Inspired by Towel's post and also from having the pleasure of reading through the other "projects" here, here is mine. I didn't make one before because frankly, I don't see my Celica as a "project" and wasn't going to do much to it. But my plans changed this year after I decided to keep the car and "freshen" it up and restore it. So here begins my story.
Car: 1992 ST185 Teal (Color Code 749), Grey Leather, All Options
Date Purchased: July 1, 2005
Mileage when purchased: 70,190
Current Mileage (4/2010): ~72K
Goal: To restore and refresh the car to stock spec, while freshening up the suspension for cone dodging duties. And to eat a few WRXs while I'm at it.
Quick story: I bought this car shortly after I sold my '88 ST165 because I realized that I really missed having a running turbo car. I had an SW20 MR2 at the time, but it was totally apart and a big project (eventually sold off the entire thing and ended the project). I bought it locally from a fellow ex-MR2 owner. I had seen the car for the first time the year before at our annual MR2/AllTrac meet and I knew it was mint. I wasn't planning on touching the car at all. And at one point, I considered selling this car as I was looking to cut down on my total # of cars (I had at that point owned 5 cars and was looking to get a 6th!). After some thought I decided that I would keep the car as I know it'll be hard to find another like this and I know I'm going to miss it again. Shortly after, I decided that if I were to keep the car and enjoy driving it, I would need to make a few changes, namely in the brakes and suspension, to bring the car up to my liking. And thus begins my "project" in 2007. Most of this work was completed in November 2009. The inaugural "coming out / test & tune" autocross took place on April 3, 2010.
Current Mods/Work Done "Before" Project in 2007:
Some photos of the following collected here: http://www.mchoi.com/go/carpix/ST185/first_mods_round1/ -and- http://picasaweb.google.com/mike325ci
Body/Exterior:
H4 Headlight Conversion
JDM Clear Signal Lens http://www.mchoi.com/go/carpix/ST185/fi ... n6126.html
Replaced front Faux CF Trim with JDM one (original had chip in it http://www.mchoi.com/go/carpix/ST185/fi ... n6053.html )
Rallyarmor Mud Flaps (prototype) http://www.mchoi.com/go/carpix/2007_06_ ... CN7263.htm
17x7.5" Volk CE28N Bronze Wheels with 225/45/17 Kumho ECSTA MX Tires w/Rays Aluminum Lug Nuts http://www.mchoi.com/go/carpix/2007_06_ ... CN7275.jpg
Engine/Exhaust/Drivetrain:
Magnecor KV85 8.5mm Silicone Ignition Wires http://www.mchoi.com/go/carpix/2007_05_ ... CN6969.htm
Rebuilt the distributor
Replaced Valve Cover Gasket http://www.mchoi.com/go/carpix/2007_05_ ... CN7069.htm
TwosRUs Valve Cover Bolts http://www.mchoi.com/go/carpix/2007_05_ ... CN7077.htm
Painted Valve Cover flat black http://www.mchoi.com/go/carpix/2007_05_ ... CN6987.htm
Speed Source Brass Shifter Bushings http://www.mchoi.com/go/carpix/2007_05_ ... CN7064.htm
Replaced alternator and power steering belts http://www.mchoi.com/go/carpix/2007_05_ ... CN7082.htm
Cleaned/rinsed out intercooler tank
Brakes/Suspension:
Replace front and rear brake pads w/Toyota OEM
Interior/Safety:
Replaced original 3-in-1 Head Unit with another one (from MR2) - old one didn't play CDs properly http://www.mchoi.com/go/carpix/ST185/fi ... n6009.html
HKS Turbo Timer Type 1 http://www.mchoi.com/go/carpix/ST185/fi ... n6186.html
Custom Hardwired RJ-11 Power Supply for Radar Detector http://www.mchoi.com/go/carpix/ST185/fi ... n6172.html
Reupholstered rear leather seats
Replaced interior carpeting viewtopic.php?t=20573
Shampooed Trunk Carpeting/Spare Tire Cover http://www.mchoi.com/go/carpix/2007_06_ ... CN7230.htm
Fixed cupholder, yay!
