Generation Seven Newbies

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

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.

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

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!
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, slight performance gain.
How to: here in the wiki

Paint your brake calipers

Cost: £10 (Halfrauds)
Result: lookin good.
How to: here in the wiki

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

Improve your brakes

- they are known to 'fade' under heavy use. After market replacement disks/pads can help. Celica brakes are known to be mushy, and unless you fit completete 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

Short shifter

- swop out the gear lever for a shorter one; TRD or Ebay. Cost: £25 +
Result: quicker, cleaner gear change.
How to: [| here]

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, 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 (c.£550). Or you can (often or the same price) go for a full bespoke system including a sports catalytic converter.

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.

Of course, there's a heck of a lot more you can do, and I've focussed on performance - somene else may add ICE and eye candy.