CYRIL: 94 GT4 Options

[Malek]

Welcome to my 94 Celica GT-Four progress thread.

Modifications (when purchased):
-17" Lehrmeister Type 3 wheels
-OBX R Catback (came with Ti as well)
-3" Downpipe (no name)
-HKS Induction Pipe
-Momo Steering Wheel
-Jensen Touchscreen Headunit
-Exedy Stage 2 clutch
-Unknown lowering springs



Very first thing I did was the hood grill and engine/trans oil change. Rotella T6 and Pennzoil Synchromesh.


And then wash, clay bar, wax. Went up Golden Gate Canyon, Peak to Peak Hwy to Nederland, and then back down 119 to Coal Creek Canyon. On one of the stops for pictures, a Jeep passes me hard on the brakes, guy jumps out with wide eyes "IS THAT REAL?!" haha Ended up being a pretty cool guy who's had a few Supras, rhd Sylvias, etc...

Anyways, on to the pics:








This post has been edited by Malek: May 29, 2016 - 7:30 PM

[richee3]

Awesome pickup! Glad to see you stayed in the 6gc family.

[antoine64]

I love it! But how is a GT4 legal to import? That must have snuck past customs somehow.

It looks like my Celica except that mine is front wheel drive engine swap with a hybrid bumper and in need of a paint job.

[BonzaiCelica]

I'm sorry, but what. You defy the laws of all logic. This is like the starburst commercial with the Japanese Scottish father and son talking to the zombie on the bus.

So the registration was truly what was holding you back? Got it

This post has been edited by BonzaiCelica: Oct 10, 2015 - 10:38 PM

[Box]

Wooo, exactly how I'd want one. Dark blue and all-wheel drive.

[Tigawoods]

I love it! But how is a GT4 legal to import? That must have snuck past customs somehow.

^this

please explain, I dont feel like waiting 4 years

[4-eyed-freek]

Awesome car! I like the choice of oil too, I use the same

[JoshuaM]

Wow, looks amazing!

Very funny story too

[Malek]

Thanks everyone! The pictures do hide a lot of the imperfections but overall, it's in pretty good shape!

I love it! But how is a GT4 legal to import? That must have snuck past customs somehow.

It looks like my Celica except that mine is front wheel drive engine swap with a hybrid bumper and in need of a paint job.

The story with this one: The guy I bought it from (a ghost of sorts in the 6gc community), had a friend years back that was stationed in Japan. He gave the friend some cash to buy a GT4 and own it for (I think) a year or whatever the minimum amount of time is so that he could bring it back to the US when his deployment was over. The friend brought it back, changed a few things (head lights, etc), got inspected and boom, registered. It has a CO title with the JDM vin on it. All I have to do now is swap the catted down pipe back in, emission checked (like my swapped MR2) and go register.

I don't think military does that anymore though. Especially with spending cuts. This happened years ago (mid 2000s I believe)

I'm sorry, but what. You defy the laws of all logic. This is like the starburst commercial with the Japanese Scottish father and son talking to the zombie on the bus.

So the registration was truly what was holding you back? Got it

lol...yes. Why keep a car that I can't see or drive for 4+ years when I can take this one with me?

[Zeros2]

Badass Malek I'm glad you got to keep one when you leave haha, should be bad awesome cruising in Cali! Come take me for a ride bro!

[Malek]

Badass Malek I'm glad you got to keep one when you leave haha, should be bad awesome cruising in Cali! Come take me for a ride bro!

Stop working on the Supra and get your car sorted! Let's cruise!

[Zeros2]

Supra is coming together so soon I'll be able to get working on the Celica, I don't know if I'll have it up and running before you leave though

[antoine64]

Thanks everyone! The pictures do hide a lot of the imperfections but overall, it's in pretty good shape!

I love it! But how is a GT4 legal to import? That must have snuck past customs somehow.

It looks like my Celica except that mine is front wheel drive engine swap with a hybrid bumper and in need of a paint job.

