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6G Celicas Forums _ My Project _ JoshuaM's '97 Celica ZR

Posted by: JoshuaM Apr 23, 2012 - 5:58 PM

Hello 6GC'ers,

So here it is, my project thread, or more like a details thread because I don't think it will be evolving very quickly tongue.gif

Getting my Celica:

I decided about 2 years ago that I wanted to get a Celica for my first car (I am 17 now). I was originally looking at '93 model 5th Gen Celica manual Liftback (All lift back 5th and 6th gen Celicas in Aus have the 5S-FE), but once I started saving up a but more I decided to go for a 6GC. I liked the exterior styling of a nice clean 5th gen (has to be the update model though), but I was drawn to the 6th gens for the increased safety features, tighter turning circle, and their much nicer interior. It was also much easier to find them in good condition with low mileage. And I am now completely hooked on 6GC's wink.gif

So I was on the hunt for a '96-99 model ZR Celica (This is the top-spec model in Australia, equiv. to the GT/GT-S) manual with less than 180,000kms. My preference was red, and i wanted a sunroof, but I wasn't ruling anything out.

After searching regularly for a number of months, I came to the conclusion that it was going to be very difficult to find what I wanted in my budget near me. The ONLY car that I found in my state that suited my requirements was from a dealer and felt very untidy when I test drove it, lots of rattles etc. it felt like it had been thrashed... A theory supported when I found a fire extinguisher in the passenger footwell and receipts for heavy duty shocks and coils. Very disappointingly, this was not the car for me.

I kept searching and eventually found 'the one'. A Completely stock standard Silver 1997 model Toyota Celica ZR Manual, in excellent condition, with only 140,000kms (about 87,000 miles). Optional features included being the Factory Sunroof, Air con, Tinting and an Aftermarket Alarm upgrade (update: which I have now found out doesn't work tongue.gif).

It was initially too expensive for me. I kept looking at it every day, wishing that I could afford it... And 'if only' it was $1000 cheaper.... But then one day they dropped the price by $800, and I was on the phone immediately.

The problem was, it was in a dealership in Melbourne, AUS, just under 2000kms away from me. Because of the demand for cars out of Melbourne, it was too expensive to ship, so I had to organize to fly down and drive it back myself (an entire 2 weeks after I got my license).

After a very long process of organisation and the minor inconvenience of them selling the car to somebody else when I was organizing a mechanic inspection, it was mine XD

Here it is:
















The Future:

I have always been very much a fan of the stock look on Celicas (with all of the factory goodies installed of course!), so I do not have any extravagant plans..... And since purchasing my car I am now a broke uni student tongue.gif

But I am planning a few small things:

Aftermarket head unit for iPod integration.
JDM Clear Side Indicators
Spree LED dash kit + possibly everything else as well tongue.gif

I also have a few different ideas about less common mods to do, but they will require a lot of thought and probably some forum threads wink.gif

But you never know, if I keep reading all of you guys project builds I might eventually get a proper mod bug tongue.gif

I will keep updating this thread when I do anything, but I don't imagine I will be moving terribly quickly.

Posted by: SwissFerdi Apr 23, 2012 - 6:51 PM

The mod bug will bite. Beware.

Congratulations, and welcome to the Alpine Silver club. You'll like it here, it's shiny and sleek.

Posted by: RabidTRD Apr 23, 2012 - 7:22 PM

Good! Stick with the OEM look! biggrin.gif

Nice to have you here. LMK if you need me to find you cornering lights. Apparently they're hard to find in AUS hah.

Posted by: Box Apr 23, 2012 - 8:06 PM

Welcome, nice car!

Posted by: CelicaZR Apr 23, 2012 - 8:32 PM

Welcome mate biggrin.gif
shes a beauty biggrin.gif

Posted by: JoshuaM Apr 27, 2012 - 6:46 AM

Thank you everybody for your kind words smile.gif

QUOTE
LMK if you need me to find you cornering lights. Apparently they're hard to find in AUS hah.


I am actually looking for some at the moment, I have a post (http://www.6gc.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=83317) in the Buying / Selling section now smile.gif I am thinking of buying the second eBay link there, but if you could find some genuine crystal ones I would be forever in your debt tongue.gif


Car Update:

I bought and installed my new Pioneer head unit last weekend. I liked the stock one, but I could not live with no form of Auxillary or iPod in tongue.gif

It is a Pioneer DEH-3450UB (but I think the US may use different naming?). It has all the standard features, with colour changing, so i can make it match whatever dash colour scheme I finally decide on smile.gif







I used the how-to guides posted on 6GC, which I am very thankful for, but I took extra photos because I am planning to make my own, with lots of photos. Since this is many peoples first modification, I thought that some more detailed photos in one place would help smile.gif I will link when I have the time to write it! tongue.gif


This Weekend:

As posted about in the forums http://www.6gc.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=83273, I have had a little trouble with Sunroof drainage. This weekend I am planning to take the headliner out and clean the rear drain lines. I may try to do a write up on that too, because I haven't seen any firm details about sunroof drains on 6GC's specifically.

AND... I should be going on my first Celica Club Cruise! biggrin.gif

Cya,
Josh smile.gif


Posted by: SwissFerdi Apr 27, 2012 - 8:55 AM

Nice. A new receiver always feels good.

Posted by: JoshuaM Apr 27, 2012 - 6:33 PM

QUOTE (SwissFerdi @ Apr 27, 2012 - 8:55 AM) *
Nice. A new receiver always feels good.



Haha, yes it does. It has been keeping me entertained..... It does just make me want a Spree LED kit even more though.

I am thinking about going all white for the LED's in the car, and then I can just buy some coloured accent bulbs as I decide what I want later on.

Are the SPREE much brighter than the stock bulbs in the dash?

Posted by: RabidTRD Apr 27, 2012 - 10:30 PM

Yes they are. They're more defined too... the stock bulbs are softly lit, LED's are more sharp and easier to read when they illuminate letters and numbers.

Posted by: JohanFer Apr 28, 2012 - 1:48 AM

Hey, what did you do with the old OEM stereo?

Posted by: Euphoria Apr 28, 2012 - 10:30 AM

LOL this thread makes me laugh, I had a celica and my name is Josh M too lmao. That car you looked at did it have high km and was it aqua, the descriptions sounds alot like my old celica that I tracked HAHA. Otherwise I have a few other ideas whos it could be tongue.gif.

Nice car too! have fun with it, these things just don't die!

Posted by: JoshuaM Apr 28, 2012 - 5:36 PM

QUOTE
Hey, What did you do with the old OEM stereo?


Hey, It is currently just sitting in the box that my new stereo came in. I havent made up my mind yet if I am going to sell it on eBay, or keep it, so that I can revert my car exactly back to stock whenever I want smile.gif

If you were looking at buying one though, I would strongly recommend you look inside the states to find one, as the forum proves that 6GC's are certainly not rare over there, and this stereo weighs a tone!!! Seriously though, I would guess probably 3-4kg. So with shipping costs and the current exchange rates, I think it would be much cheaper for you to shop locally smile.gif

QUOTE (Euphoria @ Apr 28, 2012 - 10:30 AM) *
LOL this thread makes me laugh, I had a celica and my name is Josh M too lmao. That car you looked at did it have high km and was it aqua, the descriptions sounds alot like my old celica that I tracked HAHA. Otherwise I have a few other ideas whos it could be tongue.gif.

Nice car too! have fun with it, these things just don't die!


Haha, Hey Josh!!! tongue.gif

Nah, I did drive one aqua one, but it wasn't yours. The thrashed one I was referring to was a red ZR with 188,000 kms, in Lota (near Brisbane). I checked the logs though, and it had lived in Melbourne previously, but I think that was before the new shocks and springs.

And that's why I chose a 6GC!!! In my wait to get money and my license I had lots of time to research cars. In all that time though, I couldn't find anything that could match its ability to feel fun, be practical (big boot), safe (airbags +ABS) and very importantly reliable. My uncle sold his 5sfe celica a couple of years ago with 330,000kms and it hadn't given him any trouble!

On another note, first Celica Club Cruise today XD

Posted by: Tigawoods Apr 28, 2012 - 10:01 PM

the new headunit looks good!
i agree with the tough decision of getting rid of the stock. it looks natural and less gaudy. BUT. no Aux input kindasad.gif

Posted by: Euphoria Apr 28, 2012 - 11:22 PM

Yeah they are good cars, my main problems in 3 years were wheel bearing related and a couple other little things, took it to near redline daily at 280k and had NO engine problems.

Posted by: JoshuaM Feb 20, 2013 - 7:55 AM

Wow... This is now almost like a year in review!

Well, after fixing the sunroof problems, I moved onto more pressing issues... Spree LED's!!! I couldn't decide on colours, so I bought a blue and a red set. After a month or two with the main cluster as red, I decided I'd go with the blue and did the full dash + ash tray light. I decided against the full package, because I liked the warm colours of the stock courtesy lamps.





Had to replace the battery at this point too, old one wasn't very connect with life tongue.gif it worked, but went flat listening to the radio in acc VERY quickly, and was showing many general signs of death.

During that time I also met an ex- 6th gen Celica owner through a university project, who gave me a new intake! Just an AirHog pod filter, but it gives that bit of sound under heave acceleration that will get me through until whenever I do an exhaust system.

Oh, and I can't forget the JDM Tails!!! (They look a bit tinted in this pic, but they're not... just the light).



For a long time I have been looking for a suitable subwoofer setup for the Celica that didn't impact on the practicality of the hatch back design (I often fold the rear seats down and throw my 26 inch mountain bike in the back, or load it right up with stuff when we go camping, so I couldn't use any normal box design.

For a long time I was set on an under seat powered subwoofer - the problem being that even most of the smallest ones don't fit! (I checked it out at my local store, and even Kicker Hideaway etc. wouldn't fit - you should've seen the look on the salesmans face tongue.gif) The Pioneer TS-WX110A looked to be the best option, however it is quite a stretch to call it a 'sub'woofer, and since my aim was for balanced sound, not doof doof at 40hz, I wasn't convinced... Especially considering its $350 cost.

A few weeks ago, prompted by renewed interest when doing some sub research for a friend, I found the Pioneer TS-SWX251... A 10 inch down firing super-compact slimline subwoofer. The appeal; it fits PERFECTLY behind the spare wheel hump, meaning that wasted space gets used up... And since it is down firing there is nothing to get damaged on top, so stuff can still be thrown in the boot... On top of that, it fits well enough to not be bolted in, and has spring loaded clips, so that it can be easily pulled out and dumped in the front seat when I want to use the full space!

The downside.... They don't sell it in Australia... Which meant paying about $80 just in shipping from the states! Still cheaper than buying anything here though -.-

I then found an amp second hand for $40 that matched up very well with the power rating of the sub... The benefits of this one being it is tiny!!! With a little bit of work, I managed to mount it under the dash!!! (Between ecu and hvac)

I haven't tuned it up properly yet, so it still sounds a tiny bit muddy... But it definitely has the capability. I'll try and take a pic soon smile.gif

Ummm... I think that's about it tongue.gif

So, plans:-
- Roof getting resprayed as soon as storm season is over (sun damage)
- looking for some 16" 5 spoke 7th gen rims, or some 17" ST246 Caldina rims (I.e. matrix m theory).
- clear side indicators still on the cards.
- And... I REALLY want some projector headlights, but can't justify spending anything over about $300 on them... Which is a problem tongue.gif

AND I still am planning to write my how to on taking the sunroof out and cleaning the drains, but still haven't got around to it (well, need to find the pics first tongue.gif)

Oh, and most currently (as in right this very second, as I am typing this) I am waiting for a tow truck to take my 1990 Celica AllTrack (GT4) home!!! Well, not really home, it has a dead clutch, so it is going to a mate who is in the 5th gen scene who is going to help do an engine swap, clean it up a bit then I'll drive it for a couple of months, before selling it smile.gif Update: still waiting - stupid towie is now over 2.5 hours late on a confirmed job that was quoted and lodged over 2 business days ago. -.-

I saw a 205 on the weekend for the first time (remember, only 77 in the whole of Australia).... Soooooo nice. If only not so expensive, and not banned on provisional license tongue.gif Update: whilst sitting here waiting for the tow truck, another one went past!!!!! I think I like this side of town! tongue.gif

Note: I am writing this on my wifi only ipad in the middle of nowhere, so 'now' is when I'm typing this, not whenever it gets online tongue.gif

Posted by: JoshuaM Feb 20, 2013 - 8:00 AM


Oh, and I forgot to mention the personalised number plates (Black with white writing) smile.gif

And I am always on the lookout for cool JDM goodies, like SSIII front grill, power folding wing mirrors etc. too tongue.gif

Posted by: RabidTRD Feb 20, 2013 - 7:09 PM

$33 on eBay. smile.gif



$80

http://www.ebay.com/itm/JDM-Authentic-ST202-98-Spec-Celica-SSIII-Genuine-Front-Bumper-Grill-Grille-/350703630020?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item51a790b6c4&vxp=mtr

$170

http://www.ebay.com/itm/JDM-Toyota-Celica-ST202-SSIII-ST205-GT-4-Power-Folding-Mirrors-Switch-1994-1999-/281062061533?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item41709ab5dd&vxp=mtr

$50
http://www.ebay.com/itm/JDM-TOYOTA-CELICA-ST202-ST205-SERA-LEVIN-CLEAR-LENS-SIDE-MARKER-FACTORY-OEM-/190798313597?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2c6c77387d&vxp=mtr

lolol

Posted by: JoshuaM Feb 21, 2013 - 12:56 AM


I know I CAN get them... I just find it hard to justify $110 after shipping on a piece of plastic, or $200 + painting + effort to have mirrors that fold... tongue.gif I hadn't thought about changing the front indicators too (since they are already the clear facelift ones) but mine are a bit foggy. I'll probably go for some crystal side ones too... Eventually tongue.gif

Posted by: JoshuaM Feb 23, 2013 - 2:52 AM

HALP!

I am having trouble deciding what I should do with rims... I can quite easily get some 7th gen 16" 5 spokes for around $250-300 (very little tread, bit of gutter rash)... But I also found a set of 17" Caldina alloys, the same as njccmd2002 was selling from the Matrix M theory, but they would probably cost $600 with reasonable tread. However, they are 45.5 offset I think, and the rolling diameter is 3.31% larger... Is this going to be a problem? (I know it will make the speedo inaccurate) I would get the right size when I next bought tires... But I couldn't afford to spend $600 on wheels AND buy tires.

Ideas? Suggestions?

Posted by: Tigawoods Feb 23, 2013 - 7:53 AM

it sounds like youll be better off with the 7th gens. Since you will have to get tires for them, youll end up spending less than 600 total for the wheels and new tires.

(im biased, i dont like those caldina rims haha)

Posted by: JoshuaM Feb 23, 2013 - 6:21 PM

QUOTE (Tigawoods @ Feb 23, 2013 - 7:53 AM) *
it sounds like youll be better off with the 7th gens. Since you will have to get tires for them, youll end up spending less than 600 total for the wheels and new tires.

(im biased, i dont like those caldina rims haha)


You don't like those rims! redface.gif

I just read njccmd2002's progression thread, and now I am in completely in love with them! (and for the first time ever wish I had a black car so the would look that amazing!) Bit concerned about that offset though - dont want it to look sucked in, but don't want spacers either... Still stock suspension.

Everybody has their own opinion on wheels, personally I absolutely HATE black wheels, contrary to most people on this site.

Unfortunately whilst waiting to be emailed the Caldina rim pictures he sold them frown.gif - just my luck, he has been parting out for a month and the day after I start enquiring he sells them -.-

I think I might either wait for the Caldina Rims, or at least wait to fin the 7th gen ones locally, rather than paying for shipping now.

Posted by: Tigawoods Feb 24, 2013 - 12:06 PM

just use the 7th gen rims to hold you over for now

Posted by: Malek Feb 24, 2013 - 12:18 PM

Man, that Celi is clean! thumbsup.gif I wouldn't throw out black rims on silver just yet..matte black on silver is teh sex!

But yeah, 7th gen until ya find the perfect set you like!

Posted by: SwissFerdi Feb 24, 2013 - 12:53 PM

^ Formerly had that combination, nice indeed but the appeal to me was short-lived. I always liked the color combination, but unless the wheels are perfectly clean, it looks like dirty "normal" black.

Posted by: JoshuaM Feb 24, 2013 - 6:31 PM

QUOTE (Tigawoods @ Feb 24, 2013 - 12:06 PM) *
just use the 7th gen rims to hold you over for now


I will probably end up doing that, but there aren't too many around and I don't want to rush into paying too much for them when I know they aren't going to be long term tongue.gif And confession, I am a great fan of the OEM look, so I don't mind sticking with what I have for a bit longer... They just are a little small tongue.gif (And my grandparents Camry has the same wheels!!! redface.gif)

QUOTE (Malek @ Feb 24, 2013 - 12:18 PM) *
Man, that Celi is clean! thumbsup.gif I wouldn't throw out black rims on silver just yet..matte black on silver is teh sex!

But yeah, 7th gen until ya find the perfect set you like!


Thank you smile.gif unfortunately the paint has a fair few minor blemishes up close, but take a few steps back and it looks mint smile.gif

BUT... I'm not sure if I could ever live with myself getting black wheels... It's that bad tongue.gif

So I'll keep looking for both, with the end aim being the Caldina wheels smile.gif Thank you everybody for your inputs smile.gif


Posted by: JoshuaM Mar 6, 2013 - 2:30 AM

They arrived biggrin.gif



Now just need to wait for the rain to stop!

P.s. And should be getting a new phone (Nokia Lumia 820) this week so my mobile uploads won't be so terrible! tongue.gif

Posted by: JoshuaM Mar 7, 2013 - 4:32 AM


All installed biggrin.gif that has to be quite simply THE easiest mod you can do tongue.gif Just push, pull, twist and clip tongue.gif

Will get pics when it's daylight (and not raining) but everybody knows what they look like anyway tongue.gif

Posted by: JoshuaM Mar 10, 2013 - 10:11 PM

Real news... NEW WHEELS!!!

Set of 4 16" 5 spoke alloys off a 2003 ZR Celica - including centre caps with very minimal gutter rash..... For $180 AUD tongue.gif



CAMBEEERRRRRRR!!!!! tongue.gif

2 of the tyres are completely shot, and two I will get a couple of thousand out of (if I want to). Planning to get some second hand tyres for the two shot ones on the front until I am sure I am happy with the look (and don't find any Caldina rims), before I'll get some proper dunlops or pirellie's or something.


I'm looking for some euro front splitters from the UK at the moment, and want to pick up some TRD rear splitters for the back. I find they follow the lines of the car much better than the ssiii ones, and look less stuck on.

I'm also negotiating with a couple of people in AUS about possibly getting some projectors and a front grill smile.gif

P.s. they're currently hiding in my grandparents shed until I break the news to my dad (and get new tyres) - he still thinks I'm the perfect child with a completely stock car tongue.gif

Posted by: richee3 Mar 10, 2013 - 10:15 PM

Your dad has it pretty good if the worst thing he had to worry about is you changing the rims on your car. smile.gif

Posted by: Timmyface Mar 11, 2013 - 6:46 AM

LOL, the first thing i seen was the photo at a glance and went, wow, super stance. hahaha.
Nice pick up though dude, $180 was a steal thumbsup.gif

And have fun finding euro splitters, took me ages to find mine, than i sold them tongue.gif
And in the end, if you bought the car, you can do what you want. My dad is a highway patrol cop, and he/i know my car is defectable tongue.gif

Posted by: JoshuaM Mar 11, 2013 - 10:10 AM

QUOTE (richee3 @ Mar 10, 2013 - 10:15 PM) *
Your dad has it pretty good if the worst thing he had to worry about is you changing the rims on your car. smile.gif


Haha, well I haven't told anybody about the gt-4 yet either.... tongue.gif But I do take your point smile.gif

QUOTE (Timmyface @ Mar 11, 2013 - 6:46 AM) *
LOL, the first thing i seen was the photo at a glance and went, wow, super stance. hahaha.
Nice pick up though dude, $180 was a steal thumbsup.gif

And have fun finding euro splitters, took me ages to find mine, than i sold them tongue.gif
And in the end, if you bought the car, you can do what you want. My dad is a highway patrol cop, and he/i know my car is defectable tongue.gif


Yeah, I'm still on stock suspension, but that doesn't stop me from playing trick photography! tongue.gif

$180 was a good deal I think; there are a couple of sets on Gumtree in Melbourne and Sydney for $250 that have a bit better tyres, but rims not as good and I would have to pay shipping too. These ones were listed at $250 last night on Gumtree too but only about 35 min from home, but I still managed to bargain him down (I do that a lot - you have all been forewarned tongue.gif).

I have joined Celica Club UK for that sole purpose tongue.gif they do come up there every now and again for about 30 pounds, but I have no idea how much after shipping and painting. I am certainly not expecting to find them overnight though (unfortunately tongue.gif).

And I find that hilarious about your dad tongue.gif I can just imagine him cringing every time you leaving the house with your 3mm *exageration* of ground clearance tongue.gif

And we are yet to cross paths officially on here, but I have stalked your build thread many times - I have loved many aspects of your design and at many points it has been by far my favorite pre-face. (However as noted above I have an irrational hatred of black rims, and although you pulled it off very well I still loved it more before you went black, and you had the euro splitters on - there is one photo I have in mind at that stage that is simply stunning). You should expect a lengthy reply on your thread at some point when I have the spare time, both about the build and the awesome photography! smile.gif

Posted by: JoshuaM Mar 18, 2013 - 8:13 PM

Another very minor update; new shift boot. eBay job for about $11 including shipping from UK. Fitment is reasonable, but not perfect. In any case, looks much neater than the worn out original.



I'd like to give bigger updates but I need to find people to buy it off first! tongue.gif (Without paying fortunes on international shipping on inflated eBay prices tongue.gif).

Posted by: JoshuaM Mar 24, 2013 - 10:05 PM

Well I was going to wait to wash and get good pics with my SLR, but mid-semester exams + cold means that might be a little while so here it is;



They look nice smile.gif However I still jump every-time I walk outside because i'm not expecting to see them, and it looks weird after being so used to the stock wheels tongue.gif I'll still keep half an eye out for the Caldina wheels, but these are nice and the ride on the 16's is quite reasonable.