Other:
Optima 34/78 Redtop Battery w/Custom Billet Aluminum Tray http://www.mchoi.com/go/carpix/2007_05_ ... CN7086.htm
STAGE 1 Mods - 2007~2009 (Completed 11/08/2009)
Parts that I have on hand and waiting to be installed (planning to start this weekend, cos as you can see I have so much parts that I have that just need to go in!):
Body/Exterior:
Rallyarmor Mudflaps (prototype version) http://alltrac.net/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=21178
Engine/Drivetrain/Exhaust:
2.5" KO Racing Downpipe
2.5" Custom 409 Stainless Steel Mandrel Bent Midpipe http://alltrac.net/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=36782
2.5" HKS Cat Back Exhaust http://www.mchoi.com/go/carpix/2007_06_ ... CN7301.htm
Rear subframe polyurethane mounts (Mario)
Rear diff cushion (aluminum Mario)
ST205 Torsen LSD & Halfshaft
Speed Source Polyurethane Engine Mounts
Speed Source Front Crossmember Aluminum Bushings
Brakes/Suspension:
New Brake Rotors (Toyota OEM)
Goodridge Stainless Steel Brake Lines
Complete Whiteline "Works" Kit: Koni Sport (Yellow) Adjustable strut inserts, Whiteline Springs, Whiteline Adjustable Rear Sway Bar,
SuperPro Polyurethane Bushing Kit (entire kit)
TwosRUs heim joint sway bar endlinks (front & rear)
Camber Bolts (Toyota crash bolts)
New Front Tie Rod Ends
C-One Camber Plates, rotated to able to adjust caster
Full wheel alignment
Interior/Safety:
Momo Race Steering Wheel
New Rear Hatch Plastic Cover (Toyota OEM) - current one has crack
Replace HKS Turbo Timer Type 1 with new black one (the old silver one was broken) - located in glove box now
Fire extinguisher under driver's seat
CG-Lock seat belt locker
Other: n/a
STAGE 2 MODS (PLANNED FOR 2011+)
ST205 W2A Intercooler System [purchased]
Koso Boost Gauge [Installed 7/2010]
apex'i AVC-R Boost Controller [Installed 7/2010]
Eventually replace Clutch & Flywheel [Fidanza Aluminum Flywheel purchased] &
Speed Source Stainless Steel clutch line & extended clutch slave rod [purchased]
Replace or rebuild Brake Master Cylinder
Upgraded brakes - Wilwood, ST205, or AP Racing
Custom-made wheels with proper offset and 9" width for 265 tires
ACPT Carbon Fiber Driveshaft http://alltrac.net/phpBB2/viewtopic.php ... driveshaft
HID Headlights
Change interior dash lights to LEDs
Other "To Do" Items in the short-term:
Hubcentric Rings for my Volk wheels [Installed]
Replace driveshaft center bearings [purchased]
Fix the steering wheel tilt mechanism (I recently broke it somehow).
Replace door light triggers [Cleaned & Tested]
Recharge A/C System or convert
Swap out the Optima for a lightweight battery (Braille or Odessey)
Schroth ASM Harness
Remove "stars" pinstriping
Pull small dents (hood & RL wheel arch)
Wheel spacers
Electronics Mini-Project (AC power plug [Done], USB power plug, RJ-45 power plug [Done])
+ Ongoing maintenance items
AutoX fans and WRXs... I'm back!! :evil:
PAST:
(photo of first and only autox I've ran the car at)
BEFORE PROJECT:
AFTER PROJECT:
Car: 1992 ST185 Teal (Color Code 749), Grey Leather, All Options
Date Purchased: July 1, 2005
Mileage when purchased: 70,190
Current Mileage (4/2010): ~72K
Goal: To restore and refresh the car to stock spec, while freshening up the suspension for cone dodging duties. And to eat a few WRXs while I'm at it.
Quick story: I bought this car shortly after I sold my '88 ST165 because I realized that I really missed having a running turbo car. I had an SW20 MR2 at the time, but it was totally apart and a big project (eventually sold off the entire thing and ended the project). I bought it locally from a fellow ex-MR2 owner. I had seen the car for the first time the year before at our annual MR2/AllTrac meet and I knew it was mint. I wasn't planning on touching the car at all. And at one point, I considered selling this car as I was looking to cut down on my total # of cars (I had at that point owned 5 cars and was looking to get a 6th!). After some thought I decided that I would keep the car as I know it'll be hard to find another like this and I know I'm going to miss it again. Shortly after, I decided that if I were to keep the car and enjoy driving it, I would need to make a few changes, namely in the brakes and suspension, to bring the car up to my liking. And thus begins my "project" in 2007. Most of this work was completed in November 2009. The inaugural "coming out / test & tune" autocross took place on April 3, 2010.
