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6G Celicas Forums _ My Project _ The white rescued Celica. (1994 ST204) Pictures galore.

Posted by: RabidTRD Jun 2, 2011 - 3:56 PM

So I figured I should make a thread about my rescued '94 GT-S Celica ST204. Here goes.

I bought her in November of 2010 to replace my old child, a built 1999 Toyota Camry LE.


She was my baby for 4 years. I put tons of money into her, seeing as I got her for free from my aunt. She came in terrible condition and was not loved when I received her. I rebuilt her, put in eibach pro suspension, a full 2" SS exhaust, bored out the pistons and replaced with larger ones, ect. I absolutely loved her, as did my friends and a few shop guys that race cars that I know through work. She was killed by a guy running a red in September of 2010.


So after accepting her loss, and receiving a $5,300 insurance check... I set off for another under loved child. I don't believe in buying new cars, nor do I believe in buying anything American in relation to cars. I searched the newspaper, I searched the internet... finally I found an app on my iPod that was "Cars.com." After searching on there, I decided I really wanted either a Prelude, a Integra GS-R, a Civic Si/EX, or a Celica. All the cars I went to see were either too expensive or were not as advertised.

Finally I cam across this little white gem. The car was listed for $2,800, power everything, 6 speaker stereo, GT model and best of all, 5 speed. So I went to have a look. There I found her, in a field, next to a house and she looked like she had been sitting for at least a year. Grass was growing into her miss-matched tires, dirt covering her exterior, dust all over her inside.... she was a mess. I asked to have a seat in her and to see if she started. I opened the door and sat down, instantly falling in love with the craftsmanship, the side hugging seats, and the feel of the leather wrapped steering wheel in my hands. I turned the key and instantly (the owner hadn't started her in over 6 months) she shook to life. I was greeted by dust blowing out of the vents as she roared from the hole behind her lower cat converter. I could tell she would be a trouble maker, but still, I was intrigued. I popped the hood to have a look at the 5S-FE, an engine I learned very well in my Camry.

First off, I spotted the normal usage signs. Leaking valve cover, old plug wires, dirty, oily, hairline cracked radiator, and an acid covered 34 series battery (mind you it's not facing the right way, wrong sized battery that had no hold down and didn't sit in the pan flat). She was a tad rusty, but still cleaner than most of the Celica's in Rochester.

I told the owner that I would have to think about it, and we shut her down and closed her up. I left that day to go home and talk to my dad about what he thought of it.

I returned a day after to see that the owner had cleaned her up, vacuumed out her interior and she looked fabulous. I gave the owner an offer of $1,800 cash because I knew the amount of work I would have to put into her. The owner wouldn't have it and I left once more.

That night I had a dream about the car... I awoke in the morning, wanting to take her for a drive and went back once more to talk to the owner. This time I had $2,500 cash with me, in hand, in case I really couldn't leave without her. We opened her up and turned her on. I took off in her, feeling her torque, her bite... I fell in love. I couldn't get out of her and decided to buy her. I told the owner that I won't pay more then $2,500 for her and that I have the cash in hand. The owner agreed and signed her over to me. I then returned home without her one last time to go to the DMV and get everything processed. The next day I went back, picked her up, and drove her home.

On the way home, well thats when she started to complain. At 60 she started to shake, making a weird rattling sound in the rear. I stopped at a gas station to fill her up and inspected my tires. The tires were 3 of one size, 1 of a smaller size and they all were cracked and weathered. I figured the owner put old tires on just to get rid of the car and knew I'd have to get new tires anyway, so it didn't bother me. So I went to fill her up. Half way through filling up, she started to make a really bad smell. The fuel filler neck was cracked and rusted to hell on the bottom. Fuel was dripping out as I filled her. Oy... she started to look like a nightmare.

I had the owner fix the fuel neck, which they agreed to, and footed the $200 bill from Toyota.

This is a picture the day after I got her (pre new fuel filler neck):

Finally started to get things fixed up on her and got some more shots via cellphone:







Then winter hit. I put new tires on her, Hankook Winter iPike 195/55/R15's (best grip in snow I've ever had. This car is a wonderful winter car.) I couldn't do more than that due to the weather so it was a cold long wait until the weather broke. I did manage to get my HID's in before the storm hit, and my yellow 9005 high beams. I managed to snap a pretty cool pic during a heavy winter storm too:



Then I found some smoke Depo lenses on eBay for a good price and popped those in (while freezing my butt off) and fixed my faulty washer pump as well. (Try driving in salty Rochester during the winter with no washer pump)


Finally winter came to an end and I re-did the breaks. I knew she leaked oil, but the leak seemed to get worse after the winter. I looked around and only saw it on the valve cover, so I changed that. I had done it twice before on the Camry, so I knew it would be an easy job. Wrong. I got the cover off and saw this:


What a mess! The engine had so much sludge in it. Even my Camry with 216k miles was cleaner than this! Apparently the owner never changed the oil...
So after a little scraping, I decided I should paint it while it's off too in order to accent the lines.





I fixed the top leak, but for some reason, she still continued to drip oil. So I jacked her up and had a good luck after the winters fury. Man was she wet underneath... The back side of the engine was covered, the oil pan was leaking around the seal, and it seemed like the oil was dripping out of the timing cover too. The owner said that they changed the timing belt not too long ago... so wouldn't they have changed the seals too? Nope. We got the covers off, looked inside and it was a huge mess. Oil was everywhere. It was also gunked up on the camshaft pully, showing how long the thing had been sitting with oil dripping down on it. We then replaced all the seals, the timing belt, the components (the tensioner had the wrong spring on it and the timing belt was flopping around inside) and put her back together. FINALLY the drip stopped.

Then the weather got nicer, so I decided to have a go at resurfacing my rusty, pitted, old rims:
Before:

After:


Then a noise started coming from the rear. I jacked her up again, and it seems that the bushings in the rear adjustable arms are going. You can grab the wheel and clunk it up and down. Dealer wants $300 for the two (and thats wholesale due to my connections through work). So thats a soon to do project of mine.

I had to cut my secondary cat out because of the break. I welded her up once, but she broke again so I just had enough and cut her out and fitted in some pipe as a temporary solution while I save up for that exhaust I've been dreaming about.

Work I want to do to her in the future includes:


More pictures of what I have done to date:














So far I have put in:


I have a long way to go. Money is the largest issue right now.

Posted by: RabidTRD Jun 2, 2011 - 4:12 PM

I thought I'd put this up too, because it actually show's the exhaust.
http://s3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/TeddyBearFuzz/Cars/?action=view&current=100_0888.mp4

I'd like an exhaust similar to this on the Celica. It sounded great and performed even better.


I've also discovered that my throwout bearing is going. When the clutch is engaged, the engine makes this loud wining noise. When you press the pedal in, the noise goes away for a second, and then comes back. It'll even grab sometimes while I'm cruising and cause the car to jerk until I press the gas again. So new clutch and throwout bearing are next on the list after I get this exhaust issue worked out. Then it's oil pan, and gasket. Hopefully that'll fix the last of my oil issues.

Posted by: NYp8tBaller07 Jun 2, 2011 - 5:44 PM

looks like you have water in the highs just like I do =p

Posted by: kevinkoda Jun 2, 2011 - 7:00 PM

im lovin the shift knob..where did you get it?! smile.gif

Posted by: RabidTRD Jun 2, 2011 - 8:49 PM

QUOTE (NYp8tBaller07 @ Jun 2, 2011 - 6:44 PM) *
looks like you have water in the highs just like I do =p

Yeah. I have yet to see one in NY without it haha. It's only in my driver side one though. I plan on pulling apart the headlight and re-sealing it after I clean out the inside. (Or just buying a new one and making sure it stays sealed.)

QUOTE (kevinkoda @ Jun 2, 2011 - 8:00 PM) *
im lovin the shift knob..where did you get it?! smile.gif

Ebay, believe it or not. It's a true TRD knob from a dealership in IN. It even came in the "TRD USA" box and with instructions lmao. It's weighted nicely, has a great feel, and looks great. I paid $55 for mine on eBay. Not sure what they go for on trdusa.com

Just make sure it's an authentic one if you want to pick one up. I can see if I can find the link.

EDIT: Here's the link.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280680371784#ht_2275wt_938

Thats a top view of the shifter. (The button on the break handle sticks out more now too... I had just slipped it on to take pics and hadn't milled it out yet.)

Posted by: RabidTRD Jun 2, 2011 - 9:25 PM

Interior view from back seat.


Posted by: jtmlb3k Jun 2, 2011 - 9:34 PM

Great progress and an awesome write up. No joke, I teach writing at college and you could definitely be a writer haha. Can't wait for more updates!

Posted by: RabidTRD Jun 3, 2011 - 5:10 PM

QUOTE (jtmlb3k @ Jun 2, 2011 - 10:34 PM) *
Great progress and an awesome write up. No joke, I teach writing at college and you could definitely be a writer haha. Can't wait for more updates!

You know what the depressing part is? I dropped out of high school and am in the process of getting my GED right now. I was blessed with a mother who took the time to read to me when I was little. She read me novels at bed time, thus building my comprehension at an early age. I'm doing all this at 21 and have been out of high school since I was 17. I do love to write and I am a very visual thinker. I like to paint a picture in readers minds. This way of thinking also helps me when I work on cars, since I can see what's going on and open a photo book in my mind of images that I have previously seen in order to fix or diagnose a problem. Helps me sell parts for cars where I work too hahaha.

I'll be replacing my EGR and shoes tomorrow. I'll take pics of progress on those too lmao.

Posted by: RabidTRD Jun 6, 2011 - 8:42 PM

Changed out the EGR yesterday.

Had to take off the throttle body to access the EGR tube from the block because you can't get a 22mm wrench in the narrow crevice between the manifold and the firewall.


Small space. Anyone know what that sensor does? Tells the ECU when the egr is warmed up?


The lower EGR tube nut.


How I had to get it out.


This is why I had to change out the EGR.


Couldn't even get the EGR line off of the EGR once it was off, so I had to clamp and wack it off. lol.


Once I got it off, I painted it. For those of you that live in upstate NY or in the northeastern US, you know what salt and rust can do.


Semi back together.


All done. You can see the red EGR tube.

Posted by: opie_7afe Jun 13, 2011 - 12:08 AM

looking good man i just got my celica about 4 months ago and was owned by a girl who didnt wash or clean anything....looking nice now after the hours i spent with a crappy walmart random orbital buffer( really need a porter cable) but is it me or does everyone who has black interior the top of the rear seats are faded? anyway to fix this without seat covers(temporary of course) and a way to stop it if you replace covers....hatch visor maybe? but good luck! maybe you wont find as many metal gremlins as i have...oh yeah id clean your engine bay (id do it once a year after winter) i covered all electronics with plastic and masking tape and sprayed purple power everywhere and used an assortment of brushes and rinsed her off then used a damp rag to clean off the electronic bits....and then gave a nice wipe down with trim dressing/armor all on all of the rubber bits,and plastic bits!...and a brass wire wheel works nice to remove the aluminum corrosion (do this at your own risk i take no blame!)

Posted by: enderswift Jun 13, 2011 - 10:29 PM

keep up the good work man. celi looks great. did you take the opportunity to clean out your IAC while you had everything apart?

Posted by: EKAn Jun 13, 2011 - 11:01 PM

Looks nice man

Posted by: RabidTRD Jun 16, 2011 - 7:36 PM

QUOTE (opie_7afe @ Jun 13, 2011 - 1:08 AM) *
looking good man i just got my celica about 4 months ago and was owned by a girl who didnt wash or clean anything....looking nice now after the hours i spent with a crappy walmart random orbital buffer( really need a porter cable) but is it me or does everyone who has black interior the top of the rear seats are faded? anyway to fix this without seat covers(temporary of course) and a way to stop it if you replace covers....hatch visor maybe? but good luck! maybe you wont find as many metal gremlins as i have...oh yeah id clean your engine bay (id do it once a year after winter) i covered all electronics with plastic and masking tape and sprayed purple power everywhere and used an assortment of brushes and rinsed her off then used a damp rag to clean off the electronic bits....and then gave a nice wipe down with trim dressing/armor all on all of the rubber bits,and plastic bits!...and a brass wire wheel works nice to remove the aluminum corrosion (do this at your own risk i take no blame!)

I have Black Magic engine degreaser/shine that I plan on using. I just have to fix a leak that I have first, then I'll get to it.

QUOTE (enderswift @ Jun 13, 2011 - 11:29 PM) *
keep up the good work man. celi looks great. did you take the opportunity to clean out your IAC while you had everything apart?

I couldn't get one of the cooling hoses off to do it so I didn't clean it like I'd hoped. However, I did clean out what I could.

Thanks to Espo, I'll have this exhaust on my car shortly!

It's a 2.25" to 2.5" with a 4" exhaust tip.
Specs:
Vibrant Performance quiet series resonator 2.25" in and 2.25" out
2.25" mandrel bent piping
2.5" Vibrant Performance straight through canister muffler 2.5" in and 2.5" out with a 4" tip
Stock bends to follow over the axle.

Posted by: RabidTRD Jun 21, 2011 - 11:47 PM



Hmmm.... smile.gif

Posted by: enderswift Jun 23, 2011 - 4:01 PM

i smell projectors.


damn you. I want a set too

Posted by: RabidTRD Jun 28, 2011 - 10:56 AM

Nope, unfortunately I can't afford projectors. So, I cleaned up my lights and blacked out the bezels inside of the highs.




Couldn't get that last bolt out lol.



Finished product. No more yellow water inside the driver side high and from above or the side it looks black. Pretty sick.


Question for everyone, is this normal?




Picked up a Vincent fuel door from Espo:



All paint matched and ready to go. Didn't get a more updated shot with the white fuel cap.

Also, another teaser:

Posted by: RabidTRD Jun 28, 2011 - 7:28 PM

Okay, white filler cap:


Decided to do my tail lights today too:


This cleaner works great on anything. Doesn't leave residue!


Fully prepped and then after first coat:



Finished product:


Looks darker in photos than in real life.

Posted by: jtmlb3k Jun 28, 2011 - 9:10 PM

The lights all look great! One question though: what was the Mountain Dew for?

Posted by: RabidTRD Jun 28, 2011 - 9:30 PM

Had to refresh! It's an important part of the painting process! Lmao

Posted by: m4dm4n Jun 28, 2011 - 9:55 PM

rofl... looking loads better! Is that speedo needle warped??

Posted by: RabidTRD Jun 28, 2011 - 9:57 PM

Well the cell phone camera warped it lol... but the question was, is it normal for the car to be at 4k RPMs when at 82MPH?

Posted by: epocsirhc Jun 30, 2011 - 12:14 AM

That sounds about right. I haven't owned my Celica for like a year and a half.

I'm liking what you've done so far! Keep up the great work.

Posted by: m4dm4n Jul 2, 2011 - 6:46 AM

not sure what the conversion is to Kmh exactly (125-130??) but at 110 I'm at something like 3200rpm or so

Posted by: RabidTRD Jul 2, 2011 - 11:26 PM

Out with the old, in with the new(ish):





The rear wheel is angled out funny. How do I correct that on this car since there is no camber adjustment?



Clearance:
Rear:


Front:


And a little retro!



Now, does anyone on here have any experience with the rebuildable Koni Special D shocks? My drive side, both front and rear are rattling like the spanner nut is coming loose. Is that possible? I haven't had day light long enough to get in there and try anything yet. It took me all day to change the rears due to a broken socket, seized bolts, and an irritating sway bar link.

Posted by: whatthe Jul 3, 2011 - 12:31 AM

Loving the progress mate!

Posted by: RabidTRD Jul 3, 2011 - 12:37 AM

Thanks everyone! I should have the exhaust on soon. Then I'll have to get the Scion TC rims at the 17" 45 offset and I'll be happy. Then I'll have to save up for the splitter kit and possibly a new engine. I may be doing a 3S-GTE instead of the beams... just seems more practical. Parts are easier for me to come by, cheaper, and the stock turbo shouldn't lag, so I just won't **** with it. smile.gif

Posted by: RabidTRD Jul 3, 2011 - 7:32 PM

Quick shot I took today while on my lunch break at work.
Parked next to my co-workers MK2 Golf:


Another view of the ride height:


I need camber bolts bad. Good thing I can get Moog ones from work. smile.gif

Posted by: RabidTRD Jul 3, 2011 - 10:58 PM

Anyone know if this means my car is really made in Japan and if this also means my car is the 675th car made?
What kinda information can I learn from this sticker?


Also, anyone putting on emblems, don't use this garbage:

Just use 3M Sticky Tape and cut it to fit. You'll be better off for a clean, easy job. This **** sticks to everything but the thing you're trying to stick it to. What a freaking mess.

Posted by: SwissFerdi Jul 3, 2011 - 11:07 PM

That sticker really just confirms your paint, transmission, and chassis codes (040, S54, and ST204, respectively). Your VIN is also on it. The rest is just government blahblah. These were made in Japan, though. JDM for sure.

Also, excellent progress here. Looks like you're taking a very clean, practical route to modification.

Posted by: mkernz22 Jul 3, 2011 - 11:16 PM

How much is the car lowered now?

Posted by: RabidTRD Jul 3, 2011 - 11:24 PM

Uhhh... I'd say about 2 inches. It's pretty freaking low. It's advertised as 1.5 with the Sportline, but I assume that's 1.5 out of the box new. This is over a year old.

