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

[fribox]

Haha, Thanks guys.
I've been away for some time, still haven't fixed that headlight, but the Celica is still running great (besides the continuing revving issues that seem to have no effect on every-day driving). Ticking away near 223k miles (passed 222222 without a picture, I was thoroughly upset). Been primarily working on my motorcycle so not much time has went into the Celica. I'm thinking of getting a new engine or rebuilding the current one sometime over the winter (probably between semesters) in preparation for greater things down the road and an overall better driving experience. I don't have a lot of money to drop on speedy-parts or suspension stuff, but I'd put some money in the motor if it meant a better car for a longer time. I have decided I DO like revs for the sake of revs and would like a 3S-GE engine, but the swap scares me a little and I do not have any idea what I'm doing; something to consider sometime down the road. Depending on how much the restoration costs me on my motorcycle I'll have enough money to either buy a newer engine, or buy a 3S-GE engine. I feel I'd be more satisfied with a 3S-GE engine, but like I said the swap scares me.

Anyway, thoughts? I do have a few mechanically-inclined relatives that *might* be able to help me do a swap if I needed to. I know a lot of information is around here regarding that swap, but I wouldn't want to be out of a car AND a lot of money.

oh, and picture of my 1968 CB350

This post has been edited by fribox: Oct 29, 2013 - 9:21 PM