Little background info..
I bought the car sometime around turning 18 and it was all stock with 185,XXX miles. As strange as it may sound, it was the only car I had been wanting for well over a year. Celica's aren't very common in my area so had to be patient while waiting for one to turn up.
(I had originally ran into a 99' fully loaded celica GT with 55,XXX original miles for $5,000!! .. I wanted it so bad but could not afford it)
So I settled for a 95 ST automatic for half the price. Yes, I know a lot of people don't like autos, but it was my only realistic choice at the time.
Since then, it has been my pride and joy.. literally almost everytime I look at it.
I've been inspired by many cars on this sight and while my car may not be to everyone's taste it is to me.
Here's how it looked when I bought it..
http://s49.photobucket.com/user/jesse9000/media/iji.png.html
First 2-3 years with the car
After about a year of just enjoying the classic looks I ran into 2 small trees that really damaged the fenders and damaged my bumper beyond repair
So I decided to start chasing my dream of the gt4 look. I bought the gt4 bumper for $450 and had a local body shop "fix" the fenders, fit the new bumper and do a full car (but lower quality) paint job for $600.
During this time I also added
Entry Level Sound system (Dual subs, SPL amp, power acoustic speakers, Pioneer Deck)
Car Alarm
Window Tint
Neon Dials
From this
http://s49.photobucket.com/user/jesse9000/media/DSC00750.jpg.html
To This
http://s49.photobucket.com/user/jesse9000/media/DSC00832.jpg.html
Installing Indiglo Face Dials with a buddy
http://s49.photobucket.com/user/jesse9000/media/6cb44648-f21a-4946-bd47-b18d1d8dc19d.jpg.html
Years 3-4
By this time I had become attached to my celica and was sure that I would never want to sell it, so figured might as well just keep adding and modding
These years I added..
17" Katana Wheels
Mud Flaps
GT4 hood
Sun Visor
7th gen steering wheel
Upgraded sound system to (kenwood speakers, Kenwood amp and sub)
http://s49.photobucket.com/user/jesse9000/media/6gcredo.png.html
http://s49.photobucket.com/user/jesse9000/media/IMG_0189.jpg.html
Most Recently
Now my car means as much to me as a machine could to a person.. well maybe with the exception of young john conner and the terminator in part 2.
I get complements about my car all the time and turns a lot of heads when I'm driving. Everytime we go somewhere my friends always wanna go in my car and for also take some pride in it cause they have helped me out a lot with repairs. Not gonna lie I feel like I'm driving my dream car. I know its probably the slowest 6gc ever but it is awfully dependable. I may not even bother racing when a new mustang or corvette try to test my car at a light, but i think it's funny that $60,000 cars feel the need to impress my $2500 car. I have been saving up and sometime this year I really want to venture into the v6 swap or even give it a go at the rare 4agze but only time will tell on that..
Things I've done
Upgraded system (infinity kappa speakers, alpine amps, audiobahn to image dynamics sub)
Enkei Rims
Falken Tires
Eibach Springs
KYB shocks struts and mounts
Limited Edition Floor mats
JDM Tails
http://s49.photobucket.com/user/jesse9000/media/IMG_0029.jpg.html
http://s49.photobucket.com/user/jesse9000/media/IMG_0635.jpg.html
http://s49.photobucket.com/user/jesse9000/media/IMG_0773.jpg.html
http://s49.photobucket.com/user/jesse9000/media/IMG_0753-1.jpg.html
I have been upgrading parts as my budget allows.. I know some people say if your not gonna do it right don't do it at all but i've been learning mostly through trial and error. I'm a 23 yr old mex-american, still trying to finish up on my bachelors degree and so I can only work part time. I usually only buy the goodies when I get a really good deal.
Deals I've gotten include...
Set of JDM Tails- $80 picked up from local member
GT4 Hood- $145 shipped
Brand new Enkei rims, Falken tires- $575
Limited Edition floor mats- $50
TRD front and rear splitters- $95 shipped
Oem side skirts- $80 picked up
Body Kit is awaiting paint at the moment
http://s49.photobucket.com/user/jesse9000/media/IMG_1053.jpg.html
Well that's about it for now, super tired from all this typing and uploading
Tomorrow or the next few days I will be posting of some stuff I have lined up to do and seek some advice about some stuff.
Thanks for reading and hope to hear from some of you guys
-Jesse
Tell me more about that Camaro.