I mayyy have bought a second set of these same wheels (no centre caps though) during the week tongue.gif I got them for $75!!! The guy didn't know what he had, they were a gift for an old Camry that he had that he never put on, I lowballed him $75 expecting a huge counter-offer and he jumped on it! So that worked out cheaper than a set of 2 second-hand tyres tongue.gif

It is quite sad really that these tyres have much better grip than my old ones; which were brand new when I bought the car ~12,000kms ago, however they were fitted by the dealer and are pretty much the cheapest chinese **** you can get (Insert whatever derogatory 4 letter word you like tongue.gif). The tyres i'm running on the fronts on the 16's (Hero Milanza brand) have plenty of tread but are showing a small amount of crazing and small cracks in the tread and have gone a bit hard, and the ones on the back are in better shape but only just above the tread indicator (Kumho), yet these have many times better dry and wet weather traction then my old set!!! I will keep these on for a few weeks to make sure I am happy to keep these rims before i go out and spend big money on proper tyres tongue.gif

Bit of a scary experience last night, we had a huge storm come over and since we don't have a carport I jumped in my car and headed off to the local undercover shopping centre (They can't lock it - win tongue.gif), however the storm hit hard about half way there and I ended up driving the rest of the way by memory - visability was 0 with the wind and rain, the street lights were cutting in and out and the traffic lights were all down. It was so bad that I couldn't see white traffic islands in the middle of the road, even when I was right next to them. Luckily got there safely and waited out the storm. When i returned home there was a tree across the driveway about where my car was parked before, so a good move even if I left my run a little late.

I'm now just really hanging out for a set of euro front splitters and TRD rear splitters tongue.gif


Posted by: JoshuaM Mar 31, 2013 - 5:02 AM

I came accross a couple of old images that I didn't ever have a chance to upload too;

This is one when I went out on a drive to fetch a new camera lens and I wanted to try it out on the way home:



And this one is on a Brisbane Celica Club cruise from last year:



And I remembered that I didn't upload any photos of my new subwoofer. I am very happy with it, and it is a great option if you want that full range from your audio setup without sacrificing the practicality of the lift back celicas.

(Excuse the mess tongue.gif)





It is very durable too, I had no concerns about chucking a full set of wheels on it and driving a considerable distance tongue.gif

Due to eBay canceling my bid on me for unforeseen technical reasons I missed out on the TRD rear splitters I really wanted... But I have a shopper trawling through Japanese listings for me, and in discussions with a couple of private sellers, so there should be a few JDM goodies coming my way shortly ;D

P.S. for splitters and *spoiler alert* mirrors I am looking at some are being advertised in Europe / UK as Lucerne Silver, is there different silver mixes for our generation Celica in different regions?


Posted by: SwissFerdi Mar 31, 2013 - 4:13 PM

Lucerne is alpine, I suppose, but the only factory color I know of is Alpine Silver. It is also, coincidentally, my city of birth.

Posted by: JoshuaM Mar 31, 2013 - 6:04 PM

QUOTE (SwissFerdi @ Mar 31, 2013 - 4:13 PM) *
Lucerne is alpine, I suppose, but the only factory color I know of is Alpine Silver. It is also, coincidentally, my city of birth.


Haha, so that's why you like it so much wink.gif

But that is good, I don't want to pay a lot extra for getting silver ones that don't need painting only to find they are a completely different shade tongue.gif

Posted by: JoshuaM Apr 2, 2013 - 5:00 AM

Guess what time it is…. PHOTO TIME!!! biggrin.gif

I was down on the sunny Gold Coast today, so I cleaned the car and took some photos to show off my new wheels!

Since nobody is going to read what I write here with the photos below I guess I’ll just link now and talk later…















I want to finally enter a Celica of the month competition… Please help me choose!  OR, tell me to go home and take better pictures / get more JDM parts first tongue.gif

QUOTE (SwissFerdi @ Apr 23, 2012 - 6:51 PM) *
The mod bug will bite. Beware.


Ohhh… OUCH! MAKE IT STAHHHPPPP! tongue.gif Yeah, I go to buy one or two tiny little things and here I am buying almost everything I have ever dreamt of…. Love prices ordering direct from Japan wink.gif

The sad thing is that with my new wheels and a couple of good, regular cleans I have fallen back in love with it just the way it is anyway tongue.gif BUT… who can say no to JDM goodies.


Posted by: CelicaZR Apr 2, 2013 - 8:52 PM

I hope you got some jdm projectors on order smile.gif

Posted by: JoshuaM Apr 2, 2013 - 10:41 PM

QUOTE (CelicaZR @ Apr 2, 2013 - 9:52 PM) *
I hope you got some jdm projectors on order smile.gif


Mayyyyyybe wink.gif

Posted by: Rusty Apr 2, 2013 - 10:41 PM

looks tidy/clean well done thumbsup.gif

Posted by: sr666 Apr 5, 2013 - 7:27 PM

Heya mate car's looking sweet biggrin.gif

If I were thinking of entering a pic for COTM I'd be using the 3rd from bottom pic, there's a fair bit less clutter in the pic although the one with the palm tree thing (I don't study trees LOL) I think would be better suited if you were parked a tad further forward smile.gif

Out of interest is it yourself who was over on CCUK regarding the splitters I can't remember?

Posted by: cheela Apr 5, 2013 - 8:12 PM

That's a very clean looking celi. Keep up the good work. love the 7th gen GTS rims, I got a set myself.

Posted by: JoshuaM Apr 5, 2013 - 8:47 PM

QUOTE (sr666 @ Apr 5, 2013 - 7:27 PM) *
Heya mate car's looking sweet biggrin.gif

If I were thinking of entering a pic for COTM I'd be using the 3rd from bottom pic, there's a fair bit less clutter in the pic although the one with the palm tree thing (I don't study trees LOL) I think would be better suited if you were parked a tad further forward smile.gif

Out of interest is it yourself who was over on CCUK regarding the splitters I can't remember?


Thanks for your thoughts smile.gif When I get a chance I might have a go at a bit of light editing with that pic and see how I go smile.gif

And yes, I have been stalking CCUK in the hopes of picking up some euro front splitters and TRD rear spats, both of which don't exist in Australia tongue.gif I bought some silver TRD spats last night (one small crack and missing mounting brackets for $89 - a bit steep but it was an eBay sale), but I am still on the lookout for the euro fronts.

QUOTE (cheela @ Apr 5, 2013 - 8:12 PM) *
That's a very clean looking celi. Keep up the good work. love the 7th gen GTS rims, I got a set myself.


Thanks smile.gif I'm slowly falling in love with them tongue.gif I was initially indifferent, after a day I liked them, and now I just stare tongue.gif I still really want some 17" Caldina rims, but I have definitely now put that on the back burner after getting these! (Now I just need to buy some decent tyres for them).

Posted by: sr666 Apr 5, 2013 - 10:43 PM

Ok mate I'll keep an eye open for you smile.gif

There's nothing wrong with your pics by the way I was just going from if it was me as opposed to you mate

Posted by: JoshuaM Apr 5, 2013 - 10:59 PM

QUOTE (sr666 @ Apr 5, 2013 - 10:43 PM) *
Ok mate I'll keep an eye open for you smile.gif

There's nothing wrong with your pics by the way I was just going from if it was me as opposed to you mate


Haha, thank you. I know they're not that uncommon, and theoretically they're not really worth any more than 30-35 pounds, but when you actually ask for one then breakers yards suddenly think they're worth 80 tongue.gif

And I didn't take it the wrong way, it is appreciated that somebody actually let me know what they thought! I was simply referring to the fact that if you liked that one then I would use it as a base to hopefully make something even more attention grabbing smile.gif

Posted by: Payne Apr 28, 2013 - 5:37 AM

Love your celica man it's so clean! I've been looking on gumtree for ages and haven't come across any 7th gen rims in Melbourne, let me know if you find any! smile.gif

Posted by: The_enD Apr 28, 2013 - 6:03 AM

Nice Celica

Posted by: JoshuaM Apr 28, 2013 - 6:06 AM

QUOTE (Payne @ Apr 28, 2013 - 5:37 AM) *
Love your celica man it's so clean! I've been looking on gumtree for ages and haven't come across any 7th gen rims in Melbourne, let me know if you find any! smile.gif


You mean like the set I'm just about to put on Gumtree tongue.gif

It probably won't be worth shipping though, and I'm missing the centre caps in my spare set. I saw some in Melbourne about a month ago, but I think they're gone now. I'll let you know if I notice any down in your neck of the woods smile.gif

Posted by: Payne Apr 28, 2013 - 6:15 AM

QUOTE (JoshuaM @ Apr 28, 2013 - 6:06 AM) *
You mean like the set I'm just about to put on Gumtree tongue.gif

It probably won't be worth shipping though, and I'm missing the centre caps in my spare set. I saw some in Melbourne about a month ago, but I think they're gone now. I'll let you know if I notice any down in your neck of the woods smile.gif


Yeah shipping would be a killer, appreciate it!

Posted by: JoshuaM May 1, 2013 - 6:51 AM

Sooo, little update...
My TRD splitters arrived about 2 weeks ago, but I have been too busy with uni to find time to fit them (...Well, that’s my excuse anyway... I was just chicken of drilling a couple of holes in my bumper tongue.gif). Thanks Richee3 for the advice for fitment smile.gif

They went on this morning before uni, and I just washed the car in complete darkness and popped off to the local shops to get you guys some pics... don’t ever say I don’t look out for you guys wink.gif

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/1stMay2013-SeaWorldpt2Rearsplitters045_zpsd4cae8c7.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/1stMay2013-SeaWorldpt2Rearsplitters037_zpsae4c8ed8.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/1stMay2013-SeaWorldpt2Rearsplitters041_zps486b847a.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/1stMay2013-SeaWorldpt2Rearsplitters040_zpsa8e80d40.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/1stMay2013-SeaWorldpt2Rearsplitters042_zpsb518292a.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/1stMay2013-SeaWorldpt2Rearsplitters046_zpsf17dc621.jpg.html

I generally like the look... but it is now tempting me to try out how spoiler-less would look (Note TRY, I don't intend for this to be permanent tongue.gif)

Also, I am very pleased to announce that over the past two weeks I have picked up a set of 205/50/16 Yokohama C.Drive part-worns (Practically new... maybe 5,000kms on them?) which were a phenomenal improvement... which got me sucked in and I rotated them to replace the very worn out Kumhos on the back and got some new Michelin Pilot Sport 3 tyres for the front. I must say, this is THE BEST performance modification you can do to any car... up to this point I have only ever experienced rather terrible budget tyres... but I am NEVER going back. These tyres don’t spin at all when taking off at the lights, don’t chirp if you dump it into second and give a much greater general confidence and stability on the road.

Still waiting for some bits on a ship from Japan, and still waiting on replies from sellers in the UK for various bits and bobs, but everything in good time smile.gif

Posted by: rentaspace May 1, 2013 - 7:10 AM

I got those exact same side markers from eBay a while back, They were great for around 5months and then they started fogging up kindasad.gif The seal between (on the lens side) had started failing :L I used some gasket sealer to permanently attach the lens to the seal and ha no problems since smile.gif Just a word of advice if that happens to you smile.gif


P.S. Sexy as car wink.gif

Posted by: JoshuaM May 1, 2013 - 7:14 AM

QUOTE (rentaspace @ May 1, 2013 - 8:10 AM) *
I got those exact same side markers from eBay a while back, They were great for around 5months and then they started fogging up kindasad.gif The seal between (on the lens side) had started failing :L I used some gasket sealer to permanently attach the lens to the seal and ha no problems since smile.gif Just a word of advice if that happens to you smile.gif


P.S. Sexy as car wink.gif


Hehe, thank you biggrin.gif

It took yours 5 months!!! Mine went in less than 1 tongue.gif Okay, I'll check that out next time I get a chance, thank you smile.gif


Posted by: rentaspace May 1, 2013 - 7:18 AM

QUOTE (JoshuaM @ May 1, 2013 - 7:14 AM) *
QUOTE (rentaspace @ May 1, 2013 - 8:10 AM) *
I got those exact same side markers from eBay a while back, They were great for around 5months and then they started fogging up kindasad.gif The seal between (on the lens side) had started failing :L I used some gasket sealer to permanently attach the lens to the seal and ha no problems since smile.gif Just a word of advice if that happens to you smile.gif


P.S. Sexy as car wink.gif


Hehe, thank you biggrin.gif

It took yours 5 months!!! Mine went in less than 1 tongue.gif Okay, I'll check that out next time I get a chance, thank you smile.gif

Really less than a month? o.O I would of contacted the eBay member... every time something had screwed up for me they've refunded me lol

And man I am jelly of your TRD splits >.<


Also if you take your spoiler off, put on a pre-facelift spoiler and see how it looks wink.gif

Posted by: SwissFerdi May 1, 2013 - 7:23 AM

QUOTE (JoshuaM @ May 1, 2013 - 7:51 AM) *
I must say, this is THE BEST performance modification you can do to any car...


Grip is a very underrated (and misunderstood) commodity. I've heard a good bit of surprise directed at the speed I take turns, etc. Anyway, congratulations on the splitters, now get that bad boy lowered.

Posted by: JoshuaM May 1, 2013 - 8:05 AM

QUOTE (rentaspace @ May 1, 2013 - 7:18 AM) *
Really less than a month? o.O I would of contacted the eBay member... every time something had screwed up for me they've refunded me lol

And man I am jelly of your TRD splits >.<

Also if you take your spoiler off, put on a pre-facelift spoiler and see how it looks wink.gif



Yeah, should've but I had already left feedback when I found out which usually means they no longer care tongue.gif

Hehe, I like them... but you'll end up with some, everything comes with time smile.gif

And I am one of the minority, but I actually don't like the 2 post spoiler... I think it looks too flat against the excentuated curves at the back of the celica. I had thought about a GT4/SSIII or TRD spoiler, but the mounting points are different and I hate making structural modifications to my car (I like to be able to easily put everything back the way it came)... that and it will attract a lot more attention from the cops tongue.gif


QUOTE (SwissFerdi @ May 1, 2013 - 7:23 AM) *
Grip is a very underrated (and misunderstood) commodity. I've heard a good bit of surprise directed at the speed I take turns, etc. Anyway, congratulations on the splitters, now get that bad boy lowered.


I still used to take the corners at those speeds, it just squealed, spun and squirmed like anything (Okay, slight exaggeration tongue.gif), now I can plant it and it just hooks and goes XD

But there are no plans to lower - I bought my car for practicality too and do a fair bit of parking on kerbs etc. and don't want to ruin my ride comfort. I also have another addition coming to the rear of the car that must not be mentioned on car forums that will require some adequate suspension travel. rolleyes.gif If the right thing came up and I had the money I may get something adjustable... but I would only want to lower it minimally anyway. I think the 16's look silly when you get too low.

Posted by: rentaspace May 1, 2013 - 8:11 AM

QUOTE (JoshuaM @ May 1, 2013 - 9:05 AM) *
QUOTE (rentaspace @ May 1, 2013 - 7:18 AM) *
QUOTE (JoshuaM @ May 1, 2013 - 7:14 AM) *
QUOTE (rentaspace @ May 1, 2013 - 8:10 AM) *
I got those exact same side markers from eBay a while back, They were great for around 5months and then they started fogging up kindasad.gif The seal between (on the lens side) had started failing :L I used some gasket sealer to permanently attach the lens to the seal and ha no problems since smile.gif Just a word of advice if that happens to you smile.gif


P.S. Sexy as car wink.gif


Hehe, thank you biggrin.gif

It took yours 5 months!!! Mine went in less than 1 tongue.gif Okay, I'll check that out next time I get a chance, thank you smile.gif

Really less than a month? o.O I would of contacted the eBay member... every time something had screwed up for me they've refunded me lol

And man I am jelly of your TRD splits >.<


Also if you take your spoiler off, put on a pre-facelift spoiler and see how it looks wink.gif



Yeah, should've but I had already left feedback when I found out which usually means they no longer care tongue.gif

Hehe, I like them... but you'll end up with some, everything comes with time smile.gif

And I am one of the minority, but I actually don't like the 2 post spoiler... I think it looks too flat against the excentuated curves at the back of the celica. I had thought about a GT4/SSIII or TRD spoiler, but the mounting points are different and I hate making structural modifications to my car (I like to be able to easily put everything back the way it came)... that and it will attract a lot more attention from the cops tongue.gif


QUOTE (SwissFerdi @ May 1, 2013 - 7:23 AM) *
QUOTE (JoshuaM @ May 1, 2013 - 7:51 AM) *
I must say, this is THE BEST performance modification you can do to any car...


Grip is a very underrated (and misunderstood) commodity. I've heard a good bit of surprise directed at the speed I take turns, etc. Anyway, congratulations on the splitters, now get that bad boy lowered.


I still used to take the corners at those speeds, it just squealed, spun and squirmed like anything (Okay, slight exaggeration tongue.gif), now I can plant it and it just hooks and goes XD

But there are no plans to lower - I bought my car for practicality too and do a fair bit of parking on kerbs etc. and don't want to ruin my ride comfort. I also have another addition coming to the rear of the car that must not be mentioned on car forums that will require some adequate suspension travel. rolleyes.gif If the right thing came up and I had the money I may get something adjustable... but I would only want to lower it minimally anyway. I think the 16's look silly when you get too low.


All comes down to personal opinion I guess wink.gif
Personally I like no spoiler and the two post smile.gif
You gonna lower her?

Posted by: JoshuaM May 1, 2013 - 4:28 PM

QUOTE (rentaspace @ May 1, 2013 - 9:11 AM) *
QUOTE

But there are no plans to lower - I bought my car for practicality too and do a fair bit of parking on kerbs etc. and don't want to ruin my ride comfort. I also have another addition coming to the rear of the car that must not be mentioned on car forums that will require some adequate suspension travel. rolleyes.gif If the right thing came up and I had the money I may get something adjustable... but I would only want to lower it minimally anyway. I think the 16's look silly when you get too low.


All comes down to personal opinion I guess wink.gif
Personally I like no spoiler and the two post smile.gif
You gonna lower her?


^^^ Nah mate, although it would look better a tiny bit lower, I can't justify the cost and decrease in ride comfort and functionality just for that look.

And maybe I'd like the 2 post if I had a proper look at them, but I only ever looked at post-face celicas up here, so I'm just basing my opinion off photos. But as usual, everybody has different tastes smile.gif

Posted by: rentaspace May 1, 2013 - 7:42 PM

QUOTE
^^^ Nah mate, although it would look better a tiny bit lower, I can't justify the cost and decrease in ride comfort and functionality just for that look.

And maybe I'd like the 2 post if I had a proper look at them, but I only ever looked at post-face celicas up here, so I'm just basing my opinion off photos. But as usual, everybody has different tastes smile.gif


Hahah yeah, I want to lower but it's so damn expensive kindasad.gif I guess I'll just save up for the 17" rims and see how she looks then smile.gif

Posted by: sr666 May 2, 2013 - 9:36 AM

looks much better now mate just need them fronts on / sorted wink.gif

You know you want to lower the car too, Would look so so sweet biggrin.gif

Looking pretty fresh as it is mate I'm jealous your car's all the same colour unlike mine LOL

Posted by: cheela May 2, 2013 - 10:03 AM

looking real good now.
what are you planning for the front?

Posted by: JoshuaM May 2, 2013 - 6:37 PM

QUOTE (rentaspace @ May 1, 2013 - 8:42 PM) *
Hahah yeah, I want to lower but it's so damn expensive kindasad.gif I guess I'll just save up for the 17" rims and see how she looks then smile.gif


Cool, what rims / style are you going for? smile.gif If you couldn't tell already, I really wanted the Caldina ones but they aren't cheap or easy to get a hold of and I just spent over $600 on the 7th gen wheels and new tyres, so those plans are now on hold tongue.gif

QUOTE (sr666 @ May 2, 2013 - 10:36 AM) *
looks much better now mate just need them fronts on / sorted wink.gif

You know you want to lower the car too, Would look so so sweet biggrin.gif

Looking pretty fresh as it is mate I'm jealous your car's all the same colour unlike mine LOL


I've been trying!!! There have been multiple people on CCUK (respected contributors I might add) that have been promising the world and then just stop replying to my messages when I want to quote postage and pay them. I actually have a feeling my PM must have to be broken, but who know tongue.gif

And don't talk too fast... Mine is many different shades of silver... Just look at the bumper join in the first pic tongue.gif Also, my paint has been sun damaged and it has escalated from a small patch on the roof last year to now covering the roof, with small patches around the glass on the boot and at the top of the bonnet. This is to go with the many small marks and scratches already on the car when I bought it too tongue.gif i was ready to have the roof resprayed, but i dont think i can justify the cost of a full respray (especially not to get silver again tongue.gif) At lest it looks good in the pictures tongue.gif

QUOTE (cheela @ May 2, 2013 - 11:03 AM) *
looking real good now.
what are you planning for the front?


Thanks Cheela smile.gif

Have been trying to organize some euro GT front splitters and front grill for some time now from CCUK members... I have all the money and they have all the parts available; I'm just waiting for them to reply to me tongue.gif

I am going to color code them to the car when I eventually get them, which should add another subtle touch of class without the risk of smashing up any big splitters tongue.gif

Posted by: sr666 May 2, 2013 - 8:39 PM

Ccuk and respected in the same sentence? That'll be the day haha

I see what you mean now about the bumper join, At least with your car you can see that it's mostly the same shade of silver, take a look at the side of mine you'll notice a huge difference hence my comment lol

I can't help but thinking if you go for the euro front splitters it's going to look a bit unbalanced as in my opinion they aren't anywhere near as deep as the TRD's for example so it may look like there's something missing perhaps?

As for CCUK as you know there's a fair bit of bad blood there between me and them (I'm too bluntly honest haha) and don't get me wrong there's a lot of good members on there but sadly from my respective there's a lot of arse clowns too which ruin it.