Before:




After:



I don't have any good before pictures. frown.gif

I'm trying to make it as clean and OEM as possible, but still semi JDM and fun? I don't really know how to explain it. I don't like the gauge bezel I have and will be changing that ASAP. I will also be ordering custom fab brake pedals, dummy pedal pads and whatnot in a brushed aluminum. Ones that are designed for heel-toe. Or, I'll buy the WRC pedals that lift the gas pedal up to a height roughly the same as the brake pedal, and extends over towards the brake. (Roughly 200 to my door for the whole assembly)

Posted by: Arsaces Jul 3, 2011 - 11:28 PM

What kind of paint did you use on the valve cover? Looks great!

Posted by: RabidTRD Jul 3, 2011 - 11:47 PM

This stuff:



Also used a grey primer by the same company and type under. It worked great on the Camry I used to have, so I did it on this as well. 500 degrees and ceramic.

Posted by: Arsaces Jul 3, 2011 - 11:53 PM

Thank you very much!

Posted by: RabidTRD Jul 5, 2011 - 12:37 PM

Photoshoot time!
Decided to go out with my Canon 20D DSLR and a tripod and snap some shots. I then realized after returning home that there was a bug on the lens...

















Aaanndd... CAMBER!

Posted by: whatthe Jul 5, 2011 - 12:56 PM

Nice colour chosen for the stock wheels. And all red taillights too. Noticing alot of rust on the doors =[

Posted by: RabidTRD Jul 5, 2011 - 1:21 PM

Yeah... up here in upstate NY we like snow with our salt. frown.gif This car was abused before me. Apparently this is clean for how old it is. I'm going to be working on the rust next after I get this camber figured out and the exhaust on. Then comes rims from a 05 TC and after that I'll be trying to get my hands on a OEM lip kit. Hopefully SS-II splitters for the front and TRD for the rear with the OEM facelift skirts on the sides.

Posted by: RabidTRD Jul 7, 2011 - 6:38 PM

Let me start by saying... ****.

So about 5 days ago after work, I started my car and black smoke came out the exhaust. I looked behind me and went outside to check and see how dark it really was. Got to the rear and it went away...

...Okay. So I figured it was just some crap that got into the cylinder and burned off. I brushed it off and went along for the past 5 days without it happening again or any problems.

Today I got bored, so I decided that I should check the gap on my plugs and, just to make sure, see if there was oil in the cylinders. Took out plug 1, whew, nothing. On to plug 2, again, nothing and gap was perfect just like the first. So then comes plug 3. Again, nothing to worry about. At this point I'm happy and just like, "oh well everything is fine, I just worry too much." Plug 4. ****! I pull the plug out and oil drips off and onto my finger. Plug smells like burnt oil. Wonderful, so I dry the plug off and run a few extensions down into the cylinder to see how much oil is in there. The oil only left residue on the tip of the extension.

I call my boss and ask him his opinion (If you guys haven't already figured out, I work at an autoparts store and the top on in our division at that) on what I should do. My thoughts were that my piston ring is leaking. So I ask how much would labor and all of that cost? His response, "you have to take the whole bottom of the engine apart, so you might as well swap the engine out at that point or replace it." Grrreeeaaat. I can't afford that right now. I don't know how to do that on my own and I don't have a cherry picker or a stand. My friend does, but I doubt he'd want to help me with this. I'm already suffering from depression, I have had a recent breakup with a girl that I devoted myself to for 3.5 years that decided to tell me that we have nothing in common and we should break up. I'm also trying to deal with my mothers death and my father re-marrying...

This damn car is the only thing keeping me sane right now besides my friends and alcohol. I work on it when I feel upset, I tinker and I forget my pain and feel free for just a small amount of time. In that amount of time I feel happy, I know what I'm doing and I know I can fix it. Right now, I'm lost. I don't know if I should rebuild it, replace it, do the 3S-GTE swap that I really wan to do, or make a hybrid engine with a 3S-GTE head and a 5S-FE block... (That one always intrigued me.)

I'm losing my mind and I don't even have enough money to go buy some beer to just calm down. My dad yelled at me after I told him to pray for me because I might need to replace the engine and told me, "You've already spent too much on that piece of junk car." That again crushed me. I hate when people call my cars "junk." I proved with my last one that anything was possible and even the junkiest of cars have life left in them and deserve respect and love. I honestly feel like crying right now because this car is my only love. I can't lose this one too.

Just an example of what my Camry came from when I first got it:


I then turned it into this:

A 160hp BMW killer.

Posted by: Malhar95 Jul 8, 2011 - 2:35 AM

feel ur pain man, somewhat the same story with my car, ppl dont understand what it really means to us (well atleast what it means to me)


just a tip, dont get the ebay rebuild kit, i got it and within 1200 miles , bearings failed (it might be the mechanic to blame but) i can tell u now the quality doesnt feel too good....people warned me but i was stubborn and still got it, just a heads up

Posted by: beams78 Jul 8, 2011 - 10:11 AM

sucks to hear that dude life is already hard enough as is but hey if you love that car then revive it. it wont happen over night but as long as you get something done on it you ll feel good my celica engine blew on me and also need a few other things and i still have it i didnt let it die before i wont let it die now. besides theres other ppl in this forum that are from the same area as you( im one of them) that probally wont mind giving you a hand i already found someone who will help me whit my swap for my celica (when i finished saving up for the engine that is >_>) so take it easy and good luck whit your car

Posted by: RabidTRD Jul 8, 2011 - 11:48 AM

I actually may go another route. I've found a guy on Toyota Nation that seems to know a lot about 5S-FE's. He is building a 200 hp one that is NA. I may buy another engine and follow his advice and see if I can build one with at least 170.

At this point, I'm trying to figure out what is most worth while. There is a local guy that has a 3S-GTE swap that I really want to meet up with and get some advice from.

Posted by: beams78 Jul 8, 2011 - 12:48 PM

thats cool to know theres also a guy in the are that has done a 3sgte swap on his celica ive seen it once in person(which was awesome) he seems to know what hes doing plus hes also a member in the 6gc.(hes the one that told me about the site) hes name is JDcelica pm him he might be able to help you out whit any imformation you need


Posted by: imthedude3219 Jul 8, 2011 - 9:13 PM

how do make your lights that color? the bulbs in mine are burnt out on the sides.

Posted by: RabidTRD Jul 8, 2011 - 9:59 PM

QUOTE (beams78 @ Jul 8, 2011 - 1:48 PM) *
thats cool to know theres also a guy in the are that has done a 3sgte swap on his celica ive seen it once in person(which was awesome) he seems to know what hes doing plus hes also a member in the 6gc.(hes the one that told me about the site) hes name is JDcelica pm him he might be able to help you out whit any imformation you need


He is actually the one I am talking about haha. He has the black 3S-GTE hatch. I'm trying to meet up with him soon to talk.
QUOTE (imthedude3219 @ Jul 8, 2011 - 10:13 PM) *
how do make your lights that color? the bulbs in mine are burnt out on the sides.


Which lights? The highs have yellow 9005 bulbs at 60W, and I painted the interior bezels black with engine paint to handle the heat. The rears I used VHT Red on to get the pure, candy apple red. The front signals and the side markers are Depo Smoke lenses with amber bulbs inside. They run on ebay for around $70 for the set and they even include sockets and bulbs! Make sure you get the ones specifically for your year though. I almost bought facelift lights by mistake!

Posted by: beams78 Jul 8, 2011 - 10:01 PM

lol what a small world

Posted by: RabidTRD Jul 8, 2011 - 10:11 PM

Yeah, I honestly had no idea anyone from Rochester had any decent 6GC's. All the ones I see here are dented, rusted and neglected. There are a crap ton of RIT students with 6GC's. I was hoping to get some kinda local meet going and post info up at RIT for them to all come. There is a black one there from Vermont that has TRD calipers and a few mods. We chatted once when he pulled up behind me to get gas at a gas station and we stared at each-other and just laughed and said, "Nice car!"


If you ever need any parts, stop by the Advance Auto Parts in the city of Rochester. The one at 527 Monroe ave. It's on the corner of Monroe and Goodman. You can see my white Celica parked in the back and probably a MK2 Red golf, a MK1 GTi Rabbit and soon a blue VW Corrado (yeah I work with a bunch of VW heads.) If you see the white Celica, I'm working haha. Just don't come in hoping to chat for too long if the black Rabbit is there. I'll get in trouble because that's my GM. tongue.gif And please don't show up on Fridays, as we have to put truck away. Otherwise, stop in for parts, to chat, whatever. I've got lots of experience with basics on these Celicas. I don't know much about engine swaps though hahaah.

Also, I may have figured out what the oil in the cylinder is. I may have a bad seal at the base of the spark plug tube. I forgot to check that in my fury and it took a guy at Toyota Nation to make me think haha.

Posted by: beams78 Jul 8, 2011 - 10:19 PM

lol yeah you dont see these cars alot in these area although mines its beat up but not not bad but for a car that i got for free i cant complain which in the end im just making it into my little project and hopefully i could swap in either a 3sge beams or the 3sgte although im still in a debate on which one to choose cause of the fact on turboing the beams but im also a n/a motor fan so im still undicided hopefully for next summer i could do a swap on mines

lol thats kool to know mabey ill stop by someday if i have time though life pretty crazy these day so choosing where to go is sometimes a hassle >_>

Posted by: RabidTRD Jul 11, 2011 - 5:34 PM

Have you ever thought about building the 5S-FE? If you don't like turbo that much... it's the easiest way, especially if you don't want to spend a bunch. I'm planning a cam upgrade soon.

Posted by: beams78 Jul 11, 2011 - 7:22 PM

yeah i would have done that but to bad my is an st model not gt so 7afe no good lol

Posted by: RabidTRD Jul 12, 2011 - 12:32 PM

You can still build the A series engines to a pretty satisfying state. In fact, you've just got more room to work with haha.

Posted by: RabidTRD Jul 17, 2011 - 7:07 PM

So I took the time to finally rip the top off my engine. Well I sourced the leak issues and there was oil leaking into tube 4. Nothing on the inside this time! So it must have just collected around the base of the plug and when I pulled it, it all seeped into the cylinder. Thank freaking God. Struggled getting the tube out and ended up using vice grips on it, but it came out and I polished it up.

Pics:






Got it all together and decided to clean out my engine bay:


Before and after:

Posted by: RabidTRD Jul 17, 2011 - 7:35 PM

Next on the list is to get an allignment and the exhaust finally on! Then I'll be doing body work and looking for the TC rims. After that, Webcams! biggrin.gif

Posted by: RabidTRD Aug 1, 2011 - 11:40 PM

Received my 6gc.net stickers today! Put them on as soon as I got home from work haha.



Then I found another package that arrived while I was working. I finally got my gauge bezels! These things weren't cheap, so I'm glad they actually turned out like I had hoped.


You just round out the back side of the aluminum to make it hook and it stays in place. Pretty good idea!




Had to modify them a tiny bit to get a super flush fit.




And the end result is this:


Much happier with this than the previous bezel. That one is up for sale if anyone wants it!

Posted by: RabidTRD Aug 6, 2011 - 5:33 PM

Inside the car:



I have to get a shot of how sexy these things are at night.


More stuff on the way.
- Polk Audio speakers (in hand, waiting for install)
- Strut tower bar (this is one that crosses over the center and fits under the OEM one to stiffen it even more at $75 instead of the $300 pricetag on the TRD one)
- 07 Scion TC 17" rims
- Godspeed dual core aluminum high performance radiator with red silicone hoses
- 4 new calipers and SS hoses
- Cross-drilled rotors.

Posted by: beams78 Aug 6, 2011 - 11:57 PM

thats actually pretty cool gives the dash a new look

Posted by: Needles Aug 7, 2011 - 1:00 AM

nice gauge , its 100% perfect

Posted by: TRD11 Aug 7, 2011 - 10:15 PM

love the car ....... clean looking

Posted by: RabidTRD Aug 14, 2011 - 8:42 PM

Got my Polk Audio speakers in. Tweeters are so much better than factory that it's not even funny. I actually had to turn my highs down because at louder volume, my head started to hurt. The mids that I have in the rear now (6.5") are much better than factory, but lack the bass I was hoping for. This also may be because of the gauge wire I used. I realized after I put it all together that the wire was smaller than factory... quite a bit.. So I'll have to re-do those before giving an opinion.

Brother gave me his dual 12" Kicker subs and told me to have fun... (le sigh) too much bass for my liking and the box for them is huge. I may sell them and get a bass tube. At least that way I can take the subs out when I need to transport anything or auto-x.

Anyway, pics!




Taking out the rears




Rears are a PITA to take out compared to the fronts and tweeters lmao.

Posted by: RabidTRD Sep 9, 2011 - 7:49 PM

Found a set of Euro fogs and installed them with my own custom switch and wire harness:



I got tired, and sloppy last night in the dark and managed to scratch the area around the plug. Going to touch that up shortly frown.gif

And photos of them working with the parking lights (they're wired into the side parking lights so I don't have to have my headlights on and can cruse with these on instead):


The custom plugs I made to fit into the OE female plug:


Very happy with the look and extra light. Going to put in yellow bulbs next to optimize the foglight effectiveness.

Posted by: NYp8tBaller07 Sep 9, 2011 - 9:36 PM

Just saw the bezel, very nice and how are you liking the led's?

Posted by: Grega Sep 10, 2011 - 3:16 AM

QUOTE (RabidTRD @ Jul 3, 2011 - 11:58 PM) *
Anyone know if this means my car is really made in Japan and if this also means my car is the 675th car made?
What kinda information can I learn from this sticker?


Also, anyone putting on emblems, don't use this garbage:

Just use 3M Sticky Tape and cut it to fit. You'll be better off for a clean, easy job. This **** sticks to everything but the thing you're trying to stick it to. What a freaking mess.


I don't know if you already find that up, but by using your chasis code, I get this informations:

http://www.toyodiy.com/parts/q?vin=jt2st07n9r0014907

Posted by: RabidTRD Sep 10, 2011 - 9:49 AM

QUOTE (NYp8tBaller07 @ Sep 9, 2011 - 10:36 PM) *
Just saw the bezel, very nice and how are you liking the led's?

The ones in there are eBay ones and they are starting to flicker. Otherwise they look fantastic. Waiting for my spree kit

Posted by: NYp8tBaller07 Sep 10, 2011 - 10:41 AM

I thought they looked a little odd. You'll love the kit, at least I love mine lol

Posted by: RabidTRD Sep 15, 2011 - 6:53 PM

Something finally came in the mail the other day!



WHOOHOO! Instead of buying the TRD 3 bar strut stabilizer, I found one that goes under the OEM strut to firewall one and made my own 3 bar!



My yellow lights came in too:


They were fake Nokya's though... so hopefully the paint doesn't chip off while I'm waiting for my pair of real yellow glass Nokya's to come in.

Posted by: NYp8tBaller07 Sep 15, 2011 - 7:20 PM

nice grab on the bar =)

Posted by: RabidTRD Sep 15, 2011 - 9:55 PM

Yeah, it took forever to get here. $75 for it, but well worth the wait.

Posted by: SwissFerdi Sep 16, 2011 - 7:23 AM

Could be a real bargain over buying a traditional three-point bar, if you could get the OEM GT bar in a junkyard for cheap as well. I wonder if there's a difference in rigidity. The one-piece unit might flex less, more effectively tying the front together?

Posted by: RabidTRD Sep 22, 2011 - 12:56 AM

I guess. I had a bar like this on my previous car and I can honestly say, especially after my trip to the pocono's, it's way stiffer than just one bar alone.

The DWG Meet was great. I really enjoyed talking to everyone and the highlight of my trio was driving down this mountain pass that was like something straight out of initial d. 2 hairpins, a few s curves and a bunch of angled hard rights and lefts, all on a steady decline. I loved every second of it. Gave me a chance to test my suspension.

Also, on the trip, I snagged a Medalion GPower JASMA certified header! Very happy with it. Once I get a 2 1/4" downpipe made, I'll toss the exhaust on and be done for the winter.

Installed my spree kit too. Very happy with the end results. The red is super red! Now I've got to update my head unit and I'll be set.

I also found a girl that is going to let me do payments on TC rims and tires! Very excited.

Posted by: ricochet1490 Sep 25, 2011 - 12:37 PM

QUOTE (RabidTRD @ Jul 4, 2011 - 12:47 AM) *
This stuff:



Also used a grey primer by the same company and type under. It worked great on the Camry I used to have, so I did it on this as well. 500 degrees and ceramic.


TOPGEAR!!! Greatest show ever!

Posted by: RabidTRD Sep 26, 2011 - 4:17 PM

Top Gear UK, MTN Dew Pitch Black, and 6GC.net. All of life's essentials at one time smile.gif

Posted by: RabidTRD Sep 26, 2011 - 4:36 PM

Pics from the DWG '11:





Posted by: RabidTRD Nov 3, 2011 - 6:43 PM

Ok! I've been really busy working all the time recently, and the weather has been ****ty up until this week. So I finally had some money and decided to do some maintenance.

First off, I couldn't figure out why my rear window kept fogging up on cold days, or wet days... and there was this weird rattle coming from the rear. Well... I crawled under the car because I had a sneaking suspicion...

...yeah fears were real:


That was after I cleaned and cut out the rust. And for the other side:


Found that after pressing against the metal. Oy vey.
So the work begins (sparks are good for ratings right?):









The tool used to do the cutting and grinding of the rust:


And what I look like while working on my car:

(Lmao, idk why, I just felt like taking a pic)

Also decided to zinc primer some rust under the car before doing some undercoating:




Picked up some replacement odds and ends that are broken here and there:

  1. Rear caliper bracket bolts
  2. Wiper arm nut covers
  3. Distributor o-ring (will take measurements and get an aftermarket equivilant part number for customers with Camry's and Celica's because I hate not having something like this at my store)
  4. Parcel shelf clip for the passanger side (they gave me the wrong side!)
  5. Body drain plugs/drains (old ones are cracked and painted over)



Also got a new storage DIN (old one is broken on the spring side) from black93hardtop! (Thanks again for the super fast shipping!)


