" enough. Because of you I had parts to modify bumper last year and now again only thanks to you I have new car. Simply w/o I would not make it.
To hurley97: I will share for sure! Who else would worth to be updated with news than people in here? Thank you for support!

[bodhi]

Hmmm, i've never really considered the coupe/hatchback thing, i just picked one of the options from the list. Over here I think they're generally considered a coupe, like manphibian says, hatchback is normally something with a steeper rear hatch, where coupe's are lower sportier cars with two doors. The GT4 only came in one body style, so everyone can call it whatever they like, all that matters is I hold on for dear life when the turbo kicks in

[azian_advanced]

congrats on your new gt-four purchase.. you're now ready for big power mods can't wait to get mine some day

[spolski07]

CONGRATS MATE! i love threads like this!

[DEATH]

Awesome Martin
Sad to hear abou the SS-FOUR tho - can't you find someone there who will want her the way she is? It truely is one of a kind

[presure2]

cant wait to see what you have in store for the '4 in the future man, good luck with it!

[Nial]

To Nial: The world is really small . At GT4OC I have used different nickname (since I didn't have GT-four and I'm not UK citizen). BTW.: do you know anyone else from CZ crazy enough to do something like that? lol

The world is very small..I find this out every day. whats your user name on the OC?...now you do have a GT4 and you dont have to be a UK citizen to be a part of the OC. You would be more than welcome as is everyone.
I know about one person from CZ and he has just bought himself a GT4, looks alot like you and is definately crazy.

[bodhi]

I met a guy at the Japanese North West meet last night who is driving over with his Czech girlfriend to see here parents in Prague. They're setting off tomorrow i think, in his newly imported white 205. So keep a look out for another UK plate gt4 in Prague for a few days

[BonzaiCelica]

thee greatest Celica story Every told

2 thumbs Up

[delusionz]

Hope that gauge replacement fixes the problem, In both our SS-III & GT4 Celicas the fuel light stopped working, actually turns out to be the in-tank sender, So if you don't have success with the gauge, then you'll have to get to the senders, should be more easily accessible in the gt4.

[Smaay]

im so freaking jealous...

[malpaso]

To azian_advanced: that's the plan . 7AFTE ended heavily modified at 200HP/300NM. But 3SGTE is staring at 260HP/330NM .
To spolski07: Thank you Scott . I'm so glad I can share with that to someone who wants to hear that!
To DEATH: Everything depends on registration. If there is any issue with registration (and it seems so far it is because I do not meet all conditions for RHD car registration) it must me converted to LHD. And honestly... in that case my "1st gen SS-four" would be donor of all LHD parts... but it's still too early. I still have been waiting for information (from registration authority, and also from someone who would make that conversion). I just need info for right decision I do not have now
To presure2: Thank you mate. I believe I can find a lot of inspiration here
To BonzaiCelica: For me also the greatest trip ever made
To Smaay: Honestly I can't still believe that really happened

Hope that gauge replacement fixes the problem, In both our SS-III & GT4 Celicas the fuel light stopped working, actually turns out to be the in-tank sender, So if you don't have success with the gauge, then you'll have to get to the senders, should be more easily accessible in the gt4.

Didn't . Still the same... gauge nothing but fuel light is working fine so do you think it still should be that sender or maybe even something else?

[delusionz]

What I'm told is that there is two senders, one for the gauge and one for the warning light.
My GT4 and my partners SS-III both coincidentally happen have a failed warning light sender, so I assume your gauge sender could just as easily cease to function.

To this day I have never found any separate fuse, tried replacing bulbs, etc. I'm not confident enough to fiddle with the fuel system so I've just done without, the gauge however is a bit more useful than the light though, so good luck with that

If you ever replace the part, post pics of what you unbolted and any danger precautions in regards to exposing the fuel tank, and how to pull it out without dropping something inside there.

But yeah I'm 99% sure it's one of those senders, btw, the st205 may have a different part number to the st202/4 due to its location under the boot.


EDIT: I read somewhere to test whether they are failed you can isolate the sender wires and i think you need to either ground or send a voltage down it and watch to see if anything happens on your dash.

This post has been edited by delusionz: Aug 12, 2009 - 3:39 AM

[bodhi]

I think Delusionz has it right. The fuel gauge and the warning light work off two different circuits although the sensors are in the same fuel sender unit.
Looking at the diagram, i would guess that by disconnecting the plug at the fuel sender and grounding the yellow wire with red stripe that the gauge should jump to show a full tank. If the fault is a break in the wire between the sender and the gauge then this would not happen however.