Anyways will be watching this closely :-)

Posted by: whatthe May 2, 2013 - 9:05 PM

Looking really good man smile.gif

Posted by: rentaspace May 4, 2013 - 1:14 AM

QUOTE (JoshuaM @ May 2, 2013 - 7:37 PM) *
QUOTE (rentaspace @ May 1, 2013 - 8:42 PM) *
Hahah yeah, I want to lower but it's so damn expensive kindasad.gif I guess I'll just save up for the 17" rims and see how she looks then smile.gif


Cool, what rims / style are you going for? smile.gif If you couldn't tell already, I really wanted the Caldina ones but they aren't cheap or easy to get a hold of and I just spent over $600 on the 7th gen wheels and new tyres, so those plans are now on hold tongue.gif


I want to get these: http://www.tempetyres.com.au/products.php?17x7.0%20Lenso%20Type-M%20-%20DG

Posted by: JoshuaM May 4, 2013 - 8:56 PM

QUOTE (sr666 @ May 2, 2013 - 9:39 PM) *
Ccuk and respected in the same sentence? That'll be the day haha

I see what you mean now about the bumper join, At least with your car you can see that it's mostly the same shade of silver, take a look at the side of mine you'll notice a huge difference hence my comment lol

I can't help but thinking if you go for the euro front splitters it's going to look a bit unbalanced as in my opinion they aren't anywhere near as deep as the TRD's for example so it may look like there's something missing perhaps?

As for CCUK as you know there's a fair bit of bad blood there between me and them (I'm too bluntly honest haha) and don't get me wrong there's a lot of good members on there but sadly from my respective there's a lot of arse clowns too which ruin it.

Anyways will be watching this closely :-)


Yes, I have noticed your door colour in particular is not quite the same... at all tongue.gif

I know what you mean, but I haven't seen any pics of the TRD spats on a facelift front that I like... and it will make it even more obvious that I have OEM skirts... which I am not changing tongue.gif Perhaps a better option would be the SSIII front splitters... but I was never really convinced with those on my car (Unless lowered + spoiler... then I like them tongue.gif). In any case, the euro GT front splitters will make it look less unbalanced than it is at the moment... so it is a good start tongue.gif

QUOTE (whatthe @ May 2, 2013 - 10:05 PM) *
Looking really good man smile.gif


Thanks, means a lot from you! biggrin.gif

QUOTE (rentaspace @ May 4, 2013 - 2:14 AM) *
I want to get these: Linky link


Ahh okay, not my style but I can see why others would like them... and we have already established that we have different tastes (On that note I was reading Whatthe's thread again and like the 2 post again now tongue.gif). I do have the feeling that it will look a little truckin' with that sort of spoke design on stock suspension though... Should do a photoshop smile.gif


On that note... Look what appeared on my OzCelica page from another member... tongue.gif



... it's not happening though tongue.gif I don't want a slammed car, and I think it looks a bit silly tongue.gif


Posted by: RabidTRD May 4, 2013 - 10:47 PM

That's not slammed lol. That's the kind of tuck I have going right now. With the right wheels, that sits perfect.

Posted by: rentaspace May 4, 2013 - 11:16 PM

QUOTE (JoshuaM @ May 4, 2013 - 2:14 AM) *
Ahh okay, not my style but I can see why others would like them... and we have already established that we have different tastes (On that note I was reading Whatthe's thread again and like the 2 post again now tongue.gif). I do have the feeling that it will look a little truckin' with that sort of spoke design on stock suspension though... Should do a photoshop smile.gif


On that note... Look what appeared on my OzCelica page from another member... tongue.gif



... it's not happening though tongue.gif I don't want a slammed car, and I think it looks a bit silly tongue.gif


Looks nice, but for my area would be extremely impractical... My front is too low as it is for some places around my area kindasad.gif

I'm still not sure about rims and stuff atm... Ill have to go down to the shop and ask for them next to the car... Maybe Ill go onto the photoshop thread and request it to be shopped and lowered.. (I used to be able to do all that on photoshop, but year12 last year forced me to forget to fit stupid physics equations in frown.gif )

I'm still waiting to be accepted on OZCelica frown.gif

Posted by: JoshuaM May 4, 2013 - 11:17 PM

QUOTE (RabidTRD @ May 4, 2013 - 11:47 PM) *
That's not slammed lol. That's the kind of tuck I have going right now. With the right wheels, that sits perfect.


Haha, but it's just not what I'm looking for tongue.gif

In other news, I had my head under the rear bumper the other night measuring up the threads under the bumper, and there was some spider webs that had been built down to the ground from the rear bumper... whatever, just a spider, so i stuck my head under anyway.... then I looked up and saw this...



I was outta there tongue.gif (For those of you that don't know, that is a redback spider; one of the most dangerous spiders in Australia - and is related to the Black-Widow spider tongue.gif http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Redback_spider)

Posted by: rentaspace May 4, 2013 - 11:27 PM

QUOTE (JoshuaM @ May 5, 2013 - 12:17 AM) *
QUOTE (RabidTRD @ May 4, 2013 - 11:47 PM) *
That's not slammed lol. That's the kind of tuck I have going right now. With the right wheels, that sits perfect.


Haha, but it's just not what I'm looking for tongue.gif

In other news, I had my head under the rear bumper the other night measuring up the threads under the bumper, and there was some spider webs that had been built down to the ground from the rear bumper... whatever, just a spider, so i stuck my head under anyway.... then I looked up and saw this...



I was outta there tongue.gif (For those of you that don't know, that is a redback spider; one of the most dangerous spiders in Australia - and is related to the Black-Widow spider tongue.gif http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Redback_spider)

Red Backs have trouble piercing the skin, chances are it wouldn't hurt you. But, with that being said, if it bit you on the face area then you may have some troubles tongue.gif
We get plenty of red backs around here, and also the Sydney Female Funnel Web (For those that don't know this is the DEADLIEST spider in the world) but again, when they bite there is only like a 40% chance that they actually inject any venom... Neither spider has killed anyone since the antivenoms have been released smile.gif

Also, speaking of random crap we find in the car... My dad looked under the engine protection plastic this morning (to determine where this rattling was coming from) and we found a completely rusted and starting to melt lighter... Which was also full of gas We don't even know how it got there

Posted by: cheela Jun 4, 2013 - 2:44 PM

hahahah OMG! that's horrible. I had something similar although not as scary happen to me too. Was driving in my girlfriends car going in a roundabout and all the sudden something crawls across my windshield on the inside. was a huge spider! hahahaha made the turn while smushing the spider.

Posted by: Euphoria Jun 14, 2013 - 1:22 AM

Love the stock oem look! Considering its so clean it doesn't look bad on stock monster truck suspension tongue.gif

Posted by: JoshuaM Jun 14, 2013 - 8:08 AM

QUOTE (Euphoria @ Jun 14, 2013 - 1:22 AM) *
Love the stock oem look! Considering its so clean it doesn't look bad on stock monster truck suspension tongue.gif


Haha, thanks man.... I think tongue.gif

Nah, I have spent most of my total thread time here and on OzCelica saying no to lowering, but I think I am finally starting to come around tongue.gif

I would only want the drop of some basic springs, but I may end up looking out some coil overs that can be raised up near stock height again when towing the boat. That's not cheap though, so it won't be happening before I get back from overseas next year.

I have been doing a bit on the car part front... All of the JDM's biggrin.gif I have been far to busy with assignments and exams, but I will be fitting said items shortly and pics will follow! smile.gif

Posted by: ILoveMySilly97 Jun 14, 2013 - 1:50 PM

QUOTE (JoshuaM @ May 4, 2013 - 6:56 PM) *
On that note... Look what appeared on my OzCelica page from another member... tongue.gif



... it's not happening though tongue.gif I don't want a slammed car, and I think it looks a bit silly tongue.gif

That's not slammed. Its about right. My car is probably about the same heigh. Lol. Rides just perfect. Can clear them drive ways and speed bumps perfectly. wink.gif

Posted by: JoshuaM Jun 27, 2013 - 10:00 AM

So it has been a little while since I have updated this... I have been really busy with university assignments and exams - but they finished for the Semester a few days ago smile.gif

A reasonable amount has happened with my Celica in this time... Not all good though frown.gif

Coolant System

As some of you would have seen on the 'Today I...' thread, one day on the way home I had parked on the side of the road with the engine running for about 10 minutes when I made some phone calls. When I merged back on I looked down and saw my temperature gauge soaring into the red :'(

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/Facebook/Mobile%20Uploads/383373_10201246413980356_1650889043_n.jpg.html

I pulled over and let it cool off and hobbled home. I initially thought it was an electrical problem with the fans, until after some help from some other on here we discovered that's just how the fans roll tongue.gif I had lost about 1.2 litres of coolant.

Eventually with Dad's help we found the leak (not forgetting that all of this happened on the first day of exam period!) - the heater hose on the control module on the firewall. After hobbling around for another week with no aircon and being super gentle with it we investigated the offending hose further. We were expecting a cracked plastic heater control, but it was in fact just a swollen pipe. Temporary fix was just some pipe sealant and a new adjustable hose clamp until I order the new pipes. Haven't had any troubles since smile.gif

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/WP_20130607_003_zpsdcf3f2c8.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/WP_20130615_007_zpse99d5755.jpg.html

At the same time I did a full flush of the coolant system; which I had been planning to do soon anyway. Unfortunately I had to redo this the next morning as when I was filling the system I noticed that it was full after only adding about 3L of coolant (out of approx. 6.5L system) - coming to the conclusion that half if the fluids were staying in the engine rather than draining since both radiator hoses were positioned near the top of the engine block. I had done two full flushes with water after the cleaning agent, but that wasn't enough if only 50% was being drained each time - so 2 coolant changes in <24 hours tongue.gif

*End Saga* It has been behaving very nicely ever since smile.gif

JDM Side Visors

Now to the other saga tongue.gif At the start of June I bought a set of JDM side visors from Japan on eBay from seller jdm_used_parts - mainly so that on frosty mornings I could use the wiper bottles without the water wicking into the cabin for the next 5 minutes tongue.gif However, when they arrived via EMS express there were a few problems (again, occurring in the middle of exams taking up very valuable time and energy -.-). First of all, I noticed that there were no ends of the box - just tape with a tiny bit of the visors bulging through each end. After unwrapping it I discovered a chip missing out of the end of the visor where it had been poking through. Frustrating, but I probably would have just dealt with it. However, upon further inspection there were a few other scuff marks and scratches and a couple of tiny chips that were not mentioned when I specifically asked about these before the sale. Also, the location of the largest scuff mark was over the Toyota badge which showed the item I received was not the one pictured (as the seller claimed).

The real kicker was when I took them outside though.... THEY AREN'T EVEN 6GC!!! My guess is that they are the cheaper 7th Gen ones, as the curves are much sharper, and the mounting points are different. My doors wouldn't even open with these on.

I contacted the seller immediately, who promptly replied that none of the damage was there before (BS - impossible), the images were the same as the pictures (yet he has listed another set with the same pictures which also claims you will receive the items in the pictures... A bit difficult if you were to believe his claim that they were the ones in my living room), they were definitely 100% for a st202 and that any and all damage from mint condition (not his words, but it was inferred) was damage caused in transit (again, complete BS). His closing sentiment was that he was not doing anything until I lodged a damage in transit report with the local postal service, which I have since done, but I disagree with since it was obviously damaged caused before postage, and during postage due to unsuitable packaging - neither of which are covered under the policy. So in my mind I have been forced to attempt insurance fraud kindasad.gif

So now 3 weeks after shelling out my cash and paying for express shipping I have no visors and not even an ETA. I'm not worried because I am so obviously in the right for a PayPal refund, it is just how much drama the seller is going to cause in the interim.
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/WP_20130612_0061_zps57342472.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/WP_20130612_0051_zps5084d016.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/WP_20130612_0041_zps62e06210.jpg.html


Japan Order

My projectors arrived!!! XD However in the long (6 week!) journey here two of the tabs on one of the low beams cracked off. So currently I am waiting for a free day to take off the bumper, line up the tabs in the right spots, fix and install. Before that I am waiting for either the plugs to make my wiring harness to arrive, or waiting to find some locally to save waiting tongue.gif

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/Facebook/Mobile%20Uploads/580610_10201250163274086_2000528709_n.jpg.html


Crystal Indicators

As posted in Today I, I put on my crystal style front indicators the other day. These were purchased to go with the projectors, but I figured I'd stick them on first...and I was very pleased with the result!!! smile.gif

Before



Comparison



After



And... Teaser for when I get chrome bulbs / LEDs



smile.gif

Was very good.... Until I stripped the head of the other screw -.- Update - I asked the local Toyota dealer for a replacement but they can't source them any more, so I guess I will just try and find an equivalent at the hardware store.

Euro Stuff

... Still waiting tongue.gif They haven't even been sent out yet since I believe some of my stuff has been lost in the post between Ireland and the mainland UK.

Other Plans

- Paint calipers and rear hubs (red and black respectively) will be done next week hopefully. Was going to do it this week but I am working nights this week and would like to leave the paint to cure overnight.

- Install a hidden cigarette lighter socket under the dash to wire up my dash cam's parking mode. I bought the plug yesterday, so I'll install this week smile.gif Need to remove some trim to run the wire for it through the roof and pillar too.

- I have spark plugs ready to install, and want to get a couple of other little maintenance things done.

- Find SSIII front splitters

- Swap over to JDM rear wiring harness for tail lights, modified to include a *cough*TrailerHitch*cough* tongue.gif

- Thinking about switching the colour of all my interior LED's again... We'll see tongue.gif

- Looking for a TRD quickshifter - I have found one at the moment but they want $250 plus international shipping for it used frown.gif

- Install some other random bits and pieces I have been collecting.

- Wash it more / ignore it less tongue.gif

- New wheel alignment to correct for the economy car setup the shop did last time.

- Enjoy it! I went on a big mountain drive yesterday and pushed it on some great roads... Has been almost 10 months since I have been up there and I had forgotten how amazing it was to drive like that! So that will definitely be happening more often tongue.gif

AND a new pic with the clear front indicators;

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/23rdJune2013-MacroUte053_zpsc5eadf72.jpg.html


Posted by: Box Jun 27, 2013 - 1:59 PM

File a claim through eBay, and do it now. You should be able to get a full refund and you'll return them. Nice score on the projectors. Though is it just me, but why is it that NOBODY knows how to pack freaking headlights so that the tabs don't break off.... My god people, bubble wrap and old newspaper...

Posted by: JoshuaM Jun 27, 2013 - 4:22 PM

Yeah, 3 of the lights were packed really well, but the 4th was sitting on top on a new layer and not so much. There were heaps of newspaper shreddings but they were quite light on with the bubble wrap - only a very thin wrap around each one.

And I am yet to open a dispute because we are still waiting on the outcome of the postal dispute so they won't do anything until that is finalised anyway (I don't have them any more)- and I don't want to piss them off too much until I have what I want tongue.gif I am definitely keeping my eye on the clock for my 45 days though.

Posted by: rentaspace Jun 27, 2013 - 9:57 PM

QUOTE (Box @ Jun 27, 2013 - 2:59 PM) *
File a claim through eBay, and do it now. You should be able to get a full refund and you'll return them. Nice score on the projectors. Though is it just me, but why is it that NOBODY knows how to pack freaking headlights so that the tabs don't break off.... My god people, bubble wrap and old newspaper...

Mine had bubble wrap, packing beans and freaky japanese manga news paper... Still had a tab break and another crack... frown.gif

Posted by: Box Jun 27, 2013 - 10:07 PM

People just don't know how to pack. When I pack instruments I do it in such a manner they'd survive the truck rolling over them. Most people just don't know how to, or care to, pack it properly. I can't remember who said it, but someone once told me to "Pack them as if they'll be handled by gorillas." About the damned truth.

Posted by: rentaspace Jun 27, 2013 - 11:21 PM

QUOTE (Box @ Jun 27, 2013 - 11:07 PM) *
People just don't know how to pack. When I pack instruments I do it in such a manner they'd survive the truck rolling over them. Most people just don't know how to, or care to, pack it properly. I can't remember who said it, but someone once told me to "Pack them as if they'll be handled by gorillas." About the damned truth.

Protip: If you put fragile stickers on it, people throw it harder

Posted by: Box Jun 27, 2013 - 11:51 PM

That's why you instead mark them with "CAUTION" labels instead. laugh.gif

Posted by: rentaspace Jun 28, 2013 - 12:08 AM

QUOTE (Box @ Jun 28, 2013 - 12:51 AM) *
That's why you instead mark them with "CAUTION" labels instead. laugh.gif

More like *EXPLOSIVE*

Posted by: Box Jun 28, 2013 - 1:29 AM

QUOTE (rentaspace @ Jun 28, 2013 - 12:08 AM) *
QUOTE (Box @ Jun 28, 2013 - 12:51 AM) *
That's why you instead mark them with "CAUTION" labels instead. laugh.gif

More like *EXPLOSIVE*

Oddly enough I've seen women marked with both labels. laugh.gif

Posted by: rentaspace Jun 28, 2013 - 6:53 AM

QUOTE (Box @ Jun 28, 2013 - 1:29 AM) *
QUOTE (rentaspace @ Jun 28, 2013 - 12:08 AM) *
QUOTE (Box @ Jun 28, 2013 - 12:51 AM) *
That's why you instead mark them with "CAUTION" labels instead. laugh.gif

More like *EXPLOSIVE*

Oddly enough I've seen women marked with both labels. laugh.gif

LOL

Posted by: SwissFerdi Jun 28, 2013 - 7:38 AM

QUOTE (Box @ Jun 28, 2013 - 2:29 AM) *
Oddly enough I've seen women marked with both labels. laugh.gif


Love, the kind you clean up with a mop and bucket...

Posted by: JoshuaM Jul 1, 2013 - 9:06 AM


Now now guys tongue.gif

I told him that I would be opening a PayPal dispute if I didn't have a suitable replacement product or full refund by the end of next week (Which will be nearing my 45 day period to claim buyer protection which I should be able to win without even trying tongue.gif). He replied getting very upset saying he will fix everything and I just need to wait, please wait, don't do that etc. etc. tongue.gif

I snapped this pic near midnight on my way home from work the other night since I had my SLR on me (This is just where I was parked at the bus station). Only minimal light coming across from the construction sight (not like the pic shows) and no tripod or anything to lean on tongue.gif I took a couple and they turned out great on the camera, but this was the only one salvageable when I blew them up on the big screen tongue.gif

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/smallIMG_4747_zps8f7418a5.jpg.html

I am having trouble finding inspiration to take any pics at the moment since I am just waiting to install the projectors tongue.gif Hopefully my wiring plugs will come this week smile.gif

Posted by: Box Jul 1, 2013 - 3:50 PM

Be careful, he may just be stalling to get past the time you can open a dispute. redface.gif

Posted by: JoshuaM Jul 1, 2013 - 6:47 PM

QUOTE (Box @ Jul 1, 2013 - 3:50 PM) *
Be careful, he may just be stalling to get past the time you can open a dispute. redface.gif


Don't worry, I wasn't bluffing, I will be opening a dispute even if he has already given me a new tracking number. This guy is getting none of my trust whatsoever tongue.gif

Posted by: JoshuaM Jul 18, 2013 - 9:27 AM

Wheel Alignment

So last year when registering the car after the long drive home, the inspector found transport chocks in the front suspension -.- Needless to say, I had thought the ride was a little harsh on the way home, and the wheel alignment was right out. So I spent my $70 for a new alignment (which was a big deal at that stage of my life) but the tyre shop did an economy car setup on it without consulting me, and killed the turn in.

Soooo.... In preparation for a big (silly) drive I got it done properly this time smile.gif

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/WP_20130718_003_zpsbb5862f2.jpg.html

Toowoomba Cruise

The next day I set off on a 400km cruise inland to Toowoomba with a couple of mates. We took as many back roads as possible, which included large sections of unsealed roads.... Lots of roads (and driving behaviors) that I wouldn't be able to do if I had some low and decent paint tongue.gif It was a good day smile.gif

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/6thJuly2013-ToowoombaCruise015_zpsd5ba0853.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/6thJuly2013-ToowoombaCruise004_zps06737a76.jpg.html
^Note the gravel in the wheels.... may have entered the shot sideways tongue.gif

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/6thJuly2013-ToowoombaCruise042_zps6314fce9.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/6thJuly2013-ToowoombaCruise027_zps3637349d.jpg.html

Probably my favourite shot;

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/6thJuly2013-ToowoombaCruise024_zps6c1dd929.jpg.html

And a side shot, because I never get those tongue.gif

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/6thJuly2013-ToowoombaCruise034_zpse4f48622.jpg.html


Projectorrzzzz

Yup... It finally happened!!! biggrin.gif After ordering them in Easter, and waiting a number of weeks to finalize the sale, and 6 weeks shipping from Japan, and then another 3 weeks waiting for adapters since none of the stores around here could find HB4 plug adapters, I finally got them installed! biggrin.gif

I had tracked down a perfect set, however during shipping two of the tabs on one of the projectors snapped off :'( This delayed progress for a bit, but I got down to it the other day and did the repair; 5 minute araldite (2 part epoxy) to secure the tabs back in place, and then a fiberglass repair kit to strengthen it up smile.gif

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/18thJuly2013-Projectors017_zps05ff33d0.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/18thJuly2013-Projectors016_zps0cf6bebd.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/18thJuly2013-Projectors014_zps690c065a.jpg.html

For the wiring harness I bought the HB4 harness adapter, and used the H1 pigtails that came with the projectors, and just a simple cut and solder.

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/18thJuly2013-Projectors013_zps81a7ab65.jpg.html

And a quick little bumper change (lol, jks tongue.gif)

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/18thJuly2013-Projectors011_zps772df292.jpg.html

My mate thought that this was an adequate storage technique tongue.gif

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/18thJuly2013-Projectors003_zps865ed261.jpg.html

Then;

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/18thJuly2013-Projectors021_zpsf94327d1.jpg.html

I had a few troubles getting the under body plastics back together (I have leftover screws and leftover holes... and they don’t match tongue.gif), but I got it done smile.gif I got the bulb holders for the accent lights but no pigtails to wire up frown.gif So I am on the lookout for some 3rd brake lights or side markers to use tongue.gif

JDM door visors

Some of you will have heard that I have had a few issues with my JDM door visors.... The good news is that I finally received my refund!!! Only after opening a PayPal dispute of course, but it was settled outside of the system. (I will link my conversations with the seller here soon – it’s a good read tongue.gif)

However, whilst settling the dispute I scored an epic eBay bargain from Japan; st202 door visors for $22 +p&p!!! XD

They arrived in perfect condition this time, though oddly enough they came attached to the window linings! So anther 2 hours of my life gone, with a hair dryer and a not so sharp knife and I managed to remove them without damage – yay!

