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]

Hey, posting another update.
The front engine mount is in, overall everything is much smoother, but I'm having some issue with the whole drivetrain lurching forward on engine brake which I'll post about on it's own forum section. I actually tried to sell my Celica, but unfortunately it's worth nothing near what I need out of it, so its now becoming a real "project". For now I'll just lightly mod it and wait until in-between the spring/fall semester to do my 3S-GE swap so if its down for 3 months it wont matter. I'm guessing anything I do to it now: an intake, header, exhaust, whatever, wont fit on a 3S-GE engine? Anyway, expect some sort of improvement on my car since I'm stuck with it.

I also apologize for how I've jumped to conclusions on just about everything with my car so far. I know this really isn't a "project" right now, but I'm learning and want to share my woes with you guys
Anyway, take this very shiny picture of my Celica.

Spoiler: I still haven't fixed the headlight