More items to come and updates to follow. Doing this one thing at a time.

Posted by: RabidTRD Nov 3, 2011 - 7:22 PM

This is what I do when I have no money to work on my car and I'm bored:


This was also the result of too much "adult beverage"

Posted by: bmj67 Nov 3, 2011 - 7:51 PM

hahaha nice glasses. I hate fixing rust but good work on it.

Posted by: kurt95gt Nov 3, 2011 - 8:29 PM

gotta say i love your celica

Posted by: RabidTRD Nov 4, 2011 - 9:31 AM

Thanks guys!

At this point I'm concentrating on repairs and then I'll be putting the exhaust on.

Posted by: Ted95 Nov 4, 2011 - 10:34 AM

car look great bro ive always wanted a clean white hatch!

Posted by: NYp8tBaller07 Nov 5, 2011 - 3:45 PM

nice clean up. i need to take care of some rust as well

Posted by: RabidTRD Nov 6, 2011 - 7:32 PM

QUOTE (NYp8tBaller07 @ Nov 5, 2011 - 3:45 PM) *
nice clean up. i need to take care of some rust as well

Don't use regular bondo like I did. I forgot that Bondo isn't waterproof. It's basically talc. Go for bondo-glass. It's waterproof and will work better long term. I'm going to have to cut my bondo out in the spring and re-do it.

Posted by: RabidTRD Nov 10, 2011 - 6:14 PM

Today was eventful. So I start off the day on my way to work (on time *gasp*) and my car starts puffing magic smoke out of the hood on the driver side. I immediately shut it down and pop the hood. Nothing is on fire, no critters nests or BBQ squirrel... what the hell could be making that terrible smell and smoke!? So I shut the hood and turn it on again, shrugging it off and decide to try to drive the two miles to work. Starts smoking out the passenger side at the first stop sign... Ok, now... So I pop the hood again and this time leave the car running. It's coming from the belt side of the engine, but I couldn't see where! I'd rev the engine and the smoke would come out of the bottom of the engine bay towards the front. Wtf. So I shut it down and start sniffing. Smells and whines, the engine feels bogged down. Called my boss (because now I was late) and let him know what was going on. Decided to pray and then drive to work and hope nothing burned up. Got to work fine and smoke was gone. Smell was still there though.

So I work my shift, the thought crossing my mind now and again on what it could be. Ran through a few things with my boss and finally decided to pull the serp belt and run the engine and see whats going on. Opened the hood to find the battery had acid on top (wasn't there two days ago) and to that stupid smell again. So now my mind is going towards bad alt, maybe it's seizing under load and the magnets are gripping too much. Popped the belt off and what do you know, the belt had glazed into the shape of the alt pulley. So there's my answer. Started the engine, no whine. Fricken-a!

All said and done, today I installed 4 batteries at work, and one alternator in the parking lot on my Celica. Thank God it's so easy to access on this 5S-FE. But now I'm down $130 for a new belt and Alt. Oh well. Better now than in the winter I guess.

Posted by: beams78 Nov 16, 2011 - 10:30 PM

lnice work on that rust dude and hey better now then later on i gotta change my clutch on my st by this week too supposely we r gona have snow soon >_>

Posted by: RabidTRD Nov 19, 2011 - 12:18 PM

Lol It snowed a couple nights ago while I was in the garage working on the celica.

Car's been on jack stands for a week now. I decided I wanted to fix the hand brake before the snow hits... so I go to take the caliper off and the bracket bolts break... all of them. Drilling them out of the brackets would have taken time and money and new hardware to rebuild the calipers was just as expensive as buying new ones. So I just dropped $200 on new calipers and got them in. I painted them and put new (dealer bought) bolts back in the and put new rotors and pads on. Painted the rotors as well.

Now it's time to finish up the little things with the rear and start on the front. I also need to take the heat plate off my alternator and paint that to match the engine. Oh and pop out my washer pump and warranty it at the dealer. Oh! And put a new dizzy o-ring in. Man I've got my hands full the next couple days.

Posted by: RabidTRD Nov 29, 2011 - 8:47 PM

Finished the brakes! I'll get some fresh pics in the morning when it stops raining of the car down with wheels on, but for now... this is the progress:
Fronts started like this:


Ended like this:


Rear:



Hover car!!!


I finally have a garage to work in smile.gif


This primer works great on the calipers or anything rusty (undercar chassis parts)




Also paint matched the new alt's heat shield to my valve cover:




Finished the Spree LED install:






More pictures as I find them. I took them on 3 different cameras including my phone rofl.

Posted by: NYp8tBaller07 Nov 29, 2011 - 8:52 PM

How do you like the spree kit? The red looks nice :-)

Posted by: cheela Nov 29, 2011 - 9:04 PM

beautiful progress. love the SPREE kit.
i have mine half installed. still need the HVAC lights.

Posted by: RabidTRD Nov 29, 2011 - 9:06 PM

QUOTE (NYp8tBaller07 @ Nov 29, 2011 - 8:52 PM) *
How do you like the spree kit? The red looks nice :-)

I love it. The kit has been a build since the summer. I just kept adding things to it and ordering more led's lol.

QUOTE (cheela @ Nov 29, 2011 - 9:04 PM) *
beautiful progress. love the SPREE kit.
i have mine half installed. still need the HVAC lights.

The HVAC isn't fun... but when it's done, it's well worth it.

I'll be tackling the rust on my doors with a new "rust infuser" product that I'll give feedback on when I finish. Trying to get this damn thing fully rust proofed before winter, but things keep happening. I think my rear wheel bearings are going too frown.gif

Posted by: RabidTRD Dec 3, 2011 - 10:53 PM

Giving up on the TC wheels. I've been looking at them and I don't think I'll like them as much as I thought I would.

So, here's to new ideas.

One I'm thinking of:

I want a gold rim. I really like how the gold looks against the white on our cars and these are nice chunky ones. I especially like the lip on them.

Posted by: RabidTRD Dec 3, 2011 - 11:09 PM

What I really want are these:

Posted by: kurt95gt Dec 3, 2011 - 11:58 PM

I just got tc rims an love them

Posted by: mkernz22 Dec 4, 2011 - 4:28 PM

QUOTE (RabidTRD @ Dec 3, 2011 - 11:09 PM) *
What I really want are these:


i'd suggest some engine work before you drop 2g's on those rims. i found the listing on ebay. definitely not worth it.

Posted by: NYp8tBaller07 Dec 4, 2011 - 11:23 PM

when you get those rims let me know because Im looking to get rims for spring! also because we both live in NY it wouldnt be too bad to meet up.

Posted by: RabidTRD Dec 5, 2011 - 1:42 PM

Yeah, I'm not going to drop 2k on rims. I'd rather drop $600 on cams before that. It's just wishful thinking. I may get the Drag one-piece clones that I have pictured up above because I can get them with Yokohama S-Drives for just under 1k. Or I can do these Konigs: http://www.discounttiredirect.com/product/wheels/konfea.g.ang.jpg for just over a grand with the Yokohama's.

I'm thinking I'd rather go with the Konig's being that I trust that brand and I don't want FAKE two piece rims.


QUOTE (NYp8tBaller07 @ Dec 4, 2011 - 11:23 PM) *
when you get those rims let me know because Im looking to get rims for spring! also because we both live in NY it wouldnt be too bad to meet up.


I want to get something going locally. There are a few guys here that own 6GC's that I'd like to meet up with. There is a good meet place up at the beach where all the import crowd shows up in the spring through fall. Usually sat nights.

Posted by: RabidTRD Dec 5, 2011 - 2:08 PM

Updates; photos of what I've done the past few weeks:

Here is how the calipers look:




I changed my dizzy o-ring yesterday... it was def leaking from it and when I pulled it off, the thing cracked and fell in half in my fingers.



(Always make a mark so you know where it should be when re-installing it so you don't have to re-time)

Because Toyota is smart, the make a notch to show you the placement of the rotor on re-install.


The car made a mark for me lmao:


Last but not least, a video showing a bit of what I've done to it:
http://s3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/TeddyBearFuzz/Cars/?action=view&current=100_1314.mp4
(Has mostly exhaust noise and intake noise. I love how this thing sounds with an intake. I removed the second cat, otherwise it's stock exhaust)

Posted by: Unicorn Dec 5, 2011 - 7:37 PM

Really love the look of that spree LED kit mate. How long do you think it's taken you to install that? You think it's something that I could accomplish in a couple of days?

Keep up the great work, this little Celi is getting some awesome treatment!

Posted by: kurt95gt Dec 5, 2011 - 8:46 PM

Hope to have my celica look as clean as yours one day

Posted by: RabidTRD Dec 5, 2011 - 11:19 PM

QUOTE (Unicorn @ Dec 5, 2011 - 7:37 PM) *
Really love the look of that spree LED kit mate. How long do you think it's taken you to install that? You think it's something that I could accomplish in a couple of days?

Keep up the great work, this little Celi is getting some awesome treatment!

It took me the longest on the HVAC. I'd say do the easy stuff first (gauges, clock, key ring, ash tray and cig lighter) in one night. Then the next day do the HVAC. The look of the lights on the dash and whatnot will motivate you to finish it. The HVAC is a little of a pain in the ass... but the end result is well worth it.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask along the way. The HVAC cables can be a bit confusing.

QUOTE (kurt95gt @ Dec 5, 2011 - 8:46 PM) *
Hope to have my celica look as clean as yours one day

Thank you, that means a lot. It's been a struggle sometimes, but I'm doing the best I can on a $20k yearly income and living on my own.

Posted by: Unicorn Dec 7, 2011 - 6:12 PM

QUOTE (RabidTRD @ Dec 5, 2011 - 11:19 PM) *
It took me the longest on the HVAC. I'd say do the easy stuff first (gauges, clock, key ring, ash tray and cig lighter) in one night. Then the next day do the HVAC. The look of the lights on the dash and whatnot will motivate you to finish it. The HVAC is a little of a pain in the ass... but the end result is well worth it.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask along the way. The HVAC cables can be a bit confusing.


Thanks for that info. It shouldn't be too bad for me as I will be installing the lighting in the dash whilst the car is stripped, before the interior goes back in again.

Posted by: kurt95gt Dec 7, 2011 - 9:04 PM

http://www.6gc.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=81758
just incase you didn't see this

Posted by: RabidTRD Dec 8, 2011 - 4:57 PM

QUOTE (kurt95gt @ Dec 7, 2011 - 9:04 PM) *
http://www.6gc.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=81758
just incase you didn't see this

Holy cow! Thanks for the heads up!

Posted by: kurt95gt Dec 8, 2011 - 8:49 PM

welcome
I want a set too but don't have the extra money so figured I pass the word on lol

Posted by: RabidTRD Dec 12, 2011 - 8:59 PM

*sniff sniff snifff* I smell something coming my way for the front end very soon smile.gif (unfortunately I'll probably not have them on until spring. I have to see how low it'll sit with them on, seeing as I don't want to turn the new... something... into a snow plow lmao)

Posted by: nerevar Dec 15, 2011 - 12:43 PM

QUOTE (RabidTRD @ Dec 5, 2011 - 3:08 PM) *
I changed my dizzy o-ring yesterday... it was def leaking from it and when I pulled it off, the thing cracked and fell in half in my fingers.


Is this the where the crankshaft is? I was told I have a leak there. So is this common? Do you know how fast should I change this if it's already leaking? kindasad.gif

Posted by: RabidTRD Dec 15, 2011 - 4:58 PM

Yep. That's the hole that the distributor goes in. That attaches to the intake side camshaft. I drove mine for a year with a slight leak. It started seeping into the cap and I was irritated with losing oil since I run full synthetic. I can't afford to keep dropping money on oil by burning it AND leaking it...

You can run for as long as you want to keep putting oil in lol. It's not going to damage anything. It's super easy to change though. If you want, I can run you through it.


By the way, very nice, clean post-facelift. You've got the same idea I do with the front splitters and side skirts wink.gif

Posted by: RabidTRD Dec 15, 2011 - 5:38 PM

Ok... so the motor is on it's way out. Cylinder 4 is still letting oil in. Has to be bad rings... Blah. So, here lies the question; do I build a 98+ 5S-FE on the side while this one dies? Or do I go 3S-GTE? I'm not looking to heavily modify either engine as I like the stock feel... (I may later, which the 3S will be worth more for) and with the 5S, I'd just be doing cams.

So here is the question, what have you guys spent on 3S-GTE swaps? What would replacing this old neglected 5S with a new one cost? (I know cams are around $600 for the ones I want... so +600 to the cost)

Posted by: kurt95gt Dec 15, 2011 - 5:43 PM

V6 lol

Posted by: RabidTRD Dec 15, 2011 - 6:48 PM

QUOTE (kurt95gt @ Dec 15, 2011 - 5:43 PM) *
V6 lol

Lol that would ruin the car for me. I like factory. Plus I'm too lazy to do the fabrication needed lol

Posted by: Smaay Dec 15, 2011 - 8:13 PM

QUOTE (RabidTRD @ Dec 15, 2011 - 2:38 PM) *
Ok... so the motor is on it's way out. Cylinder 4 is still letting oil in. Has to be bad rings... Blah. So, here lies the question; do I build a 98+ 5S-FE on the side while this one dies? Or do I go 3S-GTE? I'm not looking to heavily modify either engine as I like the stock feel... (I may later, which the 3S will be worth more for) and with the 5S, I'd just be doing cams.

So here is the question, what have you guys spent on 3S-GTE swaps? What would replacing this old neglected 5S with a new one cost? (I know cams are around $600 for the ones I want... so +600 to the cost)



there is no reason to spend money on a 98 block. its not going to make a difference. just rebuild your engine. follow my guide on rebuilding the 7A in the stickys. the 5S is very similar.

Posted by: RabidTRD Dec 15, 2011 - 10:32 PM

QUOTE (Smaay @ Dec 15, 2011 - 8:13 PM) *
QUOTE (RabidTRD @ Dec 15, 2011 - 2:38 PM) *
Ok... so the motor is on it's way out. Cylinder 4 is still letting oil in. Has to be bad rings... Blah. So, here lies the question; do I build a 98+ 5S-FE on the side while this one dies? Or do I go 3S-GTE? I'm not looking to heavily modify either engine as I like the stock feel... (I may later, which the 3S will be worth more for) and with the 5S, I'd just be doing cams.

So here is the question, what have you guys spent on 3S-GTE swaps? What would replacing this old neglected 5S with a new one cost? (I know cams are around $600 for the ones I want... so +600 to the cost)



there is no reason to spend money on a 98 block. its not going to make a difference. just rebuild your engine. follow my guide on rebuilding the 7A in the stickys. the 5S is very similar.

When I spoke to Jim in person, he said the 98+ had a better head gasket. The problem is, this car is my daily driver... so down time is a biggie. That's why I'd rather buy another engine and rebuild it on the side while this one dies.

Posted by: ricochet1490 Dec 15, 2011 - 11:04 PM

either way, it doesn't need to be 98+ specific. I mean, if you were going for 450WHP then ok, sure. But because you like factory, and because $$ is an object like it is for most of us, I would recomend looking in local classified ads for a beater camry or something that someone is selling as a work car for 500bucks. That gets you motor and parts parts parts for other things. You either A) then have a working motor, or B)have a motor to fix and build a bit that didn't cost you an arm and a leg.

Posted by: nerevar Dec 16, 2011 - 2:42 AM

QUOTE (RabidTRD @ Dec 15, 2011 - 5:58 PM) *
Yep. That's the hole that the distributor goes in. That attaches to the intake side camshaft. I drove mine for a year with a slight leak. It started seeping into the cap and I was irritated with losing oil since I run full synthetic. I can't afford to keep dropping money on oil by burning it AND leaking it...

You can run for as long as you want to keep putting oil in lol. It's not going to damage anything. It's super easy to change though. If you want, I can run you through it.


It's not leaking that much as it doesn't show. I'm not really the mechanic type so I have everything done by one. And he said it's easy but takes a lot of time ... I'll probably wait a few more months. smile.gif

QUOTE (RabidTRD @ Dec 15, 2011 - 5:58 PM) *
By the way, very nice, clean post-facelift. You've got the same idea I do with the front splitters and side skirts wink.gif

Thanks. I got it like this but now am working on a few details to get it where I want it (JDM tail lights, wheels etc.), though I definitely like the whole clean look the previous owner did.

Posted by: RabidTRD Dec 16, 2011 - 3:00 PM

QUOTE (nerevar @ Dec 16, 2011 - 2:42 AM) *
QUOTE (RabidTRD @ Dec 15, 2011 - 5:58 PM) *
Yep. That's the hole that the distributor goes in. That attaches to the intake side camshaft. I drove mine for a year with a slight leak. It started seeping into the cap and I was irritated with losing oil since I run full synthetic. I can't afford to keep dropping money on oil by burning it AND leaking it...

You can run for as long as you want to keep putting oil in lol. It's not going to damage anything. It's super easy to change though. If you want, I can run you through it.


It's not leaking that much as it doesn't show. I'm not really the mechanic type so I have everything done by one. And he said it's easy but takes a lot of time ... I'll probably wait a few more months. smile.gif

QUOTE (RabidTRD @ Dec 15, 2011 - 5:58 PM) *
By the way, very nice, clean post-facelift. You've got the same idea I do with the front splitters and side skirts wink.gif

Thanks. I got it like this but now am working on a few details to get it where I want it (JDM tail lights, wheels etc.), though I definitely like the whole clean look the previous owner did.

