New Scikotics member, need some tC advice!

[jake.erickson06]

Hey guys, I'm new here as I just got my car a month or so ago. I turn 16 on July 18th. For my birthday I need a little advice on what to do to my car.

1. Magnaflow Exhaust
2. Rims of some sort, under 600 shipped
3. 20% tint

I'm not sure at all what to do, and any input would be appriciated. Thanks

[Krdshrk]

Lowering springs, install, and alignment - it'll make the car look and handle so much better.

[tml-tC]

Lowering springs, install, and alignment - it'll make the car look and handle so much better.



x2

[jake.erickson06]

Ok, thanks. I have a friend who installed his in his car and they are great. He and his dad are big into cars and racing so I trust them to do a good job. Obviously he won't be able to do the alignment, so Ill have that done somewhere.

What would you suggest for lowering springs? Assuming I'm stock everything except a sub.

If I get the springs and they are under 300, I could probably get tint as well

[RedScioNFuSion]

If your looking for under 300 I would go with the TRD springs, For just a little more you can get some Tein Tech springs which I heard are really great!

[jake.erickson06]

Yeah my friend(who will be installing them) has the Tein's that you are talking about and he loves them. I think I might look around and get some of those. I don't like how the TRD only lowers it 20 CM.. Thats not even worth it, lol.


The only thing I'm worried about is, I've heard people say that gettings springs can mess up other parts of the suspension.. Is this true?

And I'm a little worried about voiding my warentee, as I just bought the car and don't want the warentee to go to waste.. Thoughts?

[RedScioNFuSion]

Yeah my friend(who will be installing them) has the Tein's that you are talking about and he loves them. I think I might look around and get some of those. I don't like how the TRD only lowers it 20 CM.. Thats not even worth it, lol.


The only thing I'm worried about is, I've heard people say that gettings springs can mess up other parts of the suspension.. Is this true?

And I'm a little worried about voiding my warentee, as I just bought the car and don't want the warentee to go to waste.. Thoughts?

When you put on new springs, the stock shocks will go out soon so I would put on some new shocks when getting the springs installed as well :D And warranty, I dont know about that only if you get the TRD springs installed by the dealer your good :D

[jake.erickson06]

Hmm, Ill have to look into how much shocks cost. I would love to get TRD, but as I said, that drop(20 CM) is not anywhere near worth 200 bucks.. lol.

[Iateacricket]

TRD parts tend to be overpriced!

[tCMetaLFReaK]

TRDSparks has trd springs for about 170. Tein S-Techs are too low for me, I scrape quite often, but depends on your area and curbs and such.

[gattzzz]

I have TRD on mine and they are great, paid $100 even for them. Did the install myself and had no problems. Just got the alignment afterwards and i was good to go. $175 for springs, install, and alignment. Plus they are great, not too low.

[RedScioNFuSion]

TRDsparks is a great online store, cheap prices for stock accesories!

[xX EL HeFFe Xx]

if ur looking for springs check this out http://www.scikotics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10288

S-techs for supper cheap :grin:

[Krdshrk]

S-techs are VERY low... so be careful. A lot of people like tanabe and hotchkis springs. I love my TRD drop - it's lower than most.

[gattzzz]

I love the TRD drop as well. I feel it's perfect for everyday use.

[Nebster]

i have s-techs and stock struts and i've been on it for 13 months with no problems.

[jake.erickson06]

I think I might go TRD. On my way to the Y today, I noticed they are doing some serious construction. As I go to the Y at least once a day, this is a big problem They are redoing a 4 mile long road and expect to last at least 3 months on the project. That is bad. But anyways, onto my story. As I was going there, I was going about 48 or so in the 35, and I feel this massive bump and it scared the shit out of my mom and I. That is how I found out that I really don't need to be too much lower, if at all. I still want at least some lowering, so I think the TRD ones are perfect.


Now if I get these, do I have to buy the shocks and struts?


edit:

I tried looking on TRDSparks, and I don't know how to navigate it, lol. I feel dumb, but I can't find where to buy the stuff.

[Krdshrk]

I assume you've got an '07? Doesn't matter - the springs are the same.

http://www.trdsparks.com/displayparts.php?Mdl_dtl=545&Part_cat=11&parts_id=1339

[gattzzz]

Eventually you will need to replace the shocks/struts. But i haven't heard anyone doing it less than 25k miles after installing the TRD springs. Other springs will cause your shocks/struts to blow faster.

[Krdshrk]

I'm at like 30k with the TRD springs - no problems.

[THansenite]

50,000 miles with TRD springs and stock shocks/struts with no problems :up:

[Krdshrk]

I'm on the original shocks/struts... just changed out to the TRD springs. No issues.

[gattzzz]

My point exactly. People to prove that the TRD springs are all around the best bet for the conditions you have. So what are you waiting for?

