Safari Rally inspired build, tall and off road capable 6G - GT Options

[Roodwerks]

I haven't ironed out all the plans, most project cars are open to constant change right. I will be converting this very cheap, high mileage car into another dual sport toy. If you dig around on the internet, you can find my other two Toyotas, 1984 Expedition Celica ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSNS9-qponY&t=16s ) and 1993 Lexus SC400 RX. This time around, pulling from my favorite sport of rallying, and favorite event, East African Safari Rally for all my inspiration, with maybe a little bit of Dakar thrown in. I purchased the car for $700, 278K miles on the clock but with a newer head installed not too long ago. With the help of this Forum, lots of research from various sources and encouragement from friends, the project is off to a good start. The red wheels, just not my style and 17" rims aren't going to cut it in the dirt...

Current work finished:
-Maintenance on fuel and ignition system
-debugged wiring to clean up the engine bay and get the cooling fans working properly
-built custom SS header with race CAT and 2-1/2" dump pipe (to pass emissions)
-tossed original struts and cut springs
-installed 1997 Avalon struts and springs for travel and lift (rears are bolt on, front not really at all, used Rav4 tops, etc..)
-2 of 4 custom engine mounts to replace broken OEM versions with Polyurethane

-Jon

[GuYun14]

Definitely looking forward to the wheel and tire setup. What size tire are you planning on running? And regarding the suspension, how much higher are you sitting compare to stock?

[Roodwerks]

Definitely looking forward to the wheel and tire setup. What size tire are you planning on running? And regarding the suspension, how much higher are you sitting compare to stock?

The tires I'm planning on make fit are 215/65R16 (that's a 27" tall tire). They won't just bolt on to any old Celica. It's going to require some major changes, bodywork most likely, possibly chopping into the firewall, etc..

I got the car while it was lowered, so I have no reference for how much higher from stock it's going. If I had to guess, just the suspension will be about 2-3" taller than stock. The tires are another 1-1/2" taller in the radius (out of center, 3" taller than stock in diameter). The final stance will certainly be higher than pretty much any rally car Celica that has been built. My reference is less rally car, more Dakar car from the early 90's. If you've never seen the cars built for the Paris to Dakar Rally back in the later 80's early 90's, dig around the internet for pictures.