Agreed. It's spiffy haha.

Basically, you need to remove the air filter hose. Then after that, you unscrew the distributor cap (Leave the wires attached, you can push it off to the side). After that you make a mark with a paint pen on the distributor and block so that you know where to line it up again when you place it back in. Then you take off the one bolt on the front side and the whole thing just comes out. Replace the gasket, and then slide it back in with the notch for the rotor matching (as I've got pictured above) and line up your marker line. Cap back on, air box hose back onto the intake and you're good.

Tools needed: 8MM socket, 14MM socket, towels to wipe off the oil, and maybe a screwdriver. I can even take a video if you'd like. smile.gif

Posted by: RabidTRD Dec 16, 2011 - 3:08 PM

QUOTE (ricochet1490 @ Dec 15, 2011 - 11:04 PM) *
either way, it doesn't need to be 98+ specific. I mean, if you were going for 450WHP then ok, sure. But because you like factory, and because $$ is an object like it is for most of us, I would recomend looking in local classified ads for a beater camry or something that someone is selling as a work car for 500bucks. That gets you motor and parts parts parts for other things. You either A) then have a working motor, or B)have a motor to fix and build a bit that didn't cost you an arm and a leg.

That's true.. I could also sell the parts and make money back... Problem is finding one with low enough miles. I don't want a late 90's camry engine because the valve cover is designed different and looks stupid. I'm sure there's a beater out there with a completely rotted body and... low...ish... miles lol. How hard is completely rebuilding an engine? I've got the wrench time... just haven't actually done one before. I can do an exploded view of the engine in my head and I know where everything goes, it's just getting it all apart.

Posted by: RabidTRD Dec 16, 2011 - 3:29 PM

Added some stickers:


And washed her:

Posted by: nerevar Dec 18, 2011 - 7:21 AM

QUOTE (RabidTRD @ Dec 16, 2011 - 4:00 PM) *
Basically, you need to remove the air filter hose. Then after that, you unscrew the distributor cap (Leave the wires attached, you can push it off to the side). After that you make a mark with a paint pen on the distributor and block so that you know where to line it up again when you place it back in. Then you take off the one bolt on the front side and the whole thing just comes out. Replace the gasket, and then slide it back in with the notch for the rotor matching (as I've got pictured above) and line up your marker line. Cap back on, air box hose back onto the intake and you're good.

Tools needed: 8MM socket, 14MM socket, towels to wipe off the oil, and maybe a screwdriver. I can even take a video if you'd like. smile.gif


That really sounds easy. I'll have to take a closer look and see if it's actually the same issue. Thanks!

Posted by: Timmyface Dec 22, 2011 - 1:03 AM

Any updates? wink.gif haha

Posted by: RabidTRD Dec 23, 2011 - 6:31 PM

QUOTE (Timmyface @ Dec 22, 2011 - 1:03 AM) *
Any updates? wink.gif haha

Lol I've been so busy lately, I haven't been able to put them on. I'm trying to decide if I want to paint match, or go with the factory black... but that may disappear lol. Maybe paint matched two stripes next to each other? Hmm...

Posted by: RabidTRD Dec 29, 2011 - 8:25 PM

Snow has finally hit and I have a new head unit on the way. I also snagged a set of Sparco WRC mud guards that will be in soon too. Need to protect my baby against the stupid salt and rocks. frown.gif

Some like these, only in red:

Posted by: UndecidedPC9397 Dec 30, 2011 - 1:25 AM

Feel that pain somewhat as well, I have respect for you being able to tell your story on a forum. have some of those same problems, but not gonna get into that and dampen the mood lol.
I have a buddy who's tuning a camry V6 with a 6 speed actually, its got pretty good power, but he does have an ego or an unhumanly amount of confidence where it turns into an inflated ego lol ill just say in short he has street raced a jag and a hyundai genesis coupe cuz of it. Build looking good tho, started watching this and love the stuff your doing.
Do you know by chance what the guy on toyota nation is doing to get 200HP out of 5S'? what are you thinking for cams if anything yet?And same thing as you dude, everyone around here abuses their celi's like you wouldnt believe, theres one that has a chunk a size of a hand missing from his doors, its horrific frown.gif and I dont know of any 6GC's around here that are getting tuned and in good shape except for one thats practically identical to mine!
and rust is the biggest pain! Fixed it on my driver door with duraglass and still have a bunch of that rust to black primer stuff I need to paint over kindasad.gif and replacing the passenger door its so bad, its actually cracked because there was so much bondo under the paint! and still need to tackle the trinklid...
the guy before me did cheap fixes with this poor thing and im trying to treat it well but im new with this, very new. and its even in the shop right now which pains me sooo damn much that I cant fix it myself.......
And I soooo want that spree kit! is it brighter than that weird stock green?

Posted by: kurt95gt Dec 30, 2011 - 10:41 AM

I know what you mean about the 6gc abuse
Everyone around my area could care less about a Celia pre 00 and even then there's very few that are tuned up more than a muffler
All my friends are Honda guys like 99.9% of the rest of the people around me
An they think me tuning a Celia is pointless because an I quote my buddy Seth " you can never mod that Celia enough to out run my b16 hatch " an the rest are if it's not Honda it's not worth it

Posted by: UndecidedPC9397 Dec 30, 2011 - 11:10 AM

QUOTE (kurt95gt @ Dec 30, 2011 - 11:41 AM) *
I know what you mean about the 6gc abuse
Everyone around my area could care less about a Celia pre 00 and even then there's very few that are tuned up more than a muffler
All my friends are Honda guys like 99.9% of the rest of the people around me
An they think me tuning a Celia is pointless because an I quote my buddy Seth " you can never mod that Celia enough to out run my b16 hatch " an the rest are if it's not Honda it's not worth it


I feel that,, there are a ton of 7th gens around here that have those big factory bady kits. Hate those, they look like they tried to steal their looks from a lambo or something. the normal ones are nice but 6th gen imo is the best. alot better style and more original. and luckily Im not surrounded by honda fans, My friend has that camry so it kinda balances things out, but what I lack in honda people, ive sadly gain truck tuners (not sure which ones worse) cuz they keep saying "Why are you tuning up a ricer? american cars will beat you anyway" and s*** like that. But I just tell them to buzz off (trying to cut back on my swearing lol) and just wait until I acually get started. but yeah those douchy honda fan boys are annoying as hell, the one I hang with says to tune up the celica and see what I can do.
and is that spree kit installation pretty easy or is it more than pluging in a few bulbs and calling it a day?

Posted by: cheela Dec 30, 2011 - 11:12 AM

QUOTE (kurt95gt @ Dec 30, 2011 - 9:41 AM) *
I know what you mean about the 6gc abuse
Everyone around my area could care less about a Celia pre 00 and even then there's very few that are tuned up more than a muffler
All my friends are Honda guys like 99.9% of the rest of the people around me
An they think me tuning a Celia is pointless because an I quote my buddy Seth " you can never mod that Celia enough to out run my b16 hatch " an the rest are if it's not Honda it's not worth it


lol. same here. all hondas here too. mostly rusty civics though LOL.

hope you can save ur car once more. I'd definitely look into rebuilding since ur on a short budget. let us know how it goes.

Posted by: UndecidedPC9397 Dec 31, 2011 - 2:41 AM

QUOTE (cheela @ Dec 30, 2011 - 11:12 AM) *
QUOTE (kurt95gt @ Dec 30, 2011 - 9:41 AM) *
I know what you mean about the 6gc abuse
Everyone around my area could care less about a Celia pre 00 and even then there's very few that are tuned up more than a muffler
All my friends are Honda guys like 99.9% of the rest of the people around me
An they think me tuning a Celia is pointless because an I quote my buddy Seth " you can never mod that Celia enough to out run my b16 hatch " an the rest are if it's not Honda it's not worth it


lol. same here. all hondas here too. mostly rusty civics though LOL.

hope you can save ur car once more. I'd definitely look into rebuilding since ur on a short budget. let us know how it goes.


you can do a rebuild on an engine with a short budget?! im interested to hear this, im wanting to rebuild, but mine is a dd and Ive already lost it for a few days, (hopefully not dead) praying for her now

Posted by: kurt95gt Dec 31, 2011 - 2:48 AM

Depends on how far you do the rebuild on a budget
Might be cheaper to get another motor if you find one with low enough mile
but if your motors about to go might as well swap to something better. 3after cough v6 cough beams cough cough cough biggrin.gif

Posted by: UndecidedPC9397 Dec 31, 2011 - 3:06 AM

QUOTE (kurt95gt @ Dec 31, 2011 - 3:48 AM) *
Depends on how far you do the rebuild on a budget
Might be cheaper to get another motor if you find one with low enough mile
but if your motors about to go might as well swap to something better. 3after cough v6 cough beams cough cough cough biggrin.gif


Well I dont have a cherry picker so when I get to college I may take advantage of that if they do. I dont think I need to swap a new motor in yet, but this cars has needed some major TLC, especially now for some reason, poor thing.. but I was thinking V6 swap for a while but that will be WAAAAY later when I have aquired that level of knowledge and equipment to proceed.and do you mean like valve cover to the head kind of rebuild for a lower budget rebuild?
And not trying to take this thread, want an update on progress!

Posted by: cheela Dec 31, 2011 - 12:42 PM

QUOTE (UndecidedPC9397 @ Dec 31, 2011 - 1:41 AM) *
QUOTE (cheela @ Dec 30, 2011 - 11:12 AM) *
QUOTE (kurt95gt @ Dec 30, 2011 - 9:41 AM) *
I know what you mean about the 6gc abuse
Everyone around my area could care less about a Celia pre 00 and even then there's very few that are tuned up more than a muffler
All my friends are Honda guys like 99.9% of the rest of the people around me
An they think me tuning a Celia is pointless because an I quote my buddy Seth " you can never mod that Celia enough to out run my b16 hatch " an the rest are if it's not Honda it's not worth it


lol. same here. all hondas here too. mostly rusty civics though LOL.

hope you can save ur car once more. I'd definitely look into rebuilding since ur on a short budget. let us know how it goes.


you can do a rebuild on an engine with a short budget?! im interested to hear this, im wanting to rebuild, but mine is a dd and Ive already lost it for a few days, (hopefully not dead) praying for her now


LOL must've been thinking about VTEC too much. I meant get another motor. If not just get a beater while you fix the cell up.

Posted by: UndecidedPC9397 Dec 31, 2011 - 1:01 PM

QUOTE (cheela @ Dec 31, 2011 - 1:42 PM) *
QUOTE (UndecidedPC9397 @ Dec 31, 2011 - 1:41 AM) *
QUOTE (cheela @ Dec 30, 2011 - 11:12 AM) *
QUOTE (kurt95gt @ Dec 30, 2011 - 9:41 AM) *
I know what you mean about the 6gc abuse
Everyone around my area could care less about a Celia pre 00 and even then there's very few that are tuned up more than a muffler
All my friends are Honda guys like 99.9% of the rest of the people around me
An they think me tuning a Celia is pointless because an I quote my buddy Seth " you can never mod that Celia enough to out run my b16 hatch " an the rest are if it's not Honda it's not worth it


lol. same here. all hondas here too. mostly rusty civics though LOL.

hope you can save ur car once more. I'd definitely look into rebuilding since ur on a short budget. let us know how it goes.


you can do a rebuild on an engine with a short budget?! im interested to hear this, im wanting to rebuild, but mine is a dd and Ive already lost it for a few days, (hopefully not dead) praying for her now


LOL must've been thinking about VTEC too much. I meant get another motor. If not just get a beater while you fix the cell up.


Okay thought thats what you meant, I was gonna say only doing part of the engine sounds really dumb but either of those I cant do kindasad.gif If there was another car in the driveway, let alone a diff engine in the garage, it would drive my dad insane

Posted by: RabidTRD Dec 31, 2011 - 4:54 PM

QUOTE (UndecidedPC9397 @ Dec 30, 2011 - 11:10 AM) *
QUOTE (kurt95gt @ Dec 30, 2011 - 11:41 AM) *
I know what you mean about the 6gc abuse
Everyone around my area could care less about a Celia pre 00 and even then there's very few that are tuned up more than a muffler
All my friends are Honda guys like 99.9% of the rest of the people around me
An they think me tuning a Celia is pointless because an I quote my buddy Seth " you can never mod that Celia enough to out run my b16 hatch " an the rest are if it's not Honda it's not worth it


I feel that,, there are a ton of 7th gens around here that have those big factory bady kits. Hate those, they look like they tried to steal their looks from a lambo or something. the normal ones are nice but 6th gen imo is the best. alot better style and more original. and luckily Im not surrounded by honda fans, My friend has that camry so it kinda balances things out, but what I lack in honda people, ive sadly gain truck tuners (not sure which ones worse) cuz they keep saying "Why are you tuning up a ricer? american cars will beat you anyway" and s*** like that. But I just tell them to buzz off (trying to cut back on my swearing lol) and just wait until I acually get started. but yeah those douchy honda fan boys are annoying as hell, the one I hang with says to tune up the celica and see what I can do.
and is that spree kit installation pretty easy or is it more than pluging in a few bulbs and calling it a day?


It is a little more than that if you want the lights to project to it's maximum ability. But, that being said, it's only taking the bulbs out of their plastic slides, wraping the wires around the existing bulb clips, and screwing them in. (takes 3 mins a bulb to do)

QUOTE (kurt95gt @ Dec 31, 2011 - 2:48 AM) *
Depends on how far you do the rebuild on a budget
Might be cheaper to get another motor if you find one with low enough mile
but if your motors about to go might as well swap to something better. 3after cough v6 cough beams cough cough cough biggrin.gif

Around here you can get a auction Camry or Celica for super cheap (we're talking $75 to $300) that's been in a wreck (body damage, engine untouched) and pull the engine. That's what I'll be doing. Then I'll be borrowing my boss' engine stand and just building it while this one dies.

I do know the guy who has the NA 200HP 5S-FE on Toyota nation. He has that in a MR2. He was the one who talked me into doing more with the 5S instead of swapping. My build will be mostly just rebuilding an old engine, cams, valve job, and then possibly the supercharger they have for the 5S. If I went that route, I'd be doing larger injectors and a better fuel pump too.

BUT, for now I'm looking at making the suspension do what I want it to. It's almost there. I just have to replace all the bushings with urethane (first in the rear to correct the Celica's need to understeer, correcting it for oversteer because I prefer to have the rear break free first) and seeing how it feels, then doing the front. I will also be doing urethane engine mounts to allow more feel from the engine.

I don't care too much about power, as I'm not a "drag" style racer. I like autocross, circuit/track racing, and rally's. That's what I'm getting this car ready for. Power isn't an issue because I know how to drive this engine to it's maximum potential (had way too much experience with that Camry that had the same engine) and I care more about hitting corners faster than anyone else than I do about accelerating faster than anyone else.

Yeah, the kick in the pants is fun... but I've experienced NASCAR stock car driving and nothing I can ever build that is street legal will ever compare to that power, so why should I concentrate on the dick measuring aspect of racing when I can concentrate on the talent portion involved with properly setting up a car to your own specs for handling and enjoying driving it every day.

New radio came in. When I get the time (hopefully tomorrow... stupid holidays and friends wanting to party keeps occupying my time) I'll pop the radio in, the new lower DIN (the current one is broken on one side) and the front splitters and post an update. The mudguards are on backorder from where I ordered them (so they say, I think they just suck at keeping things in stock/updated on their site. I won't post who it is nor will I ever suggest anyone buy from them) so those won't be here until late next week or the week after.

Posted by: UndecidedPC9397 Dec 31, 2011 - 5:17 PM

QUOTE (RabidTRD @ Dec 31, 2011 - 5:54 PM) *
QUOTE (UndecidedPC9397 @ Dec 30, 2011 - 11:10 AM) *
QUOTE (kurt95gt @ Dec 30, 2011 - 11:41 AM) *
I know what you mean about the 6gc abuse
Everyone around my area could care less about a Celia pre 00 and even then there's very few that are tuned up more than a muffler
All my friends are Honda guys like 99.9% of the rest of the people around me
An they think me tuning a Celia is pointless because an I quote my buddy Seth " you can never mod that Celia enough to out run my b16 hatch " an the rest are if it's not Honda it's not worth it


I feel that,, there are a ton of 7th gens around here that have those big factory bady kits. Hate those, they look like they tried to steal their looks from a lambo or something. the normal ones are nice but 6th gen imo is the best. alot better style and more original. and luckily Im not surrounded by honda fans, My friend has that camry so it kinda balances things out, but what I lack in honda people, ive sadly gain truck tuners (not sure which ones worse) cuz they keep saying "Why are you tuning up a ricer? american cars will beat you anyway" and s*** like that. But I just tell them to buzz off (trying to cut back on my swearing lol) and just wait until I acually get started. but yeah those douchy honda fan boys are annoying as hell, the one I hang with says to tune up the celica and see what I can do.
and is that spree kit installation pretty easy or is it more than pluging in a few bulbs and calling it a day?


It is a little more than that if you want the lights to project to it's maximum ability. But, that being said, it's only taking the bulbs out of their plastic slides, wraping the wires around the existing bulb clips, and screwing them in. (takes 3 mins a bulb to do)

QUOTE (kurt95gt @ Dec 31, 2011 - 2:48 AM) *
Depends on how far you do the rebuild on a budget
Might be cheaper to get another motor if you find one with low enough mile
but if your motors about to go might as well swap to something better. 3after cough v6 cough beams cough cough cough biggrin.gif

Around here you can get a auction Camry or Celica for super cheap (we're talking $75 to $300) that's been in a wreck (body damage, engine untouched) and pull the engine. That's what I'll be doing. Then I'll be borrowing my boss' engine stand and just building it while this one dies.

I do know the guy who has the NA 200HP 5S-FE on Toyota nation. He has that in a MR2. He was the one who talked me into doing more with the 5S instead of swapping. My build will be mostly just rebuilding an old engine, cams, valve job, and then possibly the supercharger they have for the 5S. If I went that route, I'd be doing larger injectors and a better fuel pump too.

BUT, for now I'm looking at making the suspension do what I want it to. It's almost there. I just have to replace all the bushings with urethane (first in the rear to correct the Celica's need to understeer, correcting it for oversteer because I prefer to have the rear break free first) and seeing how it feels, then doing the front. I will also be doing urethane engine mounts to allow more feel from the engine.

I don't care too much about power, as I'm not a "drag" style racer. I like autocross, circuit/track racing, and rally's. That's what I'm getting this car ready for. Power isn't an issue because I know how to drive this engine to it's maximum potential (had way too much experience with that Camry that had the same engine) and I care more about hitting corners faster than anyone else than I do about accelerating faster than anyone else.

Yeah, the kick in the pants is fun... but I've experienced NASCAR stock car driving and nothing I can ever build that is street legal will ever compare to that power, so why should I concentrate on the dick measuring aspect of racing when I can concentrate on the talent portion involved with properly setting up a car to your own specs for handling and enjoying driving it every day.

New radio came in. When I get the time (hopefully tomorrow... stupid holidays and friends wanting to party keeps occupying my time) I'll pop the radio in, the new lower DIN (the current one is broken on one side) and the front splitters and post an update. The mudguards are on backorder from where I ordered them (so they say, I think they just suck at keeping things in stock/updated on their site. I won't post who it is nor will I ever suggest anyone buy from them) so those won't be here until late next week or the week after.

Thats a pretty good point. Im looking to upgrade handling as well, but I do want a bit of bark and bite from the engine, thats why I wanna do my exhaust really bad and trying to get all my plans together. but I like the way you look at the enjoyability aspect, and to each is own on what they enjoy. I like incresing both engine perofrmance AND handling. If you can find a perfect balance, its definaetly a force to reckon with, And I do have a distaste for the whole 'whose better than who' but thats my friend, hes still pretty into 'dick measuring' and more just bark and bite and not being able to control it around corners. imo, he still needs to mature a bit (surprised totaling his rav4 by sliding into a pole didnt do it but it def did something at least)

Posted by: kurt95gt Dec 31, 2011 - 5:47 PM

Seems like you got a good plan on what you want to do rabidtrd
I've really enjoyed reading about what your doing

My Honda buddy's were sad to see me switch back( even tho I got a 91 si still)
But not all Honda guys are bad my buddy Seth just talks slot of crap since he has the fastest n/a import in our town but hoping to change that lol
I've always been a big drag race fan but any type of racing is fun even on a lawn mower

An thanks for not getting mad that we keep getting off topic rabid smile.gif

Posted by: UndecidedPC9397 Dec 31, 2011 - 6:13 PM

QUOTE (kurt95gt @ Dec 31, 2011 - 5:47 PM) *
Seems like you got a good plan on what you want to do rabidtrd
I've really enjoyed reading about what your doing

My Honda buddy's were sad to see me switch back( even tho I got a 91 si still)
But not all Honda guys are bad my buddy Seth just talks slot of crap since he has the fastest n/a import in our town but hoping to change that lol
I've always been a big drag race fan but any type of racing is fun even on a lawn mower

An thanks for not getting mad that we keep getting off topic rabid smile.gif

+1 on all that lol

Posted by: RabidTRD Dec 31, 2011 - 8:44 PM

Lmao, I don't mind if the thread goes off topic. I just enjoy talking cars.

If you want some more power, a true exhaust and cams are good ways to get there without a lot of hassle. Don't get too big of an exhaust for a NA though. Anything larger than 2.25" with no mods (for this engine) or 2.50" with mods is too big. 3" is only good for turbo's as where a NA will choke and lose all of it's low end power. I've found that a proper exhaust, 2.25" from the headers all the way back (get 3S-GE headers from an SS-II, not the 5S-FE ebay ones) actually adds power all the way around. Doesn't destroy the low end torque, and adds to the higher end. Cam's will further develop this and the engine will benefit from the larger exhaust when they're installed.

I'm looking at Webcams (192 grind I think, can't remember because I haven't even gotten close to buying them yet) for my project.

On to the radio
Installed it today. Holy ****. Finally a single DIN radio that actually does what it's advertised to do from SONY. This unit is a "Digital Media Player" as it does not have a CD drive and is instead replaced by two USB ports, and two AUX ports. It actually puts out the 208 watts it says it does (the sound difference between this one and the old SONY one I had is CRAZY) and it utilizes the factory amp that the GT models have. Screen display is amazing, menu's are super easy to navigate (as most SONY units) and it's fun! It also picks up local radio stations digital info!

The unit I bought is the SONY DSX-S200X. Normally it costs $200, but Crutchfield.com has a sale on it for $119! It's a total steal for that price. Walmart price and top shelf performance. I can't wait to get in my car and drive lmao. I'll be posting videos with it in and pictures of it matching my red interior theme tomorrow as I'm too excited to do that tonight haha. My favorite part is how the face folds down to expose a hidden storage unit for your iPod or other USB media device. This unit has blown me away.

Posted by: kurt95gt Jan 1, 2012 - 1:53 AM

I got something similar to that that radio made by dual
it's got USB sd slot an aux input and radio
only paid 20 brand new at Walmart smile.gif
But it's got low Watts tho so I replaced most of the factory speakers
So far it's got 2 8" subs in the front doors wired at 2ohm an 2 12" subs in the trunk
Wired at 2ohm too all 4 are 300 Watts hooked to a 250 Watt amp an it shakes the whole car
I just picked up a set of 6x8 speakers to replace the back speakers so the only stock speakers left will be the tweeters in the front doors

Posted by: richee3 Jan 1, 2012 - 10:43 AM

Can you bypass the factory amp with your new head unit or does the wiring need to use the plug from the factory head unit? I'm just curious because my factory speakers with the amp are all labeled "15 watt max." It seems to me that using the factory 15 watt amp would be a hindrance to the aftermarket head unit. Sounds like a cool head unit though thumbsup.gif

Posted by: kurt95gt Jan 1, 2012 - 10:54 AM

I just bought the adaptor an hooked it up so I don't know about bypassing it

Posted by: UndecidedPC9397 Jan 2, 2012 - 12:08 AM

QUOTE (RabidTRD @ Dec 31, 2011 - 9:44 PM) *
Lmao, I don't mind if the thread goes off topic. I just enjoy talking cars.

If you want some more power, a true exhaust and cams are good ways to get there without a lot of hassle. Don't get too big of an exhaust for a NA though. Anything larger than 2.25" with no mods (for this engine) or 2.50" with mods is too big. 3" is only good for turbo's as where a NA will choke and lose all of it's low end power. I've found that a proper exhaust, 2.25" from the headers all the way back (get 3S-GE headers from an SS-II, not the 5S-FE ebay ones) actually adds power all the way around. Doesn't destroy the low end torque, and adds to the higher end. Cam's will further develop this and the engine will benefit from the larger exhaust when they're installed.

I'm looking at Webcams (192 grind I think, can't remember because I haven't even gotten close to buying them yet) for my project.

On to the radio
Installed it today. Holy ****. Finally a single DIN radio that actually does what it's advertised to do from SONY. This unit is a "Digital Media Player" as it does not have a CD drive and is instead replaced by two USB ports, and two AUX ports. It actually puts out the 208 watts it says it does (the sound difference between this one and the old SONY one I had is CRAZY) and it utilizes the factory amp that the GT models have. Screen display is amazing, menu's are super easy to navigate (as most SONY units) and it's fun! It also picks up local radio stations digital info!

The unit I bought is the SONY DSX-S200X. Normally it costs $200, but Crutchfield.com has a sale on it for $119! It's a total steal for that price. Walmart price and top shelf performance. I can't wait to get in my car and drive lmao. I'll be posting videos with it in and pictures of it matching my red interior theme tomorrow as I'm too excited to do that tonight haha. My favorite part is how the face folds down to expose a hidden storage unit for your iPod or other USB media device. This unit has blown me away.


Hell yes, not alot of things that can beat car talk tongue.gif . And for now with my 5sfe, I want low end torque but do want it to have good power at the high end. (which they do already for the most part, but if I go WOT, it slugs in first and second it really kicks in so I want to remedy that but improve on my high end) also, was thinking of just doing 2.5 inch exhaust all the way back so I dont have to upgrade laterwhen I get more mods. I only have an intake but thats as far as ive gotten so far. Long story short, was gonna sell my celi because I didnt think there was an aftermarket so I kept looking through other options for a while but came full circle and now here I am, waiting for my baby to come back so I can finally, and officially, get started on releasing her potential. Ive got a plan going and know what order to tackle it in! And totally forgot about puting cams on my project sheet, ill need to research that and add them to my list. and I was looking into getting one of those radio decks but went with the Pioneer for 70 bucks. it glows red and looks pretty sweet and now the best part, now she has a fully functional radio system now biggrin.gif lol

Posted by: UndecidedPC9397 Jan 2, 2012 - 12:08 AM

and what are some good 8" subs to replace factory? im looking to replace mine sooner or later cuz Im thinking there starting to go out and on their last legs (there still factory soo yeah, there gonna die sooner than later tongue.gif )

Posted by: kurt95gt Jan 2, 2012 - 12:39 AM

I got American legacy 300Watt subs for 15 a sub lol
They seem to work great but I also have them hooked up to a amp an wired for mainly bass

Posted by: UndecidedPC9397 Jan 2, 2012 - 12:59 AM

Damn that doesnt sound like a price tag at best buy for sure lol

Posted by: kurt95gt Jan 2, 2012 - 1:09 AM

Nope deff not best buy lol
There's a big flea market in down by Dayton Ohio called trades world
I'm hoping to upgrade the 8s an 12s an amp after my swap is done
Hopping to get 600Watts all the way around so it'll really pound

Posted by: UndecidedPC9397 Jan 2, 2012 - 1:33 AM

QUOTE (NYp8tBaller07 @ Nov 5, 2011 - 4:45 PM) *
nice clean up. i need to take care of some rust as well


Duraglass all the way!!!!!!! worked great with my door, a chunk was missing from the corner but that S***'s so strong I made it look like it never had rust... EVER laugh.gif

QUOTE (kurt95gt @ Jan 2, 2012 - 2:09 AM) *
Nope deff not best buy lol
There's a big flea market in down by Dayton Ohio called trades world
I'm hoping to upgrade the 8s an 12s an amp after my swap is done
Hopping to get 600Watts all the way around so it'll really pound


Lucky, and thats gonna sounds pretty sweet, not a fan of big wub wub in my cars, not even a big fan of upgrading sound systems, but gotta have some tunes when you cant roll down the window or dont wanna hammer it to listen to the engine's soundtrack so wanna replace what ive got with stuff that wont fritz out and die anytime soon but not the first on my to do list for mods and what not. plus not everyone is content with just listening to an engine pur (or roar tongue.gif)

Posted by: kurt95gt Jan 2, 2012 - 1:45 AM

Oh my radio is normally only on if im in rown or showin off alittle lol
Most of the time it off or down low so i can hear the exhaust
Plus anything over about 2grand shes too loud to hear the radio lol

Posted by: UndecidedPC9397 Jan 2, 2012 - 1:57 AM

QUOTE (kurt95gt @ Jan 2, 2012 - 1:45 AM) *
Oh my radio is normally only on if im in rown or showin off alittle lol
Most of the time it off or down low so i can hear the exhaust
Plus anything over about 2grand shes too loud to hear the radio lol

I dont have too much to listen to except the intake and engine not, want my exhaust done so frickin bad! frown.gif And yep, two threads it looks like lol

Posted by: kurt95gt Jan 2, 2012 - 2:09 AM

Yea my Celia is loud. But not the loudest I've had lol
My 94 st had the normal bolt one an then had 2 12 inch 1000 Watt Sony subs an 1200 Watt amp
if I turned it up past 18 the mirror would fall out of place
The roof started to flex one day when I was showing off an put dents in the roof lol

Posted by: UndecidedPC9397 Jan 2, 2012 - 2:17 AM

haha damn, my friend whose has the camry installed a double din Kenwood touchscreen, hands free talking (dont ask me why he did, IDFK about the hand free shizz) and dont know the wattage, but has 2 12' kens in the trunk and when he pumps it up with heavy bass, its looks like he kidnapped richard simmons and stuffed him in the trunk and is trying to get out thru the head board (think thats what thats called) lol

Posted by: RabidTRD Jan 2, 2012 - 1:08 PM

Lmao the rear deck jumps... That's funny.

The unit I got has a ton of plugs to bypass the factory amp.. but I don't need to. This thing puts out more bass than my car can handle and with the tweeters I've got, it's highs can kill your ears lol.

It makes my side panels buzz. frown.gif I have to take them off and figure out what's buzzing because it's driving me nuts lol.

Posted by: UndecidedPC9397 Jan 2, 2012 - 2:59 PM

QUOTE (RabidTRD @ Jan 2, 2012 - 1:08 PM) *
Lmao the rear deck jumps... That's funny.

The unit I got has a ton of plugs to bypass the factory amp.. but I don't need to. This thing puts out more bass than my car can handle and with the tweeters I've got, it's highs can kill your ears lol.

It makes my side panels buzz. frown.gif I have to take them off and figure out what's buzzing because it's driving me nuts lol.


Dude his car does the same thing, he get music that specially moddified so the only thing you hear is just heavy bass. The door panels, the windows, the mirros, even the trunk and lisence plate even shakes and the plate reflects the sunlight at me whenever it moves

Posted by: UndecidedPC9397 Jan 15, 2012 - 11:59 AM

Any updates for us, bro?

Posted by: RabidTRD Jan 15, 2012 - 1:16 PM

Haven't really had the time to do anything with the car. White Sparco mud flaps are on back order.... still waiting on those. It's snowing now and is 12 degrees outside so there really isn't much working out there without a garage heater. Splitters aren't going on until they're painted, but again it's too cold outside. I hate the winter frown.gif

Once the tax return comes in, new clutch, new Koenig's and Yokohama SDrives.

Posted by: cheela Jan 15, 2012 - 3:29 PM

QUOTE (RabidTRD @ Jan 15, 2012 - 12:16 PM) *
I hate the winter frown.gif


I hear ya

Posted by: UndecidedPC9397 Jan 15, 2012 - 4:47 PM

damn, yeah winter sucks if you dont have a heater, well more like it sucks period but whatevs lol it just started showing here and its cold as a mofo! Wanna see this stuff on your car, sounds like its gonna be pretty sweet!

Posted by: RabidTRD Jan 27, 2012 - 2:45 AM

Forgot about posting pics since the new single DIN headunit install.

Taking the old out:




Old method of iPod Direct Connect:


Wires the head unit came with, but didn't need


Old wires that worked fine:


New storage din, cut for LED bar


Bar installed:


Complete!


Video of me fanboying:
http://s3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/TeddyBearFuzz/Cars/?action=view&current=100_1426.mp4

Posted by: RabidTRD Feb 22, 2012 - 5:30 PM

Not much of an update, since it's been so nasty outside, but I have my WRC Sparco mudflaps on smile.gif (and am watching paint chip away on the front bumper frown.gif)




Yay! Big doofy mudflaps ftw.

Posted by: Box Mar 1, 2012 - 11:14 PM

Very nice car you have. Always nice to take a diamond in the rough and polish it up. In the process of such myself. Which leads me to my question. I saw that you installed some OEM Euro fog-lights, and have them wired into the the side corner lights. Do you just have them spliced into the wiring, or is there a relay involved? What all was involved with that? Don't need a separate switch like you have. Thanks for any information that you can provide. smile.gif

Posted by: cheela Mar 2, 2012 - 3:01 AM

headunit looks awesome!

Posted by: RabidTRD Mar 11, 2012 - 8:23 PM

QUOTE (Box @ Mar 2, 2012 - 12:14 AM) *
Very nice car you have. Always nice to take a diamond in the rough and polish it up. In the process of such myself. Which leads me to my question. I saw that you installed some OEM Euro fog-lights, and have them wired into the the side corner lights. Do you just have them spliced into the wiring, or is there a relay involved? What all was involved with that? Don't need a separate switch like you have. Thanks for any information that you can provide. smile.gif


I ran a relay. Wiring as follows: Power from battery to relay, wire to parking lights, wire to ground, two wires to the power on the fog lights. I ran the ground wires of the fogs to the frame/rad cradle.


Small update. I decided to install my rear speakers properly today to try to fix the issue with there not being anything coming out of them.

Oh my God! Is this a rally build?!

Nope lol.

I should get a job wiring audio equipment lol.


Ran into a small issue with the self tapping screw... I'd try to screw it down and then the head would hide and the nut driver could not grip it... so...


...problem solved with a square sticky piece of foam (also prevented a rattling issue that could have happened from vibration tongue.gif)


Success!




Then I ran the tweeter wire to the crossover.


All mounted up smile.gif



Well the passenger side works now... but it is a bit scratchy and doesn't seem to be totally powered. The driver side doesn't make noise at all but both are getting power, so it's not the wires at the speaker end. Any thoughts as to why it may be not working now? I'm thinking maybe there is something wrong with either my amp, or the wires going to or from the amp. Maybe the wire harness I have is shot?

