Hello 6GC'ers,
So here it is, my project thread, or more like a details thread because I don't think it will be evolving very quickly
Getting my Celica:
I decided about 2 years ago that I wanted to get a Celica for my first car (I am 17 now). I was originally looking at '93 model 5th Gen Celica manual Liftback (All lift back 5th and 6th gen Celicas in Aus have the 5S-FE), but once I started saving up a but more I decided to go for a 6GC. I liked the exterior styling of a nice clean 5th gen (has to be the update model though), but I was drawn to the 6th gens for the increased safety features, tighter turning circle, and their much nicer interior. It was also much easier to find them in good condition with low mileage. And I am now completely hooked on 6GC's
So I was on the hunt for a '96-99 model ZR Celica (This is the top-spec model in Australia, equiv. to the GT/GT-S) manual with less than 180,000kms. My preference was red, and i wanted a sunroof, but I wasn't ruling anything out.
After searching regularly for a number of months, I came to the conclusion that it was going to be very difficult to find what I wanted in my budget near me. The ONLY car that I found in my state that suited my requirements was from a dealer and felt very untidy when I test drove it, lots of rattles etc. it felt like it had been thrashed... A theory supported when I found a fire extinguisher in the passenger footwell and receipts for heavy duty shocks and coils. Very disappointingly, this was not the car for me.
I kept searching and eventually found 'the one'. A Completely stock standard Silver 1997 model Toyota Celica ZR Manual, in excellent condition, with only 140,000kms (about 87,000 miles). Optional features included being the Factory Sunroof, Air con, Tinting and an Aftermarket Alarm upgrade (update: which I have now found out doesn't work ).
It was initially too expensive for me. I kept looking at it every day, wishing that I could afford it... And 'if only' it was $1000 cheaper.... But then one day they dropped the price by $800, and I was on the phone immediately.
The problem was, it was in a dealership in Melbourne, AUS, just under 2000kms away from me. Because of the demand for cars out of Melbourne, it was too expensive to ship, so I had to organize to fly down and drive it back myself (an entire 2 weeks after I got my license).
After a very long process of organisation and the minor inconvenience of them selling the car to somebody else when I was organizing a mechanic inspection, it was mine XD
Here it is:
The Future:
I have always been very much a fan of the stock look on Celicas (with all of the factory goodies installed of course!), so I do not have any extravagant plans..... And since purchasing my car I am now a broke uni student
But I am planning a few small things:
Aftermarket head unit for iPod integration.
JDM Clear Side Indicators
Spree LED dash kit + possibly everything else as well
I also have a few different ideas about less common mods to do, but they will require a lot of thought and probably some forum threads
But you never know, if I keep reading all of you guys project builds I might eventually get a proper mod bug
I will keep updating this thread when I do anything, but I don't imagine I will be moving terribly quickly.
The mod bug will bite. Beware.
Congratulations, and welcome to the Alpine Silver club. You'll like it here, it's shiny and sleek.
Good! Stick with the OEM look!
Nice to have you here. LMK if you need me to find you cornering lights. Apparently they're hard to find in AUS hah.
Welcome, nice car!
Welcome mate
shes a beauty
Thank you everybody for your kind words
Nice. A new receiver always feels good.
Yes they are. They're more defined too... the stock bulbs are softly lit, LED's are more sharp and easier to read when they illuminate letters and numbers.
Hey, what did you do with the old OEM stereo?
LOL this thread makes me laugh, I had a celica and my name is Josh M too lmao. That car you looked at did it have high km and was it aqua, the descriptions sounds alot like my old celica that I tracked HAHA. Otherwise I have a few other ideas whos it could be .
Nice car too! have fun with it, these things just don't die!
the new headunit looks good!
i agree with the tough decision of getting rid of the stock. it looks natural and less gaudy. BUT. no Aux input
Yeah they are good cars, my main problems in 3 years were wheel bearing related and a couple other little things, took it to near redline daily at 280k and had NO engine problems.
Wow... This is now almost like a year in review!
Well, after fixing the sunroof problems, I moved onto more pressing issues... Spree LED's!!! I couldn't decide on colours, so I bought a blue and a red set. After a month or two with the main cluster as red, I decided I'd go with the blue and did the full dash + ash tray light. I decided against the full package, because I liked the warm colours of the stock courtesy lamps.
Had to replace the battery at this point too, old one wasn't very connect with life it worked, but went flat listening to the radio in acc VERY quickly, and was showing many general signs of death.
During that time I also met an ex- 6th gen Celica owner through a university project, who gave me a new intake! Just an AirHog pod filter, but it gives that bit of sound under heave acceleration that will get me through until whenever I do an exhaust system.
Oh, and I can't forget the JDM Tails!!! (They look a bit tinted in this pic, but they're not... just the light).
For a long time I have been looking for a suitable subwoofer setup for the Celica that didn't impact on the practicality of the hatch back design (I often fold the rear seats down and throw my 26 inch mountain bike in the back, or load it right up with stuff when we go camping, so I couldn't use any normal box design.
For a long time I was set on an under seat powered subwoofer - the problem being that even most of the smallest ones don't fit! (I checked it out at my local store, and even Kicker Hideaway etc. wouldn't fit - you should've seen the look on the salesmans face ) The Pioneer TS-WX110A looked to be the best option, however it is quite a stretch to call it a 'sub'woofer, and since my aim was for balanced sound, not doof doof at 40hz, I wasn't convinced... Especially considering its $350 cost.
A few weeks ago, prompted by renewed interest when doing some sub research for a friend, I found the Pioneer TS-SWX251... A 10 inch down firing super-compact slimline subwoofer. The appeal; it fits PERFECTLY behind the spare wheel hump, meaning that wasted space gets used up... And since it is down firing there is nothing to get damaged on top, so stuff can still be thrown in the boot... On top of that, it fits well enough to not be bolted in, and has spring loaded clips, so that it can be easily pulled out and dumped in the front seat when I want to use the full space!
The downside.... They don't sell it in Australia... Which meant paying about $80 just in shipping from the states! Still cheaper than buying anything here though -.-
I then found an amp second hand for $40 that matched up very well with the power rating of the sub... The benefits of this one being it is tiny!!! With a little bit of work, I managed to mount it under the dash!!! (Between ecu and hvac)
I haven't tuned it up properly yet, so it still sounds a tiny bit muddy... But it definitely has the capability. I'll try and take a pic soon
Ummm... I think that's about it
So, plans:-
- Roof getting resprayed as soon as storm season is over (sun damage)
- looking for some 16" 5 spoke 7th gen rims, or some 17" ST246 Caldina rims (I.e. matrix m theory).
- clear side indicators still on the cards.
- And... I REALLY want some projector headlights, but can't justify spending anything over about $300 on them... Which is a problem
AND I still am planning to write my how to on taking the sunroof out and cleaning the drains, but still haven't got around to it (well, need to find the pics first )
Oh, and most currently (as in right this very second, as I am typing this) I am waiting for a tow truck to take my 1990 Celica AllTrack (GT4) home!!! Well, not really home, it has a dead clutch, so it is going to a mate who is in the 5th gen scene who is going to help do an engine swap, clean it up a bit then I'll drive it for a couple of months, before selling it Update: still waiting - stupid towie is now over 2.5 hours late on a confirmed job that was quoted and lodged over 2 business days ago. -.-
I saw a 205 on the weekend for the first time (remember, only 77 in the whole of Australia).... Soooooo nice. If only not so expensive, and not banned on provisional license Update: whilst sitting here waiting for the tow truck, another one went past!!!!! I think I like this side of town!
Note: I am writing this on my wifi only ipad in the middle of nowhere, so 'now' is when I'm typing this, not whenever it gets online
Oh, and I forgot to mention the personalised number plates (Black with white writing)
And I am always on the lookout for cool JDM goodies, like SSIII front grill, power folding wing mirrors etc. too
$33 on eBay.
$80
http://www.ebay.com/itm/JDM-Authentic-ST202-98-Spec-Celica-SSIII-Genuine-Front-Bumper-Grill-Grille-/350703630020?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item51a790b6c4&vxp=mtr
$170
http://www.ebay.com/itm/JDM-Toyota-Celica-ST202-SSIII-ST205-GT-4-Power-Folding-Mirrors-Switch-1994-1999-/281062061533?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item41709ab5dd&vxp=mtr
$50
http://www.ebay.com/itm/JDM-TOYOTA-CELICA-ST202-ST205-SERA-LEVIN-CLEAR-LENS-SIDE-MARKER-FACTORY-OEM-/190798313597?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2c6c77387d&vxp=mtr
lolol
I know I CAN get them... I just find it hard to justify $110 after shipping on a piece of plastic, or $200 + painting + effort to have mirrors that fold... I hadn't thought about changing the front indicators too (since they are already the clear facelift ones) but mine are a bit foggy. I'll probably go for some crystal side ones too... Eventually
HALP!
I am having trouble deciding what I should do with rims... I can quite easily get some 7th gen 16" 5 spokes for around $250-300 (very little tread, bit of gutter rash)... But I also found a set of 17" Caldina alloys, the same as njccmd2002 was selling from the Matrix M theory, but they would probably cost $600 with reasonable tread. However, they are 45.5 offset I think, and the rolling diameter is 3.31% larger... Is this going to be a problem? (I know it will make the speedo inaccurate) I would get the right size when I next bought tires... But I couldn't afford to spend $600 on wheels AND buy tires.
Ideas? Suggestions?
it sounds like youll be better off with the 7th gens. Since you will have to get tires for them, youll end up spending less than 600 total for the wheels and new tires.
(im biased, i dont like those caldina rims haha)
just use the 7th gen rims to hold you over for now
Man, that Celi is clean! I wouldn't throw out black rims on silver just yet..matte black on silver is teh sex!
But yeah, 7th gen until ya find the perfect set you like!
^ Formerly had that combination, nice indeed but the appeal to me was short-lived. I always liked the color combination, but unless the wheels are perfectly clean, it looks like dirty "normal" black.
They arrived
Now just need to wait for the rain to stop!
