Buying New Celica - What should I look for?, In hopes to convert to GT-Four eventually Options

[Selly_Kuhman]

I have had a Silv 96' Anniversary Ed. 5-Speed ST Celica for years and sadly lost it last year (RIP), before I was able to do the GT-Four conversion I was planning on. I didn't know 100% if I should do it based on how hard/expensive it would be for someone who doesn't mod/fix cars as a hobby. Although I thought I may ask some things before I look into getting another 6g Celica, since that has been my goal for years now which I never got around to doing.

I am good with my hands, and would love to take on this project, but I have nowhere to work on the car where I live. I have read tons of forum threads and posts, and feel a bit overwhelmed by how complicated this looks for an amateur like myself. Hopefully I'm getting myself worried for nothing...hopefully... I'd be happy if anyone can help me out with any one of these questions!


-Jay


What's the mileage I should be looking for on a new Celica?


What's the price range I should expect to look for? (I live in NY)


If I get an automatic, does that make me a pussy? (I know it does, but is there anyone who has a gt4 auto)


What year's / trim does the GT-Four conversion work with? eg. ST, GT, Convertible? (Is there a combo that it is easiest/cheaper for)


What are the parts needed to convert the hood, bumper and spoiler?


How much do the parts cost individually?


Where would I be able to acquire these parts?


Who would be able to do the conversion?


How much would labor cost around to install them?



Here's a few I found that are semi-close to me. Would be grateful if anyone knew of any others in my area for sale.

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/ve...57640&Log=0

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/ve...68893&Log=0

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/ve...87383&Log=0

[njccmd2002]

questions..

If i am looking to get a celica to convert to a Half GT4.... mmmhhh.... I consider myself an amateur. assuming it includes engine

1. why would I get a low mileage celica, just to swap another engine, (a rolling chassis, will do fine)
2. high mileage, who cares, its getting another engine, and the poly bushing set is only 300 usd, that would revamp the suspension.


or are we talking just a front end conversion, (like plastic surgery), which is the way it seems you are going to, looking at responses....

if your goal is an engine swap, then look for a rolling shell, dont toss away any money on a low milage car, just to pull the engine out, and junk it.

to give you an idea of a 250k mile car with rust looks like see my thread...

http://www.6gc.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=91690

at the end, broke almost even selling it. because i could not get any return on the engine, i pulled out of it. but it gives you an idea.

first set a goal, then worry about a car...

if you have no goal in mind, then its difficult to find the project.... cant go buying expensive car, to just then toss engine out..

Its hard to tell you what car you need to buy, only you can make a decision.

first figure out if you can afford a swap, if you have a backup plan, in case you get stuck, or a friend that can assist.

I do the things my self, and learned it all in this forum. Im not a mechanic by trade, just a hobbyist with tools.