[jake.erickson06]

Thanks to everbody, you all have helped so much! This really is a great community. So I have decided(after seeing one last night) to go with the TRD springs. I have one last question(hopefully) though.

If I buy them from TRDSparks, will my local Scion dealership install them and keep my warentee? Or do I have to pay the extra 40 dollars and buy them there?

And I can't install them myself can I :( ?

[jake.erickson06]

Wow, I just called up my local Scion/Toyota dealership, and they said that they don't cover TRD things under warentee.. At all. What is this?!? This is the reason I bought the car, lol.

[Krdshrk]

Don't worry about the warranty for springs - unless something really goes wrong with them you should be fine.

[gattzzz]

It is possible to install them yourself. Just have a friend help out and follow directions. I did them with my brother-in-law and we had no problems. Only his stupid air compressor died as we started the first spring. :o

[Krdshrk]

If you know a good shop, have them do it. The dealership will rob you blind for the install costs.

[jake.erickson06]

Well if I'm not getting my warentee counted anyways, Ill have my friend and his dad install them. Like I said earlier, they are pretty knowlegable and have installed them in at least 3 cars.

Now I have to convince my parents. I think I'm going to have to hold off on the tint so I can afford to buy a radar detector.. lol. I have a speeding problem :(

[xX EL HeFFe Xx]

Well if I'm not getting my warentee counted anyways, Ill have my friend and his dad install them. Like I said earlier, they are pretty knowlegable and have installed them in at least 3 cars.

Now I have to convince my parents. I think I'm going to have to hold off on the tint so I can afford to buy a radar detector.. lol. I have a speeding problem :(

Good luck convicing the parentals!!! TRD has its on warranty on its parts even installed by someone else and not at a dealership

[_Keith_]

Best thing is to check out your local meets see what peoples cars look like and go from there...

You can see and hear exhaust and see what you like.

[Jiggaman]

If you know a good shop, have them do it. The dealership will rob you blind for the install costs.

x1000

when i went to the stealership, they tried to charge me 800 bucks to put them in... ouch!

got em done for 155 at a good local shop with wheel and tire pressure sensor swap into new wheels

[JoshCrane1]

go with the tein s techs, believe me, you will be kicking your own butt when you put on rims and your ride height goes back to where it was, s-techs and 18" put me about inch and a half down total. rides great and can still go over hella speed bumps. 20% tint only looks dark enough on white tcs'.

[2dot4]

When you put on new springs, the stock shocks will go out soon

Myth.

Your struts aren't going to burst or break from lowering the car - you just risk bottoming out, which is uncomfortable. Once you understand what a strut does and how it works, you'll know what I mean.

Aftermarket struts just offer stiffer damping - so the car doesn't bottom out as easily, and so your wheels stay planted.

But as for spring choice, I have the B+G springs (1.75" drop F&R for $209) and it looks BEAUTIFUL! My wheels fit perfectly in the wheel well - like it was designed to look. If you go buy springs and drop the car as low as you can, you need to be slapped because you create weak points in the suspension, plus your car will understeer like a motherfuc*er. It's stupid to lower your car more than 2" unless you have supporting suspension mods, or if you're just doing it for show...but form without function is a waste of money.

[STARK_INDUSTRIES]

Hey bro to be hounest go to scionpro.com He has some lowering springs by a company called roadmagnet. They are modeled after the TRD's but improved alot more better. I cannot believe the ride that i have got from these springs and the drop is perfect. Im riding on 19's with no rubbing problems and the ride is better than stock even with the 19's with the 35 sieries performance tires. Thats just my opinion but a great prise to boot as well.


http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n25/tehachapi_2006/scionrims001.jpg

[2dot4]

I love that color.

[RedScioNFuSion]

I learn more and more everyday thx! ^_^

[RedScioNFuSion]

Myth.

Your struts aren't going to burst or break from lowering the car - you just risk bottoming out, which is uncomfortable. Once you understand what a strut does and how it works, you'll know what I mean.

Aftermarket struts just offer stiffer damping - so the car doesn't bottom out as easily, and so your wheels stay planted.

But as for spring choice, I have the B+G springs (1.75" drop F&R for $209) and it looks BEAUTIFUL! My wheels fit perfectly in the wheel well - like it was designed to look. If you go buy springs and drop the car as low as you can, you need to be slapped because you create weak points in the suspension, plus your car will understeer like a motherfuc*er. It's stupid to lower your car more than 2" unless you have supporting suspension mods, or if you're just doing it for show...but form without function is a waste of money.

with that 1.75" drop do you have the factory ground effects kit installed or not?