Oh you thought I was serious.
Oh but I am.
Nice looking Celica. I have the ST with 5 speed myself and I thought it was slow, I feel sorry for you in that regard. I've looked into doing the 4A-GZE swap myself since it'd allow keeping my transmission, but from what everyone says it's a real pain to do. So 1MZ-FE and call it a day.
Sexy car, keep up the good work
you've come a long way. it looks great. and I think it's funny too when newer cars rev up nice to me to show off.
you got some of your parts for real cheap and that's awesome. wish I could have found some of my parts for that cheap.
oh well, keep it coming.
Looks good, and you're certainly happy so that's most important
One thing I noticed though... are they Curren/Coupe rear spats? That would explain poor fitment at the rear. I think they are harder to find then hatch ones, so might be worth trying to trade those on before painting rather than having to attempt the body work? .... Orrrr it could just look funny since they're taped on, either way
Thanks for the complements guys
Box- the camaro belongs to the guy who does my cars body work. It's an IROCZ I think and man that thing really goes. Ya I know i really want to do the 1mz since there is it's become more documented, problem with mine is I would have to change trannys no matter what i go with.
rentaspace- thanks and i will! btw your SX looks is looking real good too.
cheela- thanks, ya I have gotten lucky with parts quite a few times. A lot of it his to do with checking ebay on an almost daily basis waiting for cheaper stuff to come up. And man your engine bay looks super clean. Wish mine looked like that.
I want to say there were some supercharged MR2's that were automatic, so not necessarily. Still, I'd just say 1MZ and call it a day. If I were to swap mine that's what I'd do.
Where did you get the front and rear splitters for 95 shipped??
Lookin good!
I am now undecided between TRD replica wing or GT-4 risers... sigh.
Nice work mate. I had a ST myself a few years back and although it wasn't the quickest who cares it's still a Celica right
Liking the work with the front end conversion it's looking good buddy
Possible Upcoming Mods (inputs welcome): Sway Bars, Disk Brakes, and Seats (need some help on seats)
Suspension Tech Sway Bars Front and Rear or Front and Rear OEM strutbrace
Sway bars are $245 shipped from autoanything.com Still debating if this is worth the money.
OEM strut bars- I already have the front, rear is on sale for $110 on ebay. cheaper option, wondering if this would make a good enough difference in handling to avoid having to purchase sway bars.
Rear GT disk brakes- $100 dollars plus pads and rotors
There are 2 98 GT's I currently have access to that have the rear disk brake set up.
I decided I'm going to upgrade to this as soon as I have time.
If someone is interested in the other set, let me know.
http://s49.photobucket.com/user/jesse9000/media/7210ab1c-425b-41ab-ae62-00cc6942d20d.jpg.html
http://s49.photobucket.com/user/jesse9000/media/96dc0e14-523e-40db-82dd-b98a0cd42110.jpg.html
Seats-
This is where I could really use some opinions/advice. I'm currently divided between three options.
Option 1- I have access to a 7th gen with black/smoke grey cloth seats (would match current interior). This option would be around $300. 200 for seats and probably 100 dollars for the 96-99 GT seat brackets and 96-99 GT seat belts which must also be changed. 7th gen seats in good condition just need to be cleaned.
Option 2- Vincent doggy seat covers. $330. I believe I read somewhere that the fitment is not that great for the 94-95 ST. I've never owned anything but cloth so Idk how I would like vinyl seats
Option 3- Reupholster worn out and faded black cloth on current seats and give the middle pattern a good clean up. Anywhere from $100-350
Let me know what you think,
Jesse
http://s49.photobucket.com/user/jesse9000/media/06acf194-8150-4206-ba0c-2d72c8e7b07a.jpg.html
I love our stock seats. I'm getting mine reupholstered.
Plans are sounding good sir.
Now I can give advice and say that as per strut braces the GT Four rear brace is well worth buying so I'd be inclined to buy that first then if you decide you'd like sway bars too then get the rear one only in my opinion as it would set handling better.
With regards to brakes I don't know if you've got drums on the rear but I'd be looking at the front brakes first not the rears. The GT brakes are bigger / much better so I'd be doing that myself
Seats you say eh,
Right then I've got gen 7 seats in my 6 at the minute (pics in my progress thread I believe) and the first thing I'll say is they're much softer than the 6 seats although they lack support because of this. I'd be inclined to say are you going for looks or actual performance ie are you going to track the car / drive it hard etc?