I cheated to take some photos and haven’t installed it properly yet – I just need to clear off the last of the double sided tape – I’m thinking I will reattach with silastic.


http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/18thJuly2013-Projectors042_zpsad30d166.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/18thJuly2013-Projectors044_zps7a7bca24.jpg.html

Mt Cootha

I went for a super quick mini cruise after work today up to a popular lookout overseeing Brisbane... so close but I haven’t been up there since I was a young child, so why not tongue.gif

Unfortunately there were no good photo opportunities with the view, but here is a panorama I made;

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/MtCootha20percent_zpse5ff2b5c.jpg.html

And one on the side of the road – note that the camera was completely level in this shot...... the car was not tongue.gif

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/18thJuly2013-Projectors109_zps9ba13e25.jpg.html


AND PICTURES!!!! (‘Cause we totally haven’t had any of those yet)

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/18thJuly2013-Projectors028_zpse1e62970.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/18thJuly2013-Projectors031_zps85989371.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/18thJuly2013-Projectors033_zps8758c12d.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/18thJuly2013-Projectors037_zps1b3a819f.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/18thJuly2013-Projectors046_zpsec0b0a25.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/18thJuly2013-Projectors051_zps1f43d103.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/18thJuly2013-Projectors054_zpsa44fe51a.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/18thJuly2013-Projectors059_zps699238a2.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/18thJuly2013-Projectors060_zps3fc8ebf3.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/18thJuly2013-Projectors063_zps7555bfd5.jpg.html



I bought calliper paint – red for the callipers and black for the rear hubs. Now I just need to find time where I can paint them and let them dry tongue.gif

And I was told that my stuff in the UK would be shipping out this week, but I think we missed that boat frown.gif

Posted by: The_enD Jul 18, 2013 - 9:36 AM

Looking good, time for some HIDs now.

Posted by: cheela Jul 18, 2013 - 10:25 AM

damn that looks good!

Posted by: ILoveMySilly97 Jul 18, 2013 - 2:10 PM

Everytime I see your car. It makes me miss how mine usedto be. gts rims and just side skirts. Lol. Them jdm projectors are a really big upgrade! Looking good!

Posted by: Box Jul 18, 2013 - 5:38 PM

Could you post any more pictures? tongue.gif

Posted by: richee3 Jul 18, 2013 - 6:08 PM

Nice update, Josh. thumbsup.gif

Posted by: JoshuaM Jul 18, 2013 - 9:01 PM

QUOTE (The_enD @ Jul 18, 2013 - 10:36 AM) *
Looking good, time for some HIDs now.


I have always been against them.... mostly because I think all of the ones I see are soo blue and just look horribly ricer, which I really hate. Since I've been watching Rentaspace's progression I'm now waiting to see how the 4.3k K HIDs turn out and I might go down that path.

QUOTE (cheela @ Jul 18, 2013 - 11:25 AM) *
damn that looks good!


^.^

QUOTE (ILoveMySilly97 @ Jul 18, 2013 - 3:10 PM) *
Everytime I see your car. It makes me miss how mine usedto be. gts rims and just side skirts. Lol. Them jdm projectors are a really big upgrade! Looking good!


Yeah, its always a battle between cool bits and keeping it clean tongue.gif

I have euro front splitters on their way, but I have been trying to hunt down some silver SSIII front splitters to go with my SSIII grill that is on its way smile.gif

QUOTE (Box @ Jul 18, 2013 - 6:38 PM) *
Could you post any more pictures? tongue.gif


What.... is that a challenge I hear... muahahaha tongue.gif

QUOTE (richee3 @ Jul 18, 2013 - 7:08 PM) *
Nice update, Josh. thumbsup.gif


Thank you smile.gif Hopefully you will have your own shortly tongue.gif

Posted by: ILoveMySilly97 Jul 19, 2013 - 4:19 AM

Should just buy the splitter and paint it yourself. Lol. It's not that hard. It wouldn't come out perfect like the car but it'll be cheaper. I mean getting a shop to paint them will cost you just as much or more than what you spent on the splitters itself. Lol. At least in the states.

Posted by: JoshuaM Jul 19, 2013 - 4:51 AM

QUOTE (ILoveMySilly97 @ Jul 19, 2013 - 5:19 AM) *
Should just buy the splitter and paint it yourself. Lol. It's not that hard. It wouldn't come out perfect like the car but it'll be cheaper. I mean getting a shop to paint them will cost you just as much or more than what you spent on the splitters itself. Lol. At least in the states.


Yeah, and our paint shops are at least 50% more expensive than yours tongue.gif

The thing is though that just buying a primer and paint will cost $100, but getting splitters already silver costs no more than any other colour (they just aren't available ATM tongue.gif).

Posted by: SwissFerdi Jul 19, 2013 - 6:54 AM

$100?

I was thinking along the lines of a $5-8USD cans of primer, paint, and clear.

Posted by: JoshuaM Jul 19, 2013 - 7:32 AM


Serious? I'll have a look at what's available here then tongue.gif

Posted by: Box Jul 19, 2013 - 12:31 PM

I think DupliColor may actually make your colour in their Perfect Match line of products. If so doing it yourself would be a no-brainer.

Posted by: JoshuaM Jul 19, 2013 - 4:49 PM


I'm afraid your argument is irrelephant!!!

....

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=190872683721

XD

There is 2 big scratches on it, so it will need painting eventually, but for now it will photoshop out tongue.gif They were listed last night at $149 USD and the seller accepted my offer of $101 USD + shipping. But I keep forgetting that the Australian dollar isn't at parity anymore so it cost me like $170 here tongue.gif


Posted by: Box Jul 19, 2013 - 5:15 PM

Not too bad then. Even better just find some touch up paint and you're golden. Well, silver in your case. YOU KNOW WHAT I MEANT!!!

Posted by: JoshuaM Jul 19, 2013 - 5:18 PM

QUOTE (Box @ Jul 19, 2013 - 6:15 PM) *
Not too bad then. Even better just find some touch up paint and you're golden. Well, silver in your case. YOU KNOW WHAT I MEANT!!!


Haha Box tongue.gif

Now I wish this freaking UK seller would just ship them already!!! (He has had all the parts sitting there for well over two weeks, and before that we were waiting on an order to come in for about 6 weeks!). I'm considering just buying another SSIII grill from Japan and selling the UK one if it ever turns up tongue.gif

Posted by: ILoveMySilly97 Jul 19, 2013 - 5:47 PM

QUOTE (JoshuaM @ Jul 19, 2013 - 2:49 PM) *
I'm afraid your argument is irrelephant!!!

....

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=190872683721

XD

There is 2 big scratches on it, so it will need painting eventually, but for now it will photoshop out tongue.gif They were listed last night at $149 USD and the seller accepted my offer of $101 USD + shipping. But I keep forgetting that the Australian dollar isn't at parity anymore so it cost me like $170 here tongue.gif


Dang. Nice find!

Posted by: JoshuaM Jul 19, 2013 - 10:10 PM

Its kinda annoying though cause everything is dirt cheap on Yahoo auctions Japan, but I can never find the exact bits I want tongue.gif

Posted by: Box Jul 19, 2013 - 10:20 PM

QUOTE (JoshuaM @ Jul 19, 2013 - 5:18 PM) *
QUOTE (Box @ Jul 19, 2013 - 6:15 PM) *
Not too bad then. Even better just find some touch up paint and you're golden. Well, silver in your case. YOU KNOW WHAT I MEANT!!!


Haha Box tongue.gif

Now I wish this freaking UK seller would just ship them already!!! (He has had all the parts sitting there for well over two weeks, and before that we were waiting on an order to come in for about 6 weeks!). I'm considering just buying another SSIII grill from Japan and selling the UK one if it ever turns up tongue.gif

I hate when people are like that. When I list something for sale it's packed and ready to go. Then I ship as soon as payment clears. Everyone should be more like me.

Posted by: JoshuaM Jul 20, 2013 - 11:20 AM

QUOTE (Box @ Jul 19, 2013 - 11:20 PM) *
I hate when people are like that. When I list something for sale it's packed and ready to go. Then I ship as soon as payment clears. Everyone should be more like me.


How very humble as always tongue.gif When I sell I don't box it up until after payment because I often end up selling at local pick up, but I always get my things posted within 48 weekday hours of payment being received.

It is hard to be angry at this guy since he is doing a huge favour for me, but I just want my stuff tongue.gif As it is I have already replaced my Euro front splitters before they have been sent!

Posted by: Box Jul 20, 2013 - 12:59 PM

Modesty is my middle name.

Posted by: JoshuaM Aug 3, 2013 - 7:14 AM

SSIII Front splitters installed! biggrin.gif

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/2ndAugust2013-SSIIIFrontphotoshoot012_zpsa25d6472.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/2ndAugust2013-SSIIIFrontphotoshoot019_zps2972e34e.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/2ndAugust2013-SSIIIFrontphotoshoot024_zpse0645c93.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/2ndAugust2013-SSIIIFrontphotoshoot033_zpse1ad348e.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/2ndAugust2013-SSIIIFrontphotoshoot044_zps922a1aa5.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/2ndAugust2013-SSIIIFrontphotoshoot046_zps03d8a625.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/2ndAugust2013-SSIIIFrontphotoshoot058_zps32e6d109.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/2ndAugust2013-SSIIIFrontphotoshoot064_zps2bb1233c.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/2ndAugust2013-SSIIIFrontphotoshoot067_zpsbdb52f66.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/2ndAugust2013-SSIIIFrontphotoshoot073_zps1bba41b8.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/2ndAugust2013-SSIIIFrontphotoshoot075_zps73ff7314.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/2ndAugust2013-SSIIIFrontphotoshoot083_zps4c15e530.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/2ndAugust2013-SSIIIFrontphotoshoot085_zps5df1cfd5.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/3edAugust2013-USSGeorgeWashington154_5_6_fused2-Copy_zpsbcbcfdb9.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/3edAugust2013-USSGeorgeWashington142-Copy_zps435fd213.jpg.html

XD



Posted by: SwissFerdi Aug 3, 2013 - 8:33 AM

Nicely done. The shape of yours reminds me of what mine used to look like. Looks excellent.

Posted by: richee3 Aug 3, 2013 - 9:23 AM

Nice pics. thumbsup.gif

Posted by: JoshuaM Aug 3, 2013 - 9:28 AM

QUOTE (SwissFerdi @ Aug 3, 2013 - 9:33 AM) *
Nicely done. The shape of yours reminds me of what mine used to look like. Looks excellent.


Thanks smile.gif

QUOTE (richee3 @ Aug 3, 2013 - 10:23 AM) *
Nice pics. thumbsup.gif


Thanks Richee3... I'm actually looking at a set of Caldina alloys this week.... think its still worth the upgrade? tongue.gif

Posted by: PR0PH37 Aug 3, 2013 - 11:28 AM

Oh my! This has got to be the best looking "stock" Celica. Beautiful. The only thing I would do is drop it about an inch, inch and a half. Besides that, it's beautiful. smile.gif

Posted by: Box Aug 3, 2013 - 12:28 PM

Your front passenger tire is low. tongue.gif

MOAR LOWER!!!!

Posted by: Syaoran Aug 3, 2013 - 12:44 PM

Makes me want projectors... sigh

Posted by: JoshuaM Aug 3, 2013 - 9:22 PM

QUOTE (PR0PH37 @ Aug 3, 2013 - 12:28 PM) *
Oh my! This has got to be the best looking "stock" Celica. Beautiful. The only thing I would do is drop it about an inch, inch and a half. Besides that, it's beautiful. smile.gif


Why thank you ^.^ My design goal (like Richee3's) is for OEM+ smile.gif

I was actually bidding on a set of TRD lowering springs in Japan last night, but I got outbid. Next auction coming up is for some TEIN coilovers wink.gif I don't really want to lower it, since I like being able to just throw it at driveways and speedbumps without worry, and I plan to tow with it in the future, but peer pressure is playing with my head tongue.gif

QUOTE (Box @ Aug 3, 2013 - 1:28 PM) *
Your front passenger tire is low. tongue.gif

MOAR LOWER!!!!


I hope not, because I inflated them all that morning. Might just look that way due to a bit of dry-steering getting the wheel in the right place?

And it'll happen one day tongue.gif

QUOTE (Syaoran @ Aug 3, 2013 - 1:44 PM) *
Makes me want projectors... sigh


Yeah.... 6GC does that to you tongue.gif


Now... serious question.... which pic for COTM / calendar? tongue.gif

Posted by: rentaspace Aug 3, 2013 - 9:42 PM

QUOTE (JoshuaM @ Aug 3, 2013 - 7:14 AM) *
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/2ndAugust2013-SSIIIFrontphotoshoot044_zps922a1aa5.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/2ndAugust2013-SSIIIFrontphotoshoot073_zps1bba41b8.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/3edAugust2013-USSGeorgeWashington154_5_6_fused2-Copy_zpsbcbcfdb9.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/3edAugust2013-USSGeorgeWashington142-Copy_zps435fd213.jpg.html

XD

One of these for the Calendar

But don't enter COTM this month; I wanna win at least one hahah tongue.gif

joking, any of the above will do for that too tongue.gif

Posted by: JoshuaM Aug 4, 2013 - 8:43 AM




I have been informed to lower it on OzCelica again tongue.gif

Posted by: ILoveMySilly97 Aug 4, 2013 - 2:59 PM

QUOTE (JoshuaM @ Aug 4, 2013 - 6:43 AM) *


I have been informed to lower it on OzCelica again tongue.gif




Thanks for the side pic. Now I can confirm that my TRD rear spats are for coupes. You can see how much longer mine is compared to yours on fitment. Lol.

Posted by: richee3 Aug 4, 2013 - 4:46 PM

I don't mean to be a naysayer but I still very seriously doubt that yours are for a coupe... I could be wrong though.

Posted by: ILoveMySilly97 Aug 4, 2013 - 5:23 PM

QUOTE (richee3 @ Aug 4, 2013 - 2:46 PM) *
I don't mean to be a naysayer but I still very seriously doubt that yours are for a coupe... I could be wrong though.


I'm pretty sure they're for coupes. If they were for liftbacks and was just somewhat warped. It would've shaped in since it's been mounted for a couple months now. Either way I hate how it doesn't sit perfectly like how everyone else's does. I'm going to get rid of these and buy another set. These for sure doesn't fit a liftback so it has to fit a coupe. Since these are OEM pieces and not replicas.

Posted by: Box Aug 4, 2013 - 10:08 PM

QUOTE (richee3 @ Aug 4, 2013 - 4:46 PM) *
I don't mean to be a naysayer but I still very seriously doubt that yours are for a coupe... I could be wrong though.

They look so much longer though. redface.gif

Perhaps it was dry turning, or my new contacts. Who's to say? tongue.gif

Posted by: JoshuaM Aug 9, 2013 - 8:08 AM


Now that you guys found your own thread again... tongue.gif

a have an announcement to make...

I HAVE 17" ST246 CALDINA GT-FOUR ALLOY WHEELS!!!! XD XD XD

Posted by: richee3 Aug 9, 2013 - 1:32 PM

Pictures ASAP.

Posted by: CelicaZR Aug 14, 2013 - 7:10 PM

stop teasing... laugh.gif

Posted by: JoshuaM Aug 14, 2013 - 7:27 PM

QUOTE (richee3 @ Aug 9, 2013 - 2:32 PM) *
Pictures ASAP.


QUOTE (CelicaZR @ Aug 14, 2013 - 8:10 PM) *
stop teasing... laugh.gif


Haha, well I was a little bit naughty and bought them from interstate, so I don't have them yet tongue.gif

I got them for a steal though, $355 on auction with 4x Yokohama Ecos ES300 (admittedly the cheap ones) that are only 7 months old and the condition of the rims is amazing, only one little scratch of gutter rash on one rim! The seller is really busy though and hasn't been very fast to respond, so I sent him through the $95 for shipping yesterday and hopefully they get sent by the end of the week maybe? tongue.gif (For comparison, generally one set shows up in Australia every 6-8 weeks and generally costs $550 in not necessarily as good condition and with no tyres, and I have never seen a set for sale in my state tongue.gif).

Posted by: JoshuaM Aug 17, 2013 - 7:58 AM

Brisbane Celica Club Cruise today - I was the only 6GC though :'(

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/1146966_507779689300765_2009848919_o_zps18ed9240.jpg.html

And bought a pair of +25mm spacers for the new wheels (rear). I didn't want that big but I got them cheap ($50 second hand off a mate - supposedly Hubcentric when he bought them but he has his doubts), I'll probably go down to 20mm bolt on for the rear and 10mm on the front at some stage.

Posted by: richee3 Aug 17, 2013 - 8:06 AM

25 mm spacers for the rear will be good for a set of Caldina rims if you want them flush. I would like to have 15 or 20 mm for my rear. I still tuck in the rear.

Posted by: JoshuaM Aug 17, 2013 - 8:08 AM

QUOTE (richee3 @ Aug 17, 2013 - 9:06 AM) *
25 mm spacers for the rear will be good for a set of Caldina rims if you want them flush. I would like to have 15 or 20 mm for my rear. I still tuck in the rear.


I'm not sure if I do want them flush or not, that's my problem tongue.gif I just love the way yours looks as it is!

Posted by: Syaoran Aug 17, 2013 - 10:11 AM

QUOTE (richee3 @ Aug 17, 2013 - 9:06 AM) *
I would like to have 15 or 20 mm for my rear




Posted by: richee3 Aug 17, 2013 - 10:22 AM

laugh.gif laugh.gif laugh.gif

Posted by: Box Aug 17, 2013 - 2:05 PM

So apparently size doesn't really matter to richee. laugh.gif

Posted by: RabidTRD Aug 18, 2013 - 10:15 AM

Ah just poke them! Or put the whole wheel outside the arch! MEXIFLUSH FOR EVERYONE!

Posted by: JoshuaM Aug 18, 2013 - 11:33 AM

QUOTE (RabidTRD @ Aug 18, 2013 - 10:15 AM) *
Ah just poke them! Or put the whole wheel outside the arch! MEXIFLUSH FOR EVERYONE!


But I don't have any low.... it would look silly tongue.gif

Posted by: JoshuaM Aug 27, 2013 - 12:40 AM






They look pretty awesome wink.gif

+25mm spacers on the back. Unfortunately I have already cut the new tyres because I was scrubbing on my STOCK SPRINGS!!! -.- I had to turn around and take my stock wheels out of the back and now it only scrubs with lateral load, rather than every bump. Also, one tyre came with a complimentary nail in it, but is still holding air.

Grip... Gone from 205 to 215 width.... But lost soo much grip :'( What happens when you go from $250 per tyre UHP's to $125 per tyre base model Yokohama Eco's.

Hard to see, but I also fitted my SSIII front grill.

Posted by: rentaspace Aug 27, 2013 - 12:49 AM

Wants....

Posted by: Box Aug 27, 2013 - 1:06 AM

LOWER!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Timmyface Aug 27, 2013 - 1:32 AM

Send me those 25mm and buy some 20mm for it smile.gif
Looks pretty sweet as it is though!

Posted by: ILoveMySilly97 Aug 27, 2013 - 2:15 AM

I had the same problem. My rpf1 was with 225/45 was rubbing against by stock struts. Then I upgraded to Megan's and I was good. smile.gif

Posted by: richee3 Aug 27, 2013 - 2:16 AM

Copycat!

Posted by: Timmyface Aug 27, 2013 - 2:17 AM

Were you scrubbing on fender or struts/springs? kindasad.gif

Posted by: ILoveMySilly97 Aug 27, 2013 - 4:03 AM

QUOTE (Timmyface @ Aug 27, 2013 - 12:17 AM) *
Were you scrubbing on fender or struts/springs? kindasad.gif


Most likely the negative camber that he got from running low. That's what caused my rubbing issues. Upgraded to Megan Racing for skinnier struts and installed my camber bolts to put some positive into the wheel.

Posted by: JoshuaM Aug 27, 2013 - 4:34 AM

QUOTE (ILoveMySilly97 @ Aug 27, 2013 - 4:03 AM) *
QUOTE (Timmyface @ Aug 27, 2013 - 12:17 AM) *
Were you scrubbing on fender or struts/springs? kindasad.gif


Most likely the negative camber that he got from running low. That's what caused my rubbing issues. Upgraded to Megan Racing for skinnier struts and installed my camber bolts to put some positive into the wheel.


Nah, this was on the back where I have the 25mm spacers anyway - there is heaps of clearance in all directions, just over bumps and turns the outside tread was getting chopped up by the sharp inside edge of the guard. I took my old wheels out of the boot and that greatly helped, but it still just scrubs when going around corners quickly.

Posted by: rentaspace Aug 27, 2013 - 7:09 AM

QUOTE (JoshuaM @ Aug 27, 2013 - 4:34 AM) *
QUOTE (ILoveMySilly97 @ Aug 27, 2013 - 4:03 AM) *
QUOTE (Timmyface @ Aug 27, 2013 - 12:17 AM) *
Were you scrubbing on fender or struts/springs? kindasad.gif


Most likely the negative camber that he got from running low. That's what caused my rubbing issues. Upgraded to Megan Racing for skinnier struts and installed my camber bolts to put some positive into the wheel.


Nah, this was on the back where I have the 25mm spacers anyway - there is heaps of clearance in all directions, just over bumps and turns the outside tread was getting chopped up by the sharp inside edge of the guard. I took my old wheels out of the boot and that greatly helped, but it still just scrubs when going around corners quickly.

Roll the fender ?

Posted by: JoshuaM Aug 27, 2013 - 7:15 AM

QUOTE (rentaspace @ Aug 27, 2013 - 8:09 AM) *
Roll the fender ?


Yeah, that will probably be the best option for now - I just need to find where to take it and how much they will charge tongue.gif

Posted by: ILoveMySilly97 Aug 27, 2013 - 1:25 PM

If you live in CenCal. I could direct you to one of the best fender roller in CenCal. He does it for $80 for all four. People be hitting him up all the way from NYC just to roll fenders. Lol. Fender rolls usually go around $80-$120 for all four.

Posted by: richee3 Aug 27, 2013 - 2:08 PM

I had rubbing issues when I had 225/45/17's with no spacers on 7J rims, +45. I can only imagine how bad you are rubbing now. tongue.gif Definitely get your fenders rolled. It's either that or get some super stiff suspension.

Posted by: njccmd2002 Aug 27, 2013 - 2:41 PM

Lol not so rare rims no more

Posted by: JoshuaM Aug 27, 2013 - 8:14 PM

QUOTE (ILoveMySilly97 @ Aug 27, 2013 - 2:25 PM) *
If you live in CenCal. I could direct you to one of the best fender roller in CenCal. He does it for $80 for all four. People be hitting him up all the way from NYC just to roll fenders. Lol. Fender rolls usually go around $80-$120 for all four.