[STARK_INDUSTRIES]

i would have to agree. The 1.75 drop is perfect and allows for plenty of travel. I have not had one problem with mine. roadmagnet the company that made the lowering springs has been making spring for over 100 years expierence family owned and oporated they have been working along side with the military for years. When the military put 500 pounds of armore to each door of the hum v's they started to tip while in exercises. they went to raod magnet for thier help and no more probs. so i would highly recommend the roadmagnet springs.

[RedScioNFuSion]

Awsome I just got springs for that size. Hope the ground effects kit doesnt get in the way!

[Go4shoped]

Hmm, Ill have to look into how much shocks cost. I would love to get TRD, but as I said, that drop(20 CM) is not anywhere near worth 200 bucks.. lol.
im guessing you mean 20mm? because 20cm is just under 8inches.
I dont even think my car has that much clearance with my fatass in it and its stock.

[RedScioNFuSion]

:rofl:

[2dot4]

no - I don't have a lip kit or factory ground effects - if I did, my car would sit approximately 3" off the ground.

[JoshCrane1]

Myth.

Your struts aren't going to burst or break from lowering the car - you just risk bottoming out, which is uncomfortable. Once you understand what a strut does and how it works, you'll know what I mean.

Aftermarket struts just offer stiffer damping - so the car doesn't bottom out as easily, and so your wheels stay planted.

But as for spring choice, I have the B+G springs (1.75" drop F&R for $209) and it looks BEAUTIFUL! My wheels fit perfectly in the wheel well - like it was designed to look. If you go buy springs and drop the car as low as you can, you need to be slapped because you create weak points in the suspension, plus your car will understeer like a motherfuc*er. It's stupid to lower your car more than 2" unless you have supporting suspension mods, or if you're just doing it for show...but form without function is a waste of money.



Tein s tech, front strut bar and rear strut bar with proper alignment, my tc can corner like a mofo. I would say my cornering and overall stability went up 4x, no joke, those three suspension upgrades are well worth it, for about 500.

[RedScioNFuSion]

no - I don't have a lip kit or factory ground effects - if I did, my car would sit approximately 3" off the ground.

well i just got 1.75" and i have fac. ground effects so i'll just wait and see what happens. thx

[2dot4]

Tein s tech, front strut bar and rear strut bar with proper alignment, my tc can corner like a mofo. I would say my cornering and overall stability went up 4x, no joke, those three suspension upgrades are well worth it, for about 500.

All I had on my last tC was the TRD rear sway bar, and TRD front strut bar - my car handled BEAUTIFULLY! I still have the front strut bar on my 07, but without the rear sway bar, it's still pretty squirrelly, even with the new lowering springs. Best suspension mod to start with is a rear sway bar - you'll notice a difference immediately - guaranteed. I need to pick one up soon.

Anyone on here selling a TRD rear sway bar?

[JoshCrane1]

All I had on my last tC was the TRD rear sway bar, and TRD front strut bar - my car handled BEAUTIFULLY! I still have the front strut bar on my 07, but without the rear sway bar, it's still pretty squirrelly, even with the new lowering springs. Best suspension mod to start with is a rear sway bar - you'll notice a difference immediately - guaranteed. I need to pick one up soon.

Anyone on here selling a TRD rear sway bar?


Instead of picking up the rear sway, i would go with the greddy rear strut bar, like you my tc was squirrely round turns with springs and front strut, but adding the rear strut eliminated a ton of understeer and rear body flex. thought about going rear sway first, but the functionality and also the show aspect sold me on the strut bar. i love lookin in my blind spot and seeing a nice shiny bar in my peripheral vision. Also people always comment when i open the hatch about how i must be serious about suspension and how nice that bar looks. I thought why go just functionality, when you can go for show and functionality at the same time, anyways just my opinion. heres a pic.

[RedScioNFuSion]

Nice! Looks awsome

[RedScioNFuSion]

Well i got my springs installed the other day and the 1.75" drop with the factory ground effects kit looks gr8!

[jake.erickson06]

I think I'm just going to get tint for my birthday(the 18th) because my car gets HOT on the inside.. Then I'm going to use most of my money on a radar detector, because I need one badly. Then I'm going for springs!

[RedScioNFuSion]

awsome! yea tint will be nice for the heat

[toeveryhour]

tint is a good choice. one of my first mod i did to both of my tCs.

[tinflowers]

If you know a good shop, have them do it. The dealership will rob you blind for the install costs.

This might be a stupid question...but what kind of shops do spring/strut installs?

[excelon72]

trd parts are expensive but lets not confuse expensive with overpriced. you can get ebay garbage for cheaper BUT trd parts fit perfectly....garuntedd everythime. and they are legal, inspection passing, warrantied, and great quality. any parts that can match all that are likely as expensive. i had tons of trd goodies in the celica gts i sold and would not have it any other way. if you dont have the coin thats cool but realize quality is not cheap regardless of what the salesman tells you

[1*BA*RStC07]

Preach it brother

[_Keith_]

Tein s tech, front strut bar and rear strut bar with proper alignment, my tc can corner like a mofo. I would say my cornering and overall stability went up 4x, no joke, those three suspension upgrades are well worth it, for about 500.

