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

[VavAlephVav]

...well, you can get lucky with a 5s because there are lots of people who take it out just because they wanna get a 3sgte or something.
I just bought one for 350 but had to pay another couple hundred bucks to ship it, and a little more for clutch kit, timing kit ect. but its got less than 2 years on a new headgasket.
the big issue is the headgasket, like a lot of 90s 4 cylinders they used a crappy gasket from the factory. if you replace it with a multi layered steel, MLS, gasket its good but if its never been replaced it probably needs one.

the 95 looks nice but the only way it gets 40mpg is if it's an ST. I hate people who don't load lots of pics. if you're capable of doing most of the work yourself the 94 could be worth checking out.

This post has been edited by VavAlephVav: Sep 3, 2014 - 12:51 AM