P.s. And should be getting a new phone (Nokia Lumia 820) this week so my mobile uploads won't be so terrible!
All installed that has to be quite simply THE easiest mod you can do Just push, pull, twist and clip
Will get pics when it's daylight (and not raining) but everybody knows what they look like anyway
Real news... NEW WHEELS!!!
Set of 4 16" 5 spoke alloys off a 2003 ZR Celica - including centre caps with very minimal gutter rash..... For $180 AUD
CAMBEEERRRRRRR!!!!!
2 of the tyres are completely shot, and two I will get a couple of thousand out of (if I want to). Planning to get some second hand tyres for the two shot ones on the front until I am sure I am happy with the look (and don't find any Caldina rims), before I'll get some proper dunlops or pirellie's or something.
I'm looking for some euro front splitters from the UK at the moment, and want to pick up some TRD rear splitters for the back. I find they follow the lines of the car much better than the ssiii ones, and look less stuck on.
I'm also negotiating with a couple of people in AUS about possibly getting some projectors and a front grill
P.s. they're currently hiding in my grandparents shed until I break the news to my dad (and get new tyres) - he still thinks I'm the perfect child with a completely stock car
Your dad has it pretty good if the worst thing he had to worry about is you changing the rims on your car.
LOL, the first thing i seen was the photo at a glance and went, wow, super stance. hahaha.
Nice pick up though dude, $180 was a steal
And have fun finding euro splitters, took me ages to find mine, than i sold them
And in the end, if you bought the car, you can do what you want. My dad is a highway patrol cop, and he/i know my car is defectable
Another very minor update; new shift boot. eBay job for about $11 including shipping from UK. Fitment is reasonable, but not perfect. In any case, looks much neater than the worn out original.
I'd like to give bigger updates but I need to find people to buy it off first! (Without paying fortunes on international shipping on inflated eBay prices ).
Well I was going to wait to wash and get good pics with my SLR, but mid-semester exams + cold means that might be a little while so here it is;
They look nice However I still jump every-time I walk outside because i'm not expecting to see them, and it looks weird after being so used to the stock wheels I'll still keep half an eye out for the Caldina wheels, but these are nice and the ride on the 16's is quite reasonable.
I mayyy have bought a second set of these same wheels (no centre caps though) during the week I got them for $75!!! The guy didn't know what he had, they were a gift for an old Camry that he had that he never put on, I lowballed him $75 expecting a huge counter-offer and he jumped on it! So that worked out cheaper than a set of 2 second-hand tyres
It is quite sad really that these tyres have much better grip than my old ones; which were brand new when I bought the car ~12,000kms ago, however they were fitted by the dealer and are pretty much the cheapest chinese **** you can get (Insert whatever derogatory 4 letter word you like ). The tyres i'm running on the fronts on the 16's (Hero Milanza brand) have plenty of tread but are showing a small amount of crazing and small cracks in the tread and have gone a bit hard, and the ones on the back are in better shape but only just above the tread indicator (Kumho), yet these have many times better dry and wet weather traction then my old set!!! I will keep these on for a few weeks to make sure I am happy to keep these rims before i go out and spend big money on proper tyres
Bit of a scary experience last night, we had a huge storm come over and since we don't have a carport I jumped in my car and headed off to the local undercover shopping centre (They can't lock it - win ), however the storm hit hard about half way there and I ended up driving the rest of the way by memory - visability was 0 with the wind and rain, the street lights were cutting in and out and the traffic lights were all down. It was so bad that I couldn't see white traffic islands in the middle of the road, even when I was right next to them. Luckily got there safely and waited out the storm. When i returned home there was a tree across the driveway about where my car was parked before, so a good move even if I left my run a little late.
I'm now just really hanging out for a set of euro front splitters and TRD rear splitters
I came accross a couple of old images that I didn't ever have a chance to upload too;
This is one when I went out on a drive to fetch a new camera lens and I wanted to try it out on the way home:
And this one is on a Brisbane Celica Club cruise from last year:
And I remembered that I didn't upload any photos of my new subwoofer. I am very happy with it, and it is a great option if you want that full range from your audio setup without sacrificing the practicality of the lift back celicas.
(Excuse the mess )
It is very durable too, I had no concerns about chucking a full set of wheels on it and driving a considerable distance
Due to eBay canceling my bid on me for unforeseen technical reasons I missed out on the TRD rear splitters I really wanted... But I have a shopper trawling through Japanese listings for me, and in discussions with a couple of private sellers, so there should be a few JDM goodies coming my way shortly ;D
P.S. for splitters and *spoiler alert* mirrors I am looking at some are being advertised in Europe / UK as Lucerne Silver, is there different silver mixes for our generation Celica in different regions?
Lucerne is alpine, I suppose, but the only factory color I know of is Alpine Silver. It is also, coincidentally, my city of birth.
Guess what time it is…. PHOTO TIME!!!
I was down on the sunny Gold Coast today, so I cleaned the car and took some photos to show off my new wheels!
Since nobody is going to read what I write here with the photos below I guess I’ll just link now and talk later…
I want to finally enter a Celica of the month competition… Please help me choose! OR, tell me to go home and take better pictures / get more JDM parts first
I hope you got some jdm projectors on order
looks tidy/clean well done
Heya mate car's looking sweet
If I were thinking of entering a pic for COTM I'd be using the 3rd from bottom pic, there's a fair bit less clutter in the pic although the one with the palm tree thing (I don't study trees LOL) I think would be better suited if you were parked a tad further forward
Out of interest is it yourself who was over on CCUK regarding the splitters I can't remember?
That's a very clean looking celi. Keep up the good work. love the 7th gen GTS rims, I got a set myself.
Ok mate I'll keep an eye open for you
There's nothing wrong with your pics by the way I was just going from if it was me as opposed to you mate
Love your celica man it's so clean! I've been looking on gumtree for ages and haven't come across any 7th gen rims in Melbourne, let me know if you find any!
Nice Celica
Sooo, little update...
My TRD splitters arrived about 2 weeks ago, but I have been too busy with uni to find time to fit them (...Well, that’s my excuse anyway... I was just chicken of drilling a couple of holes in my bumper ). Thanks Richee3 for the advice for fitment
They went on this morning before uni, and I just washed the car in complete darkness and popped off to the local shops to get you guys some pics... don’t ever say I don’t look out for you guys
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/1stMay2013-SeaWorldpt2Rearsplitters045_zpsd4cae8c7.jpg.html
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/1stMay2013-SeaWorldpt2Rearsplitters037_zpsae4c8ed8.jpg.html
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/1stMay2013-SeaWorldpt2Rearsplitters041_zps486b847a.jpg.html
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http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/1stMay2013-SeaWorldpt2Rearsplitters042_zpsb518292a.jpg.html
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/1stMay2013-SeaWorldpt2Rearsplitters046_zpsf17dc621.jpg.html
I generally like the look... but it is now tempting me to try out how spoiler-less would look (Note TRY, I don't intend for this to be permanent )
Also, I am very pleased to announce that over the past two weeks I have picked up a set of 205/50/16 Yokohama C.Drive part-worns (Practically new... maybe 5,000kms on them?) which were a phenomenal improvement... which got me sucked in and I rotated them to replace the very worn out Kumhos on the back and got some new Michelin Pilot Sport 3 tyres for the front. I must say, this is THE BEST performance modification you can do to any car... up to this point I have only ever experienced rather terrible budget tyres... but I am NEVER going back. These tyres don’t spin at all when taking off at the lights, don’t chirp if you dump it into second and give a much greater general confidence and stability on the road.
Still waiting for some bits on a ship from Japan, and still waiting on replies from sellers in the UK for various bits and bobs, but everything in good time
I got those exact same side markers from eBay a while back, They were great for around 5months and then they started fogging up The seal between (on the lens side) had started failing :L I used some gasket sealer to permanently attach the lens to the seal and ha no problems since Just a word of advice if that happens to you
P.S. Sexy as car
looks much better now mate just need them fronts on / sorted
You know you want to lower the car too, Would look so so sweet
Looking pretty fresh as it is mate I'm jealous your car's all the same colour unlike mine LOL
looking real good now.
what are you planning for the front?
Ccuk and respected in the same sentence? That'll be the day haha
I see what you mean now about the bumper join, At least with your car you can see that it's mostly the same shade of silver, take a look at the side of mine you'll notice a huge difference hence my comment lol
I can't help but thinking if you go for the euro front splitters it's going to look a bit unbalanced as in my opinion they aren't anywhere near as deep as the TRD's for example so it may look like there's something missing perhaps?
As for CCUK as you know there's a fair bit of bad blood there between me and them (I'm too bluntly honest haha) and don't get me wrong there's a lot of good members on there but sadly from my respective there's a lot of arse clowns too which ruin it.
Anyways will be watching this closely :-)
Looking really good man
That's not slammed lol. That's the kind of tuck I have going right now. With the right wheels, that sits perfect.
hahahah OMG! that's horrible. I had something similar although not as scary happen to me too. Was driving in my girlfriends car going in a roundabout and all the sudden something crawls across my windshield on the inside. was a huge spider! hahahaha made the turn while smushing the spider.
Love the stock oem look! Considering its so clean it doesn't look bad on stock monster truck suspension
So it has been a little while since I have updated this... I have been really busy with university assignments and exams - but they finished for the Semester a few days ago
A reasonable amount has happened with my Celica in this time... Not all good though
Coolant System
As some of you would have seen on the 'Today I...' thread, one day on the way home I had parked on the side of the road with the engine running for about 10 minutes when I made some phone calls. When I merged back on I looked down and saw my temperature gauge soaring into the red :'(
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/Facebook/Mobile%20Uploads/383373_10201246413980356_1650889043_n.jpg.html
I pulled over and let it cool off and hobbled home. I initially thought it was an electrical problem with the fans, until after some help from some other on here we discovered that's just how the fans roll I had lost about 1.2 litres of coolant.
