Revision as of 07:22, 21 May 2010

Bought a Gen 7? Here's a list of basic mods to start you off.

This is aimed mainly at the GT/T Sport/190, but most apply to the 140 also.

Oh, before we begin, apply your club stickers!

Consider switching to V Power petrol. Some of us have found that its actually 'cheaper' due to the extra MPG gained.

Basically, there's no big performance gain to be had without a supercharger. They are pretty well tuned out of the factory so most of what you can do is small gains by using after-market performance replacements.

Of course, there's a heck of a lot more you can do, and I've focussed on performance - someone else may add ICE and eye candy. Styling wise I like a short 'bee sting' ariel, but only good in a solid reception area, and I fancy a more 'dynamic' front spoiler, but thats about it - its a good looking car already!

First up: Cheap or free

Debutterfly

- take out the butterfly valve that keeps the car quiet below 4K revs or so. 

Cost: Nowt.
Result: nicer sound, subjectively - freer revving.
How to: here in the wiki

Replace the panel filter

- put a performance one in: K&N, Blitz, Pipercross.

Cost: c.£35
Result: even nicer sound, noticeable performance gain.
How to: here in the wiki

Paint your brake calipers

Cost: £10 (Halfrauds)
Result: lookin' good.

Sound deadening

Not a performance mod, but covering your boot areas in soundproofing rubber matting makes a considerable difference to the noise levels in the Celica. Well worth the money for quality of the drive. While you are in there, foam pads around the shelf contact points and tools helps reduce rattling.

Next up: A few quid but worth it

Lower

- replace the springs with 'lowering springs'; TTE, Eibach. The GT already has these.

Cost: £130 (or cheaper on ebay)
Result: lookin good, drives even more like a go-kart
How to: here in the wiki - but unless you have a workshop/experience, best done by the pros.

Good write up now here.

Improve your brakes

- they are known to 'fade' under heavy use. After market replacement disks/pads can help. 
- Celica Gan 7 brakes are known to be soft and mushy, unless you fit replacements (eg Brembo) this won't change.

Option 1.
Standard disks with Yellow stuff pads.
Cost: £??

Option 2.
New disks and pads; e.g. Black Diamond
Cost: c.£350
How to: here
Complement these with metal braided brake hoses - Goodridge for c. £35.

Short shifter

- swop out the gear lever for a shorter one; TRD or Ebay. Cost: £25 +
Result: quicker, cleaner gear change, but stiffer. Some folks have problems with reverse.

• How to here
  
• Huge comparison and technical discussion here
• The TRD is a bit longer than most replacements and may be better if you're an everyday, not-so agressive driver.

If you have the readies

Replace your exhaust

- gives a few more HP and sounds a whole lot better.

There are at least 3 types you can buy off the shelf - just the back box/exit pipe, cat-back (from the Catalytic converter), or full.
Most popular seem to be cat-backs like the Blitz NUR spec (c.£400) and HKS Silent Hi-power (c.£550). Blueflame and Magnaflow are a bit cheaper. Or you can (often or the same price) go for a full bespoke system including a sports catalytic converter (e.g. Pro-Speed, Torqueflow).

• A great post on exhausts here
• A comparison of several cat backs here

Other options

CAI

- replace the air filter box with a cone induction kit 
- looks good in the engine bay, can result in a nicer sound but little evidence of real performance gains.

Halo plugs

- replace the 'standard Iridiums' with HALO plugs. You can buy these via the forum.
- not everyone agrees with this mod, but I've noticed better MPG and a smoother engine in 53 T-Sport.

The Next level

Stage 2 Cams

Extreme lightening

Big Brakes

Coilovers