The story with this one: The guy I bought it from (a ghost of sorts in the 6gc community), had a friend years back that was stationed in Japan. He gave the friend some cash to buy a GT4 and own it for (I think) a year or whatever the minimum amount of time is so that he could bring it back to the US when his deployment was over. The friend brought it back, changed a few things (head lights, etc), got inspected and boom, registered. It has a CO title with the JDM vin on it. All I have to do now is swap the catted down pipe back in, emission checked (like my swapped MR2) and go register.

I don't think military does that anymore though. Especially with spending cuts. This happened years ago (mid 2000s I believe)

I'm sorry, but what. You defy the laws of all logic. This is like the starburst commercial with the Japanese Scottish father and son talking to the zombie on the bus.

So the registration was truly what was holding you back? Got it

lol...yes. Why keep a car that I can't see or drive for 4+ years when I can take this one with me?

Makes sense. What a great find!! You said you had a converted Celica before?

My 3sgte turbo, as yours probably did, puts all the power to the front wheels. How different is the car when all that power is delivered to four wheels?

I imagine you don't have to worry about accidentally spinning your tires at a green light.

How's the RHD?

[Malek]

I did a 3sgte awd conversion...Operation: DARKSPYRO I don't really remember how it felt fwd..

The power feels the same. Handling is different due to the superstrut suspension.

The learning curve for RHD isn't as bad as I originally thought it'd be. I got the hang of shifting fairly quickly. The only thing that really threw me off was the fact that the blinkers and windshield wiper controls are switched haha

[lilgreenyoda]

I did a 3sgte awd conversion...Operation: DARKSPYRO I don't really remember how it felt fwd..

The power feels the same. Handling is different due to the superstrut suspension.

The learning curve for RHD isn't as bad as I originally thought it'd be. I got the hang of shifting fairly quickly. The only thing that really threw me off was the fact that the blinkers and windshield wiper controls are switched haha

Didn't know there was anyone else from CO on here. You ever get to the cars and coffee up in Lafayette?

[Nial]

Nice purchase, I expect there are one or two very jealous people reading this, me included, your Gt4 works

[Fate]

I got the hang of shifting fairly quickly. The only thing that really threw me off was the fact that the blinkers and windshield wiper controls are switched haha

^this.


I remember the struggle. Congrats on the latest pick up!

[Malek]

Went and got emission tested yesterday. First, I went with the 3in downpipe...and failed I knew I would but wanted to see what difference the cat made and figured might as well since it's a free retest within 10 days. It's quite a big difference haha Also, almost blasphemous, but I may like the way it sounds better with the stock downpipe on..just seems more refined and smoother.

Here's with the 3in dp


And with the stock dp


It was the same guy who retested, he came in the booth afterwards and was like wtf did I do to change the numbers that much. I told him I changed the injectors

Looking at big turbo kits...EMS...ATS...hmmm..

This post has been edited by Malek: Oct 17, 2015 - 7:47 PM

[mkernz22]

Did he not notice the different downpipe in the bay?
That's a huuuuuge difference!

[Malek]

Did he not notice the different downpipe in the bay?
That's a huuuuuge difference!

Nah, I had the stock heat shield on both times. He had no idea what he was looking at. Notice the "catalytic converter presence" passed both times haha

[4-eyed-freek]

Did he not notice the different downpipe in the bay?
That's a huuuuuge difference!

Right?!?
The real huge difference is when you do a pull to red line, the 3in dp screams to 7k and wants more while the stock dp falls on its face around 6k

[enderswift]

^ agreed

The berk downpipe opens up the top end really nicely

[Malek]

Unfortunately, MVP Motorsports is backordered for a few weeks on their Berk downpipes. Right now, there is some 2nd gen ebay special. It's putting some good strain on the flex section of the b-pipe...

I guess there is only one logical solution. Jump to big turbo setup..

[Zeros2]

Lmao those guys at air care Colorado don't know **** lol, Malek hit me up if you need help ripping that apart.

[jordisonjr]

That rear muffler seriously needs to be remounted.

This post has been edited by jordisonjr: Oct 23, 2015 - 3:13 PM

[Malek]

Lmao those guys at air care Colorado don't know **** lol, Malek hit me up if you need help ripping that apart.