If not then get gen 7 seats, If you are then get the 6 seats sorted
Simples haha
Anytime mate happy to help.
Over in the UK even our ST's had rear disks that why I asked as I don't know too much about the differences
A lot of help would come from the rear brace they do make a big difference so well worth trying that first. Again from what I can tell of the sway bars they're more track focused so they maybe overkill lol.
Of course if something breaks it's a good time for an upgrade but I wouldn't do it of my own accord when there's lots of other stuff to do haha
Finally replaced the windshield washer lines and fluid tank! This has never worked on my car due to a cracked tank and missing lines. Now that it's all working I realize how convenient having this feature is!
So I finally had some movement on my car this week. And I think it's some of the most exciting and best yet. Adding to my resume of good deals is... Leather seats! And premium door panels with eclipse speakers for just 200 dollars!
The front seats are literally 10/10 and rear about 8/10. They are are dark smoke grey color that was the precise color I wanted!
The door panels are from the 8 speaker set up and they are about 9/10.
I found the donor car about 2 hours drive from my house on craigslist and picked the stuff up at a great price. The extra speaker really bring out the mids and add a much more full and rich sound! And seats are really comfy and makes it feel like a brand new car. Also added a TRD horn sticker for looks and painted my cluster needles red orange, this added a more aggressive feel. I bought some TOMS seat belt cushions just for kicks.
I also finally painted and installed the trd splitters and oem sideskirts. I think it looks really good but I'm still debating wether to keep them on or not. Comments always welcome!
I'm with Box. you are just too good at getting these deals!
those are on my to-do lists but can never find a decent set or seats or door panel.
Ya I will admit this is like a dream find. Couldn't really believe it at first but I'm glad I searched eBay and Craigslist daily, and got a lucky find! Seats aren't really leather though now that I examined them, but they are a high quality vinyl.
Thought they looked different than the leather seats I've seen. Look to be top notch, someone paid good money to have them recovered.
Small update:
Added armrest cover
Also added a new alpine headunit but have no pic of it. Model cde-148bt. It's their newest lineup and features a nice 9 band equalizer, 4v pre-outs and time correction along with some other nice tuning perks.
Haven't done much with my car lately. Added some 8mm spacers to rear and 5mm to the front.
Currently contemplating buying a turbo setup from the for sale forums . Not really sure how good of an idea this is, as my engine has quite a bit of miles.
I wouldn't worry about the mileage as long as the engine has healthy compression.
I wasn't happy with the prefab probox I had so I decided to do something a little more custom. The box took up wayy to much room, sound quality was poor, and wasn't aesthetically pleasing with the amps and wires on the back of the rear seats
Only pic I can find
http://s49.photobucket.com/user/jesse9000/media/Mobile%20Uploads/5158BC81-4214-4C80-BACD-D812569EFC31.jpg.html
So I had a custom box made.
http://s49.photobucket.com/user/jesse9000/media/Mobile%20Uploads/1A319B13-2DE6-44FC-A5F3-E39568EC4D0A.jpg.html
I had the guy make it so it stayed relatively aligned to bulges on the side
After that I bought some 1/4 MDF and carpet and began to construct my own "flush" enclosure
http://s49.photobucket.com/user/jesse9000/media/Mobile%20Uploads/240FE011-CD95-40A3-A76C-1B8CE9896B3F.jpg.html
http://s49.photobucket.com/user/jesse9000/media/Mobile%20Uploads/A0A45C3B-6D4D-4CF7-B249-1F0A108AA2DF.jpg.html
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http://s49.photobucket.com/user/jesse9000/media/Mobile%20Uploads/E760E463-4149-413E-811D-E58EF956FAA6.jpg.html
http://s49.photobucket.com/user/jesse9000/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2F424DFC-51FB-4F10-B695-431793D632CF.jpg.html
And that's all. It's far from perfect but it looks a lot better than having the amps and wire out in the open and there's actually a decent amount of space.
Overall cost other than the actual sub box was about $25 and took less than 2 hours to make. Hope you guys like it
Love the look of that enclosure..
Loving the progress, definitely keep the skirts and spats on (y)
what are you gonna do when you have a rear strut bar?! hahahah.
looks good though and decent amount of trunk room left too.