Eventually with Dad's help we found the leak (not forgetting that all of this happened on the first day of exam period!) - the heater hose on the control module on the firewall. After hobbling around for another week with no aircon and being super gentle with it we investigated the offending hose further. We were expecting a cracked plastic heater control, but it was in fact just a swollen pipe. Temporary fix was just some pipe sealant and a new adjustable hose clamp until I order the new pipes. Haven't had any troubles since
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/WP_20130607_003_zpsdcf3f2c8.jpg.html
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/WP_20130615_007_zpse99d5755.jpg.html
At the same time I did a full flush of the coolant system; which I had been planning to do soon anyway. Unfortunately I had to redo this the next morning as when I was filling the system I noticed that it was full after only adding about 3L of coolant (out of approx. 6.5L system) - coming to the conclusion that half if the fluids were staying in the engine rather than draining since both radiator hoses were positioned near the top of the engine block. I had done two full flushes with water after the cleaning agent, but that wasn't enough if only 50% was being drained each time - so 2 coolant changes in <24 hours
*End Saga* It has been behaving very nicely ever since
JDM Side Visors
Now to the other saga At the start of June I bought a set of JDM side visors from Japan on eBay from seller jdm_used_parts - mainly so that on frosty mornings I could use the wiper bottles without the water wicking into the cabin for the next 5 minutes However, when they arrived via EMS express there were a few problems (again, occurring in the middle of exams taking up very valuable time and energy -.-). First of all, I noticed that there were no ends of the box - just tape with a tiny bit of the visors bulging through each end. After unwrapping it I discovered a chip missing out of the end of the visor where it had been poking through. Frustrating, but I probably would have just dealt with it. However, upon further inspection there were a few other scuff marks and scratches and a couple of tiny chips that were not mentioned when I specifically asked about these before the sale. Also, the location of the largest scuff mark was over the Toyota badge which showed the item I received was not the one pictured (as the seller claimed).
The real kicker was when I took them outside though.... THEY AREN'T EVEN 6GC!!! My guess is that they are the cheaper 7th Gen ones, as the curves are much sharper, and the mounting points are different. My doors wouldn't even open with these on.
I contacted the seller immediately, who promptly replied that none of the damage was there before (BS - impossible), the images were the same as the pictures (yet he has listed another set with the same pictures which also claims you will receive the items in the pictures... A bit difficult if you were to believe his claim that they were the ones in my living room), they were definitely 100% for a st202 and that any and all damage from mint condition (not his words, but it was inferred) was damage caused in transit (again, complete BS). His closing sentiment was that he was not doing anything until I lodged a damage in transit report with the local postal service, which I have since done, but I disagree with since it was obviously damaged caused before postage, and during postage due to unsuitable packaging - neither of which are covered under the policy. So in my mind I have been forced to attempt insurance fraud
So now 3 weeks after shelling out my cash and paying for express shipping I have no visors and not even an ETA. I'm not worried because I am so obviously in the right for a PayPal refund, it is just how much drama the seller is going to cause in the interim.
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/WP_20130612_0061_zps57342472.jpg.html
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Japan Order
My projectors arrived!!! XD However in the long (6 week!) journey here two of the tabs on one of the low beams cracked off. So currently I am waiting for a free day to take off the bumper, line up the tabs in the right spots, fix and install. Before that I am waiting for either the plugs to make my wiring harness to arrive, or waiting to find some locally to save waiting
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/Facebook/Mobile%20Uploads/580610_10201250163274086_2000528709_n.jpg.html
Crystal Indicators
As posted in Today I, I put on my crystal style front indicators the other day. These were purchased to go with the projectors, but I figured I'd stick them on first...and I was very pleased with the result!!!
Before
Comparison
After
And... Teaser for when I get chrome bulbs / LEDs
Was very good.... Until I stripped the head of the other screw -.- Update - I asked the local Toyota dealer for a replacement but they can't source them any more, so I guess I will just try and find an equivalent at the hardware store.
Euro Stuff
... Still waiting They haven't even been sent out yet since I believe some of my stuff has been lost in the post between Ireland and the mainland UK.
Other Plans
- Paint calipers and rear hubs (red and black respectively) will be done next week hopefully. Was going to do it this week but I am working nights this week and would like to leave the paint to cure overnight.
- Install a hidden cigarette lighter socket under the dash to wire up my dash cam's parking mode. I bought the plug yesterday, so I'll install this week Need to remove some trim to run the wire for it through the roof and pillar too.
- I have spark plugs ready to install, and want to get a couple of other little maintenance things done.
- Find SSIII front splitters
- Swap over to JDM rear wiring harness for tail lights, modified to include a *cough*TrailerHitch*cough*
- Thinking about switching the colour of all my interior LED's again... We'll see
- Looking for a TRD quickshifter - I have found one at the moment but they want $250 plus international shipping for it used
- Install some other random bits and pieces I have been collecting.
- Wash it more / ignore it less
- New wheel alignment to correct for the economy car setup the shop did last time.
- Enjoy it! I went on a big mountain drive yesterday and pushed it on some great roads... Has been almost 10 months since I have been up there and I had forgotten how amazing it was to drive like that! So that will definitely be happening more often
AND a new pic with the clear front indicators;
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/23rdJune2013-MacroUte053_zpsc5eadf72.jpg.html
File a claim through eBay, and do it now. You should be able to get a full refund and you'll return them. Nice score on the projectors. Though is it just me, but why is it that NOBODY knows how to pack freaking headlights so that the tabs don't break off.... My god people, bubble wrap and old newspaper...
Yeah, 3 of the lights were packed really well, but the 4th was sitting on top on a new layer and not so much. There were heaps of newspaper shreddings but they were quite light on with the bubble wrap - only a very thin wrap around each one.
And I am yet to open a dispute because we are still waiting on the outcome of the postal dispute so they won't do anything until that is finalised anyway (I don't have them any more)- and I don't want to piss them off too much until I have what I want I am definitely keeping my eye on the clock for my 45 days though.
People just don't know how to pack. When I pack instruments I do it in such a manner they'd survive the truck rolling over them. Most people just don't know how to, or care to, pack it properly. I can't remember who said it, but someone once told me to "Pack them as if they'll be handled by gorillas." About the damned truth.
That's why you instead mark them with "CAUTION" labels instead.
Now now guys
I told him that I would be opening a PayPal dispute if I didn't have a suitable replacement product or full refund by the end of next week (Which will be nearing my 45 day period to claim buyer protection which I should be able to win without even trying ). He replied getting very upset saying he will fix everything and I just need to wait, please wait, don't do that etc. etc.
I snapped this pic near midnight on my way home from work the other night since I had my SLR on me (This is just where I was parked at the bus station). Only minimal light coming across from the construction sight (not like the pic shows) and no tripod or anything to lean on I took a couple and they turned out great on the camera, but this was the only one salvageable when I blew them up on the big screen
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/smallIMG_4747_zps8f7418a5.jpg.html
I am having trouble finding inspiration to take any pics at the moment since I am just waiting to install the projectors Hopefully my wiring plugs will come this week
Be careful, he may just be stalling to get past the time you can open a dispute.
Wheel Alignment
So last year when registering the car after the long drive home, the inspector found transport chocks in the front suspension -.- Needless to say, I had thought the ride was a little harsh on the way home, and the wheel alignment was right out. So I spent my $70 for a new alignment (which was a big deal at that stage of my life) but the tyre shop did an economy car setup on it without consulting me, and killed the turn in.
Soooo.... In preparation for a big (silly) drive I got it done properly this time
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/WP_20130718_003_zpsbb5862f2.jpg.html
Toowoomba Cruise
The next day I set off on a 400km cruise inland to Toowoomba with a couple of mates. We took as many back roads as possible, which included large sections of unsealed roads.... Lots of roads (and driving behaviors) that I wouldn't be able to do if I had some low and decent paint It was a good day
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/6thJuly2013-ToowoombaCruise015_zpsd5ba0853.jpg.html
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/6thJuly2013-ToowoombaCruise004_zps06737a76.jpg.html
^Note the gravel in the wheels.... may have entered the shot sideways
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/6thJuly2013-ToowoombaCruise042_zps6314fce9.jpg.html
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/6thJuly2013-ToowoombaCruise027_zps3637349d.jpg.html
Probably my favourite shot;
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/6thJuly2013-ToowoombaCruise024_zps6c1dd929.jpg.html
And a side shot, because I never get those
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/6thJuly2013-ToowoombaCruise034_zpse4f48622.jpg.html
Projectorrzzzz
Yup... It finally happened!!! After ordering them in Easter, and waiting a number of weeks to finalize the sale, and 6 weeks shipping from Japan, and then another 3 weeks waiting for adapters since none of the stores around here could find HB4 plug adapters, I finally got them installed!
I had tracked down a perfect set, however during shipping two of the tabs on one of the projectors snapped off :'( This delayed progress for a bit, but I got down to it the other day and did the repair; 5 minute araldite (2 part epoxy) to secure the tabs back in place, and then a fiberglass repair kit to strengthen it up
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/18thJuly2013-Projectors017_zps05ff33d0.jpg.html
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/18thJuly2013-Projectors016_zps0cf6bebd.jpg.html
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/18thJuly2013-Projectors014_zps690c065a.jpg.html
For the wiring harness I bought the HB4 harness adapter, and used the H1 pigtails that came with the projectors, and just a simple cut and solder.
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/18thJuly2013-Projectors013_zps81a7ab65.jpg.html
And a quick little bumper change (lol, jks )
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/18thJuly2013-Projectors011_zps772df292.jpg.html
My mate thought that this was an adequate storage technique
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/18thJuly2013-Projectors003_zps865ed261.jpg.html
Then;
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/18thJuly2013-Projectors021_zpsf94327d1.jpg.html
I had a few troubles getting the under body plastics back together (I have leftover screws and leftover holes... and they don’t match ), but I got it done I got the bulb holders for the accent lights but no pigtails to wire up So I am on the lookout for some 3rd brake lights or side markers to use
JDM door visors
Some of you will have heard that I have had a few issues with my JDM door visors.... The good news is that I finally received my refund!!! Only after opening a PayPal dispute of course, but it was settled outside of the system. (I will link my conversations with the seller here soon – it’s a good read )
However, whilst settling the dispute I scored an epic eBay bargain from Japan; st202 door visors for $22 +p&p!!! XD
They arrived in perfect condition this time, though oddly enough they came attached to the window linings! So anther 2 hours of my life gone, with a hair dryer and a not so sharp knife and I managed to remove them without damage – yay!