Hell yeah man!

That rear muffler seriously needs to be remounted.

Can't remount just the muffler on a full exhaust unless I cut and reweld. Not gonna happen. Thanks though



Colorado legend says that the sooner you put your racks on, the sooner it snows Those bars stick out quite a bit but I think I'll just stick some mountain bike trays on the ends and the snowboard clamps in the middle.

[Zeros2]

Haha nice rack Malek, those are some crossbars haha. Got my pass to keystone and a basin a couple days ago! Let's hit it man

[jesse09]

Lmao those guys at air care Colorado don't know **** lol, Malek hit me up if you need help ripping that apart.

Hell yeah man!

That rear muffler seriously needs to be remounted.

Can't remount just the muffler on a full exhaust unless I cut and reweld. Not gonna happen. Thanks though



Colorado legend says that the sooner you put your racks on, the sooner it snows Those bars stick out quite a bit but I think I'll just stick some mountain bike trays on the ends and the snowboard clamps in the middle.

Looks good! Bars are quite long but I'm sure the extra space can be useful . I bet a Toyota decal would look nice across that wind fairing if that's your sort of thing

[antoine64]

are those 15" rims or 17"? I'm debating putting back on stock size rims and tires on my celica after I swapped out my 17" rims and low profile tires for my old stock rims with snow tires. the stock/snow tires feel so much better and even seem to turn nicer at regular speeds. not sure what the benefits of the large rims and low profile tires are except for looks.

[4-eyed-freek]

are those 15" rims or 17"? I'm debating putting back on stock size rims and tires on my celica after I swapped out my 17" rims and low profile tires for my old stock rims with snow tires. the stock/snow tires feel so much better and even seem to turn nicer at regular speeds. not sure what the benefits of the large rims and low profile tires are except for looks.

I dont think 15's clear the calipers on a gt4

[Domspun]

are those 15" rims or 17"? I'm debating putting back on stock size rims and tires on my celica after I swapped out my 17" rims and low profile tires for my old stock rims with snow tires. the stock/snow tires feel so much better and even seem to turn nicer at regular speeds. not sure what the benefits of the large rims and low profile tires are except for looks.

I dont think 15's clear the calipers on a gt4

16 inches minimum and some don't fit.

[antoine64]

are those 15" rims or 17"? I'm debating putting back on stock size rims and tires on my celica after I swapped out my 17" rims and low profile tires for my old stock rims with snow tires. the stock/snow tires feel so much better and even seem to turn nicer at regular speeds. not sure what the benefits of the large rims and low profile tires are except for looks.

I dont think 15's clear the calipers on a gt4

16 inches minimum and some don't fit.

Thanks. I'm just surprised how much of a crappy ride my 17" rim/low profile tires were. I know they're more responsive when cornering but all the other drawbacks don't make them good for a daily driver.

[Malek]

After putting a lot of thought into the direction I want to take this car (mostly during the long drive from CO to CA and then some drives up the coast and into the canyons), I've finally decided on my way forward. Purpose built track car, daily driver, weekend warrior, high HP, or GT car were all on my list of possibilities.

Well, I have decided that I'd put good use of the GT in GT-Four. I know, I know, rally car and whatnot but on the drive out I realized that this car is capable of the very definition of a grand touring car, "...grand tourers, able to make long-distance, high-speed journeys in both comfort and style." And yes, I realize Supras may be better suited for this kind of build but I do not have one..

Anyways, from this point forward, that is my focus. Quiet, comfortable, fast, yet still plenty of fun in the canyons. I have a few primary parts in mind but will continue to research.

Furthermore, here is a picture from my journey today lol I just started driving up 405, took an exit when I got bored, and ended up on Tujunga Canyon (The carbon fiber sticker/wrap on the gas cover annoys me to no end but I'm afraid to pull it off as the back of the cover is grey)

[Malek]

My first thoughts on mods (all up for discussion):

-BC Coilovers type RA or RH/ 6kg front and 4kg rear
-Interior sound manipulation (open to ideas. I carpet padded my first Celica but maybe there is a more elegant solution)


I don't have specific power goal in mind since "fast" is extremely relative. I'd like to say 350whp is good but to me that's just a number and I don't want to put a number on it quite yet. What would be more interesting would be a gearing modification. I think the transmission would do a bit better with a 6th gear but I know that's not feasible (or is it? Haven't done much research on it).