4x uh? So getting the SWAY bars would make it 20x... because the STRUT bars dont do much

[kahrs7212]

do not put an intake on your car. you will lose lowend torque and just plain does nothing

[JoshCrane1]

4x uh? So getting the SWAY bars would make it 20x... because the STRUT bars dont do much



tc's have swaybars stock, aftermarket just makes stiffer ones. In my opinion these cars have a lot of body flex,(its that creaking noise when you go on uneven turns.) And my strut bars eliminated about 75 percent of that flex and noise, but hey to each his own. I have only 17k miles and would rather add parts then replace with ones that help a little better. And by the way, that strut bar looks awesome, and you CAN see it, without laying under your car.:toast:

[RedScioNFuSion]

Unless your for show it makes the car look nice :) and i like the sound of the cold air intake while it sucks in air

[JoshCrane1]

This might be a stupid question...but what kind of shops do spring/strut installs?


Just about any good shop can do those, Just walk in and ask them if they have a spring/strut compressor, and i would also ask the most experienced suspension mechanic they have there to do it, just to be safe, and to not have that 17 year old in training, learning on your baby.:md::md:

[2dot4]

Instead of picking up the rear sway, i would go with the greddy rear strut bar

NO!
If you're spending the money, get the rear sway - it's common fact that sway bars help 1000x more than any strut bar. There's tons more flex at the base of the suspension than at the body where the struts mount. A sway bar is the best route as far as suspension. Strut bars are nice, but don't do half of what a sway bar does.

Mr. Crane - go buy a rear sway bar. You'll notice a huge difference even with your rear strut bar.

[RedScioNFuSion]

I dropped my car not too long ago and im gonna get a rear sway soon. What company and type do you recommend?

[nytro]

go with the tein s techs, believe me, you will be kicking your own butt when you put on rims and your ride height goes back to where it was, s-techs and 18" put me about inch and a half down total. rides great and can still go over hella speed bumps. 20% tint only looks dark enough on white tcs'.



huh??!?!? i have a flint mica with 5 in the back and 20 in the front and ofcourse the 5 is dark!!! but the 20 looks really nice with the dark interior so saying it only looks good on white tc is.... well incorrect


and iceman....the headlights on your car are nice where did you get those?

[JoshCrane1]

huh??!?!? i have a flint mica with 5 in the back and 20 in the front and ofcourse the 5 is dark!!! but the 20 looks really nice with the dark interior so saying it only looks good on white tc is.... well incorrect


and iceman....the headlights on your car are nice where did you get those?


IF opinions can be incorrect, they are not opinions. In my opinion 20 percent only looks good on white tc's. what is incorrect here is you.:wallb:

[_Keith_]

tc's have swaybars stock, aftermarket just makes stiffer ones. In my opinion these cars have a lot of body flex,(its that creaking noise when you go on uneven turns.) And my strut bars eliminated about 75 percent of that flex and noise, but hey to each his own. I have only 17k miles and would rather add parts then replace with ones that help a little better. And by the way, that strut bar looks awesome, and you CAN see it, without laying under your car.:toast:

The stock ones are garbage and are just there to keep some stiffening.

And its not about seeing the part its about the performance of the part

[JoshCrane1]

NO!
If you're spending the money, get the rear sway - it's common fact that sway bars help 1000x more than any strut bar. There's tons more flex at the base of the suspension than at the body where the struts mount. A sway bar is the best route as far as suspension. Strut bars are nice, but don't do half of what a sway bar does.

Mr. Crane - go buy a rear sway bar. You'll notice a huge difference even with your rear strut bar.


Indeed you are right, as far as functionality comparisons, i guess i just like bling a little more, just me. My positive reinforcement for making what i think is the right decision, is that shiny bar in my peripheral that i guess gets me off subconsiously ever day i drive and glance in my blindspot.:flex:

[Deathwish238]

I love my GearSwitcher...it's 1.5" drop and shifting is sooo much nicer after the drop and new bushings. $95 is pretty cheap too.

[Deathwish238]

NO!
If you're spending the money, get the rear sway - it's common fact that sway bars help 1000x more than any strut bar. There's tons more flex at the base of the suspension than at the body where the struts mount. A sway bar is the best route as far as suspension. Strut bars are nice, but don't do half of what a sway bar does.

Mr. Crane - go buy a rear sway bar. You'll notice a huge difference even with your rear strut bar.Strut bars are for show, sway bars are for performance.

I'm thinking Hotchkis Sway Bars will be my next performance mod