Overkill's Ride Plans and Details., Code name Celeste Options

[Overkill]

Hello all. I had my project thread posted in General, but when the website went down it was lost so I am restarting my thread here (where it should have been in the first place anyways).

So I will start at the beginning. I have always loved Celicas. My brother-n-law Matt (aka DEATH here on 6gc) has always had a Celica and I have loved helping him work on his when I got the chance. Hell, I was in one of his Celicas (3rd or 4th gen I think) when it was totaled. I love the sleek lines and curves of the body. The cockpit style instrument panel, and the possibilities for modifications. I used to have a 1990 Supra 7M-GE, but always kind of regretted not getting a 6gc. Since I made the biggest mistake of my life my trading the supra in, I have been in search of the right celica at the right time. There has always been an issue of money, or not being able to find the right celica. I believe the search for my celica lasted about 9 years, but I am now the owner... Proud Owner... of my 1999 Celica GT (auto ). The reason I got the auto is simple, I needed a car, got a great deal on this one, and I didn't pay for it.

Since purchasing my Celica, I have come up with a plan for modifications in the future, driven over 800 miles, been clipped by a crazy lady here in Huntsville, and started modding/repairing Celeste. Today I did my first major repair/modification. I installed drilled & slotted rotors, and changed the brake pads. If I knew how to bleed brakes, I probably would have installed some SS braided brake lines. I do not know how to do that yet though. I will need to learn soon though because while I was doing the brakes, I found that the right rear caliper will need to be replaced at some point. There is a small slice in the lower connection bolt boot. The main reason I did this repair was because my brakes were vibrating at mid-to-high speed braking, and did not want to get into an accident because of it. Celeste stops extremely well now, and I have to say... I am extremely proud that I did this on my own (well, my wife handed me tools). While the car was jacked up, I went ahead and did an oil change to Mobile 1 Fully Synthetic High Mileage. I'll be honest... It seems Celeste likes the oil change.

Tomorrow I am planning to replace the spark plugs, wires, cap and rotor. I will also replace the windshield wipers, and windshield spray nozzles while I'm at it. After that, I might replace the driver's seat belt that I have been meaning to replace since I bought the car.... lol@laziness.

Oh yeah... I already did the S2000 Antenna swap... there should be a thread/post about it in the exterior/electronics category.

Here are a few pictures for your enjoyment....

[W8NKER]

Nice trd strut brace!
Thoughts on the strut brace? have you noticed fairly noticeable increase in handling at high speeds?

want to know your personal opinion and hopefully not just placebo reaction haha. thanks

[Overkill]

Nice trd strut brace!
Thoughts on the strut brace? have you noticed fairly noticeable increase in handling at high speeds?

want to know your personal opinion and hopefully not just placebo reaction haha. thanks

I was weary of spending a lot on a strut brace, but knew that if I were to get one... this was the one I wanted. IMO this is a true 3-Point strut brace. The ST205 "typical" strut brace is a 2.5-point strut brace. I have noticed increased rigidity and handling at higher speeds, mostly while taking turns. Here in Houston, there is a swooping right hand turn when going from I-10 Eastbound to 610 South (headed towards the galleria). Before the strut brace taking the corner at 60 was somewhat sketchy. However, I recently took the corner at about 70-75, and it was much easier to hold my line.

with that being said, I still have a lot to do with my suspension. I have a vibration in the steering from an unknown source. It happens very slightly all the time, but is mostly noticeable when I exceed 70mph. My plan is to replace the motor mounts, springs, struts, and also take a look at the axles. However, I will be replacing the axles with my swap... so if I find the source of the vibrations being the axles, I will simply wait until then do fix the problem.