I am a little far away for that atm tongue.gif And when I am in Cali I won't be in a Celica tongue.gif

QUOTE (richee3 @ Aug 27, 2013 - 3:08 PM) *
I had rubbing issues when I had 225/45/17's with no spacers on 7J rims, +45. I can only imagine how bad you are rubbing now. tongue.gif Definitely get your fenders rolled. It's either that or get some super stiff suspension.


Well I didn't really want to pay for either tongue.gif I will probably get them rolled very slightly, but I do have a cunning scheme for free coilovers in planning.... tongue.gif

QUOTE (njccmd2002 @ Aug 27, 2013 - 3:41 PM) *
Lol not so rare rims no more


I see how it is.... as soon as I spend 8 months tracking a set down they aren't special any more tongue.gif

Posted by: Timmyface Aug 27, 2013 - 8:19 PM

You can buy a guard roller off eBay for $90.
I'll go you halves if you send it out when your done tongue.gif

Posted by: JoshuaM Aug 27, 2013 - 9:06 PM

QUOTE (Timmyface @ Aug 27, 2013 - 9:19 PM) *
You can buy a guard roller off eBay for $90.
I'll go you halves if you send it out when your done tongue.gif


I was going to say that its not worth it, but the local shop just quoted me $60 per guard! (And that was since it was an easy job, and I didn't want them rolled much).

Posted by: ILoveMySilly97 Sep 12, 2013 - 6:40 PM

Damn! $60 per fender? Eff that. You're better off buying your own roller and heat gun. Then start rolling local cars for cheaper prices. That's what the guy I was talking about did. He be making 300-400 in one day. Lol.

Posted by: Box Sep 12, 2013 - 7:24 PM

Just use a sledgehammer tactfully. tongue.gif

Posted by: JoshuaM Oct 2, 2013 - 7:13 AM

So I have been a bit slack and never posted up the pics of my new wheels on my thread..... so here they are smile.gif

October COTM Entry: wink.gif
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/31stAugust2013-CelicaCruise093small2_zps615affee.jpg.html

Other shots on the same day;

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/31stAugust2013-CelicaCruise124_zpsb9c41bf8.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/31stAugust2013-CelicaCruise119_zps6f521d40.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/31stAugust2013-CelicaCruise120_zpsd1ba247b.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/31stAugust2013-CelicaCruise048_zps85145cba.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/31stAugust2013-CelicaCruise172_zps3f1c251a.jpg.html

With +25mm bolt on spacers (Which are making the wheels rub..... still tongue.gif
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/31stAugust2013-CelicaCruise174_zps7c70eb78.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/31stAugust2013-CelicaCruise156_zps5fdda82d.jpg.html

Posted by: Box Oct 2, 2013 - 1:01 PM

Well now you HAVE to lower it.

Posted by: sr666 Oct 2, 2013 - 5:21 PM

That's looking sweet Josh nice effort biggrin.gif

Posted by: rentaspace Oct 3, 2013 - 1:48 AM

:DDDD

Posted by: ILoveMySilly97 Oct 3, 2013 - 2:59 AM

All you need to is to close that wheel gap and your car will be super smexy! I'd say save up and get the Megan's! smile.gif

Posted by: JoshuaM Oct 3, 2013 - 9:17 AM

QUOTE (Box @ Oct 2, 2013 - 1:01 PM) *
Well now you HAVE to lower it.


Richee3's car is awesome... and he has Caldina wheels... and he isn't lowered.... so there! tongue.gif

QUOTE (sr666 @ Oct 2, 2013 - 5:21 PM) *
That's looking sweet Josh nice effort biggrin.gif


Thank you smile.gif

QUOTE (ILoveMySilly97 @ Oct 3, 2013 - 2:59 AM) *
All you need to is to close that wheel gap and your car will be super smexy! I'd say save up and get the Megan's! smile.gif


Unless I can get a really good deal, lowering won't be happening until I get back from overseas next year (which could be in July, or maybe December if I go to do some work experience in Europe, and then I'll probably be going on a mining vacation program through to the following January...... tongue.gif) And even then I will probably be on the hunt for a st205 - and since coilovers aren't interchangeable it would be silly to buy them when I was planning to sell it. That or just BEAMS swap it.

And it is a different market down here - it would cost $200 to have the Megan's shipped, so I would be better off just buying the BC BR Gold series to begin with (Like $1100).

Posted by: sr666 Oct 3, 2013 - 9:45 AM

I maybe miles off here but if you get coilovers is the actual spring itself that's different or just the spring rates?

Posted by: JoshuaM Oct 3, 2013 - 10:03 AM


There are a few things that are different I think, but the one that closes the conversation is that I'm pretty sure all the AUS delivered st205's came with SuperStrut instead of MacPherson tongue.gif

Posted by: sr666 Oct 3, 2013 - 10:39 AM

That could work then although I could say don't some GT's have SS Suspension?

We got import ones in the UK with SS suspension not always Mac lol

Posted by: JoshuaM Oct 3, 2013 - 11:01 AM


Yes, but all of the FWD Australian models were st204's with MacPherson suspension, which is what I have (and we can't get import Celicas here :'( )

Posted by: Box Oct 3, 2013 - 2:08 PM

Just just some lowering springs. redface.gif

Posted by: rentaspace Oct 3, 2013 - 8:28 PM

QUOTE (JoshuaM @ Oct 3, 2013 - 12:01 PM) *
Yes, but all of the FWD Australian models were st204's with MacPherson suspension, which is what I have (and we can't get import Celicas here :'( )

We can, it's just a royal pain in the ass and costs a fortune frown.gif

Posted by: JoshuaM Oct 3, 2013 - 11:48 PM

Woo... Changed taillights again! smile.gif This time I have another set with less scratches on them, and I swapped in the JDM harness as well to get the quad tail lights smile.gif

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/WP_20131004_003_zpse730f9ad.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/WP_20131004_009_zpsc115590e.jpg.html


AND...... new goodie from a SSIII in Japan;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ms4jfyNdxGE

.... small things... tongue.gif Now I just want to buy another ones and see if I can hack it apart to do it on both windows.

Posted by: Box Oct 3, 2013 - 11:54 PM

QUOTE (JoshuaM @ Oct 3, 2013 - 11:48 PM) *
Woo... Changed taillights again! smile.gif This time I have another set with less scratches on them, and I swapped in the JDM harness as well to get the quad tail lights smile.gif

All I'm hearing is instead of buying lowering springs you bought another set of tail lights when you could have polished out the old ones. tongue.gif

Posted by: JoshuaM Oct 4, 2013 - 12:25 AM

QUOTE (Box @ Oct 4, 2013 - 12:54 AM) *
QUOTE (JoshuaM @ Oct 3, 2013 - 11:48 PM) *
Woo... Changed taillights again! smile.gif This time I have another set with less scratches on them, and I swapped in the JDM harness as well to get the quad tail lights smile.gif

All I'm hearing is instead of buying lowering springs you bought another set of tail lights when you could have polished out the old ones. tongue.gif


They didn't cost me any extra money!!! I just imported some more stuff from Japan to boost the local 6GC scene a bit and sold mine instead of the ones that arrived smile.gif

And it isn't JUST springs, would need to get new shocks too, and by then you might as well go coilovers and have the adjustability (But if I find more TRD springs they're mine! tongue.gif)

Posted by: Box Oct 4, 2013 - 2:38 AM

Fair enough. Don't have to get new struts.... tongue.gif I got my Tein springs and KYB struts for $400ish, still considerably cheaper than the cheapest coil-overs. Just have to shop around to get the best deals.

Posted by: sr666 Oct 6, 2013 - 6:07 AM

Could you not get Koni Adjustables?

Posted by: JoshuaM Oct 6, 2013 - 9:05 AM

QUOTE (sr666 @ Oct 6, 2013 - 6:07 AM) *
Could you not get Koni Adjustables?


But..... why? Coilovers are $1100 for the whole lot, and getting a decent coil and shock setup will cost at least $800 (Probably more - because Australia) and you still don't get the adjustable ride height. If the springs were cheap and easy to find here like they are in some places that could be different... but most things like that are double the price here.

Posted by: Box Oct 6, 2013 - 9:08 AM

AND YOU HAVE GIGANTIC SPIDERS!!!!!! Sounds like it's time to move.

Posted by: sr666 Oct 6, 2013 - 6:06 PM

I don't know too much on exchange rates over here but a set of Koni yellow's are 554 quid. As for ride height etc surely if you set up the car with the correct offset wheels etc you wouldn't need to adjust the heights etc anyways? I mean if you're going to lower for shows or you're on bags or whatever then yeah lower it all the time but I can't say that it seems like the adjustable ride height would be needed. I'd rather have the adjustable damping personally and save a couple hundred quid

Posted by: JoshuaM Oct 6, 2013 - 6:40 PM

QUOTE (sr666 @ Oct 6, 2013 - 7:06 PM) *
I don't know too much on exchange rates over here but a set of Koni yellow's are 554 quid. As for ride height etc surely if you set up the car with the correct offset wheels etc you wouldn't need to adjust the heights etc anyways? I mean if you're going to lower for shows or you're on bags or whatever then yeah lower it all the time but I can't say that it seems like the adjustable ride height would be needed. I'd rather have the adjustable damping personally and save a couple hundred quid


At that price though it is cheaper to get coilovers - and they have adjustable dampening too, right? tongue.gif $1100 here for coilovers is 650 GBP. And I would actually be more interested in the height adjustment for going up rather than down, as I plan to tow with it occasionally, and I don't think lowered is great for that tongue.gif A bit of a moot point at the moment though, because unless something drastic happens I won't be doing any suspension stuff until after I get back from overseas next year.

Posted by: Box Oct 6, 2013 - 6:45 PM

Some coil-overs do, some don't.

Posted by: sr666 Oct 7, 2013 - 1:43 AM

Ah fair enough then buddy :-)

My old FK's weren't damping adjustable though on the MR2 but then again they were cheap lol

Posted by: JoshuaM Oct 7, 2013 - 1:52 AM

QUOTE (sr666 @ Oct 7, 2013 - 2:43 AM) *
Ah fair enough then buddy :-)

My old FK's weren't damping adjustable though on the MR2 but then again they were cheap lol


Haha, well I will make sure that I get some that are - But I was looking at the BC BR Gold series and I think they do everything smile.gif

Today I installed some goodies I had lying around;

Step 1: Remove surrounding plastics.

Step 2: Unscrew blank:

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/WP_20131007_001_zps982e3edb.jpg.html

Step 3: Screw in new ignition ring:

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/WP_20131007_004_zpsc58bcd68.jpg.html

Step 4: Plug into wiring harness that is sitting under the dash waiting for you to get off your lazy a$$ and do this super simple mod;

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/WP_20131007_003_zpsdb2e6dca.jpg.html

Step 5: Clip plastic surrounds back on and enjoy:

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/WP_20131007_006_zpsbfb01f25.jpg.html

SOOOO quick and easy tongue.gif I still need to get a blue LED for it though and take it back out again.

It is set up automatically to turn on with the door courtesy lights and turn off 5 seconds after door close.

And when I was there I replaced my shifter surround with a new one with JDM pocket (And one without stains from when I spilled a bottle of eucalyptus oil when I was removing my old rego sticker tongue.gif).

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/WP_20131007_009_zpsecc1a32f.jpg.html

Posted by: ILoveMySilly97 Oct 7, 2013 - 4:17 AM

Looks legit!

Posted by: JoshuaM Oct 7, 2013 - 4:58 AM

Forgot to say I bought a GT-FOUR Rear strut bar too!!! (posted in Today I thread, but forgot to update here);

I should have said that I almost bought another 6th gen on Saturday too - black SX-R (So 5S-FE with SSIII seats and dials for 5S, OEM 15" alloys and fog lights) with 236,000kms for $700. Needed suspension redone (previous owner cut coils) so plan was to get coilovers for me and put my stock suspension in it and resell.... but it was an absolute bomb when we inspected it - needed well over $1k in body work and paint before I would consider selling it (still would've worked out to free coilovers - but I have easier ways of making cash), and radiator had just cracked too, so would've been a pain to get home. Bought extra Projectors and JDM tails to stick on it too! But oh well tongue.gif

Since I have been hogging this thread a bit I should really add some photos tongue.gif

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/WP_20131005_007_zps378631b4.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/WP_20131005_008_zpsd735bfde.jpg.html

Much better tongue.gif

EDIT: Note I had just taken the spacers off the back in the morning too - doesn't look toooooo bad tongue.gif I don't want to roll my guards yet and I was getting sick of having to take it easy around bends to not scrub out tongue.gif

And a problem I had when I was heading out for my drive - I had just bought another full set of projectors and another set of JDM tails with the strut brace, and didn't want to smash them to pieces around the bends - so I fashioned a strap out of my laptop shoulder strap and connected one end to the child seat anchor point and slipped the other end through the rear seats and tightened it up... worked a treat! smile.gif

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/WP_20131005_011_zps2e9db109.jpg.html

Posted by: sr666 Oct 7, 2013 - 4:49 PM

That's looking sweet mate nice work, you bought more projectors then realised you didn't need them?
Oh dear LOL

Posted by: rentaspace Oct 7, 2013 - 6:37 PM

'bought' the rear strut bar xD

Posted by: JoshuaM Oct 7, 2013 - 7:07 PM

QUOTE (sr666 @ Oct 7, 2013 - 4:49 PM) *
That's looking sweet mate nice work, you bought more projectors then realised you didn't need them?
Oh dear LOL


Well I had just started importing them from Japan to sell locally anyway (since it is impossible to get any cool 6GC stuff in Australia - it all gets imported at huge costs), and I bought these for less than I was selling my other ones for, so it isn't an issue tongue.gif

Posted by: JoshuaM Apr 24, 2014 - 4:05 AM

Wow, been a long time since an update. I just had my thread open to get some projector install details for RoadRage and thought I might as well check in...

So a fair bit has happened since my last update... I finished a semester of uni, worked like crazy, got a Visa, bought a couple of cars, sold 3 cars, moved to the other side of the globe, holidayed in Canada, been on a couple of ski trips to Lake Tahoe CA, had a big LA road trip down HWY 1, Autocrossed a couple of times (MASSIVE fun!!!) and have been living in San Jose CA for just over 4 months now. Yeah tongue.gif

The BMW

So, where to start? How about with the BMW? I bought an E46 1998 BMW 318i Manual Sedan off somebody from the Celica club near me. I was getting it cheap, so the idea was to just flip it to make a few dollars before I left, and I would get to cruise around in a Beemer in the process.

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/Facebook/My%201998%20E46%20BMW%20318i%20Manual%20Sedan/1400701_10202487615649622_202815801_o.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/Facebook/My%201998%20E46%20BMW%20318i%20Manual%20Sedan/1402287_10202487635330114_203501113_o.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/Facebook/My%201998%20E46%20BMW%20318i%20Manual%20Sedan/1399448_10202487632970055_194210800_o.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/Facebook/My%201998%20E46%20BMW%20318i%20Manual%20Sedan/903191_10202487617649672_1508132057_o.jpg.html

The interior was fantastic (Except SCORCHING HOT everything after even half a day in the Aussie summer sun. I left my iPod in the arm rest console and when I got back to my car the iPod had gone into emergency temperature shutdown, and the metal back was too hot to even hold!).

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/Facebook/My%201998%20E46%20BMW%20318i%20Manual%20Sedan/1410841_10202487640690248_356323259_o.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/Facebook/My%201998%20E46%20BMW%20318i%20Manual%20Sedan/1403386_10202487636890153_870806761_o.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/Facebook/My%201998%20E46%20BMW%20318i%20Manual%20Sedan/1404491_10202487639890228_122029819_o.jpg.html

And that back seat.... Seriously the most comfortable and luxurious seat I have ever felt. I would happily put one in my living room! I actually didn't mind sitting in the back when I was out on test drives!

It came with LED tail lights, clear front and side indicators and the aftermarket CD. I swapped the wheels for some 16's from a later model 3 series (The old ones had no tread... this was cheaper and a very minor visual improvement too... though definitely not the wheels I would've chosen if I was keeping it), and added fancy number plate frames... purely to make our QLD plates fit! (The car was from NSW).

Had potential to make good money, but when I went to get the car registered it failed the roadworthy inspection because (and I quote) "The driver’s power window makes a funny noise when you use it". I'll let that sink in for you USA crew that can get away with chopping your sedans into pick-ups without anybody batting an eyelid. So the car had to sit on the street outside the seller’s house for a couple of weeks when I did my exams until I could replace the window mechanism. Only a $50 part, but the delay cost me in time I could have the car on the market. Ended up selling it the day I left the country for only a couple of hundred profit.. but I had fun smile.gif

The Visa

I was very busy organizing all of the last minute details for my 5 month international study exchange to San Jose, in California. Unfortunately, due to ridiculous policies from the US government, despite having offices in Brisbane, they made me fly to Sydney to have my Visa papers signed (Note: everybody else going to Europe etc just emailed these forms with a $15 processing fee). This was on top of the $500 odd dollars the visa itself cost. This did, however, give me a chance to meet Rentaspace who kindly let me stay over for a couple of nights when I was in Sydney.

This meant that I was taking photos… so about 90% of my luggage (carry-on only) was camera equipment… and I had lenses and a flash poking out of my jacket pockets too tongue.gif When I got there we also installed the Caldina alloys that I had found for Ryan a few weeks prior.

We planned a big cruise with some of the other Sydney Celicas including TimmyFace’s old car, but we decided to go out and get some shots just with Ryan’s car. There are more photos in his thread, but here are a couple I liked (Ryan's editing!);







Ultimately we got rained out on our main photoshoot, but much to the annoyance to the drivers I made everybody stand in the rain so I could at least get one reasonable shot tongue.gif



As it turned out, the ‘Visa Interview’ was a complete waste of time, but I got the signature and that is what mattered!


Work


Not that anybody really cares… but I picked up my retail job again (The Good Guys) and was working 6 days a week on extended 8:30am-7:10pm trading hours for the Christmas season. This was whilst selling the Beemer, selling thousands of dollars of camera equipment I had lying around that I wasn’t taking with me, selling all of the Celica parts I had imported for trading, and organizing all of the details for 6 months away from home, so I was really busy! Not much time for the Celica.

Just before Uni had finished for the semester though that front tire that had the nail in it gave up the ghost (In the rain too!!!). I went for the puncture repair but it turns out the supposedly 10 month old tires were rotten and cracked around the full circumference of the tire in the tread blocks, so nothing they could do… so I chucked on my Michelins from my GTS rims on the front instead.

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/WP_20131111_005_zpsa82a08e1.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/WP_20131116_003_zps7e8a3890.jpg.html

Right before Christmas I managed to sell my GTS rims (Pretty sure I made a profit / broke even on the cost I paid for the rims, plus the cost of the part worn Yokohamas I put on the back and the pair of new Michelins I put on the front… and I did 5 months of driving on those too tongue.gif)… so I was stuck with a flat tire again. After loving the first set so much, and now with some pocket money, I bought a new pair of Michelin Pilot Sport 3’s for the front. Much better. tongue.gif


Overseas

I left on the 28th December and had 8 nights in Vancouver, before a week skiing in Whistler. Unfortunately I got sick half way through (I really burned myself out the months leading up to this… my body finally revolted), but I still had fun. I then headed down to San Jose to settle into life at San Jose State University for the semester. I will keep this brief, but I took a couple of trips to Lake Tahoe for skiing, a couple of trips to San Fran (so far… most recent of which I did a Segway tour of Fisherman’s Wharf!), a couple of trips to Santa Cruz and some windy roads nearby, and a big road trip down HWY 1 to LA…. WHAT A DRIVE! Seriously, it is something that everybody needs to put on their to-do list if you ever are going to be in California. I stayed in Santa Barbara, Venice Beach, San Diego and went out to Palm Springs as well before a night in Hollywood on my way home. Back into the study now, because I need to seriously lift my grades in a couple of these classes tongue.gif

The Mustang

So I wanted a car to get around in whilst in America…. and I wanted to get something very American to truly finish off the experience, so I decided to get a V8 Mustang. Also, young driver restrictions in Australia meant that I wasn’t allowed to drive powerful, turbo, supercharged, or 8+ cylinder cars at home… so I wanted to make full use of this opportunity!

After much searching, I picked up a ’99 Mustang GT Manual with 141k miles for $4.7k. Mods were 18” Saleen replica wheels (with 295/35R18 rear tires!!!), lowering springs, exhaust, CAI, CD player and a heavy duty clutch.

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/Mustang%20GT/28thFebruary2014-SantaCruz033b_zps751c1d80.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/Mustang%20GT/28thFebruary2014-SantaCruz008_zpsa8b1feec.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/Mustang%20GT/28thFebruary2014-SantaCruz010_zps89c9e784.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/Mustang%20GT/28thFebruary2014-SantaCruz017_zps9168bb01.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/Mustang%20GT/28thFebruary2014-SantaCruz020_zps281ff434.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/Mustang%20GT/28thFebruary2014-SantaCruz007_zpsde06a95b.jpg.html

And one on the way back from Lake Tahoe one time;

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/Mustang%20GT/27thMarch2014-2ndLakeTahoeTrippt1204_zpsabd8152c.jpg.html

The car was completely ridiculous, but a lot of fun. The build quality was atrocious, the seats were terrible, MPG embarrassing, hydroplaned like CRAZY any time there was any water about, but it was a lot of fun too. The rear tires, despite their size, would still happily light up upon request and leave you fish tailing out of..... well, anywhere tongue.gif I'm not sure if I would own one full-time, but it was certainly a great car to experience.

After 5 weeks and 2,800 miles though it died on me :’( Bottom end engine knock; suspected spun big end bearings. Apparently these engines commonly have the valve stems leak oil like crazy after 130k miles and they are very sensitive to being anything under full oil. The car had only just been serviced when I bought it, but it lost oil on my road trip and I wasn’t paying attention to my detriment.

Car is now sold for $3500. That was an expensive few weeks tongue.gif

Autocross

When in America with a V8… You autocross!!! I went to one SCCA event at Marina, and another at Oakland. The first of these was the same week that I bought the car, so my driving improved massively on the second run (not forgetting that I’m now driving stick on the other side of the car!!!).

