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New 6th gen owner - 6G Celicas Forums

Topic #26362 21 posts Started by Gen6-GT
Hey guys, so I'm new to the Celica community and have recently acquired my first Toyota.

I picked up a '95 Celica GT hatch for $3250 from a guy that bought it from a tow yard. Unfortunately, that means I don't know much of the history of the card, other than it had a clean carfax and he changed the front right strut out and gave me a right rear suspension part that he said I'd need to swap.

The only real problem with the car right now, that I know of anyway, is that there's a loud clunk every time I unload that right rear side, like if I take a hard right turn. I suppose that's what the replacement part is for...

I bought a new set of Bridgestone RE750's for it, and I'm planning to get the TRD lowering springs next.

So far, from what I can tell, there's very little aftermarket support for 6th Gen GT's, particularly the 5SFE engine. I think only Hotshot makes a header, and it's $450+, and I haven't seen an exhaust, throttle body, or good CAI for it so far. Do those things exist for the 6th gen?

In reading the forums here, it also sounds like there isn't much to be gained with bolt-ons on the 5SFE, so maybe I'm wasting my time trying to upgrade the engine and should stick to handling mods.

What do you guys recommend? (other than "use the search feature", which I've done already. I haven't seen any real dyno sheets for exhausts, CAI's, etc)

Thanks for any advice you have to offer,

- Mike
There's all kinds of custom CAI to make. This car is good for someone who's looking to know more. I've learned a lot for owning this car. Found out all the things it has that makes it not so good for modifying. But seriously, you can do the swap(people will jump all over that one). For the 5SFE, you can use a I (think) 3sfe header. It's from an older celica. But you'll haff to go custom exhaust too. There's stuff out there, you just haff to find them. If you have specific questions, I or someone else will be able to direct in the right direction. Welcome.

Live Free, Be Happy
welcome to our happy community >biggrin.gif>
Thanks for the info on the header. Anyone know for sure what type of modification it takes to make the 3SFE header for the 5SFE?

Anyone know what parts TRD makes for a 6th gen besides the short throw shifter and oil filter and cap?

This post has been edited by Gen6-GT: Jun 28, 2005 - 7:43 PM
>smile.gif> Hi Mike! Wellllllcome!!

Buy my Celica $2,500 -http://www.6gc.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=76562&st=0
-Supersprynt+Jun 28, 2005 - 7:23 PM
QUOTE(Supersprynt @ Jun 28, 2005 - 7:23 PM)
user posted image
[right][snapback]306245[/snapback][/right]


I wish I could wave like that
So how are the TRD springs? Any opinions on using them with the stock struts?

Also, I get a bit of white smoke when I start the car up in the morning and/or after leaving it sit at work for 8-9 hours. White smoke is generally coolant, right? Could my head gasket be going?
I think since its in the morning or after work its probably just condensation built up and when you turn your engine on its just water vapor leaving your tail pipe.

I have no idea about TRD springs but I remember reading it here that they were Eibach manufacturered the springs for TRD. Also from reading through here since they do lower your car they will eventually blow your struts. Hope that helps >wink.gif>
Aw, so even the TRD springs would blow the stock struts? I thought that they were progressive, so they were easier on the struts.

What aftermarket struts do you guys recommend for a lowered car?
The TRD springs are good from what I've heard. They are manufactured by Eibach, and I no-one who doesn't like them.

I'd definitely invest money into suspension before 5S-FE engine mods. You won't gain a whole lot of power by modding the 5S-FE, but for the same amount of money that you'd spend on a header and exhaust and an intake and such you could have a car that handles very well. >smile.gif>

I'd invest in Koni Yellows if you can afford them. They're amazing from what I hear.

New Toyota project coming soon...
and if you cant afford them i run the KYB Gr2s and they work great my car handles like a dream
Oh and welcome to the site

There Ain't No Party Like A Celica PartyA Day Without Celica is Like a Day Without Sunshine.
About your struts - depends on how many miles you got on your car. If it's fairly old 70+, I'd definately suggest on investing in some new struts along with your new springs. You're gonna be taking out the suspension anyway, and it'd be better upgrade both at the same time. Your strut options include: KYB GR2's, Bilstein TCs, and Koni Yellows (in order of price).

I'd definately make your own CAI, there's a great post by urbandork on how to do this. Injen makes a short ram, but it's a lot of money.

If you can afford it, pick up the sway bars from suspension techniques, you won't be dissapointed. >smile.gif>
welcome

Black 1996 Celica GT ConvertibleFor SaleAlpine Silver Lexus GS300
welcome to the site, you will love it as long as u use the search
welcome.

All I have in this world is my Balls and my Word and I'm not breaking em for no one,- Tony MontanaTeam 6gc 2005
Cool, so with KYB GR2's and TRD springs, and Suspension Techniques sway bars. The car has 115k on it now, pretty sure they shocks are still stock, so I was planning on replacing them with the KYB GR2's already. It's just the strut inserts that I need right? $55/each for front and $65/each for rears?

What's the thickness for the stock sways, and for the Suspension Technique sways? And is there a poly bushing kit available for us?