So this is my 1990 Aussie delivered gt4. Blessed from factory with sunroof and adjustable driver’s seat (I’m dreading the day either breaks down) and the 10 speaker stereo (now only six speakers). With 146000 kms on the clock I picked this up for $5200. The engine was sad and smoky and the CV joints were knocking harder than a headboard in a brothel.
So far I’ve had the valve stems replaced along with timing belt and tensioner. The cam journals were buffed and head checked for alignment (still good!). The cv joints / shafts were replaced as was the power steering boot cover which was cracked and leaking. The radiator was full of water and that was flushed and refilled with Toyota red coolant. After the head work I got the gearbox oil (black sludge) and the diff oil replaced. I also replaced the tractor sized steering wheel with a black/ gray Saas wheel and matching gear knob. I’ve changed the oil and went a k&N oil filter with Castrol Magnatec oil.
At the moment though she is rooted: H/G probably. once i get the damn stubborn turbo and manifold off an inspection of the exhaust port might give a clue. Maybe a ring? There was coolant in the oil when drained, a small creamy coloured light frothy bubbles, the same on the underside of the oil cap classic h/g symptoms
So to the master plan:
To me the GT in GT4 denotes the luxurious sports image of the Grand Touring class of cars. My influences are the great European GT cars by Aston Martin, Maserati, Bentley, Roll Royce and Alfa Romeo et al. Most of my attention will be in building a quiet luxurious interior. Sure I will be adding some power and handling and braking, but I’m determined to build up a personalized cockpit.
Power: A 3” exhaust is a goer. I have my down pipe, from http://www.drivenperformance.co.nz quite happy, features solid flanges and good welds, though the inside seams on the flange are not welded, just the outside. Getting the DP heat coated as well. I priced Blitz and HKS cat backs ($1500 - $1650 aus without shipping), but they just cost too much with exchange rates at the moment, so its local brands for exhaust.
Getting ct26 rebuilt, as replacement chinese crap is not going to cut it + plus all the dramas of fitting aftermarket turbo. Turbosmart boost controller and FCD have been purchased. That’s about it for the engine, maybe run low of 10 and high of 14psi.
Handling / Braking: I’ve got my eye some hot 17 inch rims, they look similar to ones I’ve seen fitted to an Audi TT? or TTS?, probably in gold or shadow (Umbra? Penumbra?Antumbra?) grey colour, or maybe classic mesh, but for now its keep the stock rims. Whiteline strut bars and sway bars will be fitted, maybe a jspeed chassis brace as well. When the time comes to replace the brake discs I’m going DBA slotted rotors all-round as well as Upgraded pads.
Interior: My dash is rooted, dry and lifting from the gauge hump. I’ve tracked down a reskinning place in town, though I have to take the dash out myself, which is going to suck on a scale I haven’t come across yet.
Doors: Line doors with dynamat. Add new component speakers, maybe clarion 6.5” or Polk 6”. Get material section replaced with perforated leather/better material. Get carpet replaced with darker black/red. Restore arm rest. Get new tweeter cover and bracket. Get switch surround and tweeter cover covered in a shiny patterned finish ( a vacuum applied sticker that’s 2 pak clear coated)
Front Seats: Get bolstered and relined. Black leather or Alcantara w/red stitching. Get a pattern similar to Alpha Romeo seats i've seen.
Rear Seats: Get covered in Black cloth / vinyl combo to save $$$
Centre console: Get arm rest re-covered. Get switch surrounds and gear shift surround and stereo fascia pattern finished.
Boot:Get custom cover made for spare wheel and custom carpet cut to fit. Affix fire extinguisher & first aid kit somewhere.
New carpet and headliner to darken the interior and painting of the executive grey panels to midnight mean black will help the look. Was considering an Okuyma carbing foot plate as well for an extra touch. An i-shift light and autometer gauges(carbon face sport comp, bought) will help.
Exterior: Restore chips and scratches and fading areas, paint fuel tank and fuel tank protector, paint rear tow hooks. Change aerial to a short rubber coated one. Change side indicators to clear, upgrade headlight bulbs and fog light bulbs.
Paint: is generally in very good condition. A few chips and scrapes but nothing too major, a good chip repairer and a polish/glaze/wax will bring the car back from new. The black plastic trim sections are weather beaten, but some mothers back to black helped restore them. Inside the engine bay the paint is worn around passengers side strut, so that need s to fixed. Underneath I want to paint the fuel tank body colour and paint the protector black with a stone guard covering. The wheel wells need a good clean and will probably stone guard them as well. A good degrease underneath will no doubt reveal some other areas that need attention. I was thinking of adding a car bra as well for that extra protection when out and about.
