Pics of my 5-spd Camry...

[N/A Camry Sleeper]

Hello all - finally figured out how to post pics (duh!). The next step for me is to install these 2" lowering springs since the ongoing weight reduction 'raised' the body of the car a bit. But really - purple?!! I guess I could paint them, but how many ppl are going to notice? Also - these can be cut if further weight reduction has any additional effect - but since the spring rate is higher it should be less pronounced - we'll see in time I guess...






Hope to install them on Saturday - got the spring compressor today and took some ride height measurements today; just have to make it through the week!

[bigbird]

unless they are a good brand you may be dissapointed in the spring rate. but we dont have any good brands avalible that offer a 2" drop. plan on having to redo it in the near future with new shocks. it will look good though.

[Vooduguru]

How do you like that header?

[N/A Camry Sleeper]

Originally Posted by Vooduguru

How do you like that header?

The header and exhaust were changed at the same time - I went with an Ebay Celica 5SFE header and a 2.5" full exhaust with hiflo cat and a "turbo" muffler. Altogether I spent about $450 installed for the whole setup.

Biggest prob with the header was alternator clearance. I had to Hammer on one of the runners so the alt would clear, but I don't think it's too much of a problem - mostly cosmetic.

In the future I will relocate the alternator to where the P/S is now and delete the P/S altogether when the new motor gets dropped in. May try to get a manual steering box, but that won't be for a while...

[LynchburgCSI]

^ Lots of people should know about this, so i'll ask. How was your low torque loss with that exhaust? And any noticeable high end HP gain in your opinion?

[N/A Camry Sleeper]

Originally Posted by bigbird

unless they are a good brand you may be dissapointed in the spring rate. but we dont have any good brands avalible that offer a 2" drop. plan on having to redo it in the near future with new shocks. it will look good though.

True - it's about time for new shocks in the front but the rear ones are less than a year old. Do you recommend any type/brand with lowering springs, or is it hit and miss? This is a daily driver with much highway use, so I don't want a setup where I have to drive extra-slow over speedbumps - my goal is a little sportier feel without the "logwagon" ride...

[jtex2717]

Im wondering if you would have had the same problem if you got the 97 Camry 5s headers...I think you would have just needed a custom downpipe...

[LynchburgCSI]

Originally Posted by N/A Camry Sleeper

True - it's about time for new shocks in the front but the rear ones are less than a year old. Do you recommend any type/brand with lowering springs, or is it hit and miss? This is a daily driver with much highway use, so I don't want a setup where I have to drive extra-slow over speedbumps - my goal is a little sportier feel without the "logwagon" ride...

What are you running in the rear? All four corners should match... shocks and springs. I'd run Tokico shocks and either H&R springs or Eibach springs. DO NOT forgot the rear sway bar (whiteline or TRD, if you can find it). Best $150 bucks you can spend on these cars. Anyways, that's your best compromise between comfort and handling.

[N/A Camry Sleeper]

Originally Posted by LynchburgCSI

^ Lots of people should know about this, so i'll ask. How was your low torque loss with that exhaust? And any noticeable high end HP gain in your opinion?

The lower RPM ranges don't seem too affected by the newer exhaust, however there has been about 300 lbs of non-speed related crap removed from the car too.
Higher RPM power is greatly increased; instead of the "power dropoff" around 4600 RPM or so it is now closer to 5500 RPM

However, I also have had my intake manifold extrude-honed which will enhance high RPM operation as well

Keep in mind that this is all 'seat-of-the-pants' measurements, but overall I would have to say, "yes" - the header and exhaust opened up a lot (in my opinion) of power and makes it so much more fun to drive!

[jtex2717]

MORE

[djblackout]

is that one of those gay ebay +500 hp chip things hanging from your dash?

[N/A Camry Sleeper]

Originally Posted by djblackout

is that one of those gay ebay +500 hp chip things hanging from your dash?

No, it's a MAP sensor enhancer which I only use for interstate driving. I paid like $30 for it - basically a dimmer switch for the MAP sensor which allows for less fuel during cruising on long trips. It's worth 2-3MPG on average - best "eco-mod" I have for this car! Can't argue with success!

[Nervous]

Too expensive for placebo, imho....

[LynchburgCSI]

Originally Posted by Nervous

Too expensive for placebo, imho....

Too expensive for 2 rheostats that you could pick up at radio shack for $2.00.

[rusty9]

wait this is the car you removed the bumper reinforcements and airbags from? your daily driver? wtf?

planning on removing those hefty brake calipers and going with a lightweight plate glass windshield as well?