I cheated to take some photos and haven’t installed it properly yet – I just need to clear off the last of the double sided tape – I’m thinking I will reattach with silastic.
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/18thJuly2013-Projectors042_zpsad30d166.jpg.html
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/18thJuly2013-Projectors044_zps7a7bca24.jpg.html
Mt Cootha
I went for a super quick mini cruise after work today up to a popular lookout overseeing Brisbane... so close but I haven’t been up there since I was a young child, so why not
Unfortunately there were no good photo opportunities with the view, but here is a panorama I made;
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/MtCootha20percent_zpse5ff2b5c.jpg.html
And one on the side of the road – note that the camera was completely level in this shot...... the car was not
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/18thJuly2013-Projectors109_zps9ba13e25.jpg.html
AND PICTURES!!!! (‘Cause we totally haven’t had any of those yet)
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/18thJuly2013-Projectors028_zpse1e62970.jpg.html
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/18thJuly2013-Projectors031_zps85989371.jpg.html
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/18thJuly2013-Projectors033_zps8758c12d.jpg.html
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/18thJuly2013-Projectors037_zps1b3a819f.jpg.html
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/18thJuly2013-Projectors046_zpsec0b0a25.jpg.html
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/18thJuly2013-Projectors051_zps1f43d103.jpg.html
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/18thJuly2013-Projectors054_zpsa44fe51a.jpg.html
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/18thJuly2013-Projectors059_zps699238a2.jpg.html
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/18thJuly2013-Projectors060_zps3fc8ebf3.jpg.html
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/18thJuly2013-Projectors063_zps7555bfd5.jpg.html
I bought calliper paint – red for the callipers and black for the rear hubs. Now I just need to find time where I can paint them and let them dry
And I was told that my stuff in the UK would be shipping out this week, but I think we missed that boat
Looking good, time for some HIDs now.
damn that looks good!
Everytime I see your car. It makes me miss how mine usedto be. gts rims and just side skirts. Lol. Them jdm projectors are a really big upgrade! Looking good!
Could you post any more pictures?
Nice update, Josh.
Should just buy the splitter and paint it yourself. Lol. It's not that hard. It wouldn't come out perfect like the car but it'll be cheaper. I mean getting a shop to paint them will cost you just as much or more than what you spent on the splitters itself. Lol. At least in the states.
$100?
I was thinking along the lines of a $5-8USD cans of primer, paint, and clear.
Serious? I'll have a look at what's available here then
I think DupliColor may actually make your colour in their Perfect Match line of products. If so doing it yourself would be a no-brainer.
I'm afraid your argument is irrelephant!!!
....
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=190872683721
XD
There is 2 big scratches on it, so it will need painting eventually, but for now it will photoshop out They were listed last night at $149 USD and the seller accepted my offer of $101 USD + shipping. But I keep forgetting that the Australian dollar isn't at parity anymore so it cost me like $170 here
Not too bad then. Even better just find some touch up paint and you're golden. Well, silver in your case. YOU KNOW WHAT I MEANT!!!
Its kinda annoying though cause everything is dirt cheap on Yahoo auctions Japan, but I can never find the exact bits I want
Modesty is my middle name.
SSIII Front splitters installed!
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/2ndAugust2013-SSIIIFrontphotoshoot012_zpsa25d6472.jpg.html
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/2ndAugust2013-SSIIIFrontphotoshoot019_zps2972e34e.jpg.html
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/2ndAugust2013-SSIIIFrontphotoshoot024_zpse0645c93.jpg.html
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/2ndAugust2013-SSIIIFrontphotoshoot033_zpse1ad348e.jpg.html
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/2ndAugust2013-SSIIIFrontphotoshoot044_zps922a1aa5.jpg.html
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/2ndAugust2013-SSIIIFrontphotoshoot046_zps03d8a625.jpg.html
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/2ndAugust2013-SSIIIFrontphotoshoot058_zps32e6d109.jpg.html
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/2ndAugust2013-SSIIIFrontphotoshoot064_zps2bb1233c.jpg.html
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/2ndAugust2013-SSIIIFrontphotoshoot067_zpsbdb52f66.jpg.html
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/2ndAugust2013-SSIIIFrontphotoshoot073_zps1bba41b8.jpg.html
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/2ndAugust2013-SSIIIFrontphotoshoot075_zps73ff7314.jpg.html
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/2ndAugust2013-SSIIIFrontphotoshoot083_zps4c15e530.jpg.html
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/2ndAugust2013-SSIIIFrontphotoshoot085_zps5df1cfd5.jpg.html
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/3edAugust2013-USSGeorgeWashington154_5_6_fused2-Copy_zpsbcbcfdb9.jpg.html
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/3edAugust2013-USSGeorgeWashington142-Copy_zps435fd213.jpg.html
XD
Nicely done. The shape of yours reminds me of what mine used to look like. Looks excellent.
Nice pics.
Oh my! This has got to be the best looking "stock" Celica. Beautiful. The only thing I would do is drop it about an inch, inch and a half. Besides that, it's beautiful.
Your front passenger tire is low.
MOAR LOWER!!!!
Makes me want projectors... sigh
I have been informed to lower it on OzCelica again
I don't mean to be a naysayer but I still very seriously doubt that yours are for a coupe... I could be wrong though.
Now that you guys found your own thread again...
a have an announcement to make...
I HAVE 17" ST246 CALDINA GT-FOUR ALLOY WHEELS!!!! XD XD XD
Pictures ASAP.
stop teasing...
Brisbane Celica Club Cruise today - I was the only 6GC though :'(
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/1146966_507779689300765_2009848919_o_zps18ed9240.jpg.html
And bought a pair of +25mm spacers for the new wheels (rear). I didn't want that big but I got them cheap ($50 second hand off a mate - supposedly Hubcentric when he bought them but he has his doubts), I'll probably go down to 20mm bolt on for the rear and 10mm on the front at some stage.
25 mm spacers for the rear will be good for a set of Caldina rims if you want them flush. I would like to have 15 or 20 mm for my rear. I still tuck in the rear.
So apparently size doesn't really matter to richee.
Ah just poke them! Or put the whole wheel outside the arch! MEXIFLUSH FOR EVERYONE!
They look pretty awesome
+25mm spacers on the back. Unfortunately I have already cut the new tyres because I was scrubbing on my STOCK SPRINGS!!! -.- I had to turn around and take my stock wheels out of the back and now it only scrubs with lateral load, rather than every bump. Also, one tyre came with a complimentary nail in it, but is still holding air.
Grip... Gone from 205 to 215 width.... But lost soo much grip :'( What happens when you go from $250 per tyre UHP's to $125 per tyre base model Yokohama Eco's.
Hard to see, but I also fitted my SSIII front grill.
Wants....
LOWER!!!!!!!!!!!
Send me those 25mm and buy some 20mm for it
Looks pretty sweet as it is though!
I had the same problem. My rpf1 was with 225/45 was rubbing against by stock struts. Then I upgraded to Megan's and I was good.
Copycat!
Were you scrubbing on fender or struts/springs?
If you live in CenCal. I could direct you to one of the best fender roller in CenCal. He does it for $80 for all four. People be hitting him up all the way from NYC just to roll fenders. Lol. Fender rolls usually go around $80-$120 for all four.
I had rubbing issues when I had 225/45/17's with no spacers on 7J rims, +45. I can only imagine how bad you are rubbing now. Definitely get your fenders rolled. It's either that or get some super stiff suspension.
Lol not so rare rims no more
You can buy a guard roller off eBay for $90.
I'll go you halves if you send it out when your done
Damn! $60 per fender? Eff that. You're better off buying your own roller and heat gun. Then start rolling local cars for cheaper prices. That's what the guy I was talking about did. He be making 300-400 in one day. Lol.
Just use a sledgehammer tactfully.
So I have been a bit slack and never posted up the pics of my new wheels on my thread..... so here they are
October COTM Entry:
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/31stAugust2013-CelicaCruise093small2_zps615affee.jpg.html
Other shots on the same day;
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/31stAugust2013-CelicaCruise124_zpsb9c41bf8.jpg.html
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/31stAugust2013-CelicaCruise119_zps6f521d40.jpg.html
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/31stAugust2013-CelicaCruise120_zpsd1ba247b.jpg.html
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/31stAugust2013-CelicaCruise048_zps85145cba.jpg.html
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/31stAugust2013-CelicaCruise172_zps3f1c251a.jpg.html
With +25mm bolt on spacers (Which are making the wheels rub..... still
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/31stAugust2013-CelicaCruise174_zps7c70eb78.jpg.html
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/31stAugust2013-CelicaCruise156_zps5fdda82d.jpg.html
Well now you HAVE to lower it.
That's looking sweet Josh nice effort
:DDDD
All you need to is to close that wheel gap and your car will be super smexy! I'd say save up and get the Megan's!
I maybe miles off here but if you get coilovers is the actual spring itself that's different or just the spring rates?
There are a few things that are different I think, but the one that closes the conversation is that I'm pretty sure all the AUS delivered st205's came with SuperStrut instead of MacPherson
That could work then although I could say don't some GT's have SS Suspension?
We got import ones in the UK with SS suspension not always Mac lol
Yes, but all of the FWD Australian models were st204's with MacPherson suspension, which is what I have (and we can't get import Celicas here :'( )
Just just some lowering springs.
Woo... Changed taillights again! This time I have another set with less scratches on them, and I swapped in the JDM harness as well to get the quad tail lights
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/WP_20131004_003_zpse730f9ad.jpg.html
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/WP_20131004_009_zpsc115590e.jpg.html
AND...... new goodie from a SSIII in Japan;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ms4jfyNdxGE
.... small things... Now I just want to buy another ones and see if I can hack it apart to do it on both windows.
