Fribox's 1996 Celica GT, A used car that likes to suck money out of my pockets Options

[fribox]

5s-fe, 5 speed, 221000 miles. Second owner. (Now nearing 225000)
It looks shiny in this picture, but it has a lot of problems.




Engine refuses to rev past 4500-5000 RPM (not that I do this often), if anyone has a solution to this I'd be very grateful. I've read a bit on here its either the catalytic converter being clogged or timing is off.

This thread isn't really much of a project thread, more of a maintenance diary. I don't plan anything spectacular with this car, but I'd like to share my woes and experience with you guys.
Maybe I'll come across something and find out what is wrong and help someone who has the same problem, who knows.
I was first planning a 3S-GE swap, but figure its not worth the hassle on a car with 225000+ miles on it. I've seen good things about 294 grind cams though, which is what I might do for the little more umf at the high end that I want.
But I'll post whatever happens to my car here.

This post has been edited by fribox: Mar 18, 2014 - 10:38 PM

[Box]

It's as if it's in a limp mode. Is the check engine light on? Seems like something on the timing is off. Just find it odd that a Toyota dealership would **** up timing on something like that.

[fribox]

It's as if it's in a limp mode. Is the check engine light on? Seems like something on the timing is off. Just find it odd that a Toyota dealership would **** up timing on something like that.

The check engine light isn't on.
The car seems to run fine otherwise and has plenty of power through the rpm range it does go.
I was going to take the upper timing cover off today, but I don't feel confident mechanically to play with stuff like that. Maybe tomorrow I'll man up and give it a go.

EDIT: Just took it for a drive. Hit ~4700rpm in first and second. It falls flat on its face, it was actually sort of scary. It basically felt like I took my foot off the gas.

This post has been edited by fribox: Jul 20, 2013 - 11:32 PM