[doGGy]

Congrats Martin Nice "upgrade"!!

You will have Email today with all the info

[supershannon77]

Malpaso what a great thread...I wish you the best of luck and I hope u can get the registration done quick and easy...I cant wait to see more beautiful pictures of the car

[malpaso]

Thank you Shannon. Unfortunately I have made one single mistake during import (when re-registering the car in UK) and because of that I can not register it as RHD car now . So only chance is make conversion to LHD and register it as common LHD car (that should not be problem at all). That makes all planes more clear. For now I have just one aim. Make that GT-four street legal here and swap body kit from old ST-T. So this is the plan:

- take GT-four to Romas and let him to do that work. He has made already about 6 conversions like this so I'm pretty sure car would be in good hands . Thank you Romas for that! Can't wait for your mail .
- swap SS-four body kit to GT-four and finish 2nd. gen of SS-four
- rest depends on remaining budget...

option one: let "old ST-T" look like stock GT-four and use it as is.
option two: break "old ST-T" apart... that means use all necessary LHD parts for GT-Four conversion (so love conversion costs) and sell the rest... (any first dibs for "GT-four replica maker's kit" that includes complete hood, complete bumper with fogs, all brackets, seals, locks, hooks... everything in one? ). My ST-T has a lot of nice parts installed (TEIN SS coilovers, upgraded sways, front-rear strut bars, JDM trunk mat... yea... probably it will not fit GT-four trunk , etc.) so I might get some money from it to cover conversion expenses.

[808celica]

I'll miss the original ss-four though

[kavy]

always wanted to get me one of those....wayyyyyy awsooommmeeeee mate!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[malpaso]

I think Delusionz has it right. The fuel gauge and the warning light work off two different circuits although the sensors are in the same fuel sender unit.
Looking at the diagram, i would guess that by disconnecting the plug at the fuel sender and grounding the yellow wire with red stripe that the gauge should jump to show a full tank. If the fault is a break in the wire between the sender and the gauge then this would not happen however.
...

So it's confirmed. Gauge is working, wires are fine. That means I need new sender...

[SwissFerdi]

Thank you Shannon. Unfortunately I have made one single mistake during import (when re-registering the car in UK) and because of that I can not register it as RHD car now . So only chance is make conversion to LHD and register it as common LHD car (that should not be problem at all). That makes all planes more clear. For now I have just one aim. Make that GT-four street legal here and swap body kit from old ST-T. So this is the plan:

- take GT-four to Romas and let him to do that work. He has made already about 6 conversions like this so I'm pretty sure car would be in good hands . Thank you Romas for that! Can't wait for your mail .
- swap SS-four body kit to GT-four and finish 2nd. gen of SS-four
- rest depends on remaining budget...

option one: let "old ST-T" look like stock GT-four and use it as is.
option two: break "old ST-T" apart... that means use all necessary LHD parts for GT-Four conversion (so love conversion costs) and sell the rest... (any first dibs for "GT-four replica maker's kit" that includes complete hood, complete bumper with fogs, all brackets, seals, locks, hooks... everything in one? ). My ST-T has a lot of nice parts installed (TEIN SS coilovers, upgraded sways, front-rear strut bars, JDM trunk mat... yea... probably it will not fit GT-four trunk , etc.) so I might get some money from it to cover conversion expenses.

It's a hard decision...but, I think the SS-FOUR should stay an SS-FOUR, and the GT-FOUR should stay the same. I'd say grab the interior parts from the old car and transfer it to the new, but keep the GT-4 bumper, hood, and everything else that makes it special.

This post has been edited by SwissFerdi: Aug 14, 2009 - 1:34 PM

[Borghe]

Congratulation Martin!!... I like your new GT4

[TiGZ461]

Hell of a story man, one of the greatest told. You defiantly deserve this car for the journey you put up for it.

[PR0PH37]

Not for nothing Malpasso but your SS-FOUR is an inspiration to me (as well as all the GT-4s) and I plan to do one just like what you have (as far as exterior look is concerned). To me you should keep the SS-FOUR as is and use something else to convert your GT-4. And while you are at it, make it yours. Your SS-FOUR is unique...how are going to make your GT-4 unique? How is it going to be "THE MALPASO" GT-4? I'm challenging you!