Fair enough. Don't have to get new struts.... I got my Tein springs and KYB struts for $400ish, still considerably cheaper than the cheapest coil-overs. Just have to shop around to get the best deals.
Could you not get Koni Adjustables?
AND YOU HAVE GIGANTIC SPIDERS!!!!!! Sounds like it's time to move.
I don't know too much on exchange rates over here but a set of Koni yellow's are 554 quid. As for ride height etc surely if you set up the car with the correct offset wheels etc you wouldn't need to adjust the heights etc anyways? I mean if you're going to lower for shows or you're on bags or whatever then yeah lower it all the time but I can't say that it seems like the adjustable ride height would be needed. I'd rather have the adjustable damping personally and save a couple hundred quid
Some coil-overs do, some don't.
Ah fair enough then buddy :-)
My old FK's weren't damping adjustable though on the MR2 but then again they were cheap lol
Looks legit!
Forgot to say I bought a GT-FOUR Rear strut bar too!!! (posted in Today I thread, but forgot to update here);
I should have said that I almost bought another 6th gen on Saturday too - black SX-R (So 5S-FE with SSIII seats and dials for 5S, OEM 15" alloys and fog lights) with 236,000kms for $700. Needed suspension redone (previous owner cut coils) so plan was to get coilovers for me and put my stock suspension in it and resell.... but it was an absolute bomb when we inspected it - needed well over $1k in body work and paint before I would consider selling it (still would've worked out to free coilovers - but I have easier ways of making cash), and radiator had just cracked too, so would've been a pain to get home. Bought extra Projectors and JDM tails to stick on it too! But oh well
Since I have been hogging this thread a bit I should really add some photos
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/WP_20131005_007_zps378631b4.jpg.html
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/WP_20131005_008_zpsd735bfde.jpg.html
Much better
EDIT: Note I had just taken the spacers off the back in the morning too - doesn't look toooooo bad I don't want to roll my guards yet and I was getting sick of having to take it easy around bends to not scrub out
And a problem I had when I was heading out for my drive - I had just bought another full set of projectors and another set of JDM tails with the strut brace, and didn't want to smash them to pieces around the bends - so I fashioned a strap out of my laptop shoulder strap and connected one end to the child seat anchor point and slipped the other end through the rear seats and tightened it up... worked a treat!
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/WP_20131005_011_zps2e9db109.jpg.html
That's looking sweet mate nice work, you bought more projectors then realised you didn't need them?
Oh dear LOL
'bought' the rear strut bar xD
Wow, been a long time since an update. I just had my thread open to get some projector install details for RoadRage and thought I might as well check in...
So a fair bit has happened since my last update... I finished a semester of uni, worked like crazy, got a Visa, bought a couple of cars, sold 3 cars, moved to the other side of the globe, holidayed in Canada, been on a couple of ski trips to Lake Tahoe CA, had a big LA road trip down HWY 1, Autocrossed a couple of times (MASSIVE fun!!!) and have been living in San Jose CA for just over 4 months now. Yeah
The BMW
So, where to start? How about with the BMW? I bought an E46 1998 BMW 318i Manual Sedan off somebody from the Celica club near me. I was getting it cheap, so the idea was to just flip it to make a few dollars before I left, and I would get to cruise around in a Beemer in the process.
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/Facebook/My%201998%20E46%20BMW%20318i%20Manual%20Sedan/1400701_10202487615649622_202815801_o.jpg.html
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/Facebook/My%201998%20E46%20BMW%20318i%20Manual%20Sedan/1402287_10202487635330114_203501113_o.jpg.html
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/Facebook/My%201998%20E46%20BMW%20318i%20Manual%20Sedan/1399448_10202487632970055_194210800_o.jpg.html
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/Facebook/My%201998%20E46%20BMW%20318i%20Manual%20Sedan/903191_10202487617649672_1508132057_o.jpg.html
The interior was fantastic (Except SCORCHING HOT everything after even half a day in the Aussie summer sun. I left my iPod in the arm rest console and when I got back to my car the iPod had gone into emergency temperature shutdown, and the metal back was too hot to even hold!).
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/Facebook/My%201998%20E46%20BMW%20318i%20Manual%20Sedan/1410841_10202487640690248_356323259_o.jpg.html
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/Facebook/My%201998%20E46%20BMW%20318i%20Manual%20Sedan/1403386_10202487636890153_870806761_o.jpg.html
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/Facebook/My%201998%20E46%20BMW%20318i%20Manual%20Sedan/1404491_10202487639890228_122029819_o.jpg.html
And that back seat.... Seriously the most comfortable and luxurious seat I have ever felt. I would happily put one in my living room! I actually didn't mind sitting in the back when I was out on test drives!
It came with LED tail lights, clear front and side indicators and the aftermarket CD. I swapped the wheels for some 16's from a later model 3 series (The old ones had no tread... this was cheaper and a very minor visual improvement too... though definitely not the wheels I would've chosen if I was keeping it), and added fancy number plate frames... purely to make our QLD plates fit! (The car was from NSW).
Had potential to make good money, but when I went to get the car registered it failed the roadworthy inspection because (and I quote) "The driver’s power window makes a funny noise when you use it". I'll let that sink in for you USA crew that can get away with chopping your sedans into pick-ups without anybody batting an eyelid. So the car had to sit on the street outside the seller’s house for a couple of weeks when I did my exams until I could replace the window mechanism. Only a $50 part, but the delay cost me in time I could have the car on the market. Ended up selling it the day I left the country for only a couple of hundred profit.. but I had fun
The Visa
I was very busy organizing all of the last minute details for my 5 month international study exchange to San Jose, in California. Unfortunately, due to ridiculous policies from the US government, despite having offices in Brisbane, they made me fly to Sydney to have my Visa papers signed (Note: everybody else going to Europe etc just emailed these forms with a $15 processing fee). This was on top of the $500 odd dollars the visa itself cost. This did, however, give me a chance to meet Rentaspace who kindly let me stay over for a couple of nights when I was in Sydney.
This meant that I was taking photos… so about 90% of my luggage (carry-on only) was camera equipment… and I had lenses and a flash poking out of my jacket pockets too When I got there we also installed the Caldina alloys that I had found for Ryan a few weeks prior.
We planned a big cruise with some of the other Sydney Celicas including TimmyFace’s old car, but we decided to go out and get some shots just with Ryan’s car. There are more photos in his thread, but here are a couple I liked (Ryan's editing!);
Ultimately we got rained out on our main photoshoot, but much to the annoyance to the drivers I made everybody stand in the rain so I could at least get one reasonable shot
As it turned out, the ‘Visa Interview’ was a complete waste of time, but I got the signature and that is what mattered!
Work
Not that anybody really cares… but I picked up my retail job again (The Good Guys) and was working 6 days a week on extended 8:30am-7:10pm trading hours for the Christmas season. This was whilst selling the Beemer, selling thousands of dollars of camera equipment I had lying around that I wasn’t taking with me, selling all of the Celica parts I had imported for trading, and organizing all of the details for 6 months away from home, so I was really busy! Not much time for the Celica.
Just before Uni had finished for the semester though that front tire that had the nail in it gave up the ghost (In the rain too!!!). I went for the puncture repair but it turns out the supposedly 10 month old tires were rotten and cracked around the full circumference of the tire in the tread blocks, so nothing they could do… so I chucked on my Michelins from my GTS rims on the front instead.
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/WP_20131111_005_zpsa82a08e1.jpg.html
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/WP_20131116_003_zps7e8a3890.jpg.html
Right before Christmas I managed to sell my GTS rims (Pretty sure I made a profit / broke even on the cost I paid for the rims, plus the cost of the part worn Yokohamas I put on the back and the pair of new Michelins I put on the front… and I did 5 months of driving on those too )… so I was stuck with a flat tire again. After loving the first set so much, and now with some pocket money, I bought a new pair of Michelin Pilot Sport 3’s for the front. Much better.
Overseas
I left on the 28th December and had 8 nights in Vancouver, before a week skiing in Whistler. Unfortunately I got sick half way through (I really burned myself out the months leading up to this… my body finally revolted), but I still had fun. I then headed down to San Jose to settle into life at San Jose State University for the semester. I will keep this brief, but I took a couple of trips to Lake Tahoe for skiing, a couple of trips to San Fran (so far… most recent of which I did a Segway tour of Fisherman’s Wharf!), a couple of trips to Santa Cruz and some windy roads nearby, and a big road trip down HWY 1 to LA…. WHAT A DRIVE! Seriously, it is something that everybody needs to put on their to-do list if you ever are going to be in California. I stayed in Santa Barbara, Venice Beach, San Diego and went out to Palm Springs as well before a night in Hollywood on my way home. Back into the study now, because I need to seriously lift my grades in a couple of these classes
The Mustang
So I wanted a car to get around in whilst in America…. and I wanted to get something very American to truly finish off the experience, so I decided to get a V8 Mustang. Also, young driver restrictions in Australia meant that I wasn’t allowed to drive powerful, turbo, supercharged, or 8+ cylinder cars at home… so I wanted to make full use of this opportunity!
After much searching, I picked up a ’99 Mustang GT Manual with 141k miles for $4.7k. Mods were 18” Saleen replica wheels (with 295/35R18 rear tires!!!), lowering springs, exhaust, CAI, CD player and a heavy duty clutch.
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/Mustang%20GT/28thFebruary2014-SantaCruz033b_zps751c1d80.jpg.html
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/Mustang%20GT/28thFebruary2014-SantaCruz008_zpsa8b1feec.jpg.html
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/Mustang%20GT/28thFebruary2014-SantaCruz010_zps89c9e784.jpg.html
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/Mustang%20GT/28thFebruary2014-SantaCruz017_zps9168bb01.jpg.html
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/Mustang%20GT/28thFebruary2014-SantaCruz020_zps281ff434.jpg.html
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/Mustang%20GT/28thFebruary2014-SantaCruz007_zpsde06a95b.jpg.html
And one on the way back from Lake Tahoe one time;
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/Mustang%20GT/27thMarch2014-2ndLakeTahoeTrippt1204_zpsabd8152c.jpg.html
The car was completely ridiculous, but a lot of fun. The build quality was atrocious, the seats were terrible, MPG embarrassing, hydroplaned like CRAZY any time there was any water about, but it was a lot of fun too. The rear tires, despite their size, would still happily light up upon request and leave you fish tailing out of..... well, anywhere I'm not sure if I would own one full-time, but it was certainly a great car to experience.
