Multitasking Apr 30, 2003
We recently removed the Koni's from the car and installed a set of OE Toyota shocks from the GT with the sport package option. These actually have good low speed bump valving, which is essential to good autocross performance. The Konis will be sent to Koni for some re-valving and hopefully will return in time for the Toledo National Tour.
The new engine is breaking in well, and now that we've got nearly 3000 miles on it, we can start towing our boat.
And the results from this past weekend's Central Florida Region have been posted. Things went pretty well on the Toyota shocks: www.cfrsolo2.com/2003/0427e_t.html with a win in the expert class and top index overall. We beat a tough competitor in G Stock, David Schnoerr, who was driving a VW Gti 337. David is a two-time national champion and knows how to sling a car around the cones.
Prevention Jun 2, 2003
We replaced the original catalytic converter, as it was looking a bit stuffed up when we inspected it during the exhaust system installation. The throwout bearing and pressure plate were also replaced due to a bad squeak that recently developed. We elected to replace those now, instead of waiting for them to fail during our upcoming trips to the midwest.
The old cat didn't look too bad for 169k miles, but there are signs that the passage ways are getting clogged.
Konis and Lamin-X Jul 2, 2003
The Konis have been re-valved, but are still at Koni for dyno-ing. We look forward to comparing how they look on paper (or on the computer screen to how they feel on the street and autocross course.
We've been somewhat busy with our other project but have had some time to race and make the Celica look cool. We tried some new protective film from Lamin-x on our inner lights. We chose the yellow tinted film that gives the Celica a cool European look.
It won't make us go faster, but it looks cool and protects the lights from stone chips.
Pre-Topeka Prep Aug 4, 2003
We got a chance to install the revalved Konis, and then participated in a local autocross in Jacksonville. Despite having an enormous straightaway (way, way into 3rd gear), our underpowered Celica wound up 3rd on overall PAX index.
We installed the shocks in our workshop. The install is pretty straightforward, but requires a spring compressor. We dialed in our 2.8 degrees of negative camber using the factory authorized replacement strut mounting bolts, referred to as "camber bolts"
And we dyno'ed the Celica last week with its new exhaust system. 98 horsepower at the wheels. You're all very impressed. The new exhaust gained us 2.6 horsepower with no loss in low-end torque.
We're also evaluating a new air filter from Green Filter. Dyno results indicate that it is on par with K&N brand cotton filters.