Hey, I've owned the Celica for over a year and have some birthday money (267 USD) to spend on it. I was hoping for some advice, so I will list out what I think the car needs. I can only do some minor things on my own, I would probably take it to a shop for more major fixes and work. I have a '86 GT-S coupe, five-speed. New left CV axle. If possible, I'd like to get silicon boots for it, any suggestions about that? New paint job with installation of the left fender and trunk lid (both of which I own). I think this is out of my budget. New shocks, especially in front (I get lots of rubbing in harder corners). I'm thinking of KYB GR-2 shocks; do any of you have them for sale or know of a good place to get them? No idea how much an install would cost. Brakes and AC could probably use some work. Also, the "off" air setting blows as the lowest one for some reason, never shuts off :-(. Transmission/differential fluid could be replaced (car often shakes when I put it into reverse on an angle, heard it was probably related). I think the clutch might have 30Mm/20k miles left on it, but we will see (optimistic guess). Anyways, I'm interested in any suggestions you guys have. And if you are selling any of the parts I would need, even better . I think I'll keep the Celica for at least a couple more years, but eventually might spend a few days searching and go for a Volkswagen Corrado or something. But who knows, maybe the Celica can top them all for my needs . Thanks, Teran
IMO, safety 1st :!: Get quotes from your mechanic if you're not a DIY'er. 1) Brakes 2) springs/struts 3) clutch -K
yeah ima vote make her stop before you make her go... brakes, all around. you can diy on them, 4 wheel disc. get a book on her too, they can be real helpful. saved my ass when i was a total noooooob... i would not spend the money on stock struts those are pricy and you can wing your old ones to work for now... get a clutch and give her a nice tune up.. then worry about the rest...imo... oh and HAPPY BDAY!!
Thanks for the replies and noticing it was my birthday a few days back . The brakes are already 4 wheel disk since it is a GT-S, but they feel a little weak. It doesn't feel urgent but it's probably something I should consider. I guess brake pads and brake fluid would be the main things to replace? Do you think that 267 USD is enough for replacing the shocks? I presume I could keep the springs stock, especially since I'd rather not lower the car, but I'm not sure of how different new springs would feel (I'm hoping to corner faster without rubbing the front tires ). I was thinking of replacing just the shocks and not the whole strut assembly, if it's possible/reasonable. My guess on the clutch is just by feel, but fortunately it hasn't slipped after locking up yet. Thanks, Teran
depending on how diy you can do/trading work for beer with friends you do, you can get mote done. first check the brake pads and bleed the brakes out. GR-2's you should be able to order in at any parts shop, however try to find one that a friend works at to get a discount and save money. if you're swapping the shocks you may as well do the springs too as they're cheap compared to all the struts.