After 5 weeks and 2,800 miles though it died on me :’( Bottom end engine knock; suspected spun big end bearings. Apparently these engines commonly have the valve stems leak oil like crazy after 130k miles and they are very sensitive to being anything under full oil. The car had only just been serviced when I bought it, but it lost oil on my road trip and I wasn’t paying attention to my detriment.
Car is now sold for $3500. That was an expensive few weeks
Autocross
When in America with a V8… You autocross!!! I went to one SCCA event at Marina, and another at Oakland. The first of these was the same week that I bought the car, so my driving improved massively on the second run (not forgetting that I’m now driving stick on the other side of the car!!!).
VIDEO - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4MtGTd4UMg
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/Mustang%20GT/15thMarch2014-AutoCrosspt2Tahoe107crop_zps68ac6f3d.jpg.html
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/Mustang%20GT/15thMarch2014-AutoCrosspt2Tahoe099_zps86660597.jpg.html
I was planning to do a couple of track days too… but no engine kinda spoiled that
It wasn't as bad a handler as I expected (I'm guessing the lowering and wider track helped there), but the live rear axle with open dif REALLY lets the car down on the track. On my 3rd and 4th run in the video I had the inside rear wheel spinning the whole way up the first straight, with the car bouncing off the rev limiter in second, yet we really weren't going that fast at all. It is also quite snappy because of this.
The GT-FOUR (ST185 Alltrac)
I think I have mentioned it here before, but about a year ago I bought a st185 GT-Four Celica in partnership with somebody from the local Celica club, who was going to fix it up (had a blown clutch), and then I was going to drive it for 2 months, sell it and split the profits. A year later, due to various circumstances, the car was still unfinished so I pulled the plug and sold the car to one of my best mates who quickly sought to get it back on the road (He was still jealous of my old GTS rims, so I helped him buy a set to put on it before he even had it out on the road );
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/1798130_842246579122011_2452531657776362807_n_zps6dfabeb1.jpg.html
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/10003779_843486712331331_8332919734196132580_o_zps56585784.jpg.html
MY CELICA
What’s that? You don’t care? You just came here for my 6GC? Fiiiiiiine It’s now been almost 4 months since I’ve seen my Celica :’( I had it put undercover for storage whist I am away, but I ended up loaning it to Richard (the one who bought the 185… but this was before that) for a few weeks when their family car was off the road, and he has had it out a couple of other times for me; either with me paying him to clean / fix bits, or just turning over the engine for me. When he had it the first time he made this video review of the 6th Gen Celica (I had no input into this at all btw – outsiders perspective);
CELICA REVIEW VIDEO - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EyJb18R6DcI
Other than that, before I left I had just received a shipment from Japan with some original JDM carpet mats, and a shiny new SSIII front grill to replace my old one that had some flaking paint, and I have also ordered some SSIII Aluminium Door Sills and a couple of other JDM goodies to add to my car as soon as I get back!
Getting a clean, whist waiting for me to come home:
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/06a2d4180edf804b1d6587f636d9bf9b_zps66ef5a39.jpg.html
So yeah, that’s about it for now. That is why I haven’t been as active on the forums the last few months. I will be back home in July, after a month of touring the east coast of America following the end of my semester abroad.
I am heading out to a Cali MR2 / Celica meet this Saturday which should be good too
Well someone has been busy. If only you had bought a LS1 Trans Am or Camaro, oh well.
your pictures are upside down
You're just standing on your head while using the computer again.
Sucks that the Mustang blew, I'm surprised you sold it for so much. My mother had a base V6 silver 2001 vert, the interior had materials that weren't fit for Chinese toys. I drove a newer Boss 302 recently, that was lovely though.
Additionally, I love the 3 series. If I wanted a sedan for fun stuff, auto-x and track business in addition to daily duty, that would absolutely be it. Best steering I've felt in any sedan.
Yeah, finding a manual F-body is like finding a needle in a haystack. Plenty of manual Mustangs around though. If you thought the SN95 interior was atrocious just compare it to the Fox-body or 4th gen F-body. Hey, what matters though is the fact you can light up the rear tires on command.
I've thought about getting an E36 coupe, but then I remember it's a BMW.
It doesn't know how to capitalize or punctuate though.
Made an exciting purchase last night!!!
Better engine!?
Nice find. Didn't know Tanabe made some for our cars. Lol. How much were they and I'm guessing you found them in Japan?
Woo, lower!
oooh. nice score!
So I've been back in Australia for a month now... so UPDATE TIME!!!
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/1stAugust2014-GrandCanyontoCarPhotos521cropsml_zps29414e50.jpg.html
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/1stAugust2014-GrandCanyontoCarPhotos509sml_zpsea1bfab5.jpg.html
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/1stAugust2014-GrandCanyontoCarPhotos515sml_zpsa8217376.jpg.html
New low deserves new pics! With the help of a friend I installed my tanabe coilovers within 48 hours of getting back in the country! Talk about commitment I was a bit unsure initially because the ride is crazily firm compared to the stock springs, but the benefit of having dampers that worked (mine were shot.... bounced over everything) and the amazing handling in the corners sold me!
I also installed my JDM 'CELICA' embossed aluminium door sills, as well as my ultra-rare JDM Toyota shaggy floor matts (which are MINT!).
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/1stAugust2014-GrandCanyontoCarPhotos530sml_zps13ab5909.jpg.html
(You can see that I still haven't got around to finding another blue LED ).
Just last week I also finally wired in my projector sidelights / parking lights.
Got a few major things in the works and a lot of little tidy ups to do to. Pretty set on doing a BEAMS swap now too next year (as soon as my licence allows it).
You need a two post spoiler in your life.
Looks so clean!
Now just have to install it.
i had to, i just had to...
EXHAUST TIMEEEEE!!!!
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/IMG_2536_zps63418734.jpg.html
Look what just arrived in the mail
It is actually quite huge
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/IMG_2532_zpsb53d1e25.jpg.html
REALLY well built though - stainless steel muffler with coated steel pipework.
AND... yesterday I got an ABSOLUTE STEAL on a set of headers... proper headers (not the eBay ones) with a cat welded on and piping to around half way through the door for $30!!! Going to go back tomorrow and pick up the rest of the system (resonator and fart cannon) just to keep the piping the same all the way to the back where I'll still need a step up flange to the new muffler (Pretty sure the new muffler is 2.25" and the new piping is 2". Stock is either 1.75 or 2"... not sure.
pic of engine before I pulled the headers out (rusted on bolts = 4 hour job -.-)
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/10550973_10152565718927052_4954084372679515117_n_zpsc5043dbf.jpg.html
So the plan is to install his full system myself, and then take it to the exhaust shop to get them to swap the mufflers. They wanted $200 to run the piping from the middle of the door to the muffler.
Mate your car is gonna sound so much better! really nice looking exhaust
Should of posted that photo I sent you on FB lol...
I really quite like the new sound! much nicer!
BIG UPDATE:
Part 1: Installed headers with a Friend on Friday... initially disappointed because they made the car quieter, but then realised that it just completely eliminated all the drones the system had and was really happy with the result! New vid:
http://youtu.be/TV4G5yOVUHQ
Part 2: I JUST BOUGHT A TRD QUICKSHIFTER, ERMEERRGERRRDDDDD!!!!
Headers? You did a V6 swap and didn't tell anyone!?
you need to turn this hose around. if you revverse it, it wont be so close to the header
Headers is plural and header is singular. Inline engines have a header, V engines have headers.
Tough love.
So a bit of an update...
First of all.... a new toy!
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/yukino2_7-img600x450-1406721063pofyk18147_zps7a9cd2d5.jpg.html
Tamiya TA-02 kit with the ST205 shell.
Onto the real car...
August Cruise
I am one of the administrators of the Brisbane Celica Club where I live. In August I organised a Celica cruise through the local mountain ranges and out to Summerset Dam for a barbeque. We had a great turn out with the following cars coming;
- Stripped out (RA23?) track car
- 1UZ V8 powered RA28 Liftback in an amazing blue
- 3x 4th Gen Celica (1x ST162, 1x ST162 with 2nd gen 3S-GTE, 1x ST165 GT-FOUR with 3rd gen 3S-GTE)
- 3x 5th Gen Celica (1x normal ST185 GT-FOUR (Alltrac), 2x Group A Rallye limited edition WRC ST185 (of 140ish produced here))
- 4x 6th Gen Celica (3x ST204 and 1x Group A Rallye Limited Edition WRC ST205 (of 77 sold))
- 4x Toyota 86's tagged along too (they had their own club cruise earlier in the morning)
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/Pano1banner_zps8219de7d.jpg.html
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/1stSeptember2014-CelicaCruise047_zps1cb8cdaa.jpg.html
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/1stSeptember2014-CelicaCruise020edit_zps7968896e.jpg.html
Vinyl Wrap Roof
I also was getting sick of the very faded paint on my roof so I decided to do something about it.... gloss black roof wrap.
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/IMG_2582_zps981ed489.jpg.html
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/IMG_2584_zpsfa7558b3.jpg.html
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/IMG_2585_zpsa9de6c46.jpg.html
It is harder than it looks.... we stuffed it up so it is really rough around the edges and needs to be redone.... but still better than the terrible paint I say
C's Short Shifter
So you may have seen the saga on FB and a seperate thread... but the TRD quickshifter I paid a lot of money for wasn't TRD at all. Turns out though it is still a really rare part, being a C's short shifter from Japan. I still have my reservations that it may have been modified in the past (dodgy weld lines.... but it looks like some of the genuine ones were just made like that so idk), but it has definitely improved the shift. I was trying to get a refund since it wasn't the part I wanted, but the seller was being a real d!ck about it. So just ignoring the lost money and enjoying it
One of these (not mine);
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/1_zpsc068ef57.jpg.html
This is mine (new left, stock right);
Whiteline Rear Sway Bar
So I called up my local shops and asked about sway bars for the ST204. They gave me the cost and model number for the one on the ST204. I then found that model slightly cheaper at a store accross town and they did free shipping so it was a no brainer.