Thanks guys
Haha I debated for like an hour about the strut bar but decided to just go with a neater box. Ya there is plenty of space for me to store some of my stuff I need.
Definetly keeping the skirts, but I do need to make a thread to trade my rear coupe splitters for some hatch ones.
I ran into some local tein coilovers for pretty cheap. 200 something dollars cheap. Unfortunately I don't know much about coilovers but I don't think these won't fit my ST. But I want to confirm before i pass on them. I also don't really know how to tell on the condition. Can anyone give me some insight on these?
http://s49.photobucket.com/user/jesse9000/media/JM%20images/C5C29119-04E1-4DD2-B824-F5F5C157CE70.jpg.html
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http://s49.photobucket.com/user/jesse9000/media/JM%20images/39A3E98B-E386-44FA-B693-BEDA059869C6.jpg.html
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http://s49.photobucket.com/user/jesse9000/media/JM%20images/AB3F7203-A9D4-4E93-8BC4-90A945EA44B8.jpg.html
they wont fit
yup if you see closely it says is for st205, or the GT4
yeah I guess I was just blindly hoping they would
Euro Lip finally arrived. Did a quick spray in black and fitted, it looks nice but not perfect. The whole car needs a repaint.
Overall I absolutely love the look. I've been wanting this piece for a long time. It's getting really close to being where I want it. At least cosmetically
http://s49.photobucket.com/user/jesse9000/media/51D2AA84-8752-4309-9869-1CFD10A3AB5F.jpg.html
http://s49.photobucket.com/user/jesse9000/media/26DF3F60-521A-4613-AE3C-9F2B359143E4_1.jpg.html
http://s49.photobucket.com/user/jesse9000/media/8E8D8ACA-AAA9-4940-974F-C4BB5F415F0C.jpg.html
You can't really see but the lip is about 4 inches lower from the tip of the bumper and about 3.5 inches from the ground.
Took it for a spin and haven't scraped on anything so it's better designed against bumps then it looks
http://s49.photobucket.com/user/jesse9000/media/7F138078-77A8-4BF8-9F45-D00FAFADCF90.jpg.html
Also bought a new set of Cooper RS3-A tires and a set of 25 and 30mm spacers.
I had to get my fenders rolled and there is still the slightest bit of rubbing when I go over hard bumps, so I've been super careful.
I love the tires by the way. They look great, ride great, and you can get them for a great price from discount tire direct on ebay.
http://s49.photobucket.com/user/jesse9000/media/2CFFD25A-6C00-4A4B-A133-05B3D08FEF81.jpg.html
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http://s49.photobucket.com/user/jesse9000/media/49C373B7-97A4-4293-96F7-037463F123F1.jpg.html
I'm starting to debate getting a new car as a daily driver, so I don't have to put more stress on my car and help preserve the celica for as long as possible.
I say this but i'd probably still drive the celica anyway. I love my celica.
Oh, man, the lip looks great. It sits very nicely on a GT-FOUR.
Im digging the look of that lip
that lip looks very nice
thanks! i gotta get someone with a DSLR to take better pics. Iphone camera isn't cutting it anymore
Projectors!
http://s49.photobucket.com/user/jesse9000/media/F56A4046-DBA4-4C9C-8644-17D07F0C72F6.jpg.html
Got them for $400 shipped. Driver side headlight has broken tabs, but they were included so I think I can fix them with glue.
Does anyone know if a USDM housing will fit the JDM housing?
I think I'm gonna go with 6000k HID's, after I modify them for US roads, hopefully thats not too difficult.
Haven't been updated in awhile. Not really any big mods done
Added the 98-99 Steering wheel and took out the 7th gen. wheel.
The ENDs cluster pods
Only a few small more details to take care of then I can't wait to for an actual engine swap.
http://s49.photobucket.com/user/jesse9000/media/655C13B1-A13C-4323-9C03-664811D3FB7F.jpg.html
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Picked up some 5zigen FN01RC for cheap the other day but it was more of an impulse by. After thinking about it i'm not really sure how I would like them on the celica. I painted 2 of them in a smoke/bronze metallic color, haven't had time to do the other 2. May sell them, don't know yet..
http://s49.photobucket.com/user/jesse9000/media/135E3ED5-28C1-43F0-B74D-5907A6EBD062.jpg.html
http://s49.photobucket.com/user/jesse9000/media/A5CEBFB6-1582-42E2-9F6D-930D1E32B207.jpg.html
I like them.