VIDEO - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4MtGTd4UMg

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/Mustang%20GT/15thMarch2014-AutoCrosspt2Tahoe107crop_zps68ac6f3d.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/Mustang%20GT/15thMarch2014-AutoCrosspt2Tahoe099_zps86660597.jpg.html

I was planning to do a couple of track days too… but no engine kinda spoiled that kindasad.gif

It wasn't as bad a handler as I expected (I'm guessing the lowering and wider track helped there), but the live rear axle with open dif REALLY lets the car down on the track. On my 3rd and 4th run in the video I had the inside rear wheel spinning the whole way up the first straight, with the car bouncing off the rev limiter in second, yet we really weren't going that fast at all. It is also quite snappy because of this.


The GT-FOUR (ST185 Alltrac)

I think I have mentioned it here before, but about a year ago I bought a st185 GT-Four Celica in partnership with somebody from the local Celica club, who was going to fix it up (had a blown clutch), and then I was going to drive it for 2 months, sell it and split the profits. A year later, due to various circumstances, the car was still unfinished so I pulled the plug and sold the car to one of my best mates who quickly sought to get it back on the road (He was still jealous of my old GTS rims, so I helped him buy a set to put on it before he even had it out on the road tongue.gif);

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/1798130_842246579122011_2452531657776362807_n_zps6dfabeb1.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/10003779_843486712331331_8332919734196132580_o_zps56585784.jpg.html

MY CELICA

What’s that? You don’t care? You just came here for my 6GC? Fiiiiiiine tongue.gif It’s now been almost 4 months since I’ve seen my Celica :’( I had it put undercover for storage whist I am away, but I ended up loaning it to Richard (the one who bought the 185… but this was before that) for a few weeks when their family car was off the road, and he has had it out a couple of other times for me; either with me paying him to clean / fix bits, or just turning over the engine for me. When he had it the first time he made this video review of the 6th Gen Celica (I had no input into this at all btw – outsiders perspective);

CELICA REVIEW VIDEO - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EyJb18R6DcI

Other than that, before I left I had just received a shipment from Japan with some original JDM carpet mats, and a shiny new SSIII front grill to replace my old one that had some flaking paint, and I have also ordered some SSIII Aluminium Door Sills and a couple of other JDM goodies to add to my car as soon as I get back!

Getting a clean, whist waiting for me to come home:

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/06a2d4180edf804b1d6587f636d9bf9b_zps66ef5a39.jpg.html

So yeah, that’s about it for now. That is why I haven’t been as active on the forums the last few months. I will be back home in July, after a month of touring the east coast of America following the end of my semester abroad.

I am heading out to a Cali MR2 / Celica meet this Saturday which should be good too smile.gif

Posted by: Box Apr 24, 2014 - 5:49 AM

Well someone has been busy. If only you had bought a LS1 Trans Am or Camaro, oh well. tongue.gif

Posted by: njccmd2002 Apr 24, 2014 - 5:58 AM

your pictures are upside down

Posted by: Box Apr 24, 2014 - 6:29 AM

You're just standing on your head while using the computer again.

Posted by: SwissFerdi Apr 24, 2014 - 7:26 AM

Sucks that the Mustang blew, I'm surprised you sold it for so much. My mother had a base V6 silver 2001 vert, the interior had materials that weren't fit for Chinese toys. I drove a newer Boss 302 recently, that was lovely though.

Additionally, I love the 3 series. If I wanted a sedan for fun stuff, auto-x and track business in addition to daily duty, that would absolutely be it. Best steering I've felt in any sedan.

Posted by: JoshuaM Apr 24, 2014 - 2:18 PM

QUOTE (Box @ Apr 24, 2014 - 6:49 AM) *
Well someone has been busy. If only you had bought a LS1 Trans Am or Camaro, oh well. tongue.gif


I was looking at those too, but finding a V8 manual version was even harder than the Mustang tongue.gif

QUOTE (njccmd2002 @ Apr 24, 2014 - 6:58 AM) *
your pictures are upside down


I'm with Box on this one... Can't even call the Australia card because half of these were taken in the USA tongue.gif

QUOTE (SwissFerdi @ Apr 24, 2014 - 8:26 AM) *
Sucks that the Mustang blew, I'm surprised you sold it for so much. My mother had a base V6 silver 2001 vert, the interior had materials that weren't fit for Chinese toys. I drove a newer Boss 302 recently, that was lovely though.

Additionally, I love the 3 series. If I wanted a sedan for fun stuff, auto-x and track business in addition to daily duty, that would absolutely be it. Best steering I've felt in any sedan.


Yeah, mine had the leather interior and everything... but it was 'basic' at best. It looks good... and appealed to backyard mechanics tongue.gif But I was happy to get that tongue.gif

Yeah, it handled great, and it was a very comfortable daily. Unfortunately mine was COMPLETELY gutless (87 kW / 116 hp). Really, my biggest complaint though was the throttle lag on it (a mix of the drive by wire not being very responsive and the engine). But even just taking mild corners around town you could feel the chassis balance and RWD nature of the car. A 330i would be fantastic!

Posted by: Box Apr 24, 2014 - 3:10 PM

Yeah, finding a manual F-body is like finding a needle in a haystack. Plenty of manual Mustangs around though. If you thought the SN95 interior was atrocious just compare it to the Fox-body or 4th gen F-body. Hey, what matters though is the fact you can light up the rear tires on command.

I've thought about getting an E36 coupe, but then I remember it's a BMW.

Posted by: njccmd2002 Apr 24, 2014 - 8:36 PM

QUOTE (JoshuaM @ Apr 24, 2014 - 2:18 PM) *
I'm with Box on this one... Can't even call the Australia card because half of these were taken in the USA tongue.gif



˙˙ɐᴉlɐɹʇsnɐ uᴉ ɯǝɥʇ ƃuᴉʇsod ǝɹɐ noʎ ʇnq 'uooɯ ǝɥʇ uo uǝʞɐʇ ǝɹǝʍ sɔᴉd ǝsoɥʇ ɟᴉ ǝɹɐɔ ʇuop ᴉ

i changed my proxy settings to australia, and even my computer knows what to do.

Posted by: Box Apr 24, 2014 - 9:47 PM

It doesn't know how to capitalize or punctuate though. tongue.gif

Posted by: JoshuaM Apr 24, 2014 - 9:57 PM

QUOTE (njccmd2002 @ Apr 24, 2014 - 9:36 PM) *
QUOTE (JoshuaM @ Apr 24, 2014 - 2:18 PM) *
I'm with Box on this one... Can't even call the Australia card because half of these were taken in the USA tongue.gif



˙˙ɐᴉlɐɹʇsnɐ uᴉ ɯǝɥʇ ƃuᴉʇsod ǝɹɐ noʎ ʇnq 'uooɯ ǝɥʇ uo uǝʞɐʇ ǝɹǝʍ sɔᴉd ǝsoɥʇ ɟᴉ ǝɹɐɔ ʇuop ᴉ

i changed my proxy settings to australia, and even my computer knows what to do.


Nope, very much in the good ole US of A. You can't get rid of me that easy tongue.gif

As it happens I'm just looking at flights outta here now; New York-> Hawaii (3 day stopover) -> Brisbane (via Sydney) at the end of June.

Posted by: JoshuaM May 4, 2014 - 10:57 PM


Made an exciting purchase last night!!! biggrin.gif

Posted by: Box May 5, 2014 - 11:51 PM

Better engine!? redface.gif

Posted by: JoshuaM May 6, 2014 - 12:31 AM

QUOTE (Box @ May 5, 2014 - 11:51 PM) *
Better engine!? redface.gif


No... but the next best thing! smile.gif

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/yasukoo93-img600x450-1398568146haf7fi19540_zps78e910f2.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/yasukoo93-img600x450-1398568147sbpxw319540_zps5c0ec46d.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/yasukoo93-img600x450-13985681470qwawf19540_zps7c543068.jpg.html

Tanabe Coilovers if you couldn't tell by now biggrin.gif

Posted by: ILoveMySilly97 May 6, 2014 - 3:00 AM

Nice find. Didn't know Tanabe made some for our cars. Lol. How much were they and I'm guessing you found them in Japan?

Posted by: JoshuaM May 6, 2014 - 2:33 PM

QUOTE (ILoveMySilly97 @ May 6, 2014 - 4:00 AM) *
Nice find. Didn't know Tanabe made some for our cars. Lol. How much were they and I'm guessing you found them in Japan?


Yeah. They are a fairly basic coil-over (no adjustable camber tops, and no damper adjustment; though I would have kept it at the level matched to the spring rate anyway), and a bit stiffer than I would have picked for my use (these are 8kg and 6kg - I would rather the more comfortable BC's).

Yeah, from Japan. Used (so there is a chance they will be DOA), but apparently only on the car for under 2 years, and everything looks in good condition on them. I got them cheap. Delivered for well under 1/3 of the price of new basic coil-overs in Aus.

Posted by: Box May 6, 2014 - 3:07 PM

Woo, lower!

Posted by: cheela May 6, 2014 - 4:04 PM

oooh. nice score!

Posted by: JoshuaM Aug 2, 2014 - 10:55 AM

So I've been back in Australia for a month now... so UPDATE TIME!!!

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/1stAugust2014-GrandCanyontoCarPhotos521cropsml_zps29414e50.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/1stAugust2014-GrandCanyontoCarPhotos509sml_zpsea1bfab5.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/1stAugust2014-GrandCanyontoCarPhotos515sml_zpsa8217376.jpg.html

New low deserves new pics! With the help of a friend I installed my tanabe coilovers within 48 hours of getting back in the country! Talk about commitment tongue.gif I was a bit unsure initially because the ride is crazily firm compared to the stock springs, but the benefit of having dampers that worked (mine were shot.... bounced over everything) and the amazing handling in the corners sold me!

I also installed my JDM 'CELICA' embossed aluminium door sills, as well as my ultra-rare JDM Toyota shaggy floor matts (which are MINT!).

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/1stAugust2014-GrandCanyontoCarPhotos530sml_zps13ab5909.jpg.html

(You can see that I still haven't got around to finding another blue LED tongue.gif).

Just last week I also finally wired in my projector sidelights / parking lights.

Got a few major things in the works and a lot of little tidy ups to do to. Pretty set on doing a BEAMS swap now too next year (as soon as my licence allows it).

Posted by: Box Aug 2, 2014 - 12:49 PM

You need a two post spoiler in your life. redface.gif

Posted by: ILoveMySilly97 Aug 2, 2014 - 1:52 PM

Looks so clean!

Posted by: JoshuaM Aug 3, 2014 - 2:11 AM

QUOTE (Box @ Aug 2, 2014 - 1:49 PM) *
You need a two post spoiler in your life. redface.gif


What... like THIS two post spoiler? redface.gif

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/10576844_911381192208549_863502314_n_zpsf254161e.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/10578592_911381052208563_1292551729_n_zps065daf27.jpg.html

(5th gen VARIS style tongue.gif)

QUOTE (ILoveMySilly97 @ Aug 2, 2014 - 2:52 PM) *
Looks so clean!


Like yours! Haha tongue.gif

Posted by: Box Aug 3, 2014 - 10:19 PM

Now just have to install it. redface.gif

Posted by: njccmd2002 Aug 4, 2014 - 11:14 AM




i had to, i just had to...

Posted by: JoshuaM Aug 5, 2014 - 10:00 AM

QUOTE (Box @ Aug 3, 2014 - 11:19 PM) *
Now just have to install it. redface.gif


I agree that in pics the 3 posts don't look great, but I've always liked them in person (even if they are a little busy... not as suited to debadging)... so I am still hesitant to do something so permanent, but I think it may happen not too far away.

QUOTE (njccmd2002 @ Aug 4, 2014 - 12:14 PM) *
i had to, i just had to...



I was expecting this before I posted... just surprised it took so long! tongue.gif



In other news, my exhaust should ship from Japan tomorrow XD (After a ridiculous wait).

Posted by: JoshuaM Aug 12, 2014 - 10:25 AM


EXHAUST TIMEEEEE!!!!

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/IMG_2536_zps63418734.jpg.html

Look what just arrived in the mail smile.gif

It is actually quite huge tongue.gif

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/IMG_2532_zpsb53d1e25.jpg.html

REALLY well built though - stainless steel muffler with coated steel pipework.

AND... yesterday I got an ABSOLUTE STEAL on a set of headers... proper headers (not the eBay ones) with a cat welded on and piping to around half way through the door for $30!!! Going to go back tomorrow and pick up the rest of the system (resonator and fart cannon) just to keep the piping the same all the way to the back where I'll still need a step up flange to the new muffler (Pretty sure the new muffler is 2.25" and the new piping is 2". Stock is either 1.75 or 2"... not sure.

pic of engine before I pulled the headers out (rusted on bolts = 4 hour job -.-)

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/10550973_10152565718927052_4954084372679515117_n_zpsc5043dbf.jpg.html


So the plan is to install his full system myself, and then take it to the exhaust shop to get them to swap the mufflers. They wanted $200 to run the piping from the middle of the door to the muffler.

Posted by: JFXtreme007 Aug 13, 2014 - 12:16 AM

Mate your car is gonna sound so much better! really nice looking exhaust smile.gif

Posted by: JoshuaM Aug 16, 2014 - 7:36 AM

QUOTE (JFXtreme007 @ Aug 13, 2014 - 1:16 AM) *
Mate your car is gonna sound so much better! really nice looking exhaust smile.gif


Thanks smile.gif I think it is too big, but I'll learn to live with it tongue.gif Does sound good though.

Yesterday I got my new muffler installed (headers going on later... can't be bothered right now tongue.gif). Had my GoPro all ready for a video and the freshly charged battery was somehow flat and it has been pouring rain today.

I did however almost get run off the road 2 min after picking up my car. I thought I had hit, but I think it must have just come painfully close;

http://youtu.be/7Z_Q-NGLgj4

Posted by: igpx12 Aug 17, 2014 - 7:19 PM

QUOTE (JoshuaM @ Aug 16, 2014 - 7:36 AM) *
QUOTE (JFXtreme007 @ Aug 13, 2014 - 1:16 AM) *
Mate your car is gonna sound so much better! really nice looking exhaust smile.gif


Thanks smile.gif I think it is too big, but I'll learn to live with it tongue.gif Does sound good though.

Yesterday I got my new muffler installed (headers going on later... can't be bothered right now tongue.gif). Had my GoPro all ready for a video and the freshly charged battery was somehow flat and it has been pouring rain today.

I did however almost get run off the road 2 min after picking up my car. I thought I had hit, but I think it must have just come painfully close;

http://youtu.be/7Z_Q-NGLgj4


Love the narration in the vid, all you needed to really say was: ma'am I have a dash cam and can show you running me off the road. Argument = none lol.

Loving the car mate, sounds great and looks amazing

Posted by: rentaspace Aug 17, 2014 - 10:53 PM

Should of posted that photo I sent you on FB lol...

Posted by: JoshuaM Aug 19, 2014 - 1:43 AM

QUOTE (igpx12 @ Aug 17, 2014 - 8:19 PM) *
Love the narration in the vid, all you needed to really say was: ma'am I have a dash cam and can show you running me off the road. Argument = none lol.

Loving the car mate, sounds great and looks amazing


Haha, yeah... should've done tongue.gif And thanks smile.gif

Here is the exhaust video... I don't think the GoPro was doing a fantastic job, but you get the idea. Basically has the same tone and characteristics as stock, just a better volume;

http://youtu.be/T_5Pb9_RBgs

Posted by: JFXtreme007 Aug 20, 2014 - 4:41 AM

I really quite like the new sound! much nicer! smile.gif

Posted by: JoshuaM Aug 26, 2014 - 10:18 AM


BIG UPDATE:

Part 1: Installed headers with a Friend on Friday... initially disappointed because they made the car quieter, but then realised that it just completely eliminated all the drones the system had and was really happy with the result! New vid:

http://youtu.be/TV4G5yOVUHQ

Part 2: I JUST BOUGHT A TRD QUICKSHIFTER, ERMEERRGERRRDDDDD!!!!

Posted by: Box Aug 26, 2014 - 2:16 PM

Headers? You did a V6 swap and didn't tell anyone!? redface.gif

Posted by: Smaay Aug 26, 2014 - 4:55 PM

you need to turn this hose around. if you revverse it, it wont be so close to the header


Posted by: JoshuaM Aug 26, 2014 - 7:26 PM

QUOTE (Box @ Aug 26, 2014 - 2:16 PM) *
Headers? You did a V6 swap and didn't tell anyone!? redface.gif


No tongue.gif But BEAMS soon... And headers is the correct US terminology for them if that's what you are getting at, or extractors as we would normally say in Brittish / Aus English.

QUOTE (Smaay @ Aug 26, 2014 - 4:55 PM) *
you need to turn this hose around. if you revverse it, it wont be so close to the header



That isn't my car, its the one I pulled the headers off. But mine is probably similar, what hose are you referring to? The one to the radiator?

Posted by: Box Aug 26, 2014 - 8:20 PM

Headers is plural and header is singular. Inline engines have a header, V engines have headers. tongue.gif

Posted by: JoshuaM Aug 26, 2014 - 8:33 PM

QUOTE (Box @ Aug 26, 2014 - 9:20 PM) *
Headers is plural and header is singular. Inline engines have a header, V engines have headers. tongue.gif


-.- shuddup tongue.gif Yeah, you're right tongue.gif

Posted by: Box Aug 26, 2014 - 8:58 PM

Tough love. tongue.gif

Posted by: JoshuaM Oct 24, 2014 - 11:35 PM

So a bit of an update...

First of all.... a new toy!

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/yukino2_7-img600x450-1406721063pofyk18147_zps7a9cd2d5.jpg.html
Tamiya TA-02 kit with the ST205 shell.

Onto the real car...

August Cruise
I am one of the administrators of the Brisbane Celica Club where I live. In August I organised a Celica cruise through the local mountain ranges and out to Summerset Dam for a barbeque. We had a great turn out with the following cars coming;
- Stripped out (RA23?) track car
- 1UZ V8 powered RA28 Liftback in an amazing blue
- 3x 4th Gen Celica (1x ST162, 1x ST162 with 2nd gen 3S-GTE, 1x ST165 GT-FOUR with 3rd gen 3S-GTE)
- 3x 5th Gen Celica (1x normal ST185 GT-FOUR (Alltrac), 2x Group A Rallye limited edition WRC ST185 (of 140ish produced here))
- 4x 6th Gen Celica (3x ST204 and 1x Group A Rallye Limited Edition WRC ST205 (of 77 sold))
- 4x Toyota 86's tagged along too (they had their own club cruise earlier in the morning)

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/Pano1banner_zps8219de7d.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/1stSeptember2014-CelicaCruise047_zps1cb8cdaa.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/1stSeptember2014-CelicaCruise020edit_zps7968896e.jpg.html

Vinyl Wrap Roof
I also was getting sick of the very faded paint on my roof so I decided to do something about it.... gloss black roof wrap.

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/IMG_2582_zps981ed489.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/IMG_2584_zpsfa7558b3.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/IMG_2585_zpsa9de6c46.jpg.html

It is harder than it looks.... we stuffed it up so it is really rough around the edges and needs to be redone.... but still better than the terrible paint I say tongue.gif

C's Short Shifter
So you may have seen the saga on FB and a seperate thread... but the TRD quickshifter I paid a lot of money for wasn't TRD at all. Turns out though it is still a really rare part, being a C's short shifter from Japan. I still have my reservations that it may have been modified in the past (dodgy weld lines.... but it looks like some of the genuine ones were just made like that so idk), but it has definitely improved the shift. I was trying to get a refund since it wasn't the part I wanted, but the seller was being a real d!ck about it. So just ignoring the lost money and enjoying it smile.gif

One of these (not mine);
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/1_zpsc068ef57.jpg.html

This is mine (new left, stock right);


Whiteline Rear Sway Bar

So I called up my local shops and asked about sway bars for the ST204. They gave me the cost and model number for the one on the ST204. I then found that model slightly cheaper at a store accross town and they did free shipping so it was a no brainer.

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/7thOctober2014-SWELLRacetrack082_zpsd874aaf3.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/7thOctober2014-SWELLRacetrack079_zps948db215.jpg.html

After spending hours trying to install it, it turns out that the first shop were completely clueless and gave me the model code for the ST205. To make matters worse, I didn't buy from them so I couldn't get a refund and then I find out that Whiteline don't make them for my car any more. I ended up finding old stock (non adjustable though) in the UK which is currently on its way to me, but a painful and very expensive exercise.

Spacers

Although I am against the concept of spacers... I LOVE these wheels too much to get rid of, but they are just too tucked.

Without
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/IMG_2595_zpsa01fc9f5.jpg.html

With
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/IMG_2594_zps34a3a319.jpg.html

I bought +20mm hubcentric bolt on spacers for the front, and the same in +25mm for the rear. Waiting to paint the hubs and spacers black before I install properly so that they don't draw attention.

September Cruise

I managed to get out of organising the September cruise, but we had a great turn out again. Significantly less GT-FOUR's this time, but some cool other cars.

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/FrontPano1sm_zps9c7df87a.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/2ndOctober2014-CelicaCruiseEESSBoard060_zps60585794.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/2ndOctober2014-CelicaCruiseEESSBoard066_zpsda651ba0.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/2ndOctober2014-CelicaCruiseEESSBoard013_zpsf760b914.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/2ndOctober2014-CelicaCruiseEESSBoard016_zpsc7b2524a.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/2ndOctober2014-CelicaCruiseEESSBoard010_zps0450a550.jpg.html

TRD Door Strikers

So you have Lexus door strikers? That's cute...

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/23rdOctober2014-RCadebuildTRDdoorstrikers019_zpsfb95f226.jpg.html

BOOM! Genuine TRD door stabiliser catches from Japan. I took a bit of a gamble on these ones because there was no documentation that said they would fit. Thanks to Richee3 for the help decoding whether they would or not.

Installed;

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/DoorStrikercombo_zpsc7c3675f.jpg.html

Posted by: JFXtreme007 Oct 25, 2014 - 6:23 AM

Man love the update! so many awesome additions and pictures! Your car really is awesome!! is even making me think about TRD Rear spats tongue.gif

Posted by: Box Oct 25, 2014 - 1:44 PM

QUOTE (JoshuaM @ Oct 24, 2014 - 11:35 PM) *
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/1_zpsc068ef57.jpg.html

Comrade design you say? You no shift car, car shifts you! laugh.gif

Posted by: rentaspace Oct 27, 2014 - 5:52 PM

Man those two first gens were mad. (To all that don't know, I was in QLD and attended that meet and drive in Josh's car)

Posted by: cheela Oct 27, 2014 - 6:20 PM

yeah those 1st gens are clean!!

and wow!! TRD door strikers? never even knew they existed. how much HP did you get from those? biggrin.gif

Posted by: rentaspace Oct 27, 2014 - 6:44 PM

QUOTE (cheela @ Oct 27, 2014 - 6:20 PM) *
yeah those 1st gens are clean!!

