3rd & 4th Generation (1992–1996 & 1997–2001)Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 1992-1996 & 1997-2001
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For $420... Just got this junker last night.. runs fine, 204,xxx miles on original 5SFE, 4-speed autotragic, dull repaint and...
special feature: JDM speed hole!
Can't wait to start fixing it, honestly.. the car it replaces was a 64,000 mile '83 Plymouth Reliant (p.o.s.!).. The Camry is a junkheap right now, but with a little love it could be nice again. And I won't mind the expense, either, since it's a Camry
Currently needs:
- Plugs/Wires/Cap/Rotor
- Oil change
- AT fluid flush
- Front ball joints
- New A/T shifter plastics
- Front hood struts (already ordered)
- Headlights
- Front turn signals
- LF fender
- Front bumper
- Front grille
- Passenger side mirror glass
- Paintjob, haha..
For the price, you can't really go wrong. Even for that price, most Gen3's are non-running. I'd say you got it at one heck of a deal. Just hope the previous owner did oil changes.
Since Gen3 are still common on the dealer level and junk yards, parts shouldn't be too hard.
Thanks, gents. Don't get me wrong, it's definitely an abused car. It was owned previously by my soon-to-be mother in-law, who hasn't done jack squat for maintenance other than have the oil changed (and it's 2 months/1,500 miles over due and about 1/3 qt low right now).
And it actually does run/drive just fine, for the most part
Plans are to fix all the mechanical stuff that's wrong (like the front left ball joint that's flopping around, no joke), then replace the damaged bodywork, maybe go over the paint to bring it back to life.. And after that? eh.. who knows? Depends on what I can fix and what really has to be replaced. I think I can bring the faded headlights back to life..
I'd like to do mild body upgrades, eventually.. depends on what parts I can find. I'm liking Big bird's car, so far =o Oh, I have an intake tube for the thing in the trunk already, hehe.. and if I can find a header, I might go for that, too (properly muffled, of course!).
Think "nice" Camry, but not flashy or a ton of cash wasted on it (no turbos, ha ha...)
Good to hear that your're going to restore things the right way
haha the speed hole adds personality to the car
It's also kind of funny how every little scrape, ding and mark can have a story behind it, which is what I love about beaters. I've got a few on my own too, they're real cars that have been abuse, neglected and still keep on going which is a true testament to Toyota quality.
With that many miles on a 5SFE and a questionable oil change history don't expect the engine to last much longer. These engines are prone to sludge buildup, and running them low on oil is never a good thing. You may want to start saving up for a used JDM 5SFE, around $800 on ebay.
You need a timing belt. Also a Injen intake for the Gen 4 which will fit the Gen 3. Clean that hoe up.
You're telling me! It needs a valve cover gasket and spark plug tube seals, too.. >_< Like I said, the fiancee's mom didn't really do anything with it.. she kind of kills cars, very slowly. You wouldn't believe all the nasty grime I cleaned out of it this morning.. *barf*
I think the tube I have will work fine.. tube's a tube. Even has a hole in it for the IAT sensor. I have an Injen on the 1MZ that's in my MR2, though!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Robisimo318
welcome!
And make sure you get that registered, I think you have to claim that JDM option on your insurance or youll get audited!
Quote:
Originally Posted by CorCamrySE
nice junker....
looks like youll have some fun with that one
E-brake dori-dori, anyone? ;D I think I want to convert the drums to disc brakes after I finish fixing the engine stuff. I hate drums.. I mean, I really hate drums.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Isaac-1
With that many miles on a 5SFE and a questionable oil change history don't expect the engine to last much longer. These engines are prone to sludge buildup, and running them low on oil is never a good thing. You may want to start saving up for a used JDM 5SFE, around $800 on ebay.
Ike
Yeah, I'm pretty familiar with these wastes of aluminum we call 5SFEs.. Trashed one in my first MR2 and took care of the other in my second '93 MR2. A long block swap is definitely a possibility in the near future, but I want to get to know the motor a little bit more before I condemn it. I'm sure it'll be just fine.. her mom never drove it hard.. it wouldn't have ever occurred to her to make the car go faster by pressing the throttle pedal harder.. she just complains about it "not having enough pick-up" instead, haha.
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New Beater: 92 Camry - With custom speed hole!
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