6G Celicas Forums

Till one of us dies!

Has anyone of the high mile GC6 had to replace fuel pump - if so at what miles? One of the few components that can leave you stranded suddenly!

GC6 is timeless! Any car that is paid for makes you money every day you drive it! Ladies enjoy being in a car that looks sharp and shiny! If she does not like your car, time to change girls!

Thx for the replies and suggestions -- So far no mechanical failures at 110K! Just normal wear out items (PVC leakage/replacement, etc!)

Thanks for the replys so far. Many posts have submitted high mileage numbers. Hopefully some of these can advise any mechanical failures occurring while racking up those incredible miles!
Thanks...Celicalibre

Since many Celicas are advancing their mileage after all these years, what mechanical failures have you had and at what mileage did you have that failure. Were you stranded while traveling? I am planning some rather long trips cross country and want to be prepared for anticipated failures!

Front end exudes finesse!

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NICS -- did you ever have to clean out the front catalytic converter closest to the engine? I had to gut out a previous Celica as it became clogged at 160K miles.

Have you had to do any other major repairs with your high mileage? Curious as I intend to keep my pristine convertible forever more!

Thx...Celicalbre

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I have a 1999 Celica automatic convertible that is pristine! Practical use and comfort of back seat depends upon who will sit in the back. Fine for young children -- too small for adults! Automatic transmission if flawless. Extremely fun to drive and handles with finesse!

Have only 116K miles on original engine and transmission.

Questions to high mileage Celicas: How many have original fuel pumps? If not, what was the mileage when replaced! How about timeing belt - when did you replace it? Thanks..Celicalibre

Celicalibre supports the lifelong commitment - Mine is garage kept convertible used for fun excursions only cruisin' unique roads and byways!

Thanks - amazing if fuel pump goes 280,000! Must be a reliable device as never see any posts about fuel pump failures.

Anyone else with high mileage with a fuel pump still working?

Appreciate any responses!

For those who have had a fuel pump failure -- what miles did you have on your odometer when your fuel pump failed? How difficult was the replacement and did you acquire after market pump or order one from Toyota?

...the last thing you do closing up the house at night for bedtime is to turn on the garage light, stare with admiration at your Celica, and then close the garage door!

You are only as old as you make her feel! Or, old enough to know better, but too young to resist!

Of the two "collector" cars I own, the Celica convertible is for fun and the other is luxury performance! I truly appreciate the engineering and handling of the Celica. Enjoy the subtle attention it gets for its stunning good looks. Many people have never seen one and just the other day a police officer pulled up and asked me what year it is. Doesn't get any better than traveling the highways and byways of the South in a flip top during the fall of the year!

I have a GC6 and a SC300, they are both unique enjoyable rides. But, very different animals to be sure. The early years of SC300 and SC400 (V-8) have some unique characteristics. For reliability, ease of engine maintenance, etc. I prefer the SC300. The V-8 has some known problems with power steering leaks, front end strut issues, ps leaks into the alternator, etc. Also, true horse power differences were not worth the engine repair issues. Both cars are strong performers - not racers per se, but decent performance with finesse -- especially on the open road. Gas mileage the same for V-8 and straight six due to lower gearing on the SC300 -- 20 mpg town, 26mpg on highway, but probably will require 91 to 93 octane. Engines and transmissions are solid.

Make sure there are no outstanding repairs needed whatever as Lexus can be very expensive to repair. Timing belt breakage not a critical issue as the 95 SC300 is a non-interference engine. But timing belt replacement can be $700 to $1500 depending how far you want to replace other components while replacing the timing belt, e.g. power steering pump, water pump, front crankshaft seals, new belts, etc. which are basically recommended replacement items that are worthwhile when changing the timing belt.

Alignment and front ends tend to wear with considerable mileage -- all manageable but can lead to expensive repairs.

The Celica: fun driver and reliable. Much less maintenance at much lower cost. Regular gas and good mileage.

Long trips: Lexus is a dream ride, Celica you know you have been on a long trip!

In either case, they are both very enjoyable vehicles with their own unique sense of style and drivability. Performance wise after driving the Lexus the Celica will feel like a nimble turtle in an affectionate way!

Good luck on your choice and let us know how it all turns out.

Regarding Header and CAT converter:

Appreciate anyone's experience...

Instead of Header replacement, has anyone just punched out the in-line CAT converter? Or install a header and punch out the CAT?

On my prior Gen 5 Celica at 150K miles, I developed a manifold exhaust leak. When removing discovered the CAT attached to the exhaust manifold was plugged up which probably caused the manifold exhaust leak.

I simply punched out with a steel rod all the CAT (quite dense construction) material leaving completely flow through open chamber. Definitely noticed a difference in smoothness and slightly more responsive.

On my Gen 6 Celica, I am deciding (100k miles) whether to just punch out the converter or install a header and remove the CAT. Or maybe install header and punch out.

Thx for the help and guidance...

Thymeclock,

Any progress on your vibration issue? After thinking about your situation, must be that the top changes the airflow enough to affect (lift or pressure) the dynamics of the source problem since no other verts have reported similar traits. Wish you the best of luck on this one and keep us posted if you solve it.

Also, regarding conversion numbers - my 1999 vert similar to yours: Last four digits of Vin is 2510, ASC number is 0477 converted in November of 1998.

Thx...Celicalibre

My 1999 vert is garage kept and driven for pleasure and long trips. Also has been exposed to various weather conditions -- rain, storms, high winds, etc.

Never have I experienced any vibration or handling problems at low or high speed. In fact, just the opposite -- one of the most stable handling cars I have ever owned!

Question: Was your recent spin balance done because of the vibration or was it done before you noticed the vibration? First place to re-check if done before you noticed the vibration. If it is an alignment problem, then usually a front end gentle rock or sway might occur at low coasting speed. But the balance and alignment are basic items to recheck.

Next item are tires - is one of them "separating or developed a slight bulge in the tread?" This will definitely cause a new vibration!

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For convertibles - a solution that worked for me to completely eliminate wind noise where the windows meet together: Purchase aguarium air pump plastic tubing from an aquarium store; Cut tubing to length (top to bottom) of the verticle neoprene seal on the side rear window that meets and is suppose to seal against the front window edge; With a comb or screwdriver, press the aquarium tubing into the crevice lip of the neoprene seal on the rear window edge. This pushes out the lip of the neoprene seal to make better contact with the front window edge. Ever so often you may have to press the tubing in again as it may tend to work outward - especially after putting the top up and down. Good luck and let us know if this tubing solution helped reduce wind noise in convertibles. Thanks....

Welcome aboard - I wonder how many of us there are: black on black on black convertible. Ours are identical!

109,587 original miles - engine, transmission and body in pristine condition!

Since both front tires are "cupping," traditionally indicates out of alignment or worse case a front end suspension that is worn out and will not maintain proper alignment. Of course, certain tires more susceptible to wear, e.g. soft performance tires - but still the problem is the same cause.

Please let us know what you determine - if you trust the original alignment people, perhaps they can provide some perspective.

Good Luck...

After removing, installing and rebuilding various engines thru the years I think it is advisable to have a new clutch assembly included in the installation. Considering the time and work involved, it should not be that much more money relatively - just request a copy of the parts invoice for warranty purposes and retention of the core parts for refund if the new clutch requires core trade-in.

In my view, removing and rebuilding the current engine is easier and you reduce the risk of junk engines.

Unless you want an entirely different engine for performance, then may be worth the purchase from a company that provides completely rebuilt engine with a warranty. As always, comes down to cost vs risk!

Good Luck...

Opps