Clean and Powerful!
The blue one is 1UZ and the other is a 2JZGTE with like 515HP haha

Posted by: JoshuaM Dec 3, 2014 - 9:13 AM

QUOTE (JFXtreme007 @ Oct 25, 2014 - 6:23 AM) *
Man love the update! so many awesome additions and pictures! Your car really is awesome!! is even making me think about TRD Rear spats tongue.gif


Thanks biggrin.gif I still think about going SSIII myself.... I really LOVE the look of the TRD rears but when my car is done I want it to be consistent and I think the TRD skirts are a little too aggressive for my car.

QUOTE (Box @ Oct 25, 2014 - 1:44 PM) *
QUOTE (JoshuaM @ Oct 24, 2014 - 11:35 PM) *
*shifter pic*

Comrade design you say? You no shift car, car shifts you! laugh.gif


No... Japanese -.-

QUOTE (cheela @ Oct 27, 2014 - 6:20 PM) *
yeah those 1st gens are clean!!

and wow!! TRD door strikers? never even knew they existed. how much HP did you get from those? biggrin.gif


Yeah, they were pretty awesome. We have so little rust issues in Aus that there are mint first gens all over the place... more common that nice 6th gens tongue.gif

And yeah, I think at LEAST +25 HP tongue.gif They are a fairly recent product line and are not listed as compatible with the Celicas but I took the risk and they fit smile.gif



So a few more updates. With exams done, despite immediately starting vacation work I have had a bit more time to work on my car.

Exhaust

On the eve of my final exam my car died on me. Not cool. I was initially worried about lower end engine problems but it became apparent pretty quickly that it was an exhaust issue. A collapsed catalytic converter and burst flex pipe (And no, catless is not the answer.... BIG fines if you mess with that here, up to $10k from the EPA). To make matters worse, I was driving a few hours away for holidays the following evening.

Having already replaced the headers (2.25") and having a quality rear muffler with 2.25" piping until just before the rear axle, it made sense to finish off the middle bit properly instead of just replacing the faulty components.

A high flow cat, 2.25" piping with a 12" bullet style resonator in the middle later (and $450) and the car sounded nasty - in both uses of the word. It was mean and 'much track-car' like, but it was quite loud and very raspy under load. I was not impressed. I had to go away and was busy for a couple of weeks but I just took the car back in on Monday and they added another 12" resonator but in a 2" diameter to settle things down for DD duties. It is still a much higher flowing system than stock, and the 2" section can just be replaced by 2.25" pipe with two quick welds if I ever want to go back but for now I am very happy with the sound.

C's Short Shifter / TRD Quickshifter

So as I've said before I thought I bought a TRD Quickshifter... then it arrived and I thought it was home made, then I found out it was probably a super-rare C's quickshifter instead but I had my reservations. I've since seen a definitely genuine one from the same era and I am confidant that mine is real which is nice! biggrin.gif

BUT... I have always wanted a TRD Quickshifter so I jumped at the chance to buy one as it became available. Going to try both, see which one suits me best and sell the other smile.gif

Whiteline Rear Sway Bar

So this week I managed to both get my new sway bar installed and sell the wrong one that I bought originally.

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/WP_20141122_001_zps8f8190ef.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/WP_20141122_003_zpsa45553a5.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/WP_20141122_002_zpsaa70ee7b.jpg.html


Given how much people RAVE about how the sway bars were the best handling mod ever I was a little dissapointed in it, but I definately noticed the car being more planted going 'too fast' around corners / through round abouts.

And because of the muck-around Whiteline sent me out some freebies - a set of camber bolts (worth $95) and some front lower control arm bushes (worth ~$40);

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/619d9001-42e9-457c-8fc7-2c416ee74543_zpsd51537d6.jpg.html


Guard Rolling

I borrowed a heat gun and guard rolling device from a friend a few weeks ago. We started it but it wouldn't fit in my wheel wells with the coilovers set where they were. I tried again on the weekend and set the coilovers to their highest setting, and dropped them down a couple of more mm from the top mounting bolts but it still wouldn't fit... so need to get them professionally rolled before I stick my spacers on.

New Stuff

I am currently seling up a lot of stuff ready to order a BEAMS clip (though the timing is now looking problematic for install... not sure what I can do). But I have bought a few bits and pieces recently;

CUSCO Underbody Brace

I got a great deal on a Lower Control Arm Bar (The 4 point one). Heard they can be a bit of a pain for install so haven't got that far yet tongue.gif

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/WP_20141120_012_zpsb03b1085.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/1a25384b-abd1-4d58-8e36-9d9e5c7038fd_zpsfe68e540.jpg.html

OEM Dealer Option Footwell Illumination Pack

I have been looking for one of these for years, and finally snatched one up for a decent price. However, I think I may be over it now (I already bought an ignition ring light seperately last year) so I'm thinking this one may go up for sale. Still undecided.

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/st202keyfootlightkit11-21-14_zps867d06ff.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/st202keyfootlightkit11-21-143_zpsdfd8ea33.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/st202keyfootlightkit11-21-142_zps807b6d6c.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/st202keyfootlightkit11-21-141_zpsd7bb9b8c.jpg.html


So now the hunt for a BEAMS continues!

Posted by: richee3 Dec 3, 2014 - 9:51 AM

There's really no reason to buy a complete clip for a BEAMS if you can find a complete engine set with the intake and b pipe. A clip just costs extra on shipping and gives you scrap metal when you are finished, unlike the 3rd gen 3S-GTE where a clip is necessary. smile.gif

Posted by: mkernz22 Dec 3, 2014 - 10:36 AM

Damnittttttt. I'm just a little too late, but I need a whiteline rear sway bar for my ST165 mad.gif
I'm deleting the ABS so a whiteline from any GT4's would fit...

Car is looking amazing though and I'm pretty jealous of all these deals you get on rare parts.

Posted by: cheela Dec 3, 2014 - 10:52 AM

why is your progress moving so fast!?!! slow down so some of us can catch up. hahahaha.

Posted by: JoshuaM Dec 3, 2014 - 4:06 PM

QUOTE (richee3 @ Dec 3, 2014 - 9:51 AM) *
There's really no reason to buy a complete clip for a BEAMS if you can find a complete engine set with the intake and b pipe. A clip just costs extra on shipping and gives you scrap metal when you are finished, unlike the 3rd gen 3S-GTE where a clip is necessary. smile.gif


Well I need the engine and LSD gearbox minimum. Intake I can get away with a HKS Mushroom made for the BEAMS, but I would probably rather stock. The big thing is that I don't want to be splicing looms under the dash. I want to follow S8S8's lead (whose Beams swap I drove! biggrin.gif) and swap over all of the interior loom too with climate control to make it as original as possible. Since my car is RHD it is just a case of unbolting from one car and bolting back into the other.

I had also been planning to swap over to Super-Strut suspension to make it a proper SSIII replica front end, but then I'd need to find some new TEIN SS coilovers and people have been telling me that their ride is very harsh for any surface less smooth than a racetrack.

Depending how I go getting this clip I may look at doing the engine only again, but I really wanted to do it properly.

QUOTE (mkernz22 @ Dec 3, 2014 - 10:36 AM) *
Damnittttttt. I'm just a little too late, but I need a whiteline rear sway bar for my ST165 mad.gif
I'm deleting the ABS so a whiteline from any GT4's would fit...

Car is looking amazing though and I'm pretty jealous of all these deals you get on rare parts.


Yeah, I actually sold it to a ST165 owner!

If it is more cost effective for you to get it shipped privately from Australia (which it may not be because it will be very expensive shipping) I'm happy to pick up another one for you and send it.

I do get a lot of really good deals on rare parts..... but I have also spent a LOT of money haha tongue.gif Over 2 grand since I got back from the USA in the middle of the year.

QUOTE (cheela @ Dec 3, 2014 - 10:52 AM) *
why is your progress moving so fast!?!! slow down so some of us can catch up. hahahaha.


Haha, as per above... I just stopped censoring my bank account and stuff happened tongue.gif When you are constantly looking for parts for other people it is very hard to say no when something you like comes up tongue.gif

Posted by: JoshuaM Dec 7, 2014 - 2:40 AM


I had found a supplier for C-ONE lightweight flywheels from Japan... but sure enough when I need one they ran out an may not be getting more. Sad face :'(

Cue another obscure discontinued part;

ORC OGURA ORC-010-03T1 lightweight Flywheel (4.4kg) for ST202 / SW20 3S-GE.

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/hawks96rvv-img600x450-1417355148b1lkjg27051_zps57758aaa.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/hawks96rvv-img600x450-1417355148evi4c927051_zpsf9b525a4.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/hawks96rvv-img600x450-141735514834ax0227051_zps488848d4.jpg.html

One day I'll start buying parts that aren't discontinued tongue.gif Since I haven't found one to order yet I don't imagine the engine will be coming any time soon... so I will probably get this one shipped via sea mail.

Still need to decide what clutch to put in with the BEAMS too.

Posted by: ILoveMySilly97 Dec 7, 2014 - 5:13 PM

Man I'm jealous! you even got the hurricane header I wanted! Lol. Don't worry. The muffler won't be big once its mounted. Looks like it's the same size as mine. 4" tip. Lol.

Posted by: JoshuaM Dec 7, 2014 - 10:31 PM

QUOTE (ILoveMySilly97 @ Dec 7, 2014 - 6:13 PM) *
Man I'm jealous! you even got the hurricane header I wanted! Lol. Don't worry. The muffler won't be big once its mounted. Looks like it's the same size as mine. 4" tip. Lol.


Yours is 4" O.o I thought yours was a little smaller than that. Mine is 4 too.... it looks big to me, but I have never been a huge fan of big exit exhausts. It's been mounted for a couple of months now... just had to get the middle section of my exhaust system redone because the catalytic converter and flex pipe that came with my Hurricane headers failed.

I am currently emailing suppliers and looking into shipping for an exhaust for the BEAMS..... I feel somewhat obliged to sell what I have as a full 5S system and would like a full production system not custom...... I guess really I am just tired of the **** this system gave me getting it right. Now it is perfect and I am changing engines and I don't want to go through it again tongue.gif

Thinking HKS Silent Hi-Power system for ST202 with the BEAMS adapter pipe. But I really wish it wasn't a cannon and had a smaller tip haha tongue.gif

Posted by: BonzaiCelica Dec 8, 2014 - 9:03 PM

go for the kakimoto n1 its quieter at 94 db and smaller canister, while hks hi power is 98 db.

i dont see the point in getting one with the adapter or a beams/3rd gen 3sge full cat back exhaust system for that matter. unless your going to get a beams engine with the OEM catalytic converter.

Everything is identical on the exhaust system as far as length goes between 3SGE ACIS vs 3SGE VVT-I Redtop except the catalytic converter :
Regular 3S-GE Motor Catalytic Converter, part # 18450-74450

http://s483.photobucket.com/user/BonzaiCelica/media/3S-GE%20Beams/Exhaust%20Set-up/nonbeamscat_zps03ba61ff.jpg.html

3S-GE Beams Catalytic Converter, part # 18450-77480

http://s483.photobucket.com/user/BonzaiCelica/media/3S-GE%20Beams/Exhaust%20Set-up/beamscatconverter_zpsa5990f74.jpg.html

Posted by: JoshuaM Dec 11, 2014 - 7:33 AM

QUOTE (BonzaiCelica @ Dec 8, 2014 - 10:03 PM) *
go for the kakimoto n1 its quieter at 94 db and smaller canister, while hks hi power is 98 db.

i dont see the point in getting one with the adapter or a beams/3rd gen 3sge full cat back exhaust system for that matter. unless your going to get a beams engine with the OEM catalytic converter.


Thanks for the tips. I have only just started to look into it, and there was a HKS importer 5 min from my house that could arrange the system to be shipped in with their next order at quite a reasonable price (read: to my door for less than Jap RRP). And the whole 'silent' thing threw me off without looking at the specs tongue.gif As it turns out they were talking about the ST205 system and the 202 one is discontinued so they can't get it frown.gif (I can still order from Japan if I want though). That that is why I went straight to them.

HKS Silent Hi-Power - 32016-AT005
Close noise level: Stock 85 dB, HKS 98 dB
Pipe Diameter: 65mm
Tip Diameter: 115mm
http://www.hks-power.co.jp/en/product_db/muffler/db/109

https://flic.kr/p/nGbEtZ

Thoughts: Rusty can pull it off because his car is awesome. And red. Mine is not (...red, that is wink.gif ), and after looking at them installed I don't think I would be happy with it. I was going with it because of the advertised silence of it, but 98dB is on the other end of the spectrum!


Apexi N1 Evo - 162AT010
Proximity Load Volume: 98 dB(A)
Inlet Pipe Diameter: 60mm
Tip Diameter: 115mm (Canister diameter 160mm)



Thoughts: Better than the HKS in the looks for me, but still a big outlet. Also, I have spoken to somebody with a BEAMS swap and this exhaust near my who said they love it but as a young person I wouldn't last 5 minutes before getting pulled over and defected by the cops. I don't plan on babying my BEAMS swap around town, so it can't be THAT loud.


Kakimoto HYPER FULLMEGA N1 + Rev. (What a name! tongue.gif) - T31324
Proximity Exhaust Noise: 94dB
Inlet pipe diameter: 60mm
Tip diameter: 100mm
http://www.kakimotoracing.co.jp/image_t31324.html



Thoughts: Less ricy. Better volume. Maybe its just the stock pics, but looks more like a $50 cannon from eBay though than an expensive JDM system IMHO.


Kakimoto R - TS324
Proximity Exhaust Noise: 88dB
Inlet pipe diameter: 60mm
Tip diameter: 115mm
http://www.kakimotoracing.co.jp/image_ts324.html



Thoughts: An oval muffler not a cannon! biggrin.gif Tip is big again, and possibly too quiet? Would be really nice to hear from somebody who has played with one of these. I like it overall.

Fujitsubo Legalis R - 760-23061
Idle Volume: 65dB (Stock 64dB)
Proximity exhaust noise (5250rpm): 91dB (Stock 86 dB)
Inlet pipe diameter: 60.5mm
Tip diameter: 90mm (FINALLY!!!)
https://www.fujitsubo.co.jp/prods/detail/000000000000000898/00000000000000002193/00000255

(To steal one of your pics Bonzai...)


Thoughts: This could be perfect.... but why the fek did they stick that outlet all the way over there?!?!?!


5ZIGEN ProRacer ZZ Celica ST202 for 3S-GE - PZT018
Pipe diameter: 60.5mm
Outlet diameter: 90mm
Volume: ???
http://www.5zigen-store.com/shopdetail/003006000038/disp_pc/

I can't find any pictures of the actual thing or of it on a Celica!


Thoughts: Sounds promising... but no volume listed and I can't find anybody who has owned one. Scary.


I think that is basically it frown.gif

Looking at Bonzai's pics also reminded me that a lot of these hit the rear tow hooks.... no big deal right? No... unless you happen to have a tow bar that mounts there! I haven't used it yet but I was planning to put it on as needed to put a bike rack on, and tow a small trailer for general household stuff (this will still be my only car).


You make a good point Bonzai (the rest of your post wasn't added when I started replying to this).... I plan to get the full clip with cat included, and it would be nice to be able to just bolt it on... but I would eventually replace it with e high flow cat anyway, so may as well save the money on the adapter pipe and just take it to the shop straight away. What do you think of your exhaust Bonzai?

Posted by: BonzaiCelica Dec 11, 2014 - 1:55 PM

My advise is stay away from a canister style exhaust system as they are louder except maybe the kakimoto N1.

Please read my project thread for all details on exhaust and impressions. I want to make an exhaust video of mine very soon.

Njcmd2002 has the kakimoto oval style exhaust system I think it's way to quite. My friend with a 3rd gen 3SGE engine has a full HKS header, midpipe and DE-cat with HKS hi power silent system yea it's loud. And the canister looks much bigger in person. With Rusty's celica it looks good because his trd spoiler offsets the huge muffle and balances the rear end of car nicely.

The problem with APEXI is that it's a whole one piece system, so shipping will be pricey.

5zigen on a curren

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrgwwLOGTz0

Apexi N1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wQEITnb7Xc

Posted by: Rusty Dec 12, 2014 - 1:59 AM

The HKS exhaust I have, I find is surprisingly quiet. With the addition of the optional silencer it becomes very quiet. Not sure how they got the 98dB though. Definitely with any 3S-GE's removal of the cat. converter you'll get a louder exhaust.

There was, back in the day another HKS exhaust for the ST202 called along the lines of 'HKS legal muffler' which had a oval rear muffler.

Posted by: njccmd2002 Dec 12, 2014 - 8:53 AM

http://s254.photobucket.com/user/njccmd2002/media/6th_Generation_Celica/97_Limited_Edition/Beams_Engine_Swap/IMG_6126.jpg.html

i have kakimoto and love it.

Posted by: JoshuaM Dec 12, 2014 - 10:14 AM

QUOTE (BonzaiCelica @ Dec 11, 2014 - 1:55 PM) *
My advise is stay away from a canister style exhaust system as they are louder except maybe the kakimoto N1.

Please read my project thread for all details on exhaust and impressions. I want to make an exhaust video of mine very soon.

Njcmd2002 has the kakimoto oval style exhaust system I think it's way to quite. My friend with a 3rd gen 3SGE engine has a full HKS header, midpipe and DE-cat with HKS hi power silent system yea it's loud. And the canister looks much bigger in person. With Rusty's celica it looks good because his trd spoiler offsets the huge muffle and balances the rear end of car nicely.

The problem with APEXI is that it's a whole one piece system, so shipping will be pricey.

5zigen on a curren

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrgwwLOGTz0

Apexi N1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wQEITnb7Xc


Yeah, I've read your thread a couple of times now smile.gif

I do have a TRD spoiler to fit, but I think I am going to go spoilerless like you (and maybe try and get a custom ducklip spoiler).

How did you get yours shipped? EMS? Container? Its going to weigh 15-20kg I think... so it will be expensive...

QUOTE (Rusty @ Dec 12, 2014 - 1:59 AM) *
The HKS exhaust I have, I find is surprisingly quiet. With the addition of the optional silencer it becomes very quiet. Not sure how they got the 98dB though. Definitely with any 3S-GE's removal of the cat. converter you'll get a louder exhaust.

There was, back in the day another HKS exhaust for the ST202 called along the lines of 'HKS legal muffler' which had a oval rear muffler.


Okay... so conflicting info haha tongue.gif Its so hard to chose exhausts without ever hearing them yourself frown.gif I am definately keeping a cat, but it will be a high flow one so a bit louder there. And yeah, there used to be heaps of oval muffler ones that I liked, but now only cannons and I really wanted to buy new not used for this.

QUOTE (njccmd2002 @ Dec 12, 2014 - 8:53 AM) *
http://s254.photobucket.com/user/njccmd2002/media/6th_Generation_Celica/97_Limited_Edition/Beams_Engine_Swap/IMG_6126.jpg.html

i have kakimoto and love it.


Just spent half an hour going through your whole vert thread for that exhaust only to find it was in a different swap thread tongue.gif

I really do like that one too. My only concern is the volume - it is has such a lower rating than all the others... and only 2dB above stock. I will be keeping the cat in it, but is it a really quiet system? I want to be able to hear the Beams sing.... just not so loud as to call the cops over or be obnoxious going home at night.

Posted by: Box Dec 12, 2014 - 2:56 PM

Have to remember, every 10 decibels means it's twice as loud. I think most European countries have a limit of 100 db, not sure if Australia has any kind of similar requirement. I remember seeing somewhere you wanted it to be bolt in? Might consider having something fabricated if you can't find exactly what you want. If it were me I'd look into a baffled muffler as they remove the harsher frequencies and deliver a smoother tone. Which a four cylinder revving up to 8,000 rpm will definitely have some unpleasant frequencies.

Posted by: BonzaiCelica Dec 12, 2014 - 4:25 PM

one member here shipped my exhaust. he bought it off yahoo auction and then i paid him cause he was the middle man. but shipping was super cheap since he's in the Military or is it the Marines? I haven't spoke with him in a while, communication seems to have been lost with him on his end. the fujitsubo if you look on their website, weighs 1-2kg heavier than stock. it doesn't list the weight under the ST206 model but it lists it under the ST202 Celiac SS-I 3SFE engine (not this 3SFE fujitsubo exhaust will not bolt onto your car or any other trim celica for that matter)

Im actually thinking about going to the Kakimoto N1 (if someone will buy my Fujitsubo Local) in the future for perhaps more power, but definitely more weight savings. also note the HKS is under the rear subframe so it is a very low muffler.

Getting a 3 piece exhaust shipped will obviously be cheapest. I actually asked my convertible man to give me a good video of a flyby in his celica when he had the beams engine inside but now hes onto the V6 rolleyes.gif

type this in the search bar of yahoo japan auction : st206 マフラー or st202 マフラー

Posted by: njccmd2002 Dec 12, 2014 - 6:17 PM

i had a special cat made...

http://s254.photobucket.com/user/njccmd2002/media/6th_Generation_Celica/97_Limited_Edition/Beams_Engine_Swap/IMG_6661.jpg.html

Posted by: JoshuaM Dec 12, 2014 - 10:00 PM

QUOTE (Box @ Dec 12, 2014 - 3:56 PM) *
Have to remember, every 10 decibels means it's twice as loud. I think most European countries have a limit of 100 db, not sure if Australia has any kind of similar requirement. I remember seeing somewhere you wanted it to be bolt in? Might consider having something fabricated if you can't find exactly what you want. If it were me I'd look into a baffled muffler as they remove the harsher frequencies and deliver a smoother tone. Which a four cylinder revving up to 8,000 rpm will definitely have some unpleasant frequencies.


I did want bolt in, but Bonzai reminded me that I would be changing to a high-flow cat for more POWERRRR anyway so there will definately be custom work required.

It would still be nice to get a full Japanese system though because they are full stainless steel, mandrel bent, and engineered to be the best path for the car... and about the same price as building a system at the local shop.

In Queensland we have a 90dB limit as measured 0.5m (just under 2 feet) away at 45 degrees off-centre at the same height of the muffler at a certain RPM (About 2/3rd redline I think).