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/7thOctober2014-SWELLRacetrack082_zpsd874aaf3.jpg.html
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/7thOctober2014-SWELLRacetrack079_zps948db215.jpg.html
After spending hours trying to install it, it turns out that the first shop were completely clueless and gave me the model code for the ST205. To make matters worse, I didn't buy from them so I couldn't get a refund and then I find out that Whiteline don't make them for my car any more. I ended up finding old stock (non adjustable though) in the UK which is currently on its way to me, but a painful and very expensive exercise.
Spacers
Although I am against the concept of spacers... I LOVE these wheels too much to get rid of, but they are just too tucked.
Without
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/IMG_2595_zpsa01fc9f5.jpg.html
With
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/IMG_2594_zps34a3a319.jpg.html
I bought +20mm hubcentric bolt on spacers for the front, and the same in +25mm for the rear. Waiting to paint the hubs and spacers black before I install properly so that they don't draw attention.
September Cruise
I managed to get out of organising the September cruise, but we had a great turn out again. Significantly less GT-FOUR's this time, but some cool other cars.
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/FrontPano1sm_zps9c7df87a.jpg.html
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/2ndOctober2014-CelicaCruiseEESSBoard060_zps60585794.jpg.html
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/2ndOctober2014-CelicaCruiseEESSBoard066_zpsda651ba0.jpg.html
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/2ndOctober2014-CelicaCruiseEESSBoard013_zpsf760b914.jpg.html
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/2ndOctober2014-CelicaCruiseEESSBoard016_zpsc7b2524a.jpg.html
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/2ndOctober2014-CelicaCruiseEESSBoard010_zps0450a550.jpg.html
TRD Door Strikers
So you have Lexus door strikers? That's cute...
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/23rdOctober2014-RCadebuildTRDdoorstrikers019_zpsfb95f226.jpg.html
BOOM! Genuine TRD door stabiliser catches from Japan. I took a bit of a gamble on these ones because there was no documentation that said they would fit. Thanks to Richee3 for the help decoding whether they would or not.
Installed;
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/DoorStrikercombo_zpsc7c3675f.jpg.html
Man love the update! so many awesome additions and pictures! Your car really is awesome!! is even making me think about TRD Rear spats
Man those two first gens were mad. (To all that don't know, I was in QLD and attended that meet and drive in Josh's car)
yeah those 1st gens are clean!!
and wow!! TRD door strikers? never even knew they existed. how much HP did you get from those?
There's really no reason to buy a complete clip for a BEAMS if you can find a complete engine set with the intake and b pipe. A clip just costs extra on shipping and gives you scrap metal when you are finished, unlike the 3rd gen 3S-GTE where a clip is necessary.
Damnittttttt. I'm just a little too late, but I need a whiteline rear sway bar for my ST165
I'm deleting the ABS so a whiteline from any GT4's would fit...
Car is looking amazing though and I'm pretty jealous of all these deals you get on rare parts.
why is your progress moving so fast!?!! slow down so some of us can catch up. hahahaha.
I had found a supplier for C-ONE lightweight flywheels from Japan... but sure enough when I need one they ran out an may not be getting more. Sad face :'(
Cue another obscure discontinued part;
ORC OGURA ORC-010-03T1 lightweight Flywheel (4.4kg) for ST202 / SW20 3S-GE.
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/hawks96rvv-img600x450-1417355148b1lkjg27051_zps57758aaa.jpg.html
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/hawks96rvv-img600x450-1417355148evi4c927051_zpsf9b525a4.jpg.html
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/hawks96rvv-img600x450-141735514834ax0227051_zps488848d4.jpg.html
One day I'll start buying parts that aren't discontinued Since I haven't found one to order yet I don't imagine the engine will be coming any time soon... so I will probably get this one shipped via sea mail.
Still need to decide what clutch to put in with the BEAMS too.
Man I'm jealous! you even got the hurricane header I wanted! Lol. Don't worry. The muffler won't be big once its mounted. Looks like it's the same size as mine. 4" tip. Lol.
go for the kakimoto n1 its quieter at 94 db and smaller canister, while hks hi power is 98 db.
i dont see the point in getting one with the adapter or a beams/3rd gen 3sge full cat back exhaust system for that matter. unless your going to get a beams engine with the OEM catalytic converter.
Everything is identical on the exhaust system as far as length goes between 3SGE ACIS vs 3SGE VVT-I Redtop except the catalytic converter :
Regular 3S-GE Motor Catalytic Converter, part # 18450-74450
http://s483.photobucket.com/user/BonzaiCelica/media/3S-GE%20Beams/Exhaust%20Set-up/nonbeamscat_zps03ba61ff.jpg.html
3S-GE Beams Catalytic Converter, part # 18450-77480
http://s483.photobucket.com/user/BonzaiCelica/media/3S-GE%20Beams/Exhaust%20Set-up/beamscatconverter_zpsa5990f74.jpg.html
My advise is stay away from a canister style exhaust system as they are louder except maybe the kakimoto N1.
Please read my project thread for all details on exhaust and impressions. I want to make an exhaust video of mine very soon.
Njcmd2002 has the kakimoto oval style exhaust system I think it's way to quite. My friend with a 3rd gen 3SGE engine has a full HKS header, midpipe and DE-cat with HKS hi power silent system yea it's loud. And the canister looks much bigger in person. With Rusty's celica it looks good because his trd spoiler offsets the huge muffle and balances the rear end of car nicely.
The problem with APEXI is that it's a whole one piece system, so shipping will be pricey.
5zigen on a curren
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrgwwLOGTz0
Apexi N1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wQEITnb7Xc
The HKS exhaust I have, I find is surprisingly quiet. With the addition of the optional silencer it becomes very quiet. Not sure how they got the 98dB though. Definitely with any 3S-GE's removal of the cat. converter you'll get a louder exhaust.
There was, back in the day another HKS exhaust for the ST202 called along the lines of 'HKS legal muffler' which had a oval rear muffler.
http://s254.photobucket.com/user/njccmd2002/media/6th_Generation_Celica/97_Limited_Edition/Beams_Engine_Swap/IMG_6126.jpg.html
i have kakimoto and love it.
Have to remember, every 10 decibels means it's twice as loud. I think most European countries have a limit of 100 db, not sure if Australia has any kind of similar requirement. I remember seeing somewhere you wanted it to be bolt in? Might consider having something fabricated if you can't find exactly what you want. If it were me I'd look into a baffled muffler as they remove the harsher frequencies and deliver a smoother tone. Which a four cylinder revving up to 8,000 rpm will definitely have some unpleasant frequencies.
one member here shipped my exhaust. he bought it off yahoo auction and then i paid him cause he was the middle man. but shipping was super cheap since he's in the Military or is it the Marines? I haven't spoke with him in a while, communication seems to have been lost with him on his end. the fujitsubo if you look on their website, weighs 1-2kg heavier than stock. it doesn't list the weight under the ST206 model but it lists it under the ST202 Celiac SS-I 3SFE engine (not this 3SFE fujitsubo exhaust will not bolt onto your car or any other trim celica for that matter)
Im actually thinking about going to the Kakimoto N1 (if someone will buy my Fujitsubo Local) in the future for perhaps more power, but definitely more weight savings. also note the HKS is under the rear subframe so it is a very low muffler.
Getting a 3 piece exhaust shipped will obviously be cheapest. I actually asked my convertible man to give me a good video of a flyby in his celica when he had the beams engine inside but now hes onto the V6
type this in the search bar of yahoo japan auction : st206 マフラー or st202 マフラー
i had a special cat made...
http://s254.photobucket.com/user/njccmd2002/media/6th_Generation_Celica/97_Limited_Edition/Beams_Engine_Swap/IMG_6661.jpg.html
Hmm... Your exhaust shop needs to charge better rates then.
Can he put one on a boat for me? and if so what does that cost in addition to the vehicle? I know a couple of people in international shipping.
It's a C-One
I've been lurking on the Yahoo auctions for almost 2 years and have seen many different types of exhausts and this one has popped up once since then. My friend has the oval OEM style C-One on his car it's quiet. If you look up the guy motokuro on YouTube, he has a track ready beams that he races in Japan and he has the OEM canister style c-one exhaust which is quite quiet
Only downside to that exhaust your buying is that it sits low to the ground
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/10thJAN2015-PartsHoodStruts036_zpse7424e94.jpg.html
wait for it....
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/10thJAN2015-PartsHoodStruts041_zpsf946c72d.jpg.html
Thanks KAOS
Woooo hood struts.
I was being bugged to make some more exhaust clips of my car (with flybys)... and I obliged.
To summarise specs:
-Hurricane Headers
-200 Cell 2.25" High flow catalytic converter
-2.25" bullet style resonator (12" from memory)
-PROF JDM muffler (baffled) 60mm (2.3") in, 100mm out.
-2.25" crush bent piping the whole way (but neat)
Then a 2" bullet muffler added to cut down on the raspyness.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T85HnA51dlQ
That sounds fantastic.
Have you considered getting a v-band connection just before the cat, so you can run 2.25" straight pipe and nothing else? Maximum rasp is the pinnacle of 'hilarious for driver, obnoxious for bystanders'
It still has some raspiness to it when you first start off, but aside from that not bad for a non-turbo 4-cylinder. I'm guessing the muffler has a baffled insert? A chambered muffler would probably remove the rest of the rasp, but I don't think it's bad enough to worry about.
Just went and looked at the picture up top and it looks like it has an insert that sits in the tip. Plus I know what you mean, the Miata sounded awful even with the factory exhaust. Old man driving habits aside I'd never take it past 4K because it'd sound like a Civic, and nobody wants that. Well, obviously some people do. Bad people.
OZ Chronos are pure win. That is all.
Hmmm, if it were me I'd choose the Chrono.
I pick Chrono, your ride is soo clean, love it
OZ's. and paint em!
Before my big post, I promised you pictures at the end of last year and never delivered!
From my teaser you should have noticed that I met up with Rentaspace (Ryan) from Sydney (we have met several times in real life when I have had to fly to Sydney, but I have always flown). With him and his girlfriend up in Queeensland on holidays it was only right that we met up and took some photos.
The first meet was accidental – I was about to head out for the afternoon and MarbleFlame (Ben) had been to my place a few minutes earlier to pick up my spare PROF JDM ST202 muffler (he is also from interstate, about 5 hours away). Ryan decided to swing past before our meet the next day, and Ben saw him driving past and pulled a U-Turn and followed him back to my house. And there you go, a mini 6GC meet was born!
https://flic.kr/p/yfbLsd
https://flic.kr/p/xkyZyz
https://flic.kr/p/xkyJAP
Ryan’s girlfriend also had the life scared out of her when we noticed that she was standing about a foot in front of a giant (harmless) snake in the neighbours front yard
https://flic.kr/p/yhrXSe
They next day we went on a Brisbane Celica Club cruise, organised in Ryan’s honour (the perks of running the club ). This is where Ryan swapped out the ST205 hood to a local member (the other white ST204 – this car is where a lot of my parts went to, but has since been sold).
https://flic.kr/p/xkBrog
https://flic.kr/p/xZZ584
https://flic.kr/p/yicVZe
https://flic.kr/p/ygyg6U
https://flic.kr/p/yf9uU3
https://flic.kr/p/xZXcpH
Another day on and we went and did our photo-shoot. I thought we would head out into the industrial side of the city to get some interesting backdrops, but we didn’t end up finding anything suitable (and had some cops tail us for a bit too ), so we just found a random shopping centre.
https://flic.kr/p/xkAmN6
https://flic.kr/p/xZVY4A
https://flic.kr/p/xZT6xE
https://flic.kr/p/xksz2b
https://flic.kr/p/yiaSzn
https://flic.kr/p/ygyuMm
https://flic.kr/p/xkqiqq
And finally, a couple of random shots from when we drove out to Dalby to launch a weather balloon into the stratosphere with electronics we designed through the Electrical Engineering Student Society that I help run…. On the day we had 3 4WD light trucks, and a Toyota Landcruiser Prado carrying people around out-back…… therefore I decided that a lowered Celica would be the perfect lead retrieval vehicle! (some skids were had in the gravel )
https://flic.kr/p/y138WF
https://flic.kr/p/xZVbjb
Big post coming.....
So, I guess I owe you guys a bit of an explanation! Most of you will have seen around the place that I have taken a new direction.
So what happened?
I went crazy all-in with this car…. I had amassed thousands of dollars of parts and I was going for more (on top of buying a whole car in Japan to chop up, I was looking for a set of Evo 9 MR leather bucket seats, C-One CF hood etc on top of the huge selection of parts I had). Really, I needed somebody or some event to snap me out of it, and that came in the form of my friend (who was going to facilitate and probably do most of the engine swap with me) having to move house with no more garage. I had a small window (up until Easter) that we could still make it work, but with basically a blank cheque-book and 6 weeks of searching in Japan no suitable donor cars came through the auctions.
I did not see value in paying a shop to do a BEAMS swap (would be $2k+ labour), so I started to weigh up my options. There was nothing wrong with the current engine, it was still a nice car, but I did want a bit more. With the rare parts I had on order, plus the cost of the swap, plus the cost of painting the Celica when it was done, and the residual value of the car…. I had a lot of money, and a lot of options. I could have waited another ~12 months and continued with the original plan, but I was already getting itchy feet.
So I started selling off the swap parts, and other parts I had around the house or on the way from Japan. I did make sure I did install the spacers for a couple of months so that I could experience the ‘finished package’ and get some photos though (Unfortunately the exhaust was already gone before these pics).
https://flic.kr/p/xkJSEz
https://flic.kr/p/y18JJM
https://flic.kr/p/yhCYa6
https://flic.kr/p/yik2JB
https://flic.kr/p/yhCxyH
My full exhaust system (hurricane headers, custom 2.25” piping and Sheepdog by PROF JDM muffler) lives on in JFXtreme007’s Celica, along with my coilovers, whiteline sway bar, Cusco 4pt under brace, spacers (he already had the same wheels), hood struts and C-One cooling panel. Tigawoods got my ORC Ogura lightweight JDM flywheel. A cool guy in Sydney (not sure if on 6GC though) got the C-One exhaust I was importing, somebody in Coffs Harbour bought the TRD quickshifter and TRD front strut bar. The person with the white ST204 that bought Ryan’s 205 hood bought my JDM side rain visors, TRD door strikers, Endworks cluster and aluminium door sills. Somebody who is getting a ST205 locally soon bought the Chronos and the JDM floor mats, and the Superturismos went to a random in Adelaide. Oh, and of course RabidTRD got the euro risers.
You can probably guess where this is going….. I was selling the Celica.
I actually bought a new car back in March (hence you will notice my personalised plates have been removed for most of the last photos, except where staged). However, I didn’t actually list the car for sale until late July because I was removing a lot of parts, and waiting until after my mid-year exams to do it. I left most of the cosmetic goodies on the car to enhance the sale; projectors, SSIII front and TRD rear splitters, SSIII grill and crystal indicators. The vinyl roof had to come off though, which was a MASSIVE PITA…. Took a good couple of days.
Here are the photos I used for the ad;
https://flic.kr/p/y14ZzX
https://flic.kr/p/xZYoAN
https://flic.kr/p/xZXoZN
https://flic.kr/p/xZXf53
https://flic.kr/p/ygEuV5
https://flic.kr/p/yffSDd
https://flic.kr/p/xZYasU
https://flic.kr/p/y14KVT
And some interior shots after I took everything out…. Which I took so late I only sent them to one person, they never made it on the ad Also taken on request late one night, so I didn’t really get to clean it either.
https://flic.kr/p/xkKYbT
https://flic.kr/p/yij6WM
https://flic.kr/p/y11qo1
https://flic.kr/p/yhBnV6
https://flic.kr/p/xkHGxc
https://flic.kr/p/yhAZVp
https://flic.kr/p/yhAQZD
https://flic.kr/p/y16a8T
On Saturday the 29th of August 2015, I met the new owner and signed away my Celica.
Fear not, it is going to an enthusiast though. I sold the car to a young lad from Mackay, who currently owns a different 6th Gen Celica, but he liked the look of mine so he is trading up. He is still on his Learners permit, so this will be a nice car for him to finish learning in and then take on the world when he gets his full licence.
I haven’t yet told him about this thread and 6GC.Net, because I didn’t want to rain on the excitement of a new car purchase by showing off all the parts I had taken off and sold already. I did however have to have an awkward conversation when he sent me an email asking me if my Celica was the one doing skids in the review on Youtube (Richard On Cars Toyota Celica), which was my friend using my car for a few weeks when I was living in California in 2014
I am still in contact with him though, so when the time is right and he is finding his own way with the car I’ll point him in this direction.
So what about me?
Well I started shopping for a Mazda RX8 back in February – more than BEAMS power, leather / luxury interior, 6 speed manual, RWD + LSD, sporty looks but still pretty practical. It was pretty much perfect…… but then I drove a Miata.
It just felt like nothing I had ever experienced before – simple, tiny and AMAZING fun. It was the opposite of pretty much everything I was looking for – it was hideously impractical and it was only a tiny bit more powerful than the 5S (but less torque!)…. But I had to have one.
I did a lot of research into all of the different models available and the NB8B came out a clear winner for me. Entering my final year of university, I needed something that I knew would be reliable. I wanted a clean, fairly low kms car with good paint (NOT SILVER! ). The car was to spend most of its time commuting, so safety in the form of dual airbags and ABS were highly desirable.
So at the start of March I flew to Sydney to buy a late ’00 midnight blue NB8B model with the 6 speed manual. It was a single owner car with 65,200 kms!!!
https://flic.kr/p/tCxDkGhttps://flic.kr/p/tCxDkG
https://flic.kr/p/tCxDz9https://flic.kr/p/tCxDz9
https://flic.kr/p/uhYrmChttps://flic.kr/p/uhYrmC
https://flic.kr/p/tCxDQ9https://flic.kr/p/tCxDQ9
The road with the Miata (MX5 here) hasn’t been exactly as smooth as I expected, but I am absolutely loving it and modding it like crazy. I am saving up for a couple of months in Europe at the end of the year now, but I hope to do some racing in it early next year.
Its already got a shorter rear dif, Torsen LSD, shoft shifter and new Tein Flex Z coilovers, plus some cosmetics.
https://flic.kr/p/v4kd64
https://flic.kr/p/vkeKL7
https://flic.kr/p/v4jFzz
Its been temporarily raised to deal with some body work (not my fault -.-), but this is how it is sitting now;
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/MX5%20Build/5th%20September%202015%20-%20MX5%20Wheels%20020%20edit_zpskb3kxx8i.png.html
You can follow more progress on the MX5 in my off topic thread;
http://www.6gc.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=95671
I have ABSOLUTELY LOVED these past 3 and a half years with my Celica, and I can say with HUGE confidence that this is due to the amazing encouragement, support and inspiration hosted through 6GC.Net. I have made some amazing friends, met up with 6GC people interstate in Aus and internationally in California. I learned a lot from you all, I hope I have given my fair share in return, but most importantly had an amazing time.
This is likely the end of my Celica journey (maybe a ST205 could happen in a few years, but I'm not making any promises), but I hope to pop back every now and again to keep up to date with everything and let anybody who still cares know what is happening on my end.
Gah, took you long enough.
Ahh after a few first paragraphs and details about selling off all your parts I knew where it was going. Ah beams is so fun oh well
Awesome last post! but your celica will be surely missed!
Bummer seeing you sell off the celica, but all of us probably figured from the parts being sold that it was eventual. Best of luck with the MX5 and hope to see you on here again with an ST205.
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