Posted by: SwissFerdi Mar 12, 2012 - 5:35 PM

I hear you on the wiring job, it's fun for some reason eh? I always enjoyed doing my speaker installs.

From the sound of it (or lack thereof), you might be right on that harness thing. Any way for you to test the amps?

Posted by: Box Mar 12, 2012 - 6:00 PM

Thanks for the response. Speaker install looks good. Eh, could be wires. Never know when the wires will have a weak spot or break in them.

Posted by: RabidTRD Mar 14, 2012 - 4:41 PM

I've been too lazy to rip the back seat out... again... and try to find the issue. I've got an amp meter somewhere that I can see what it's putting out. My boss thinks it may be a ground issue.




Teaser:


Hmm... tongue.gif

Posted by: Box Mar 14, 2012 - 5:49 PM

Do I see new rims in the future? *cough* tongue.gif

Posted by: RabidTRD Mar 14, 2012 - 7:00 PM

Future?











I have to get tires for them (take off the mudflaps and get rid of the rust again on the doors) but this gives you a rough idea tongue.gif

What I'm fighting with right now is tire size. I've got the tire brand and type (Yokohama S-Drive) but not sure if I want 215/45/R17 (what is on the rims right now... accept bald and with steel bands showing) 215/40/R17 (closer to OE spec) or 205/45/R17. Anyone have any loss of power with 215/45/R17? (Scion TC spec)

Posted by: Box Mar 14, 2012 - 7:46 PM

Rims look nice. 40 you'll be a little slower than what's on the speedometer and 45 will be a little faster. Here's a nice site for such: http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

Posted by: kurt95gt Mar 14, 2012 - 8:08 PM

Idk about loss of power but my car hooked up alot quicker with the 215/45/17
An that was with the set of after market rims( same specs other than weight. As sion tc rims)

Posted by: RabidTRD Mar 16, 2012 - 4:26 PM

These Enkei's are the same weight as the stock GT wheels (by lift test... not scale) so I don't think I'll feel a difference if I run the 215/45/17's. I'm afraid of destroying them on potholes around here with anything smaller of a tire. These streets SUCK!

Posted by: kurt95gt Mar 16, 2012 - 5:14 PM

I was running 225/45/17 an had zero problem. With potholes
My 205 seem ti fall holes. Allot easyier

Posted by: bmj67 Mar 16, 2012 - 6:48 PM

I'm running 225/45/75 on the tc wheels. So happy its about that time of year to put them back on.

Posted by: kurt95gt Mar 16, 2012 - 7:02 PM

QUOTE (bmj67 @ Mar 16, 2012 - 6:48 PM) *
I'm running 225/45/75 on the tc wheels. So happy its about that time of year to put them back on.

Wow thats the same setup on my hatch lol

Posted by: SwissFerdi Mar 17, 2012 - 11:58 AM

Having a 225/45 now, I can attest to a loss of something...not that the ST could lose much power, but yeah, it's a heavy tire (on my heavy wheels). For your want of a bit more tire, I'd say a 215/40 seems like a good combination, 215/45 if the smaller sidewall scares you.

Posted by: bmj67 Mar 17, 2012 - 7:55 PM

QUOTE (SwissFerdi @ Mar 17, 2012 - 12:58 PM) *
Having a 225/45 now, I can attest to a loss of something...not that the ST could lose much power, but yeah, it's a heavy tire (on my heavy wheels). For your want of a bit more tire, I'd say a 215/40 seems like a good combination, 215/45 if the smaller sidewall scares you.



I live in pa and the potholes suck. Ill take the extra weight to save the wheels. I spent a couple hundred for the Tc wheels and then had them blasted and powder coated. There are a few pics in my profile from dwg last year.

Posted by: RabidTRD Mar 27, 2012 - 1:54 PM

I've pretty much settled on 205/40 or 215/40 at this point. Will update with the final decision when I finally get enough money to buy tires. lol. Rent is kicking my ass.


Updates from the past few days... but wait, this isn't to my car! 0.0 Lmao this is why I haven't had any time to work on mine.

My friends '97 Honda Accord SE (non vtec now because the previous owner was too cheap to replace it with another vtec when he blew the engine) that cost him $200.

Fixed his dent in the hood, pulled the dents in the fenders out a bit more, installed the grill again, straightened the headlights so that he couldn't go owl hunting at night anymore...

Hood off to straighten (this was the progress of fixing the dents from the idiot previous owner)


Popped the top on the engine to paint





I also routed a "Bird sucker" intake for him lol. (He swore up and down that he sucked in a robin on the highway... was hilarious)

My girlfriends '01 Civic DX
Hood needs to be replaced, bumper will be replaced, front headlights are getting swapped for Halo projectors, tails were replaced, I fitted a DC Sports Twin Canister exhaust on and the car will be repainted. I also found her an AEM intake on eBay for $70 tongue.gif









We picked the exhaust up locally (MSRP $800+/-) for $200


Finally, I had some time to do some work on Timmy's splitters I managed to get off of him.





They're painted now, but I still haven't installed them. Will update later with install pics.

Still to do on my list,
Clutch
CV shafts
Flywheel
Tranny oil renewal
Figure out what the **** is making an annoying rattling and squeaking in my rear passenger side. (Probably wheel bearing because I have pretty much nullified the idea of it being the trailing arm)

Posted by: RabidTRD Mar 27, 2012 - 2:01 PM

And this pretty much sums up his car:


Another reason I don't get anything done:


We have a box of unused German gas masks in my basement.. creepy.. yeah... the breathers are there too.

Posted by: RabidTRD Apr 3, 2012 - 5:22 PM

Some more updates on what I've been doing:
Becca's car's front end needed some drastic TLC after a CRV decided it wanted rough buttplay and slammed on it's brakes:

Stripped down


New hood, new bumper cover, straightened out the crash bar, adjusted the rad cradle, re mounted her battery hold down and fitted sick headlights.


All ready for paint.

Then her gift came in that I bought for her:
Before


After:





I've been working on their cars so much I haven't had time to get mine finished. Well, Timmy's splitters are on!



Painted them myself and they match almost 100% perfectly. The paint on the bumper is a bit dead, so they're a shade lighter... but I'll be repainting that soon enough.

I decided that my garage was too dusty and brought out the leaf blower... but forgot to move my car...

eww lmao

Posted by: Timmyface Apr 4, 2012 - 2:48 AM

Yay! Looks shmick man. What front indicators are you using? I've seen crystal 1994 ones on ebay but they don't ship here frown.gif

Posted by: Ehrgeiz Apr 4, 2012 - 5:18 AM

QUOTE (Timmyface @ Apr 4, 2012 - 3:48 AM) *
Yay! Looks shmick man. What front indicators are you using? I've seen crystal 1994 ones on ebay but they don't ship here frown.gif


I can only find smoked indicators on eBay. Would love those crystal ones like the '96+ have, but on my '94!

Posted by: Timmyface Apr 4, 2012 - 5:35 AM

Theres some on there, but they wont ship to Australia, or outside the US i think. I can't even find any smoked crystal ones. I just want something to match the projectors a bit more.

Posted by: RabidTRD Apr 4, 2012 - 1:02 PM

I could play middleman tongue.gif Mine are Depo smoked. They even came with bulbs lol.

Posted by: Timmyface Apr 6, 2012 - 2:57 AM

Depo, as in 1994 still? I can only see 90-93 ones on ebay frown.gif I was considering getting you to get me the others, but they arent on there any more frown.gif

Posted by: RabidTRD Apr 6, 2012 - 8:17 PM

I'll get you a link.

Posted by: RabidTRD Apr 6, 2012 - 8:21 PM

http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=300684519277

Posted by: RabidTRD Apr 6, 2012 - 10:15 PM

So, I'm trying to decide on lugs for these rims.

I've got two that I'm seriously considering right now:

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/MCG-65554RR/

or

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/MCG-65554GD/

Trying to figure out which to get. I will be putting on beauty rings later.. so they're going to get covered up. This is why I'm thinking the red ones, as just a "whoa!" to anyone who pops the rings off to do maintenance since they're cheaper. The gold will look nice with the rims, but get covered so their beauty won't show. Then again, it will be a while before I get the rings.... so I'm a bit torn.

I wanted the purple ones because I'd like to do purple calipers next... but they only come in a 16 pack.

Posted by: Ehrgeiz Apr 7, 2012 - 5:41 PM

Wow, the lights are $59,95 but the shipping costs to Europe are $85! tongue.gif Thanks for the link though, I'll probably buy them anyway. smile.gif

Me personally, I'd take the gold ones. Gold + white = killer combo.

Posted by: RabidTRD Apr 8, 2012 - 8:43 PM

I realized today that I was looking at the wrong thread pattern. All toyotas are M12 1.50 >.< Stupid me...

Oh well.

I worked at another store on Friday morning and it was too beautiful outside not to take a pic of my newly updated frontend. smile.gif


Posted by: RabidTRD Apr 13, 2012 - 2:19 PM

In recent news.



Whai hover car?


Oh they has teh Enkei's?


Wut fuk teh?


Ah. I see.





Front clearance:


Rear clearance:


One finger rule.


Becca got me a Toyota vinyl to add to my collection smile.gif



She also got me a shirt!


So happy today. Even though my day off was revoked because of team members being MIA... Today is turning out to be a good Friday the 13th! So happy!


There will be some more updates to the wheels and calipers, as the winter has abused my paint job on them and some rust is showing through. Time for new color wink.gif

Posted by: Box Apr 13, 2012 - 2:49 PM

Nice wheels! I like you "NOT DRUNK Avoiding Potholes" decal. tongue.gif I need one of those.

Posted by: RabidTRD Apr 13, 2012 - 2:53 PM

QUOTE (Box @ Apr 13, 2012 - 3:49 PM) *
Nice wheels! I like you "NOT DRUNK Avoiding Potholes" decal. tongue.gif I need one of those.

I got that for a reason. I actually got pulled over by a cop because I was "driving erratically" and put through a sobriety test. I explained to him that there were a lot of potholes and I have performance suspension that causes the tires to flex more than the car actually moves... he wouldn't listen and told me to exit my car. So, the next day I bought a sticker and put it on. I passed the same cop two weeks later and he laughed... I don't think it's funny! Stupid time waster lol. So now if I get pulled over for dodging holes, I'm just going to point to my sticker and tell them to not waste my time, "Please officer."

Posted by: spy00005 Apr 15, 2012 - 2:40 PM

I'm gonna need one of those not drunk decals too now lol, as a preventative measure. after having my car lowered for just a week i now avoid all potholes like a plague and i can see why other people did that as well now. nice rims what tire you put on those?

Posted by: RabidTRD Apr 15, 2012 - 4:38 PM

QUOTE (spy00005 @ Apr 15, 2012 - 3:40 PM) *
I'm gonna need one of those not drunk decals too now lol, as a preventative measure. after having my car lowered for just i weak i now avoid all potholes like a plague and i can see why other people did that as well now. nice rims what tire you put on those?

I Went with FUZION 215/45/R17's because they were at the used tire shop for $120 for all four mounted, balanced and installed. I will be getting either 215/40/R17 or 205/40/R17 when I can afford to.

The FUZION's are ****ing grippy though. I hit a corner at 50 today that with my winter tires, they would chirp and these didn't make a sound... just gripped and powered through.

Posted by: RabidTRD Apr 15, 2012 - 6:17 PM

Something that I thought was cool:


It's nice to be reassured of your Japanese parts lol. Jap rims on a Jap car = Yus.

Posted by: mak5603 Apr 15, 2012 - 6:27 PM

Lol, one finger rule.. If you can fit a finger, she aint near low enough! No rule for that, haha. tongue.gif

Looks good though, what are those wheel / tire specs?

Edit: and at least you guys just gotta swerve potholes to look eratic.. I cant't even drive in the middle of the lane without my exhaust dragging, haha..let alone swerving any sort of elevation change, not just pothles, lol.

Posted by: RabidTRD Apr 16, 2012 - 4:49 PM

QUOTE (mak5603 @ Apr 15, 2012 - 7:27 PM) *
Lol, one finger rule.. If you can fit a finger, she aint near low enough! No rule for that, haha. tongue.gif

Looks good though, what are those wheel / tire specs?

Edit: and at least you guys just gotta swerve potholes to look eratic.. I cant't even drive in the middle of the lane without my exhaust dragging, haha..let alone swerving any sort of elevation change, not just pothles, lol.

ROFL. Did you do the "under the axel" routing or over?

Wheels are Enkei RS7 100/114.3 17"x7" 35 offset (I think)
Tires are Fuzion HRI 215/45/R17.

I honestly thought these Indonesia made tires would be garbage and I would only rock them for a short period of time... but holy hell. They even grip well in the rain. These are some seriously grippy tires. In fact, depending on the road surface, they will pull more to one side or another while I'm braking... and hard lol. They are pretty loud though. But, they're comfortable and grippy... and they only cost me $120 for all four, so I can't complain. Haha.

Posted by: mak5603 Apr 16, 2012 - 7:26 PM

QUOTE (RabidTRD @ Apr 16, 2012 - 2:49 PM) *
QUOTE (mak5603 @ Apr 15, 2012 - 7:27 PM) *
Lol, one finger rule.. If you can fit a finger, she aint near low enough! No rule for that, haha. tongue.gif

Looks good though, what are those wheel / tire specs?

Edit: and at least you guys just gotta swerve potholes to look eratic.. I cant't even drive in the middle of the lane without my exhaust dragging, haha..let alone swerving any sort of elevation change, not just pothles, lol.

ROFL. Did you do the "under the axel" routing or over?

Wheels are Enkei RS7 100/114.3 17"x7" 35 offset (I think)
Tires are Fuzion HRI 215/45/R17.

I honestly thought these Indonesia made tires would be garbage and I would only rock them for a short period of time... but holy hell. They even grip well in the rain. These are some seriously grippy tires. In fact, depending on the road surface, they will pull more to one side or another while I'm braking... and hard lol. They are pretty loud though. But, they're comfortable and grippy... and they only cost me $120 for all four, so I can't complain. Haha.


It's actually "over axle" believe it or not. Unfortunately it contacts the ground before that, more towards the center of the car. Honestly, it looks like it could have been hung closer to the car, but I guess that's what happens when you don't weld the exhaust. >.<

And wow, that is a great deal for tires, all four for $120?!

I just picked up some Bridgestone Potenzas, getting ready to give those a try.

Posted by: kurt95gt Apr 16, 2012 - 8:08 PM

Mak the potenzas are great on dry roads but they SUCK OUT LOUD in the rain
I have a set of 225/45/17 on my tc rims thats on my 1mz swap
But they were on the 5s coupe for awhile if the road was dry i could barely break them loose but on wet pavement i could barely hook up lol

Posted by: RabidTRD Apr 21, 2012 - 4:24 PM

The only thing that concerns me about these tires is the fact that I haven't been able to make them cherp yet. Most tires, I know when they'll break free... but these seem like the type that will give no sign... Kind of a scary thought. I'll have to put them to the test soon.

Posted by: RabidTRD Apr 23, 2012 - 2:38 PM

What is the difference between a radiator like this:


...and a factory replacement one aside from the aluminum tanks, as appose to the plastic ones?

Does it really cool better, or is it a hoax? I need to replace the rad soon and I want to figure out what's going to be more worth the money. I can get an OEM with reinforced plastic tanks for like $130 with a lifetime warranty or the Godspeed one for around $160 with an eBay warranty lol.

Posted by: Box Apr 23, 2012 - 3:22 PM

Unless you're racing I don't think it'd really matter. I'd go OEM just for the lifetime warranty.

Posted by: RabidTRD Apr 23, 2012 - 3:33 PM

Well, that's the thing. This whole build is to make a auto-cross car/track car but keep it simple and reliable for the street. So it will see some sort of track.

Does the Godspeed one have more "layers" or "cores"? Not sure how to state it, but the number of finned areas lol.

Posted by: kurt95gt Apr 23, 2012 - 4:10 PM

Its thicker than stock i have that same one with 2 slim fans it works great
Idk how much of a diffrence it has really made yet since its in the 1mz but it keeps that running cool from what i can tell

Posted by: RabidTRD Apr 23, 2012 - 4:43 PM

Do you have to run thin fans when upgrading it?

Posted by: kurt95gt Apr 23, 2012 - 4:49 PM

You probably wont but mine came with the pair of slims fans for 180
I had to since i was already close on space with the stock rad
So i knew i wouldnt fit it with the godspeed rad

Posted by: mandrek Apr 23, 2012 - 4:53 PM

got the same one.. it is for a 5sfe, so if that is what you have then it will be perfect, if you have an auto, or and ST/MT or ST/AT then you will have to add a cooler and or modify the line so that you get a proper return on the coolant.

as for the fans, i would use em, as when i tested mine they seem to pull ALLOT!!! oh and the rad is 2 row, the OEM is 1 row.. so the core is thicker.



ok , so just checked what your setup is,, and yes this will work perfectly for you.

though only bad thing i would have to say, is that you get what you pay for... on mine the fan mounts where off by just a bit (jig must have been off) and the bottom rad mounts were scooted over by about 1/2 and inch (so still workable) and some of the fins in between the rows were not flush with the rows.. but all in all %100 functional and quite pleased with what i got VS what i paid for it..

if you want perfect fitment and pay the primium for it.. go megan/koyo, i think fluidine may have one for us too.. but you will pay at least twice as much as the godspeed rad.