QUOTE (BonzaiCelica @ Dec 12, 2014 - 5:25 PM) *
one member here shipped my exhaust. he bought it off yahoo auction and then i paid him cause he was the middle man. but shipping was super cheap since he's in the Military or is it the Marines? I haven't spoke with him in a while, communication seems to have been lost with him on his end. the fujitsubo if you look on their website, weighs 1-2kg heavier than stock. it doesn't list the weight under the ST206 model but it lists it under the ST202 Celiac SS-I 3SFE engine (not this 3SFE fujitsubo exhaust will not bolt onto your car or any other trim celica for that matter)

Im actually thinking about going to the Kakimoto N1 (if someone will buy my Fujitsubo Local) in the future for perhaps more power, but definitely more weight savings. also note the HKS is under the rear subframe so it is a very low muffler.

Getting a 3 piece exhaust shipped will obviously be cheapest. I actually asked my convertible man to give me a good video of a flyby in his celica when he had the beams engine inside but now hes onto the V6 rolleyes.gif

type this in the search bar of yahoo japan auction : st206 マフラー or st202 マフラー


Ahh okay, that USPS perk. Yeah, we don't have that here tongue.gif The way I usually ship big and heavy things is through sea mail (10kg = $70), but they have a 105cm (3-3.5 ish feet) length limit. EMS express has a 1.5m limit, but is much more expensive (10kg = $145). Anything bigger than that (there are also volume limits) and it is DHL for a billion dollars or finding somebody to share container space to your local port.

Also, thanks but I have the Yahoo down pat tongue.gif All the models I was talking about on the previous page are ones that I found new for sale on YJP. All around $600 + shipping. Also, as you found out with your exhaust tip... I don't want a Curren exhaust that extends 2 inches past my bumper (that is illegal here, and I don't like the look), so I'm only looking for ST202 systems. There are more options if I look used as well, but I wanted to buy new since it is a consumable.


QUOTE (njccmd2002 @ Dec 12, 2014 - 7:17 PM) *
i had a special cat made...


I did notice that tongue.gif That is the rare $120+ BEAMS conversion pipe that you chopped up doing it too tongue.gif

How do you find the volume though? Because I am very interested in that system.



Also, one of these is mine!


Posted by: Box Dec 12, 2014 - 10:45 PM

Hmm... Your exhaust shop needs to charge better rates then. redface.gif

Posted by: JoshuaM Dec 17, 2014 - 7:37 AM

QUOTE (Box @ Dec 12, 2014 - 10:45 PM) *
Hmm... Your exhaust shop needs to charge better rates then. redface.gif


It is called the 'Australia Tax' -.-



EXCITING NEWS TODAY!!! biggrin.gif biggrin.gif biggrin.gif

Firstly, I finally have official confirmation that a friend of a friend is going to help me buy a full SSIII in Japan and cut it down into a half-cut, pull off everything I want and put it in a shipping container direct to Brisbane!

The next container isn't leaving until February which is a little annoying, but there are currently no BEAMS engines for sale from importers in Australia, regardless of cost, but doing it my way is going to work out very cost effectively for me.

So yeah... I WILL have a BEAMS on that boat biggrin.gif


Also, just as excitingly, I HAVE AN EXHAUST FOR IT biggrin.gif I was just about to bid on a cheap 5Zigen auction when something magical came up for sale... 100 internet points for the first person to guess it! biggrin.gif Will bolt straight up to the BEAMS too!!!

Teaser...
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/533x600-2014121600599_zpsc696d128.jpg.html

Posted by: sandusky1977 Dec 17, 2014 - 12:26 PM

Can he put one on a boat for me? and if so what does that cost in addition to the vehicle? I know a couple of people in international shipping.

Posted by: BonzaiCelica Dec 17, 2014 - 2:36 PM

It's a C-One

Posted by: JoshuaM Dec 17, 2014 - 4:09 PM

QUOTE (sandusky1977 @ Dec 17, 2014 - 1:26 PM) *
Can he put one on a boat for me? and if so what does that cost in addition to the vehicle? I know a couple of people in international shipping.


I think the Jap costs will be around $600 on top of the cost of the car, including labour to chop up the car and disposal of non-required parts. I'm not sure if he would do more for other people or not, but I don't want to go bugging him about stuff until mine is done tongue.gif

QUOTE (BonzaiCelica @ Dec 17, 2014 - 3:36 PM) *
It's a C-One


Well now, mr know-it-all tongue.gif

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/600x450-2014121600597_zps0d3d6494.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/533x600-2014121600599_zpsc696d128.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/600x450-2014121600598_zpsae896d71.jpg.html

Sah excited.... I have never seen one of these for sale before, then it came up just as I was bidding on something else. Perfect timing biggrin.gif

Posted by: BonzaiCelica Dec 17, 2014 - 7:23 PM

I've been lurking on the Yahoo auctions for almost 2 years and have seen many different types of exhausts and this one has popped up once since then. My friend has the oval OEM style C-One on his car it's quiet. If you look up the guy motokuro on YouTube, he has a track ready beams that he races in Japan and he has the OEM canister style c-one exhaust which is quite quiet

Only downside to that exhaust your buying is that it sits low to the ground

Posted by: JoshuaM Jan 5, 2015 - 10:43 PM

QUOTE (BonzaiCelica @ Dec 17, 2014 - 7:23 PM) *
I've been lurking on the Yahoo auctions for almost 2 years and have seen many different types of exhausts and this one has popped up once since then. My friend has the oval OEM style C-One on his car it's quiet. If you look up the guy motokuro on YouTube, he has a track ready beams that he races in Japan and he has the OEM canister style c-one exhaust which is quite quiet

Only downside to that exhaust your buying is that it sits low to the ground



Yeah, I didn't even know they existed. I had found it and asked my agent to buy it within about 20 min of the listing going up but it was a stressful night waiting for the reply!

I know... I didn't realise at first that this was an under-axle exhaust... so I may have to replace it if the choice comes down to exhaust or 'lowness' (pretty strict on the 100mm min clearance here).

The volume may also be an issue. Looking at its design I expect a similar volume to the Kakimoto N1, but even that may end up a little too loud when redlining on a daily basis around town tongue.gif At least it comes with the silencer so I can use that when I am making up my mind. I will be swapping to a 200 cell 2.5" high flow cat for that bit of extra flow over stock, so that will bump the volume up a little.



Now for a photo shoot teaser:

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/31stDEC2014-RyanMyshoot225small_zps983e7d01.jpg.html

Posted by: JoshuaM Jan 10, 2015 - 8:38 AM


http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/10thJAN2015-PartsHoodStruts036_zpse7424e94.jpg.html

wait for it....

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/10thJAN2015-PartsHoodStruts041_zpsf946c72d.jpg.html

Thanks KAOS smile.gif

Posted by: Box Jan 10, 2015 - 9:13 AM

Woooo hood struts.

Posted by: JoshuaM Jan 11, 2015 - 8:53 AM


I was being bugged to make some more exhaust clips of my car (with flybys)... and I obliged.

To summarise specs:
-Hurricane Headers
-200 Cell 2.25" High flow catalytic converter
-2.25" bullet style resonator (12" from memory)
-PROF JDM muffler (baffled) 60mm (2.3") in, 100mm out.
-2.25" crush bent piping the whole way (but neat)

Then a 2" bullet muffler added to cut down on the raspyness.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T85HnA51dlQ

Posted by: Anoroc Jan 11, 2015 - 11:32 PM

That sounds fantastic.

Have you considered getting a v-band connection just before the cat, so you can run 2.25" straight pipe and nothing else? Maximum rasp is the pinnacle of 'hilarious for driver, obnoxious for bystanders' biggrin.gif

Posted by: Box Jan 11, 2015 - 11:38 PM

It still has some raspiness to it when you first start off, but aside from that not bad for a non-turbo 4-cylinder. I'm guessing the muffler has a baffled insert? A chambered muffler would probably remove the rest of the rasp, but I don't think it's bad enough to worry about.

Posted by: cheela Jan 12, 2015 - 9:37 AM

QUOTE (JoshuaM @ Jan 10, 2015 - 7:38 AM) *
http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/10thJAN2015-PartsHoodStruts036_zpse7424e94.jpg.html

wait for it....

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/10thJAN2015-PartsHoodStruts041_zpsf946c72d.jpg.html

Thanks KAOS smile.gif



Did it really take you from day to night to install those hood struts? laugh.gif laugh.gif

anyways, looks great, I love them on mine. makes engine work alot easier.

Posted by: JoshuaM Jan 12, 2015 - 11:13 AM

QUOTE (Anoroc @ Jan 11, 2015 - 11:32 PM) *
That sounds fantastic.

Have you considered getting a v-band connection just before the cat, so you can run 2.25" straight pipe and nothing else? Maximum rasp is the pinnacle of 'hilarious for driver, obnoxious for bystanders' biggrin.gif


Thanks smile.gif Rasp can be funny, but I felt to self-conscious driving around town and was embarrassed to rev it to hard... which is no fun!

Apart from the fact that any measures to circumnavigate the cat means BIG trouble here (and they do check), I'm not allowed to touch it because another member on here has fallen in love with it and is buying my entire system as soon as the BEAMS + C-One exhaust goes on.

QUOTE (Box @ Jan 11, 2015 - 11:38 PM) *
It still has some raspiness to it when you first start off, but aside from that not bad for a non-turbo 4-cylinder. I'm guessing the muffler has a baffled insert? A chambered muffler would probably remove the rest of the rasp, but I don't think it's bad enough to worry about.


I think its just baffled - you can see where the piping goes through the body of the muffler with the perferated internal piping. I like it just as it is now smile.gif And I wouldn't change the muffler for that reason.... that muffler is the whole reason that I started building an exhaust! tongue.gif

QUOTE (cheela @ Jan 12, 2015 - 9:37 AM) *
Did it really take you from day to night to install those hood struts? laugh.gif laugh.gif

anyways, looks great, I love them on mine. makes engine work alot easier.


Haha, maybe.... tongue.gif Nah, first shot was at dusk, and the second shot was like 20 min after I finished. Took me a bit longer than I should because I wasn't thinking right and put the brackets on wrong tongue.gif

Yeah, I have wanted them for a while.... also lets you do crazy things like buy genuine grand new C-One radiator cooling panels late at night from Japan wink.gif

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/600x450-2014061600015_zpsb43c85e3.jpg.html

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/600x450-2014061600016_zps5a024ca5.jpg.html

Posted by: Box Jan 12, 2015 - 11:58 AM

Just went and looked at the picture up top and it looks like it has an insert that sits in the tip. Plus I know what you mean, the Miata sounded awful even with the factory exhaust. Old man driving habits aside I'd never take it past 4K because it'd sound like a Civic, and nobody wants that. Well, obviously some people do. Bad people.

Posted by: JoshuaM Jan 12, 2015 - 8:56 PM

QUOTE (Box @ Jan 12, 2015 - 12:58 PM) *
Just went and looked at the picture up top and it looks like it has an insert that sits in the tip. Plus I know what you mean, the Miata sounded awful even with the factory exhaust. Old man driving habits aside I'd never take it past 4K because it'd sound like a Civic, and nobody wants that. Well, obviously some people do. Bad people.


I have a friend with a Civic and ricy exhaust (he didn't want it but exhaust shop made assumptions on what 'quiet' meant to a teenager in a Honda tongue.gif).... And when I could no longer tease him about his ricy exhaust I had to take action tongue.gif

Also, I just bought both sets of these;

OZ Superturismo 17x8 +35mm

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/gworks_group-img600x450-1420365357roj5cq8292_zpsb374b5df.jpg.html

OZ Chrono 17x8 +35mm

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/600x450-2015010700313_zpsfb6cd73e.jpg.html

Thoughts on my car?

Posted by: richee3 Jan 12, 2015 - 9:15 PM

OZ Chronos are pure win. That is all.

Posted by: Box Jan 12, 2015 - 9:35 PM

Hmmm, if it were me I'd choose the Chrono.

Posted by: kloudkicka Jan 16, 2015 - 5:02 AM

I pick Chrono, your ride is soo clean, love it

Posted by: Tigawoods Jan 16, 2015 - 6:56 AM

OZ's. and paint em!

Posted by: JoshuaM Sep 6, 2015 - 9:25 AM

Before my big post, I promised you pictures at the end of last year and never delivered!

From my teaser you should have noticed that I met up with Rentaspace (Ryan) from Sydney (we have met several times in real life when I have had to fly to Sydney, but I have always flown). With him and his girlfriend up in Queeensland on holidays it was only right that we met up and took some photos.

The first meet was accidental – I was about to head out for the afternoon and MarbleFlame (Ben) had been to my place a few minutes earlier to pick up my spare PROF JDM ST202 muffler (he is also from interstate, about 5 hours away). Ryan decided to swing past before our meet the next day, and Ben saw him driving past and pulled a U-Turn and followed him back to my house. And there you go, a mini 6GC meet was born!

https://flic.kr/p/yfbLsd

https://flic.kr/p/xkyZyz

https://flic.kr/p/xkyJAP

Ryan’s girlfriend also had the life scared out of her when we noticed that she was standing about a foot in front of a giant (harmless) snake in the neighbours front yard tongue.gif

https://flic.kr/p/yhrXSe

They next day we went on a Brisbane Celica Club cruise, organised in Ryan’s honour (the perks of running the club tongue.gif). This is where Ryan swapped out the ST205 hood to a local member (the other white ST204 – this car is where a lot of my parts went to, but has since been sold).

https://flic.kr/p/xkBrog

https://flic.kr/p/xZZ584

https://flic.kr/p/yicVZe

https://flic.kr/p/ygyg6U

https://flic.kr/p/yf9uU3

https://flic.kr/p/xZXcpH

Another day on and we went and did our photo-shoot. I thought we would head out into the industrial side of the city to get some interesting backdrops, but we didn’t end up finding anything suitable (and had some cops tail us for a bit too tongue.gif), so we just found a random shopping centre.

https://flic.kr/p/xkAmN6

https://flic.kr/p/xZVY4A

https://flic.kr/p/xZT6xE

https://flic.kr/p/xksz2b

https://flic.kr/p/yiaSzn

https://flic.kr/p/ygyuMm

https://flic.kr/p/xkqiqq

And finally, a couple of random shots from when we drove out to Dalby to launch a weather balloon into the stratosphere with electronics we designed through the Electrical Engineering Student Society that I help run…. On the day we had 3 4WD light trucks, and a Toyota Landcruiser Prado carrying people around out-back…… therefore I decided that a lowered Celica would be the perfect lead retrieval vehicle! (some skids were had in the gravel tongue.gif)

https://flic.kr/p/y138WF

https://flic.kr/p/xZVbjb

Big post coming.....

Posted by: JoshuaM Sep 6, 2015 - 11:12 AM

So, I guess I owe you guys a bit of an explanation! Most of you will have seen around the place that I have taken a new direction.

So what happened?

I went crazy all-in with this car…. I had amassed thousands of dollars of parts and I was going for more (on top of buying a whole car in Japan to chop up, I was looking for a set of Evo 9 MR leather bucket seats, C-One CF hood etc on top of the huge selection of parts I had). Really, I needed somebody or some event to snap me out of it, and that came in the form of my friend (who was going to facilitate and probably do most of the engine swap with me) having to move house with no more garage. I had a small window (up until Easter) that we could still make it work, but with basically a blank cheque-book and 6 weeks of searching in Japan no suitable donor cars came through the auctions.

I did not see value in paying a shop to do a BEAMS swap (would be $2k+ labour), so I started to weigh up my options. There was nothing wrong with the current engine, it was still a nice car, but I did want a bit more. With the rare parts I had on order, plus the cost of the swap, plus the cost of painting the Celica when it was done, and the residual value of the car…. I had a lot of money, and a lot of options. I could have waited another ~12 months and continued with the original plan, but I was already getting itchy feet.

So I started selling off the swap parts, and other parts I had around the house or on the way from Japan. I did make sure I did install the spacers for a couple of months so that I could experience the ‘finished package’ and get some photos though (Unfortunately the exhaust was already gone before these pics).

https://flic.kr/p/xkJSEz

https://flic.kr/p/y18JJM

https://flic.kr/p/yhCYa6

https://flic.kr/p/yik2JB

https://flic.kr/p/yhCxyH

My full exhaust system (hurricane headers, custom 2.25” piping and Sheepdog by PROF JDM muffler) lives on in JFXtreme007’s Celica, along with my coilovers, whiteline sway bar, Cusco 4pt under brace, spacers (he already had the same wheels), hood struts and C-One cooling panel. Tigawoods got my ORC Ogura lightweight JDM flywheel. A cool guy in Sydney (not sure if on 6GC though) got the C-One exhaust I was importing, somebody in Coffs Harbour bought the TRD quickshifter and TRD front strut bar. The person with the white ST204 that bought Ryan’s 205 hood bought my JDM side rain visors, TRD door strikers, Endworks cluster and aluminium door sills. Somebody who is getting a ST205 locally soon bought the Chronos and the JDM floor mats, and the Superturismos went to a random in Adelaide. Oh, and of course RabidTRD got the euro risers.

You can probably guess where this is going….. I was selling the Celica.

I actually bought a new car back in March (hence you will notice my personalised plates have been removed for most of the last photos, except where staged). However, I didn’t actually list the car for sale until late July because I was removing a lot of parts, and waiting until after my mid-year exams to do it. I left most of the cosmetic goodies on the car to enhance the sale; projectors, SSIII front and TRD rear splitters, SSIII grill and crystal indicators. The vinyl roof had to come off though, which was a MASSIVE PITA…. Took a good couple of days.

Here are the photos I used for the ad;

https://flic.kr/p/y14ZzX

https://flic.kr/p/xZYoAN

https://flic.kr/p/xZXoZN

https://flic.kr/p/xZXf53

https://flic.kr/p/ygEuV5

https://flic.kr/p/yffSDd

https://flic.kr/p/xZYasU

https://flic.kr/p/y14KVT

And some interior shots after I took everything out…. Which I took so late I only sent them to one person, they never made it on the ad tongue.gif Also taken on request late one night, so I didn’t really get to clean it either.

https://flic.kr/p/xkKYbT

https://flic.kr/p/yij6WM

https://flic.kr/p/y11qo1

https://flic.kr/p/yhBnV6

https://flic.kr/p/xkHGxc

https://flic.kr/p/yhAZVp

https://flic.kr/p/yhAQZD

https://flic.kr/p/y16a8T

On Saturday the 29th of August 2015, I met the new owner and signed away my Celica.

Fear not, it is going to an enthusiast though. I sold the car to a young lad from Mackay, who currently owns a different 6th Gen Celica, but he liked the look of mine so he is trading up. He is still on his Learners permit, so this will be a nice car for him to finish learning in and then take on the world when he gets his full licence.

I haven’t yet told him about this thread and 6GC.Net, because I didn’t want to rain on the excitement of a new car purchase by showing off all the parts I had taken off and sold already. I did however have to have an awkward conversation when he sent me an email asking me if my Celica was the one doing skids in the review on Youtube (Richard On Cars Toyota Celica), which was my friend using my car for a few weeks when I was living in California in 2014 tongue.gif

I am still in contact with him though, so when the time is right and he is finding his own way with the car I’ll point him in this direction.

So what about me?

Well I started shopping for a Mazda RX8 back in February – more than BEAMS power, leather / luxury interior, 6 speed manual, RWD + LSD, sporty looks but still pretty practical. It was pretty much perfect…… but then I drove a Miata.

It just felt like nothing I had ever experienced before – simple, tiny and AMAZING fun. It was the opposite of pretty much everything I was looking for – it was hideously impractical and it was only a tiny bit more powerful than the 5S (but less torque!)…. But I had to have one.

I did a lot of research into all of the different models available and the NB8B came out a clear winner for me. Entering my final year of university, I needed something that I knew would be reliable. I wanted a clean, fairly low kms car with good paint (NOT SILVER! tongue.gif). The car was to spend most of its time commuting, so safety in the form of dual airbags and ABS were highly desirable.

So at the start of March I flew to Sydney to buy a late ’00 midnight blue NB8B model with the 6 speed manual. It was a single owner car with 65,200 kms!!!

https://flic.kr/p/tCxDkGhttps://flic.kr/p/tCxDkG

https://flic.kr/p/tCxDz9https://flic.kr/p/tCxDz9

https://flic.kr/p/uhYrmChttps://flic.kr/p/uhYrmC

https://flic.kr/p/tCxDQ9https://flic.kr/p/tCxDQ9

The road with the Miata (MX5 here) hasn’t been exactly as smooth as I expected, but I am absolutely loving it and modding it like crazy. I am saving up for a couple of months in Europe at the end of the year now, but I hope to do some racing in it early next year.

Its already got a shorter rear dif, Torsen LSD, shoft shifter and new Tein Flex Z coilovers, plus some cosmetics.

https://flic.kr/p/v4kd64


https://flic.kr/p/vkeKL7


https://flic.kr/p/v4jFzz

Its been temporarily raised to deal with some body work (not my fault -.-), but this is how it is sitting now;

http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/JoshM7/media/MX5%20Build/5th%20September%202015%20-%20MX5%20Wheels%20020%20edit_zpskb3kxx8i.png.html

You can follow more progress on the MX5 in my off topic thread;
http://www.6gc.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=95671

I have ABSOLUTELY LOVED these past 3 and a half years with my Celica, and I can say with HUGE confidence that this is due to the amazing encouragement, support and inspiration hosted through 6GC.Net. I have made some amazing friends, met up with 6GC people interstate in Aus and internationally in California. I learned a lot from you all, I hope I have given my fair share in return, but most importantly had an amazing time.

This is likely the end of my Celica journey (maybe a ST205 could happen in a few years, but I'm not making any promises), but I hope to pop back every now and again to keep up to date with everything and let anybody who still cares know what is happening on my end.

Posted by: Box Sep 6, 2015 - 11:22 AM

Gah, took you long enough. tongue.gif

Posted by: BonzaiCelica Sep 7, 2015 - 6:45 PM

Ahh after a few first paragraphs and details about selling off all your parts I knew where it was going. Ah beams is so fun oh well

Posted by: JFXtreme007 Sep 7, 2015 - 10:52 PM

Awesome last post! but your celica will be surely missed!

Posted by: igpx12 Sep 9, 2015 - 2:46 PM

Bummer seeing you sell off the celica, but all of us probably figured from the parts being sold that it was eventual. Best of luck with the MX5 and hope to see you on here again with an ST205.

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