I'm liking those 5zigens. Damn clean car either way though!
What did you use to paint your risers and splitters? I'll be jumping that hurdle soon.
I've had a sudden resurgence to continue rebuilding and improving my Celica.
I have a lot of plans but for now my main goal is to go back and tidy up all the corners that i've cut when dealing with my car over the years.
I've always respected the neat wiring work of njccmd and I'd like to at least convey that theme where possible.
-----------------
Finally got a chance to pick up the splash shields and fender liners i've been missing for years
Cleaned them up, I may spray them with some rubberized under coating before installing but idk yet.
http://s49.photobucket.com/user/jesse9000/media/03831E9A-8947-451F-A214-00EB7CEB2684.jpg.html
Also finally found a set of decent fenders, they not in the pristine condition i've been holding out for but they're still not bad.
Im debating if I want to attempt to cover the USDM side indicator holes and cut a slot for the JDM style indicators
http://s49.photobucket.com/user/jesse9000/media/D098D661-3729-4588-99EB-759883F1BDF7.jpg.html
Also ordered a bunch of stuff. HID's, harnesses, plugs, wiring loom, relays and a fog light kit from amazon. and LEDs from superbrightleds
http://s49.photobucket.com/user/jesse9000/media/ScreenShot2015-01-25at25045PM.png.html
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Suspension is my next goal. I'll hope to have everything ready by the time my illusive quest for more HP begins.
Bought a Suspension Technique rear sway bar for... $37 shipped. Brand new from amazon.
I was going to wait till it arrived before I spread the word, but when I went back the price went back up
http://s49.photobucket.com/user/jesse9000/media/8D9B79DA-A096-4AC8-AB62-22CF50820663.jpg.html
I'm plan to upgrade to rear disc brakes (EBC pads and Centric drilled rotors), polyurethane end links, front ST sway bar, polyurethane front and rear bushing kit, And maybe GT4 rear strut and 3 point front strut.
I'll be updating this thread more often if all goes well.
Added the fairing to complete the roof rack.
http://s49.photobucket.com/user/jesse9000/media/BD50C236-53A1-49D4-9EFC-F33431AD10B7.jpg.html
Got a few other things that I'm starting to gather parts for, mainly braking upgrade
where did you buy Your floor mats ? btw good looking Celica
I almost have all the parts needed to complete my braking overhaul. So far I have
For the rear:
GT backing plate, calipers, centric seals and piston, brackets, new centric rotors, EBC 2000green stuff pads, Stoptech SS brake lines, centric parking brake hardware kit.
For the front
Avalon Dual piston calipers, centric seals and piston, GT caliper bracket, Stoptech SS brake lines, EBC 2000 green stuff pads. I think all I have left to buy is the Stoptech Slotted Rotors and a full front and rear brake upgrade will be installed.
http://s49.photobucket.com/user/jesse9000/media/IMG_0794.jpg.html
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http://s49.photobucket.com/user/jesse9000/media/IMG_0838.jpg.html
Also..
Got a STEAL on a set of original GT4 3-Spoke alloys with Yokohama A520 Tires with decent tread life. I just need to source some center caps.
http://s49.photobucket.com/user/jesse9000/media/IMG_0833.jpg.html
Waiting to install GT4 rear strut bar covers and sleeve as well. I have front euro splitters awaiting install after my JDM style fenders get finished this week or the next
How the HECK did you get an ST sway bar for 37 dollars?!
Also, waaaay back in the journal, how did you manage to get the gtfour bumper fit with the stock hood without a gap?
Have everything I need (i think) to tackle the front and rear brake upgrade tomorrow minus brake fluid.
Also, the 4 smaller boxes against the wall are the motor and transmission mounts, hoping to get those done by the end of the month.
http://s49.photobucket.com/user/jesse9000/media/c738e928-3280-4f19-9840-6f0ecf3cd483.jpg.html
Oo rotors for the track
did you get the calipers and brackets powder coated? they look awsome
Those calipers came out really nice! Brake upgrades ftw!