Current power bits include:
-3in intake
-3in PC'd Berk downpipe
-3in exhaust (except for the b-pipe)
-and a manual boost controller that I don't think is doing much as it will barely hit 14psi (might be my spring is just worn)

[Zeros2]

I'm still deciding what coilover I want for mine and I've been looking into the bc's it seems like a lot of people choose them!

[4-eyed-freek]

From personal experience, go with a new strut and spring combo. Coils combined with superstrut made for a harsh ride even with the softest setting. Add a Whiteline rear sway bar and it will out handle most cars out on the road.

[Nial]

Well, I have decided that I'd put good use of the GT in GT-Four. I know, I know, rally car and whatnot but on the drive out I realized that this car is capable of the very definition of a grand touring car, "...grand tourers, able to make long-distance, high-speed journeys in both comfort and style." And yes, I realize Supras may be better suited for this kind of build but I do not have one..

Anyways, from this point forward, that is my focus. Quiet, comfortable, fast, yet still plenty of fun in the canyons. I have a few primary parts in mind but will continue.

I drew the same conclusion, i even changed the direction of my project build to suit a GT type car, fast when it needs to be, but also a comfortable nice place to be. An all out rally car is just too much and i decided i would get bored with it very quickly, climbing over a roll cage to get in and out ceases to be fun after a while.

From personal experience, go with a new strut and spring combo. Coils combined with superstrut made for a harsh ride even with the softest setting. Add a Whiteline rear sway bar and it will out handle most cars out on the road.

I agree, having had both on a GT4, coilovers are a little harsh for a daily drive, new springs and shocks are a much more comfortable option, cheaper too. Although Thats down to the individual, i like quite firm suspension on my cars so coilovers on a soft setting suit me...just, but my car isnt a daily driver.

If you can find Eibach springs they are great and i recommend them above all others.

[Malek]

Thanks for the input guys, truly appreciated! I feel myself swaying (lol) a bit towards the new strut/spring combo.
I have not ridden in a Celica with coilovers so I really don't know the characteristics. Honestly, I've only had Celicas with poor suspension so this should make a world of difference!

[antoine64]

it's a pretty car! like mine but with a nice paint job and the gt-4 all wheel drive part. Such a lucky awesome purchase!

[Zeros2]

Let me know what you end up doing Malek I'm sure it will be awesome regardless I'm jealous bro ha. I'm building my parts pile now for the v6 one of these days it will run haha

[Malek]

I ran into one of the guys from Petrolicious (on YouTube) a while back and stayed in contact. He has one of the cleanest unmolested 2nd gen MR2s I've seen. He sent me a text earlier today asking to meet up since he's testing out a new camera and wanted to shoot the four. Had a mini shoot down at Warehouse 1. These were unedited, quick and dirty since the battery was dying faster than expected. Round 2 is in the works with his 2, 3sgte siblings.



This one shows just how desperately the front end needs a lip/splitters with the TRD sideskirts.


And one of my humble, no photography background shots

[Box]

Car looks great, you're right it needs front splitters yesterday.

This post has been edited by Box: Jun 6, 2016 - 1:56 PM

[4-eyed-freek]

You should do a euro chin spoiler!!

[Zeros2]

Get on the next group buy from funked with me Malek haha! Car still looking good how's the black gt4 replica doing??

This post has been edited by Zeros2: Jun 7, 2016 - 8:08 AM

[cheela]

still looks good regardless.

[Malek]

Car looks great, you're right it needs front splitters yesterday.

Thanks man! Need to figure out what I want for the front! The hardest part is deciding lol

You should do a euro chin spoiler!!

Hit me up with that link!

Get on the next group buy from funked with me Malek haha! Car still looking good how's the black gt4 replica doing??

