1994 Celica ST - 5 Speed, Winging it. Options

[starfishPRIME]

Hello all.

I'm new to the Celica world, but seeing the plethora of information available on this site, I'm sure I'll get familiar quick.

I used to own a 1987 Toyota MR2, and that thing was a lot of fun. Sadly, I had to let it go for financial reasons.

I needed a car and I saw a Celica for sale. I knew that I'd have to get used to driving FWD, but the need for a car eclipsed the want of an RWD car. I ended up purchasing this car for $850.

The car is starting to grow on me. Its wide presence is one of the main reasons.


258,xxx MI on a very tired 7-AFE


Despite the high mileage, the body seems to be in pretty decent condition. The previous owner said that the car was driven back and forth from New Jersey to Georgia quite frequently.



The front end is probably the worst, but all things considered, it really isn't that bad. Needs a new paint job at most. I put in some yellow HB bulbs for that yellow euro tint. Hopefully I can snag some OEM fogs in the future.


The interior was another place that I set out to make my own. Before, the plastic was dirty, the shift boot was ratty, and the gauges were extremely dim. I went ahead and wrapped many pieces of the interior plastic trim with carbon fiber vinyl.
I put a matching CF style shift boot. I decided to keep the stock green gauge light theme going because I didn't feel like taking apart my climate control module to switch some bulbs. The new green LEDs are miles better than the old 194s.
I did want the "submarine" look, so I opted for a red dome light. I like the mood it gives the interior.


Overall, it is an interesting car.


I knew I wanted a Celica in my life, but I didn't think I'd own one so soon. My plans were to own an all-trac ST185, but this will suffice for now.
I do miss the MR2, but I think I'll learn to love this one.

I don't think I'm going to make this into something its not though.
As much as I'd like the extra power, seeing some of the builds here really opened my eyes to how much money goes into making the 7-AFE fast, when I could just buy something else.
I'm not knocking other builds here - in fact, I admire the craftsmanship of the few 7AFE turbo builds, but I don't think it's for me, especially with myself being a college student making next to nothing.

I think I'll just enjoy the car for what it is.

I'm not turned off to the idea of having a better suspension/exhaust setup, however.
I also have a few ideas for wheels in mind.

Any nuggets of wisdom are welcomed. Thanks for reading, and for allowing me to be part of this community.

[SwissFerdi]

On the ST, suspension/braking seem to be the best bang for the buck, I agree that it's really not worth it to add "performance" mods. I've had a header sitting around for years. Good luck with the car!

[nics]

When you get your new wheels, sell me the old ones lol

[Box]

On the ST, suspension/braking seem to be the best bang for the buck, I agree that it's really not worth it to add "performance" mods. I've had a header sitting around for years. Good luck with the car!

This times two. Focus on suspension, handling, and the like. Either coilovers or a good set of springs and struts followed by some lightweight 15 or 16 inch rims with some high performance summer tires will make a world of difference. Though being in New York if you don't change over to winter tires I'd get the best all-seasons you can find. Another thing that'll help is the 7GC short shifter, just makes shifting more enjoyable.

Also I'm not sure about others but I rather have a higher mileage car that was well looked after than a lower mileage one that was beat on and looks terrible.

This post has been edited by Box: Jun 24, 2015 - 1:42 PM

[CelicaDICE]

Welcome to 6GC! Im sure the car will give you a lasting impression for many days to come! I know mine has. Also, if you do get the fogs, make sure its from 94-95. You also need to make sure that you get the mounting brackets, the switch, relays, and take your time finding one thats in great shape. Good Luck!

[starfishPRIME]

On the ST, suspension/braking seem to be the best bang for the buck, I agree that it's really not worth it to add "performance" mods. I've had a header sitting around for years. Good luck with the car!

Thank you for the advice. Regarding brakes, do you know if the brakes from the GT model bolt right in to the ST? I wouldn't mind having disk brakes all around.

When you get your new wheels, sell me the old ones lol

As long as you don't mind paying shipping, I'm fine with that. I see you're in MI, so I don't think it will be that cheap.

On the ST, suspension/braking seem to be the best bang for the buck, I agree that it's really not worth it to add "performance" mods. I've had a header sitting around for years. Good luck with the car!

This times two. Focus on suspension, handling, and the like. Either coilovers or a good set of springs and struts followed by some lightweight 15 or 16 inch rims with some high performance summer tires will make a world of difference. Though being in New York if you don't change over to winter tires I'd get the best all-seasons you can find. Another thing that'll help is the 7GC short shifter, just makes shifting more enjoyable.

Also I'm not sure about others but I rather have a higher mileage car that was well looked after than a lower mileage one that was beat on and looks terrible.

This is familiar advice. I never went for power with my old car, just handling. Do you have any personally preferred springs? I don't think I'm going to go down the coilover route. I saw some Tanabe springs in the suspension/handling sticky, and those interested me, probably because I watch so much Hot Version/Best Motoring International.

Welcome to 6GC! Im sure the car will give you a lasting impression for many days to come! I know mine has. Also, if you do get the fogs, make sure its from 94-95. You also need to make sure that you get the mounting brackets, the switch, relays, and take your time finding one thats in great shape. Good Luck!

I will definitely take my time in locating those OEM fogs. Thanks for the advice.

[starfishPRIME]

I wrote a post replying to every single one of you in this thread a few hours back and it still hasn't posted. I've had non-stop posting/verification issues for the last month as a matter of fact.

Does anyone know if there's some sort of weird "probation" thing where your first couple of posts have to be approved by a moderator before they're allowed to be shown? Is anyone else having posting issues?

I want to interact with you all but this is getting in the way. It's pretty annoying.

[Rusty]

See link about reason,

Apologies

[Box]

I had Tein springs with new KYB GR-2 struts and KYB mounts on mine. I you shop around you should be able to get everything for around $500 or less going through eBay, RockAuto, and Amazon. Though these days Megan has their EZ Street coilovers for under $700, so really it comes down to how low do you want to go and how much does height and dampening adjustability matter. If you only want around a 1.5" drop springs and struts will suffice, but if you want to go lower coilovers are the only way.

[SwissFerdi]

Thank you for the advice. Regarding brakes, do you know if the brakes from the GT model bolt right in to the ST? I wouldn't mind having disk brakes all around.

Yes they do. The proportioning valve in the engine bay and the rear lines for the e-brake are different, make sure you get those as well.

Per springs, I really really like my Eibach Sportlines. As far as I know they're the only available spring that is progressive, meaning that with initial body roll the spring rate is supposedly softer, and as the spring compresses it supposedly firms. To me it really gives a planted feeling, where the car "responds" more as turning becomes more aggressive since the springs talk back more. If you think you have the budget for it, do coilovers.

This post has been edited by SwissFerdi: Jun 25, 2015 - 10:29 AM

[Box]

All Tein springs are progressive as well.