Posted by: kurt95gt Apr 23, 2012 - 5:00 PM

The guy at the local advance auto say my fans sound like tornado sirans when i first turn the car on

Posted by: RabidTRD Apr 23, 2012 - 5:19 PM

I was thinking this guy:
http://thmotorsports.com/mishimoto/mishimoto_radiators_performance/mmradt20094/i-398479.aspx

Lifetime warranty sounds nice smile.gif Plus, it's a real brand lol and Megan has never sat well with me... idk why. Plus, this is Japanese. Megan is an American copycat as far as I know.

Also, my fans kick on quite often with the OEM radiator... which tells me that my engine runs pretty hot, all the time. I feel like this will be next on my buy list after I get the clutch, and CV axles replaced.

Then comes new slotted rotors. tongue.gif

Posted by: mandrek Apr 23, 2012 - 5:34 PM

OUCH!!!.. 262!!!!.. well i hope that comes with the fans... i paid $170 for the godspeed rad and 2x 12" fans.. fir price IMO.. and not that much more than an OEM replacement..

Posted by: Box Apr 23, 2012 - 6:59 PM

QUOTE (RabidTRD @ Apr 23, 2012 - 5:19 PM) *
I was thinking this guy:
http://thmotorsports.com/mishimoto/mishimoto_radiators_performance/mmradt20094/i-398479.aspx

Lifetime warranty sounds nice smile.gif Plus, it's a real brand lol and Megan has never sat well with me... idk why. Plus, this is Japanese. Megan is an American copycat as far as I know.

Also, my fans kick on quite often with the OEM radiator... which tells me that my engine runs pretty hot, all the time. I feel like this will be next on my buy list after I get the clutch, and CV axles replaced.

Then comes new slotted rotors. tongue.gif

What I'd go with then. Megan products are made in Taiwan if I recall correctly.

Posted by: RabidTRD Apr 26, 2012 - 10:33 PM

Not really update... more of fixing her up from winter abuse.

Wiper arms got sanded down and repainted:


Becca helped me polish smile.gif


After polish and before wax


Which photo looks better, you decide:

(Samsung Rogue cell phone camera)


(Kodak Easyshare POS)

After wax:

(Shiny as ****)






(I really like this shot)







(I love the lines on this car)



My lugnuts will be in soon, I've located some steel braided brake line with urithane coating on the outside in any color of my choice (HEL brand), the whole set of four $150ish to my door. Will be painting the calipers ASAP. I also think I've located the rattling in the rear passenger side wheel area. I'm thinking it's the shoes... it goes away when I pull the hand brake.

Posted by: Box Apr 26, 2012 - 10:49 PM

QUOTE (RabidTRD @ Apr 26, 2012 - 10:33 PM) *

YO DAWG, I HEARD YOU LIKE MIRRORS. SO WE PUT A MIRROR, ON YO MIRROR!!!

Sorry, had to do it. laugh.gif

Posted by: RabidTRD Apr 26, 2012 - 10:51 PM

Lol I have adjustable blindspot mirrors on both sides. The driver side is for the obvious, but since the passenger side doesn't require one (because it's technically a blind spot mirror as it is) I adjust it to view curbs for parallel parking. (Big thing in NY) and I've never hit a curb in the Celica. They also help a lot while backing out of narrow driveways (which I have)

What is even more fun about that photo is the fact that my mirror is reflecting a mirror image, bouncing off my glass. tongue.gif

Posted by: Box Apr 26, 2012 - 10:54 PM

Had to make it official. tongue.gif



Seriously though, great job! Looks great. Now just need to touch up that spot on the front, be good to go!

Posted by: RabidTRD Apr 26, 2012 - 11:07 PM

QUOTE (Box @ Apr 26, 2012 - 11:54 PM) *
Had to make it official. tongue.gif



Seriously though, great job! Looks great. Now just need to touch up that spot on the front, be good to go!

Yeah... I'm good at painting small things... I'm afraid to tackle the bumper with a rattle can lol.

Ideally, I'll be getting the whole lower half repainted and rust-repaired for $600 from a local guy that did my Camry

Posted by: Box Apr 26, 2012 - 11:16 PM

Not that hard to do. My brother repainted the front and rear bumpers of his Maxima with Duplicolor Perfect match. Worked great, and was around $50 for all the paint, clear, primer, etc... Looks great. The bumpers look better than the rest of the car now though. tongue.gif Not sure if Duplicolor has your color though. I checked for mine when I was looking at raiser blocks, didn't have the 3L2 but in touch up kits... Maybe they'll have your's in aerosol cans.

Posted by: RabidTRD Apr 26, 2012 - 11:21 PM

QUOTE (Box @ Apr 27, 2012 - 12:16 AM) *
Not that hard to do. My brother repainted the front and rear bumpers of his Maxima with Duplicolor Perfect match. Worked great, and was around $50 for all the paint, clear, primer, etc... Looks great. The bumpers look better than the rest of the car now though. tongue.gif Not sure if Duplicolor has your color though. I checked for mine when I was looking at raiser blocks, didn't have the 3L2 but in touch up kits... Maybe they'll have your's in aerosol cans.

They do. I repainted the splitters with it, my gas cap with it and I even have the small scratch fix.

Posted by: Box Apr 26, 2012 - 11:33 PM

Lucky. Why they don't have 3L2 I don't know, they must hate me or something. tongue.gif

Posted by: RabidTRD Apr 26, 2012 - 11:37 PM

In my experience with Duplicolor and imports, they always seem to have the more uncommon colors... not the common ones. Idk why. My Camry color didn't exist, (which was on almost every camry around) but my celica color does (I don't see a lot of super white II celica's)

Posted by: Box Apr 27, 2012 - 12:45 AM

Duplicolor, y u must be weird?

Posted by: RabidTRD May 2, 2012 - 4:14 PM

Getting ready to finally put my exhaust on. I've disconnected the lower O2 sensor (post cat, Cali emissions) to see if the CEL comes on. So far (4 miles of driving highway and city) nothing has popped up. The header I have only has one O2 sensor bung and I'm debating running cat-less. I may slap one on, but I don't want to route the downstream sensor wires all the way under the car (because the header is too long to put a cat up front again) if I don't have to... so here goes. So far, nothing when it comes to lights and no difference in the way the engine runs. I'm wondering if it's just a stupid on/off sensor based on if the cat is clogged or not. It's only 2 wires and OBD1, so I can't imagine it being anything super special. Being that it's unplugged (now correct me if I'm wrong) it won't push the "on" circuit when not enough flow is detected? Idk... just a guess. Will leave it that way for a week to see what happens.

Posted by: RabidTRD May 8, 2012 - 5:58 PM

CEL never came on, made no difference in mileage. So, second sensor will remain unplugged for the new exhaust.

Today was a very depressing day... I watched my co-worker/friend get run into by some fresh 18yr old driver in her 09 Subaru. She pulled out infront of him in a line of traffic... he hit her and his whole car jumped the curb and rested on the sidewalk.... it was so painful to watch happen and to see the demise of such a rare beautiful VW. Goodbye Corrado.

RIP:


Re-wrapped some wire in black conduit under the hood and washed the Celica in the rain... Not really in the mood to do anything else. Radiator is starting to leak so the GodSpeed dual core aluminum tank radiator will be next on the buy list.

Picture was snapped of me sitting next to her after I washed her and after the accident... This pretty much shows my mood for the day.



I'm also going to be relocating my licence plate lower and in the grille at an angle. I hate the way it looks on the body line right now..

Posted by: NYp8tBaller07 May 8, 2012 - 6:41 PM

Wow man, you've done a lot since I've been away, I love the rims you got =)

Posted by: Box May 8, 2012 - 7:31 PM

QUOTE (RabidTRD @ May 8, 2012 - 5:58 PM) *
Today was a very depressing day... I watched my co-worker/friend get run into by some fresh 18yr old driver in her 09 Subaru. She pulled out infront of him in a line of traffic... he hit her and his whole car jumped the curb and rested on the sidewalk.... it was so painful to watch happen and to see the demise of such a rare beautiful VW. Goodbye Corrado.

RIP:

Why kids have new cars.... Sheesh... Sorry to hear that. It doesn't look too bad from the picture, can it all not be fixed?

Posted by: RabidTRD May 8, 2012 - 7:35 PM

It can be fixed provided they don't give it a salvage title. If they do salvage it, you can't register it. The car will only be good for parts at that point.

Posted by: kurt95gt May 8, 2012 - 7:36 PM

Cant get a rebuilt title in ny

Posted by: Box May 8, 2012 - 7:48 PM

Do what most shady car dealers do. Move it to a state where it can be titled, then move it back. That's if they do decide to salvage it, which hopefully they don't. Seems like it'd be cheaper to repair than to replace.

Posted by: RabidTRD May 8, 2012 - 8:00 PM

Yeah, good luck finding a nice Corrado in NY lolol

Posted by: NYp8tBaller07 May 8, 2012 - 8:08 PM

QUOTE (RabidTRD @ May 8, 2012 - 8:00 PM) *
Yeah, good luck finding a nice Corrado in NY lolol


Very true...damn rust =X

Posted by: RabidTRD May 10, 2012 - 10:22 PM

My lug-nuts finally came in!!! YAY!

They've been back-ordered since April 13th and from the time I got the email that they'd be shipping them out, I received them in 1 business day! Summit Racing is legit when it comes to ship speed rofl!




Now I just need my HEI SS Purple Urethane coated brake hoses and to paint the calipers to match! Too happy right now!

These McGard spline drive nuts are amazing. The bottom even rotates as to not scratch your rims! Lifetime warranty and guaranteed against rust or corrosion! They even came packaged with valves!

Posted by: RabidTRD May 11, 2012 - 12:08 AM

.

Posted by: spy00005 May 11, 2012 - 10:21 AM

interesting color choice.

Posted by: RabidTRD May 13, 2012 - 7:34 PM

Yeah. The calipers will be the same color as the cap on the nuts.

Anyone know what our hub's mounting ring diameter is? I need to buy hub centric rings for my Enkei's and am too lazy to take the wheel off and measure Enkei diameter and hub diameter.

Posted by: Timmyface May 13, 2012 - 7:43 PM

54.1 I think is what your after.

Actually, why size do you need? I have some off my old rims!! Unless you wanna buy from the US to get them quicker haha

Posted by: beams78 May 14, 2012 - 11:53 AM

love what you did to your celica reminds me off my white one just like yours i kinda miss her tho none the less nice job on it thumbsup.gif

Posted by: Tigawoods May 14, 2012 - 1:50 PM

when are your lines coming in? I really want to see how it all looks together!

Posted by: RabidTRD May 16, 2012 - 1:27 PM

Lines aren't even ordered yet. I had to go on UK Ebay to even find them lol.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/220910948195?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649#ht_1266wt_1166
That's the sales post. You can order them in any color and they all come pre-fit and all four are for that price.

I will also be ordering a real Japanese plate that (and I researched this) fits my engine displacement from Sapporo Japan (Like the beer smile.gif ) It even has 94 in the main numbers, just like the year of my Celica haha.

I'm also ordering HIR's as soon as I can. HIR>HID in our factory lenses.

License plate will be relocated and moved off of the body line (can't stand it's current position), Rad will be ordered ASAP because the current one is finally leaking (I will also be paint matching it to the VC, Alt heat shield and oil PSI sender. Lots of changes will be happening this summer smile.gif

Also, I have a new project I'm going to be twiddling with on the side. My friends mom owns a Miata that was built in July of 1989. It's one of the first ever built haha. It also has 190k miles on it and had sat for two years. It cranked over on the third crank! She already has the hard top for it and we're working on getting it pretty again. Runs great. Man is it a fun feeling to drive one of those with the top down. I haven't pushed it because it sat for so long, didn't want to damage anything... but I was all smiles driving around the block in it. Smelled of old barn car! (The best smell ever IMO)

Posted by: beams78 May 16, 2012 - 1:33 PM

a few pics of the miata would be nice lol my dad had one in tampa florida but had an accident whit it frown.gif now he gots his mazda rx7 and a awd talon laugh.gif

Posted by: RabidTRD May 16, 2012 - 1:58 PM

My brother had two Talons. One was a '90 FWD TSi, the other was a '92 AWD TSi. Those damn things had so much torque, they gave me whiplash. He could spin his tires in every gear lol...

This was before it had been touched in 2 years. It sat in this same position.


Re-mounted the plate, filled the tires, and got it running. This is after we drove it around the block:


I need to get a pic up of it now that it's been buffed with compound. I do have one of me and my friend Cuyler (his familys car) working on it though:


This is the other pig we're working on: 1987 Porsche 924 S

Posted by: beams78 May 16, 2012 - 2:10 PM

wow its in really great condition i find it kinda hard to believe its been siting for two years very nice thumbsup.gif porsche looks great too seen one of thoes in mcc campus
good luck on your project really like this tread its very original

Posted by: SwissFerdi May 16, 2012 - 7:11 PM

NA and 924, really? You're seriously lucky.

Posted by: Box May 16, 2012 - 7:22 PM

I want a Miata, 924 or 944. What're the odds. tongue.gif

Posted by: RabidTRD May 18, 2012 - 9:20 AM

Te Miata sat uncovered in the driveway for those two years too. Should have seen the bugs under the tires. An entire ant hive was under one lol. It was like watching a stream, they all ran in different directions.

It cleaned up pretty well. I'll have pics when I drive it for a week. The 924 has a lot of "waterproof" issues. The back window isn't even sealed up top and he is sucking exhaust fumes in through his blower motor. Otherwise, it chuggs like a champ.

Neither cars were ever winter driven and both are from down south.

Posted by: Box May 18, 2012 - 12:23 PM

Move them back south so they stay nice. laugh.gif Can't blame me for trying.

Posted by: excalibur May 26, 2012 - 2:56 AM

Hey man, been impressed with your project as its progressed, thought that i would finally post a reply, you have obviously put your heart and soul into the build and that's awesome. Keep up the good work!

Excalibur

Posted by: RabidTRD May 26, 2012 - 11:46 AM

Thanks smile.gif

I just wish I had the money to do this faster kindasad.gif

Posted by: excalibur May 27, 2012 - 7:11 AM

Ahh, money, that thing!, yeah i can sympathize, Ive gone from stable full time work, back to being a broke student!


Posted by: RabidTRD May 28, 2012 - 10:10 PM

Did some calculations because I thought I was getting bad gas mileage. I'm getting 26MPG average... not to bad at all considering how hard I push my car some times. Went 160 miles on 6.2 gallons with a mix of city driving and highway.

Posted by: RabidTRD Jun 11, 2012 - 10:26 PM

Last run was 29mpg. Yippie! >.>

Not much is going on with the car for the next month or two. I've got a major paintball scenario happening in PA (Invasion of Normandy at Skirmish Paintball) and I need to save as much money as I can for that. It's a 4,000+ person scenario that goes for 24 hours. FUN! smile.gif I'm also building a stock class gun currently... SO, here is a pic of me parked next to a nice looking 7th gen in my friends apartment complex.



And here is the gun I'm almost done building:

Posted by: beams78 Jun 11, 2012 - 10:39 PM

that celica looks so familiar like ive seen it before lol is that a gts or just gt either way nice looking car

Posted by: mak5603 Jun 12, 2012 - 10:28 AM

Damn, that paintball scenario sounds epic. And I thought woodsball was super fun. So is it like Saving Private Ryan with paintball guns?

Posted by: RabidTRD Jun 12, 2012 - 2:53 PM

QUOTE (mak5603 @ Jun 12, 2012 - 11:28 AM) *
Damn, that paintball scenario sounds epic. And I thought woodsball was super fun. So is it like Saving Private Ryan with paintball guns?

Exactly like that lol. The battles are all planned out through the day. If you have a squad, you can run special missions, if not, you're a grunt basically and just dogfight the whole time. The opening sequence on the beach is ****ing nuts! Imagine 4,000 people shooting 15BPS for 30 minutes straight. You can't see across the field, that's how much paint is getting shot at the beginning. I had to wear a helmate last time because I had fear for my life due to the hole in my head. That hole was caused from a bad longboarding accident.

(I can bring my own thread off topic right? lol)
This is just the closing ceremony and awards:


That's after 30% of the people left and my camera could only capture 1/4 the area lol.




This is what hitting your head on the ground after getting speed-wobble at 20MPH looks like:



This is what it looks like 5 weeks later:


And to top it off (because of my addiction to upgrading) my Sector 9 - Sandwedge that was fully upgraded with double kingpin trucks, larger wheels, doh-doh red and blue bushings and my custom cut rising sun grip tape (took me hours to do) was stolen out of my car at Rochester Institute of Technology. I still had blood on it... it was like a momento of my life and how close I came to losing it.



Back on topic though:

Today it rained!





We also got Becca's rims mounted. These cheapies are light! The shop said they were as light as Grams!


Posted by: RabidTRD Jun 12, 2012 - 3:01 PM

QUOTE (beams78 @ Jun 11, 2012 - 11:39 PM) *
that celica looks so familiar like ive seen it before lol is that a gts or just gt either way nice looking car



I don't remember, but it's owner lives in Penfield.

Posted by: mak5603 Jun 14, 2012 - 11:22 AM

Damn, that looks crazy man! How much do you spend on paint?!

That longboard crash looks gnarly..good thing you were okay at least for the most part. Thats why I stopped skateboarding and longboarding and just decided I'll stick to cars in the spring and summer and snowboarding in the winter, haha! At least snowboarding, you won't get speed wobbles and hit your head on the asphalt.

Posted by: RabidTRD Jun 14, 2012 - 6:16 PM

Head on ice is almost as bad as asphalt. Only difference is there is no rocks lol! I enjoy my Giro helmet for the winter months, keeps me warm and safe. I can't afford to knock my head again the doctor says. tongue.gif

I only bought one case at $80. I play pump mostly and make my shots count. Needless to say, I wasn't the asshat shooting full auto at the beaches, I was the troll in the tree sniping the asshats trying to cross the line lol.

I'm pretty good at what I do. wink.gif

NPPL (National Professional Paintball League) in Buffalo NY:






And sponsorship photos. She wore my jersey and pants and played with my gun during the shoot. Not showing the pics of me next to her because I was really awkward lol!




tongue.gif

Posted by: NYp8tBaller07 Jun 14, 2012 - 6:53 PM

Ah the ol pb.. I used to play with troy epidemic and powersurge a lit at headrush and did axbl . Anyway nice progress :-)

Posted by: Xander_X Jun 14, 2012 - 7:52 PM

Was that an old WWP Razorback II I spotted up there? cwm13.gif

Posted by: kurt95gt Jun 14, 2012 - 8:01 PM

Why were you ackward lol to busy drooling to remember your photo being takin lol

Posted by: RabidTRD Jun 18, 2012 - 10:40 PM

QUOTE (NYp8tBaller07 @ Jun 14, 2012 - 7:53 PM) *
Ah the ol pb.. I used to play with troy epidemic and powersurge a lit at headrush and did axbl . Anyway nice progress :-)

My old team, Murder Machine, started up again but under new management.. Timm and I gave the rights to this Aaron kid and he has turned it from something fun into annoying and expensive.

QUOTE (Xander_X @ Jun 14, 2012 - 8:52 PM) *
Was that an old WWP Razorback II I spotted up there? cwm13.gif

Yes it is. smile.gif

It's almost done too. Just need to paint the feed neck adapter and chronograph it smile.gif


QUOTE (kurt95gt @ Jun 14, 2012 - 9:01 PM) *
Why were you ackward lol to busy drooling to remember your photo being takin lol

I was a shy emo kid and she... well had no shame. I look at her as a slut today lmao. Here, since you don't believe me:



I've been playing paintball for 11 years. This photo was taken when I was... uhhh... 18 or 19

Posted by: RabidTRD Jun 24, 2012 - 11:42 PM


The gun is done. Off to Invasion Of Normandy in PA in three weeks.

After which, I'll be ordering my SS lines, caliper paint and radiator. tongue.gif Excited to have the funds to tweak the Celica more.

Also, I think I've gone against getting a TRD spoiler and found a new love for the C-ONE.



Keith has one that I may buy tongue.gif I'd be painting the sides that contact the car Super White II to match the car, and then making the bar across white. The appearance from afar will look like horns. I will also be putting my black mirrors on too tongue.gif

Posted by: RabidTRD Jul 11, 2012 - 1:03 AM

This time I have a real update. smile.gif

Finally fitted my axle back exhaust (since the lower cat is deleted and there is still one on the manifold for now).



Old one's out, anyone need a mint muffler?


Res is mint too!






My buddy and co-worker James, welding it up.








Painting the pipe with ceramic VHT exhaust paint before install.


Pre paint on the muffler. Vibrant performance muffler and ultra quiet VP res.


Little ****er that wouldn't come out of the old pipe.... Man that thing sucked lol


More pics to follow in the morning when I get sunlight and a video as well. It hangs like... lol hard to describe, but it's pretty cool. We were going for an interesting routing to tuck the muffler as much as possible while still running the stock bends up and over the rear axle/cross member. What a pain in the ass that was. Next time, or if this fails, I'm running it under lol.

Posted by: RabidTRD Jul 11, 2012 - 2:38 AM

Oh and something more to add. I'll be buying the purple SS brake lines ASAP instead of the rad. Rad is still eeping, but not bad enough to warrant it and my co-worker/friend that just helped me on the exhaust, is getting a powder coating machine. Powder coated calipers anyone?! hehehe...

Posted by: Edser Jul 11, 2012 - 8:11 AM

QUOTE (opie_7afe @ Jun 13, 2011 - 1:08 AM) *
looking good man i just got my celica about 4 months ago and was owned by a girl who didnt wash or clean anything....


LOL!! That girl must have been very smelly!! I always have a shower at least once every two to three weeks, and a shave once a month.

Posted by: RabidTRD Jul 11, 2012 - 10:27 AM

QUOTE (Edser @ Jul 11, 2012 - 9:11 AM) *
QUOTE (opie_7afe @ Jun 13, 2011 - 1:08 AM) *
looking good man i just got my celica about 4 months ago and was owned by a girl who didnt wash or clean anything....


LOL!! That girl must have been very smelly!! I always have a shower at least once every two to three weeks, and a shave once a month.

Gross lol.

Posted by: RabidTRD Jul 11, 2012 - 2:23 PM

To show where it exits:



To show how it fits flush with the body line:



Under view:



Pipe routing, best we could do with how the previous owner bent the pipe. May have to do some tweaks later on.



How it looks from behind down low:



When following, you barely see it. It's great because it's not that noticeable from a cops perspective, it's really freaking quiet unless your romping on it and at idle it purrs. I have to give Vibrant Performance props for this exhaust... freaking amazing sound quality and flow. Ultra quiet res and 2.5" muffler with a 4" tip, 2.25" piping from the down pipe all the way back, soon to be 2.25" all the way.

Posted by: richee3 Jul 11, 2012 - 2:26 PM

Is your left rear tire feathering?

Posted by: BonzaiCelica Jul 12, 2012 - 10:55 PM

nice job welding your own exhaust. laugh.gif why so angled??

Posted by: RabidTRD Jul 16, 2012 - 1:42 PM

QUOTE (richee3 @ Jul 11, 2012 - 3:26 PM) *
Is your left rear tire feathering?

I don't think so. Idk why it looks like it is in the pics.

QUOTE (BonzaiCelica @ Jul 12, 2012 - 11:55 PM) *
nice job welding your own exhaust. laugh.gif why so angled??

I didn't do all the welds. I bought the exhaust from someone on here a while back that did it their self and this is how it sat. We actually reduced the angle by making it exit to the passenger side. I would have looked like a limp wiener if we didn't. This isn't actually angled down much at all either.

Posted by: SwissFerdi Jul 16, 2012 - 2:38 PM

I just noticed the positioning, that's pretty unique...I imagine passenger gets a lot more sound than driver now?

Posted by: RabidTRD Jul 17, 2012 - 10:09 AM

Sound isn't really that much more than with the stock exhaust and lower cat removed. The only difference is the sound is out the rear and not the small gap in piping I had up front. Also the sound is MUCH deeper and smooth. I still get a lot of sound from my seat, which is fine and my buddy rode with me and then drove and we didn't notice a difference in side. Apparently the Celica takes sounds and spreads them out inside the car lol. Which worries me because the rattle I have on the passenger rear wheel may not be the passenger side at all >.<

I'll take a video today after I polish the exhaust and wash the car.

Posted by: RabidTRD Jul 22, 2012 - 12:28 PM

Thought I posted this... guess not.

http://youtu.be/8VA9HBiZAMg


Posted by: RabidTRD Aug 14, 2012 - 10:21 AM

Ok, this is something that has been pissing me off for a while now... My clutch pedal makes this horrible "Creeeak" noise when I push it down, especially when I first start it. It sounds like rubber rubbing something but I can't figure it out. You can hear it in the exhaust video I posted above right before I start the car. Any ideas where I can check?

Posted by: RabidTRD Aug 17, 2012 - 5:13 PM

Will be changing the CV axles in the coming weeks. No money is going into mods until after my tattoo next month.

Posted by: RabidTRD Aug 21, 2012 - 11:26 AM

Finally have a day off from work, so I'm going to re-do my wire harness for my head unit. Discovered something today that I didn't know I had when I got the radio. Crutchfield included a wire harness that plugs directly INTO the factory GT amp. I was staring at it and looked at the factory wiring diagram and the plug. It finally dawned on me.

I've been driving with popping speakers and dead rear(on and off depending on bumps) because of the shot wire harness, so I'm excited to hear what it sounds like through the amp.

Posted by: Box Aug 21, 2012 - 1:17 PM

Radio harness adapters are the best thing ever. I mean that too.

Posted by: RabidTRD Aug 21, 2012 - 3:33 PM


This is what the harness looks like. The RCA ends plug into outputs from the radio (gives a more crisp sound) and goes right into the amp. I have never heard so much sound come from my car before. This is crazy! The volume of my preference before was 18 (out of 40 I think). Now I can't get it past 16 without feeling like I'm going to break something or blow my speakers lol. 12 or 13 is preference now (I think...). I've been sitting in the car for the past.... 30 mins... listening to music and adjusting things. It's amazing how a wire harness can make all the difference lol.

Posted by: RabidTRD Aug 21, 2012 - 3:58 PM

This is what I was doing during breakfast. I was looking at the two wire harnesses and trying to figure out where the Crutchfield one would go.


Then it dawned on me.

This harness makes it so easy!

You just wire it to this one, and plug and play!


Then you locate your amp tongue.gif


There it is! I knew I had it tucked somewhere lol.




Now for ****s and giggles, I found some old pics showing 6G Celica's around Rochester. Most of the good ones don't come from NY lol. But here ya go!


Me next to it.


This one was pretty clean.


This is a friend of mine, I convinced him to get one after he saw mine. He got the ST though... I guess he couldn't find a good GT.



This is what almost all of the Celica's in Rochester look like frown.gif


Rotted and abused


With one mudflap.


It's depressing. But then there are days you see things like this:



I have a customer that has 5 AE86's. 3 of which are scrap... but one is pristene and the other is... interesting. Deff a winter car. She wanted one for each season, so she bought them all lol.

Posted by: Box Aug 21, 2012 - 4:36 PM

Maybe your friend was like me and wanted the better gas mileage. tongue.gif The rusted Celica makes me sad inside. frown.gif

Posted by: RabidTRD Sep 7, 2012 - 8:11 PM

Something is missing off the back end.



I like the look better without. I should have done this a long time ago.

Also replaced my shot energy suspension rear bushings with new ones and actually properly greased them this time lol.


Posted by: Box Sep 7, 2012 - 8:23 PM

Indeed. I've done the same myself recently. Just looks better without the badges.

Posted by: RabidTRD Sep 7, 2012 - 8:37 PM

I'm contemplating doing something with the front and rear emblems too... but I don't want to paint the vintage Dragon emblem... the rear is flaking chrome a bit... EH!

Posted by: Box Sep 7, 2012 - 8:45 PM

I know the rear has two holes for the emblem, not sure about the front.

Posted by: sr666 Sep 8, 2012 - 5:47 AM

The front also has 2 holes for the locating badges. I think Toyota figured us modders would get hold of them eventually lol

Maybe paint them black for contrast on a white car? I was going to on mine but then I lost the badge frown.gif

Posted by: Timmyface Sep 8, 2012 - 6:01 AM

Plasti-dip them!, they will match your smoked indicators!!
I'm contemplating doing it aswell, but plasti-dip is so expensive here frown.gif

Posted by: RabidTRD Sep 9, 2012 - 2:44 AM

I'm seriously considering it.

Posted by: RabidTRD Oct 5, 2012 - 8:01 PM


Real Japanese plates from Sapporo Japan. Has a 94 in it, like my Celica's year, and has the correct number (ish) for the engine displacement! Sew happy my friend bought them for me.


Here's to wishing NY State didn't need front plates.

Relocated my bracket today. Will be ordering a GodSpeed triple core radiator and slim fans soon along with a stainless universal hose kit so that I can make it past the Tanabe headers that will go in soon.

Posted by: RabidTRD Oct 9, 2012 - 10:47 PM



Teaser of my winter rims.

GodSpeed Radiator and slim mount fans are on the way in the mail. Moog sway bar links are sitting on my back seat. Hopefully tomorrow I can pop them on.

Posted by: RabidTRD Oct 9, 2012 - 10:58 PM



Plate is lower and angled into grille. Going to fill the holes and get the bumper repainted come spring.

Posted by: Tigawoods Oct 10, 2012 - 7:11 AM

front plates are the worst. I refuse to register my car in MD for that reason. You found a great way of dealing with it though!

Posted by: Edser Oct 10, 2012 - 10:27 AM

QUOTE (Tigawoods @ Oct 10, 2012 - 7:11 AM) *
front plates are the worst. I refuse register my car in MD for that reason. You found a great way of dealing with it though!

I don't know what the big fuss about not having a front plate is about. In most countries in the world you need a front plate, and so the result is that you get used to seeing the car with a plate... then it looks odd and kinda naked if you remove it.
Some cars would totally benefit from not having a front plate, say for example Alfa Romeos- 'cos if its a choice between a plate not in the center and no plate on an Alfa I'd go for no plate.
How do you guys drive across different states with different laws? Do you not get fined?

Posted by: richee3 Oct 10, 2012 - 10:36 AM

QUOTE (Edser @ Oct 10, 2012 - 10:27 AM) *
How do you guys drive across different states with different laws? Do you not get fined?

No. Different state, different laws. Federal law does not require front plates, only certain states. And one state's laws cannot require residents of a totally different state to do things differently.

Posted by: RabidTRD Oct 10, 2012 - 11:30 AM

My biggest issue is that the plate was right on the body line. Also, the plate bracket was totally rusted and seized to it's self, so I couldn't even get the plate off lol. I had to cut the bolts off and I just got a Japanese plate I wanted to mount, so not being able to take the front plate off was not happening.

Posted by: Edser Oct 10, 2012 - 11:50 AM

This is what mine looks like. Its held on by only two bolts. No rust but, gosh the bumper is all bent inwards around the bracket. I guess from people parking enthusiastically. That's another problem with having no plate. I guess scrapes and bumps from tow bars(THE HORROR!) are going to happen easier.

Posted by: RabidTRD Oct 10, 2012 - 11:54 AM

Mine looked like that at one point. Should have seen it after I got it off... Looked like a bear mauled it.

Posted by: RabidTRD Oct 11, 2012 - 7:01 PM

Going a new direction in the spring. I need moar low and deeper rims.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=DqzsSioFtio

Posted by: RabidTRD Oct 11, 2012 - 7:09 PM

Btw, that video is annoying as ****, but it gives you the rims, and stance I'll be getting and going for.

Posted by: kurt95gt Oct 11, 2012 - 7:55 PM

Yours will look 800% better tho lol
Dude need to join this sight to see what a celi should look like lol

Posted by: Tigawoods Oct 11, 2012 - 8:34 PM

wow....that video..wow. Brings me back to when I was doing car video's back in my freshman year of school.

Posted by: Syaoran Oct 12, 2012 - 12:03 AM

QUOTE (Tigawoods @ Oct 11, 2012 - 9:34 PM) *
wow....that video..wow. Brings me back to when I was doing car video's back in my freshman year of school.



Could've chosen a better dubstep track at least, but damn they chose the most annoying one they could find (coming from somebody who listens to dubstep on a daily basis...)

Anywho, OP, if you're going for that style of wheel I'd look into XXR 527, 530, 531 as well. I love how 531s look on some cars, and 527s look good on just about any car that can fit the 8.25" version (celicas can, and comfortably)

Posted by: RabidTRD Oct 13, 2012 - 12:57 PM

My buddy has the XXR 002's and is going to sell them to me with Toyo Proxies for $300 lol. Looking at Tanabe Sustec Pro coilovers. I can't seem to find their lowering range though. Anyone have an idea?

Got around to changing the rear sway bar links today and this is exactly why you go Moog for all your chassis parts:





Easiest way to get the OEM ones off:



And if that doesn't work, you get a bigger vice grip lmao:


Posted by: RabidTRD Oct 13, 2012 - 1:22 PM

QUOTE (Syaoran @ Oct 12, 2012 - 1:03 AM) *
QUOTE (Tigawoods @ Oct 11, 2012 - 9:34 PM) *
wow....that video..wow. Brings me back to when I was doing car video's back in my freshman year of school.



Could've chosen a better dubstep track at least, but damn they chose the most annoying one they could find (coming from somebody who listens to dubstep on a daily basis...)

Anywho, OP, if you're going for that style of wheel I'd look into XXR 527, 530, 531 as well. I love how 531s look on some cars, and 527s look good on just about any car that can fit the 8.25" version (celicas can, and comfortably)

If 513's or 531's came in 5 lug, I'd totally go for a set smile.gif

Posted by: Edser Oct 14, 2012 - 5:13 PM

I always felt that the 513s were for older cars, like 70s datsun 240z's etc. They are the big thing in the Z-car forums. They look reeeeally good on an early Z-car.

Posted by: RabidTRD Oct 15, 2012 - 4:20 PM

I've noticed that pretty much any kind of rim looks good on these cars. The only kind that I've noticed that doesn't, would be those giant plate looking ones.

Posted by: RabidTRD Oct 17, 2012 - 12:31 AM

Did an alright acceleration video for my exhaust. I'll get a drive by one during the day when my friend has time out on her land in the middle of no-where.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Gu3jy2E9eQ&feature=youtu.be

Also found some old footage of what I did on the interior of the Camry before she died:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ciUJj4PM9S8&feature=youtu.be





This was back in my younger teenage years when I liked flashy lights, subwoofers and VIP cars.

Now I'm going a similar route with the Celica... guess we revisit our roots eventually.

Posted by: RabidTRD Oct 17, 2012 - 1:54 AM


Posted by: txnight Oct 21, 2012 - 7:01 PM

QUOTE
Finished product:


Looks darker in photos than in real life.


I saw what you did here and thought I like it but...


I got a little something planned for the back up lamps but i'm still looking for the hadware needed.

Posted by: RabidTRD Oct 23, 2012 - 9:50 AM

I've very curious to see! I don't mind the backup lamps being clear on mine because my car is white and I Have smoked lenses up front, but the all red looks great on yours!

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