Tuners, If you knew then, what you know now.... Options

[jgreening]

I have always meant to start this thread for the benefit of others considering modifications (particularly engine modifications and swaps). My question is really for the people who have engaged in fairly serious modifications. Perhaps we can help others learn from our mistakes. So, here it is: Based on your experience and current knowledge, what would you do differently if you were starting all over with your 6gc project.

I will start.

I would have bought a ST205 front clip, kept it stock except for intake, boost controller and exhaust and sold the ST205 tranny for big $ to the alltrac guys. The fact is that 250whp is all you really need (and can usefully use) in a FWD setup. The newer engine, better turbo, and intercooler are a real plus.

I would have then switched the GT4 front end over and had the whole car professionally painted.

I would have bought Greddy guages rather than Autometer.

I would have gone immediately to Tein SS coilovers instead of springs and new struts and would have skipped my sway bars (due to all the rubbing problems I have had).

I would have bought 8" wide 16" TE37's so I could run 245/45/16 tires.

If I had done that, I would have spent less than I have and had a better (although similar) car.

[lagos]

i personally dont think alot of power in the front tires matter much in normal everyday driving

This is a good point and needs further elaboration. For those of you who are considering the swap, you should not get the idea that the car spins the tires when the driver is being easy on it. That is NOT the problem. The problem is that when you get much over 200whp, tire spin will impede your ability to put the availble power to the ground (and thus use it for speed and accelleration).

yep

the basic idea is... if you plan to drive your car on the street with the stock turbo, dont worry about traction. youll be just fine. during daily driving, it drives just like a normal celica.

if you plan to take it only to the track, well then youll probably learn all about the negative sides of fwd. the problem will be even worse with an upgraded turbo.