Current Mods/Work Done "Before" Project in 2007:
Some photos of the following collected here: http://www.mchoi.com/go/carpix/ST185/first_mods_round1/ -and- http://picasaweb.google.com/mike325ci
Body/Exterior:
H4 Headlight Conversion
JDM Clear Signal Lens http://www.mchoi.com/go/carpix/ST185/fi ... n6126.html
Replaced front Faux CF Trim with JDM one (original had chip in it http://www.mchoi.com/go/carpix/ST185/fi ... n6053.html )
Rallyarmor Mud Flaps (prototype) http://www.mchoi.com/go/carpix/2007_06_ ... CN7263.htm
17x7.5" Volk CE28N Bronze Wheels with 225/45/17 Kumho ECSTA MX Tires w/Rays Aluminum Lug Nuts http://www.mchoi.com/go/carpix/2007_06_ ... CN7275.jpg
Engine/Exhaust/Drivetrain:
Magnecor KV85 8.5mm Silicone Ignition Wires http://www.mchoi.com/go/carpix/2007_05_ ... CN6969.htm
Rebuilt the distributor
Replaced Valve Cover Gasket http://www.mchoi.com/go/carpix/2007_05_ ... CN7069.htm
TwosRUs Valve Cover Bolts http://www.mchoi.com/go/carpix/2007_05_ ... CN7077.htm
Painted Valve Cover flat black http://www.mchoi.com/go/carpix/2007_05_ ... CN6987.htm
Speed Source Brass Shifter Bushings http://www.mchoi.com/go/carpix/2007_05_ ... CN7064.htm
Replaced alternator and power steering belts http://www.mchoi.com/go/carpix/2007_05_ ... CN7082.htm
Cleaned/rinsed out intercooler tank
Brakes/Suspension:
Replace front and rear brake pads w/Toyota OEM
Interior/Safety:
Replaced original 3-in-1 Head Unit with another one (from MR2) - old one didn't play CDs properly http://www.mchoi.com/go/carpix/ST185/fi ... n6009.html
HKS Turbo Timer Type 1 http://www.mchoi.com/go/carpix/ST185/fi ... n6186.html
Custom Hardwired RJ-11 Power Supply for Radar Detector http://www.mchoi.com/go/carpix/ST185/fi ... n6172.html
Reupholstered rear leather seats
Replaced interior carpeting viewtopic.php?t=20573
Shampooed Trunk Carpeting/Spare Tire Cover http://www.mchoi.com/go/carpix/2007_06_ ... CN7230.htm
Fixed cupholder, yay!
Other:
Optima 34/78 Redtop Battery w/Custom Billet Aluminum Tray http://www.mchoi.com/go/carpix/2007_05_ ... CN7086.htm
STAGE 1 Mods - 2007~2009 (Completed 11/08/2009)
Parts that I have on hand and waiting to be installed (planning to start this weekend, cos as you can see I have so much parts that I have that just need to go in!):
Body/Exterior:
Rallyarmor Mudflaps (prototype version) http://alltrac.net/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=21178
Engine/Drivetrain/Exhaust:
2.5" KO Racing Downpipe
2.5" Custom 409 Stainless Steel Mandrel Bent Midpipe http://alltrac.net/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=36782
2.5" HKS Cat Back Exhaust http://www.mchoi.com/go/carpix/2007_06_ ... CN7301.htm
Rear subframe polyurethane mounts (Mario)
Rear diff cushion (aluminum Mario)
ST205 Torsen LSD & Halfshaft
Speed Source Polyurethane Engine Mounts
Speed Source Front Crossmember Aluminum Bushings
Brakes/Suspension:
New Brake Rotors (Toyota OEM)
Goodridge Stainless Steel Brake Lines
Complete Whiteline "Works" Kit: Koni Sport (Yellow) Adjustable strut inserts, Whiteline Springs, Whiteline Adjustable Rear Sway Bar,
SuperPro Polyurethane Bushing Kit (entire kit)
TwosRUs heim joint sway bar endlinks (front & rear)
Camber Bolts (Toyota crash bolts)
New Front Tie Rod Ends
C-One Camber Plates, rotated to able to adjust caster
Full wheel alignment
Interior/Safety:
Momo Race Steering Wheel
New Rear Hatch Plastic Cover (Toyota OEM) - current one has crack
Replace HKS Turbo Timer Type 1 with new black one (the old silver one was broken) - located in glove box now
Fire extinguisher under driver's seat
CG-Lock seat belt locker
Other: n/a
STAGE 2 MODS (PLANNED FOR 2011+)
ST205 W2A Intercooler System [purchased]
Koso Boost Gauge [Installed 7/2010]
apex'i AVC-R Boost Controller [Installed 7/2010]
Eventually replace Clutch & Flywheel [Fidanza Aluminum Flywheel purchased] &
Speed Source Stainless Steel clutch line & extended clutch slave rod [purchased]
Replace or rebuild Brake Master Cylinder
Upgraded brakes - Wilwood, ST205, or AP Racing
Custom-made wheels with proper offset and 9" width for 265 tires
ACPT Carbon Fiber Driveshaft http://alltrac.net/phpBB2/viewtopic.php ... driveshaft
HID Headlights
Change interior dash lights to LEDs
Other "To Do" Items in the short-term:
Hubcentric Rings for my Volk wheels [Installed]
Replace driveshaft center bearings [purchased]
Fix the steering wheel tilt mechanism (I recently broke it somehow).
Replace door light triggers [Cleaned & Tested]
Recharge A/C System or convert
Swap out the Optima for a lightweight battery (Braille or Odessey)
Schroth ASM Harness
Remove "stars" pinstriping
Pull small dents (hood & RL wheel arch)
Wheel spacers
Electronics Mini-Project (AC power plug [Done], USB power plug, RJ-45 power plug [Done])
+ Ongoing maintenance items
AutoX fans and WRXs... I'm back!! :evil:
PAST:
(photo of first and only autox I've ran the car at)
BEFORE PROJECT:
AFTER PROJECT: