Mike's '92 ST185 Teal in New York (Daily Driving It)

mike325ci

New member
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. :D

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:
dscn5839.jpg

(photo of first and only autox I've ran the car at)

BEFORE PROJECT:
DSCN7258.jpg


AFTER PROJECT:
ST185.MetroPCA.Autocross.2010.04.03.A.jpg
 

WarTowels

Active member
Glad to have inspired you! Not sure I've ever inspired anyone before! 8)

What was wrong with your cup holder?

When I bought my car mine wouldn't click back in. I took it apart and I can't find any noticeable damage or broken plastic? Same issue?

-Towels
 

mike325ci

New member
WarTowels":15bh6cn6 said:
What was wrong with your cup holder?

When I bought my car mine wouldn't click back in. I took it apart and I can't find any noticeable damage or broken plastic? Same issue?

yep, same issue and very very common issue. what's broken is this thing:
dscn6143.jpg


If you take out your 1/2 DIN cupholder and look at the back, it is there. I ordered a replacement (I can get you the part # this weekend when I go home) and swapped it out. Now my cupholder clicks back into place and flush with the radio face like it should be.
 

mike325ci

New member
thanks, i'm looking forward to when i'm done with this thing, hopefully by november-- that's the goal, so i can have it ready by the annual MR2OC Bear Mountain Meet/Rally...

so, i'm right now in the middle of working on my car right now (came upstairs to dump the memory card to my computer cos i took too many pictures and it filled up the car)...

anyway, the SB1010 Speed Bleeders that I ordered DOES NOT fit in the front calipers. the screws are much smaller. SB1010 is much bigger. i'll take a measurement of the stock piece when i get back down there.

so poo, i can't install the speed bleeders this weekend. i got my springs/shocks on finally (what a pain in the butt, had to run out to buy a spring compressor cos what i didn't work too well), 1/2 way done rebuilding my calipers (just waiting for them to dry-- i painted them blue with some leftover caliper paint i had ;) ), and i have control arm bushings, front sway bushings, and speed source engine mounts to do, which i know is going to be a pain...
 

mike325ci

New member
thanks for the part #... :)

so the correct bleeder screw size for the front calipers is M7 x 1.0 -- i measured it out with a measuring teeth thing and then inserted in my tap/die kit thing and that's what it is. so i can't replace the bleeder screw this weekend, will have to order SB7100 then. that's the same size as the one in my MR2.

oh, i have ton of photos collecting. i'll post them up all at once and link to them.

here's what things look like now. i also did "project 3-car garage" last night where i managed to fit 3 cars into my 2-car garage. the miata is stuck in the corner.



so as 9/1/2007 tonight:
1) Replaced strut inserts with Koni/Whiteline Yellows
2) Replaced springs with Whiteline Springs
3) Replaced strut top mouns with KYB Strut Top Mounts
4) Disassembled/cleaned both front brake calipers + painted Blue with VHT Caliper Paint
5) Removed front brake lines

Plan for tomorrow & Labor Day:
1) Finish rebuilding front calipers (w/Toyota Rebuild Kit)
2) Install Goodridge SS Brake Lines
3) Replace front Rotors w/Toyota ones
4) Replace Front Control Arm Bushings w/SuperPro Polyurethane
5) Replace front sway bar bushings w/SuperPro Polyurethane
6) Replace motor mounts with Speed Source Polyurethane
7) Install the finished strut/spring assembly
8) Install front camber bolts
9) Replace turbo timer with new HKS Type 1

And that should complete all the work on the front of the car... The rear of the car (will be about 2x the work since it'll be all of the above (spring/shocks/bushings/brake lines & calipers) PLUS rear subframe mounts and rear diff mount and LSD and sway bar install. I am not sure when I'll have a free weekend for that, so that is why I'm going one end of the car at a time, starting with the front...

So that's my progress so far. Thanks for reading!
 

mike325ci

New member
haha, i only have *my* cars in my sig-- the miata is my sister's, and she keeps it over at our parent's house as well.

anyways, things never go as planned... hehe. i didn't get to finish all the front work this weekend. ran into some roadblocks.

1) the front motor mount is stubborn and won't pop out. i don't have a press. i'm wishing i had a press. i did what speed-source said in their instructions, using a hacksaw to cut through the inner thin metal sleeve, but with PB Blaster and hammering that thing, it won't pop out "easily" as they said. lol, it's never easy. i may have to take it to a shop to have them press it out. or buy a press already...

2) removing the front control arms was a lot more work than i thought. i thought i could do it without looking at the BGB, but i couldn't figure out how much to take out. so i finally refeered to the BGB and turns out I had to remove this metal piece that goes across the car and attaches both control arms to the body. it was filthy (covered in caked oil), and so were the control arms, so I spent about an hour washing/scrubbing them. that delayed me. also, looking at the control arm bushings, it looks like i can't just take them out via my jaw puller method. i might need a shop to press them out for me as well. or buy a press already...!

3) so i was all set to replace my front sway bar bushings, and then realized that the bushings i got were WAAAAY too small. 16mm. i measured my sway bar to be about 27-28mm in diameter. damn! i though i specified that my car was a 1992 with thicker sway bars... ugh, so i'm gonna have to return these and get a replacement set. lord knows if they are in stock or if i have to wait another gazillion years. bah.

and then it got dark, and i had to pack up for the day. and my back hurts. it was a tiring weekend. but i "took a break" on saturday and went to the Porsche Club autox in New Jersey and took first place in "stock non-porsche" class with my Exige. it was my second time autoxing it, and i think i'm getting a better sense of the car. marlon with the red ST185 came and watched us run all day. like i said to him, his Celica is the only other GT4 that i ever see around this area. the rest of them are in hiding. or maybe up on jackstands like everyone else in the club, lol. ...and that now includes my car... i need to finish all this up quick so it is not jackstand-bound more than it should be... ;)
 

mike325ci

New member
sweeeeeeeeet, never saw a CS in teal. now that i think about it, all the CS i've seen are either black, red, or white!

anyways, not much update since work has been really busy this week plus i was in london for a business trip and just came back.

replacement 26mm front sway bar bushings are on their way. i haven't ordered a press yet, so i guess i need to find a place to press out the engine mounts and control arm bushings. 1/2 a day on sunday is about all i have to work on the car this week. so probably nothing is going to happen, since shops aren't open sundays (no press). maybe i'll get started on the rear end of the car?
 

CMS-GT4

Active member
For some reason I think Mike's looks better. Not sure why. I think this is one of the cases a AT version looks better than the CS version. HOWEVER, his might look good with just the CS bumper combined with the AT hood.
 

mike325ci

New member
:) Thanks, body mods are very low on the list, but it is under consideration...

So with work being very busy the past month (and for the forseeable future) and my sister's wedding, all i can shoot for is to have the front of the car done in time for Bear Mountain Meet 2007, which I think is possible.

as of 10/7/2007:
1) Finish rebuilding front calipers (w/Toyota Rebuild Kit)
2) Install Goodridge SS Brake Lines
3) Replace front Rotors w/Toyota ones
4) Replace Front Control Arm Bushings w/SuperPro Polyurethane
5) Replace front sway bar bushings w/SuperPro Polyurethane (26mm, not 16mm!!)
6) Install the finished strut/spring assembly

Also, removed about 4 pounds worth of caked oil from under the car and metal components. Got it all over my face and hair, it was lovely.

Remaining Front Suspension / Front work:
1) Replace motor mounts with Speed Source Polyurethane
2) Install front camber bolts
4) Replace clutch line with SpeedSource SS Line
4) Flush/refill tranny/diff fluid.
5) Bleed brakes & clutch fluid
6) Replace turbo timer with new HKS Type 1


The front engine mounts are thoroughly stuck and won't come out.

I also made the mistake of plugging my brake line (the metal line) with a piece of twig lying around the house while I was doing the work and as I went to unplug it to install my stainless steel lines, it broke off and part of it was stuck inside the line and I can't get it out. I installed everything anyways, and bleed the brakes fine, but after a while, the twig is stuck and not letting brake fluid pass by, as I am not getting any fluid to come out of the bleeder valve on the FL caliper. Either I'm going to have to buy a whole new brake hard line or find some way to take out the wood piece. Not fun.

I also had a little set back cos I had to work on my Lotus from a little autox incident that I had, so that was more delays...
 

WarTowels

Active member
I'm a big fan of pictures... so snap some while you do your work!

I always find thats the hardest thing... I go out and spend 5 hours working, and I forget to snap some 1 second photos. :oops:

I wish I could make it to the meet... but it's too far. =(

-Towels
 

vip09

New member
Mike, just trace that brake line back to the proportioning valve on the firewall. Unscrew it from the valve and blow compressed air through it.. it should blow all the fluid and the twig out the other side.
 
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