I would but I can't decide what direction I want to go! I love the look of the C-One front lip on the OE bumper but I think it flows a lot better with regular sideskirts. But then I think the rear looks the best with TRD splitters but those do not flow well with regular sideskirts lol such a struggle.

still looks good regardless.

I appreciate it! Always a work in progress haha

[4-eyed-freek]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/252300758730?_trks...K%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Hard to see in this pic, but you get the point lol
https://www.google.com/search?safe=off&..._7zSh7lkQgzM%3A

It looks so sexy on gt4 IMO

This post has been edited by 4-eyed-freek: Jun 8, 2016 - 6:52 AM

[NgoFcukinWay]

Well, I have decided that I'd put good use of the GT in GT-Four. I know, I know, rally car and whatnot but on the drive out I realized that this car is capable of the very definition of a grand touring car, "...grand tourers, able to make long-distance, high-speed journeys in both comfort and style." And yes, I realize Supras may be better suited for this kind of build but I do not have one..

Yes! Thank you! This is exactly how I want to set up my Supra. People give me the dumbest looks when I tell them my end goal isn't a 1500hp drag monster. -___-

[Box]

Yeah I know what you mean, I fail to see what's so wrong with just doing some bolt-ons and other improvements here and there and calling it a day. Especially when it's a daily driver, it's like omgerd every F-body, Supra, RX-7, Corvette, etc... doesn't have to be an 1,000+ hp beast that's useless on the streets.

This post has been edited by Box: Jun 18, 2016 - 4:24 PM

[Malek]

It's been a while since I've updated. Mostly just posting these to keep track

BRD poly rear diff mount and shifter bushings. As you can see, the old ones were absolute trash (surprised by how well it drove with that ripped mount though!)


BRD Polyurethane Engine mounts as well. Just front installed for now.




Late Spec JDM Tails and Ti Exhaust (Much quieter and smoother now, finally)


Along with other odds and ends from a junkyard Celica like the plastic wheel well lining, seat bracket covers, windshield sprayer nozzles, rear ash tray, etc..

This post has been edited by Malek: Dec 17, 2018 - 8:09 PM

[BonzaiCelica]

Mahaha the funny guy. Good stuff on upgrades. Soon we can meet up. I hope

[4-eyed-freek]

Did you get that ti muffler off ebay??

[Malek]

Mahaha the funny guy. Good stuff on upgrades. Soon we can meet up. I hope

Waitin on you man! haha

Did you get that ti muffler off ebay??

Negative. Previous owner threw it in with the sale. I'm not sure why he changed it to be honest. It's a great sounding exhaust.

[Malek]

Alright! Back again for another update! I desperately needed suspension, soooo I buy projectors instead! I'll let the pictures do the talking.









OH, WAIT A SECOND!! WHAT ARE THAT?! If you guessed brand new front pipes (B-pipe, PITA-pipe, etc.) then you'd be right!! I was beyond excited to see them pop up on TCB's website. Waited more than a year for these to hit the shelves since my flex section had a heinously annoying leak. Ordered them Monday night, showed up on my doorstep Thursday Anyways! Great quality piece with damn near perfect fitment between my Berk downpipe and Ti rear. It's mind blowing to finally hear my car with a sorted exhaust!!



Potentially NSFW below!
#stackeddimes #weldporn #gapingholes














































I dicked around for about 5min trying to take out the OEM in one piece, until I saw that the size of the hole in flex section spanned about 1/4 of the circumference. Gave it the ol' finger and cold worked it until I made 1 = 2.



And I'm still on the hunt for a blue fuel cap door Someone please help me not look so damn ricer. Seriously...I'll pay someone to go to a local junkyard that has a baltic blue Celica and take it off for me.....and then you can come to my place and really take it off for me Alright I'm done lol



Stay tuned to see what I buy next instead of new suspension!

[Box]

RIP suspension. Priorities, telling you what. At least the exhaust was a safety hazard, fumes and what not.

You could always get some touch up paint in an aerosol can and paint the fuel door yourself.