So I didn't expect the EBC green stuff pads to be THIS GREEN. Ya i know that sounds crazy. It doesn't look bad just personally not about the colorful look. I'm gonna dump them and pick up a set of TRD pads for the front and OEM Toyota pads for the rear. Unfortunately cars going to have to sit for about a week until they arrive
http://s49.photobucket.com/user/jesse9000/media/D18A3ACC-68FD-4BAE-8950-489960F88A30.png.html
Here's a comparison photo of the old cheapo ST rotor vs the slotted EBC GT rotor.
http://s49.photobucket.com/user/jesse9000/media/6B60224F-8BA0-4E8A-854C-37C310040756.jpg.html
But those vibrant colors really add flare and awe to your whip in the JDM, seem haven't you seen?
Thanks msk59. Here's some pics of the roof rack
Parts I used are
Yakima Q towers
Yakima Q 11 clips
Yakima stretch kit
Yakima 48" crossbars
Yakima 38" 35 year anniversary fairing
Yakima locks and keys
It's pretty sturdy and sits nice. I bought the q towers, crossbars, locks and keys used. The rest new
http://s49.photobucket.com/user/jesse9000/media/A36A91F8-F336-47C9-AD53-AAA5EF49EBD2.jpg.html
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Awesome. Yeh that does looks cool especially with the front spoiler! Thanks very much.
So the TRD pads were discontinued as expected. I went ahead and kept the EBC green stuff pads on there and have now put about 200 miles on the new front brake upgrade.
Overall a very good improvement over my factory setup so far. It's not too much or too little. Smooth with hardly any noise but there is a moderate amount of dust that has accumulated.
Hopefully I'll have times for rears this week
I run those exact rotors with brembo pads on my lexus. I track the car 4-5 times a summer, by far the best rotors I have owned!
You could've just painted the pad plates a different color?
Finally got around to swapping the rear drums to disc brake setup.
Big difference. Braking is more controlled and even. Looks a lot cleaner too.
It's taken many months to get all the pieces together and finding the time to install myself, but upgrading all 4 hubs was definitely worth it. Learned a lot in the process
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looks good! I still gotta change my drums out one of these days.
same here.i gotta stock up on parts for the winter
Thanks. And i'd def recommend doing so. It's not as hard as it is time consuming. Especially if you don't have the money to just shell out for all the parts at once and have to collect them as I did.
Also forgot to mention, I modified my fenders to the JDM/Euro style
And..
They weren't kidding about the brake dust on the green stuff pads, that stuff is quick to collect.
if you dont mind me asking how much and where did you get the duckbill?
i did the usdm fender reflector delete on mine. how hard was it to find the jdms?
soon maybe. funding is tight right now. i havent done to much mods. just the body and some suspension. i have the trd 3 point strut and rear strut and they make those quick turns real tight. good upgrade right there. my endlinks could use an upgrade too.
Hey - great progress on your car. One of your photos reminds me of the time we had a meet. Continue the great work on your car man. I'm also doing some updates on mine so hopefully will be somewhat ready by mid or late February. Always glad to see a member in Texas that has passion in the Celica. Let's have a meet up at Starbucks or something when our cars are ready.
Mounted the 94-95 gt4 alloys today.
A lot of people seem to have a love or hate attitude for them but i really like them.
On one hand sporty, offer wider tire options, and are just pure JDM throwback classics, on the other they are a bit outdated and bland.
Planning on painting or powder coating soon (haven't decided which route yet) in hopes that a nice metallic grey brings out their full potential.
Just bought ordered a set of BFGoodrich tires to wrap them in too
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I love them. I wish i could get a set.
So replacing the motor mounts was no easy task. Surprisingly the rear mount wasn't all that difficult, just had some bad luck.
Front and passenger side aftermarket mounts I ordered from rock auto did not fit! Greatly delayed my progress.
In the process I stripped the threading in the chassis that one of the passenger side bolt goes too.
Hoping this won't be to difficult to remedy.
After that's done..
I have a set of mevotech front end links and sway bar bushings, moog rear end links, custom front strut bar and GT4 rear bar to install.
First I got to get these on, after I get the 3 spoke gt4 alloys repainted.
http://s49.photobucket.com/user/jesse9000/media/515C8A87-9199-4598-9A14-B90E42678652.jpg.html
After that........
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.....And it's not an a/c compressor haha
Supercharger off a 4A-GZE?
oooooh... ahhhh...
haha ooh ahh is correct.
Ya it is a supercharger, not off the 4agze tho.
I'll put up more details as I get around to installation
Should have updates on this in the coming months after suspension is ready for the additional power.
Had a busy Saturday.
