Generation Seven Newbies

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.

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.