So that's pretty much it. Some of the things listed are current goals, others are a year away or more.
I'm still under budget and dad said "Take your time and do it once"
So far I’ve had the valve stems replaced along with timing belt and tensioner. The cam journals were buffed and head checked for alignment (still good!). The cv joints / shafts were replaced as was the power steering boot cover which was cracked and leaking. The radiator was full of water and that was flushed and refilled with Toyota red coolant. After the head work I got the gearbox oil (black sludge) and the diff oil replaced. I also replaced the tractor sized steering wheel with a black/ gray Saas wheel and matching gear knob. I’ve changed the oil and went a k&N oil filter with Castrol Magnatec oil.
At the moment though she is rooted: H/G probably. once i get the damn stubborn turbo and manifold off an inspection of the exhaust port might give a clue. Maybe a ring? There was coolant in the oil when drained, a small creamy coloured light frothy bubbles, the same on the underside of the oil cap classic h/g symptoms
So to the master plan:
To me the GT in GT4 denotes the luxurious sports image of the Grand Touring class of cars. My influences are the great European GT cars by Aston Martin, Maserati, Bentley, Roll Royce and Alfa Romeo et al. Most of my attention will be in building a quiet luxurious interior. Sure I will be adding some power and handling and braking, but I’m determined to build up a personalized cockpit.
Power: A 3” exhaust is a goer. I have my down pipe, from http://www.drivenperformance.co.nz quite happy, features solid flanges and good welds, though the inside seams on the flange are not welded, just the outside. Getting the DP heat coated as well. I priced Blitz and HKS cat backs ($1500 - $1650 aus without shipping), but they just cost too much with exchange rates at the moment, so its local brands for exhaust.
Getting ct26 rebuilt, as replacement chinese crap is not going to cut it + plus all the dramas of fitting aftermarket turbo. Turbosmart boost controller and FCD have been purchased. That’s about it for the engine, maybe run low of 10 and high of 14psi.
Handling / Braking: I’ve got my eye some hot 17 inch rims, they look similar to ones I’ve seen fitted to an Audi TT? or TTS?, probably in gold or shadow (Umbra? Penumbra?Antumbra?) grey colour, or maybe classic mesh, but for now its keep the stock rims. Whiteline strut bars and sway bars will be fitted, maybe a jspeed chassis brace as well. When the time comes to replace the brake discs I’m going DBA slotted rotors all-round as well as Upgraded pads.
Interior: My dash is rooted, dry and lifting from the gauge hump. I’ve tracked down a reskinning place in town, though I have to take the dash out myself, which is going to suck on a scale I haven’t come across yet.
Doors: Line doors with dynamat. Add new component speakers, maybe clarion 6.5” or Polk 6”. Get material section replaced with perforated leather/better material. Get carpet replaced with darker black/red. Restore arm rest. Get new tweeter cover and bracket. Get switch surround and tweeter cover covered in a shiny patterned finish ( a vacuum applied sticker that’s 2 pak clear coated)
Front Seats: Get bolstered and relined. Black leather or Alcantara w/red stitching. Get a pattern similar to Alpha Romeo seats i've seen.
Rear Seats: Get covered in Black cloth / vinyl combo to save $$$
Centre console: Get arm rest re-covered. Get switch surrounds and gear shift surround and stereo fascia pattern finished.
Boot:Get custom cover made for spare wheel and custom carpet cut to fit. Affix fire extinguisher & first aid kit somewhere.
New carpet and headliner to darken the interior and painting of the executive grey panels to midnight mean black will help the look. Was considering an Okuyma carbing foot plate as well for an extra touch. An i-shift light and autometer gauges(carbon face sport comp, bought) will help.
Exterior: Restore chips and scratches and fading areas, paint fuel tank and fuel tank protector, paint rear tow hooks. Change aerial to a short rubber coated one. Change side indicators to clear, upgrade headlight bulbs and fog light bulbs.
Paint: is generally in very good condition. A few chips and scrapes but nothing too major, a good chip repairer and a polish/glaze/wax will bring the car back from new. The black plastic trim sections are weather beaten, but some mothers back to black helped restore them. Inside the engine bay the paint is worn around passengers side strut, so that need s to fixed. Underneath I want to paint the fuel tank body colour and paint the protector black with a stone guard covering. The wheel wells need a good clean and will probably stone guard them as well. A good degrease underneath will no doubt reveal some other areas that need attention. I was thinking of adding a car bra as well for that extra protection when out and about.
So that's pretty much it. Some of the things listed are current goals, others are a year away or more.
I'm still under budget and dad said "Take your time and do it once"