Cleaned up the engine bay.
Changed oil, tranny fluid, motor mounts, added front and rear strut bar, and painted my rear rotors to prevent rust from accumulating so quickly.
I also added a set of used rear Moog sway bar end links I purchased from a member here but not have a clunking noise that wasn't there before. Wonder what it could be.
Also added pics of the tires and wheels installed couple weeks back.
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Lately i've been getting a bit bored driving my car and my bro recently got a stick shift 350. No one in our family's had a stick in years, so it was a cool to drive a sports car have access to driving it.
I had plans for a supercharger but i'm starting to come to the realization that I may have gotten burned on a project by a member here unfortunately.
So I figured the next best thing to do was to go for a manual swap. After searching for a running donor car with no luck, a 5 speed ST popped up in a local junkyard. I calculated the costs for each component in a spreadsheet and figured I can get away with a full swap for under $600, of course budgeting extra since these things rarely go without an extra expense or so.
I've read and researched and believe I have a full understanding into the installation. Only thing I'm still a bit stumped on is wiring. I haven't seen a good write up or explanation on how to do it with an OEM like wiring set up, where you have to depress clutch and using M/T ECU.
Going to keep reading but if anyone knows about it lmk.
I've already ordered my first parts and have more coming in, will pull the rest of the parts on Monday during half of memorial day sale. Also, bought some new suspension components for some are worn out.
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The brake hardware on the left are older parts that i no longer need. Only mevotech part i will use from the picture below is the front sway bar end link.
http://s49.photobucket.com/user/jesse9000/media/IMG_3950.jpg.html
SwissFerdi on here manual swapped his ST, might try sending him a PM. The information on swapping is bound to be around here somewhere though.
It's been a long time since I've shown the Celica much attention. Paint is getting bad, suspension components need replacing, still wanting to do the manual swap, and interior seat covers are getting rough.
Over the last 18 months, I got married, we bought our first home, family vehicle, and had a son (also our first). Crazy how the car that was once my infatuation has now worked its way down the totem poll in my life. But still, it remains special to me.
Proud that I was able to get the Celica going for it to be his first ever car ride, since we only live about a mile from the hospital. Other than that it's probably sat 9 of the last 12 months, due to it taking me much longer to get around to fixing issues, even easy ones.
I've come to terms that progress is likely going to be a lot slower moving forward but I still want to keep track of the progress.
Next in line is to get the fuel system finally fixed. Ordered a new bracket, pump, and pressure regulator. That should get it running again at least.
After that I will do a more in depth suspension repair consisting of poly motor mounts, axles, ball joints, control arms bushings, and I have a set of brand new Falken tires as well. Debating on adding some 10-15 HR or Ichiba spacers.
Debating if I want to go ahead and swap the tranny while I have it up, but this will obviously result in more down time.
New audio system, since apparently I have a never ending desire to continue upgrading this system.
And then paint job, and possible engine overhaul. Still have some pieces to a supercharger project a started collecting for a few years back that got put on hold. This will likely be the last hurdle.
Also, I came across a good opportunity to buy a mostly complete FJ40 and 2 FJ40 parts cars.
Wow man long time! Congrats on the new home and son man!!!!
As always, family will always be more important. But I'm glad you're still staying with the celica.
I hope to still have mine when I get a son too but when family things call... They call.
In the market for some new wheels. Trying to move away from the GT4 rep look now that originals are more common in the states. Keeping hood and bumper though because it's the best upgrade from stock.
Have a few other updates I've done that I need to log as well and hopefully get some pictures up.
I've basically redone most of the suspension. Added BC coilovers, BRD front and rear motor mounts, axles, ball joints, control arms bushing, Suspension Technique sway bars front and rear.
Still need to get around to the MT transmission swap. I've also picked up what I believe is a TRD LSD that should fit the c52.
A few years back I picked up a running (but with some issues) turbo charged 1994 ST with some quality parts (HKS, Garrett, Tial, Apexi, BEGI FMU) as well as other upgrades (adjustable struts, GC coilovers, HR spacers, etc) I plan on swapping most of the parts over to mine and reverting the other 94 to stock.
I have some quality alpine audio- amps and DSPs that I need to install.
Need to order new leather as well.
On a personal note, had a second kid last year, a girl. Almost convinced my wife to name her Celica as a middle name lol. But ultimately it was vetoed. Maybe the next one.
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