Advice on new 2011 SE

[Stickbo]

I just bought a 2011 SE I-4 super white. So Sharp! I had a 2005 Avalon before. Loved the car but needed a change. So I have a few questions for all you experts out there. I apologize now as I do not know a ton about cars. I have read a ton of threads on all sorts of subjects but I still have a couple questions.

1. What can I do to get more power out of it? (Besides buying the v-6 ) Cold air intake? Turbo/super charger? Exhaust? I have done searches on this stuff but do not really understand it. It dosen't seem a lot has been made for the 2011 yet. Am i mistaking? Is it worth putting some money into the performance or are they just not so fast cars with the 4 cylinder?

2. I have read a lot about changing to HID lights? Whats involved with this? Is it a DIY project?

I have plans to Tint the windows and tail lights next week, and I'm going to debadge as soon as this rain stops. But want to start customizing it right away. I have searched and read a ton but a lot of the discussion is way over my head.

Thanks a lot guys.

As for performent, intake will give u lit bit more power but not that notice. Only the muffler won't help that much unless u get a full from header( the start of the engine to the outlet)
any force(turbo, supercharge) will not be cheap from $2k+

the 2.5litter engine just came out n so fat I haven't see any parts for it. So. Think yur better wait lit bit.

Oh about HID, it just plug and play. U can get a kit(DDM tuning cheap with lifetime warranty) and put it in yur self. It normal come with contruction. Or just take out the stock bulb n plug in the new one.

As for cusom it right away, take yur time and do it right the first time. Trust me I been there and done it. Do it right or it will mess up take more time and money.

My first mod was tinting the windows, looks better n feel great no homo Domo

[joshuaboston]

There is a K&N short RAM system (I know it is good for the 2007 and 08's but not positive about the 11's... but I think there is one). That with a TRD exhaust should add about 15-20 horse power. This may be all you need to feel that you have enough to be satisfied. You will not see much of a power increase by just doing one of the two. Realize this will change the way the car will sound... in a BIG WAY.

With my last car, Celica GT 140 HP at stock, after adding a CAI (by Injen) and the TRD exhaust I was suprised with the increase in power (especially at lower RPM's).

[Stickbo]

Kenny thanks for the advice. I tend to get a little carried away right away. For now I'll just stick with the tinting and basic stuff I can do myself.

Definatly going to look into the HIDs too.

Joshuaboston I have read on here that it will not fit the 2011. I guess some guys have been building their own. How do you mean it will change the way the car sounds? Do you mean like a high pitched sound?

[11LE]

There is no intake that will fit with great finish as intended for the 2.5's just yet that I know of. I put the 2.4 k&n sri on my 2.5, and it hits the hood, the throttle body does not align with the tubing, and the heat shield doesn't fit in place. Do not buy the k&n short ram intake for the 2.4 and expect it to fit well on your new 2011.

Exhaust, as it is custom welded, is easier to do. A few brands: vibrant, magnaflow, megan. Vibrants are well known to put out a pleasing rumble. Since you have the SE dual exhaust, expect to pay around 300 for an exhaust overhaul. It'll give you slight gains that you probably won't feel literally, but more of a placebo since your car sounds faster.

Hold out on intakes. The new scion tc has the same engine as we do, and we should be seeing parts support sky rocket sooner or later.

[molson.david]

2. I have read a lot about changing to HID lights? Whats involved with this? Is it a DIY project?

spend some time and money and retro your lights. sooner or later you'll do it anyway.
HID<<<Retro.

Is it legal to tint windows in MA?
used to live in RI (and been in Taunton), tint is no-no there.

[Stickbo]

Originally Posted by molson.david

spend some time and money and retro your lights. sooner or later you'll do it anyway.
HID<<<Retro.

Is it legal to tint windows in MA?
used to live in RI (and been in Taunton), tint is no-no there.

You can do up to 35% i think. I have always done it way darker. My avalon was almost black (on a black car) only got pulled over once. It was a by a state trooper and he told me the car looked good and let me go...lol. I roll the dice for the looks.

[MJZ]

35% here, light interior means it looks maybe 50%.

If you have a black interior, doing 35% means your car could look 20%.

[Musicmansell]

Hey man, welcome to the camry club...

I was/am like you...just getting into this whole new car customization thing and I can tell you, Kenny is right. Take your time no matter how much of a deal something is, or how cool something seems...do your research and always make sure you are getting the best brand for what you want, and then find the best price. Saves you a bunch in the long haul.

Now I was the same as Kenny and got my windows tinted first, then I did the HID conversion, then I did an LED conversion to all the interior, trunk, door, and license plate lights. Then, some light up door sills, and neon under the dash and in the center console. (I know a lot of light mods) But they were fairly inexpensive to do and added a lot to the look of the car.

I then added a K&N CAI (but I have a 2007 V6, I saw they haven't made one for you yet, so just be patient, when they do, you will love the look, feel, and sound of it for sure

Then I did a custom cat back exhaust with dual Magnaflows and custom tips. This will definitely give you more power and added with the CAI will make the car growl nice and low. Your sound will change depending on which brand of exhaust you go with. Flowmaster, TRD, Borla, Magnaflow, etc.

Then I did wheels, next is coils to lower the car, then stereo and fat mat to keep noise and rattle down.

I know it's lengthy, but I also know how it is just starting out. This site is awesome and will help you a lot, check the DIY Thread in the forum section and you will find lots of great ideas and help.

[Stickbo]

Originally Posted by Musicmansell

Hey man, welcome to the camry club...

I was/am like you...just getting into this whole new car customization thing and I can tell you, Kenny is right. Take your time no matter how much of a deal something is, or how cool something seems...do your research and always make sure you are getting the best brand for what you want, and then find the best price. Saves you a bunch in the long haul.

Now I was the same as Kenny and got my windows tinted first, then I did the HID conversion, then I did an LED conversion to all the interior, trunk, door, and license plate lights. Then, some light up door sills, and neon under the dash and in the center console. (I know a lot of light mods) But they were fairly inexpensive to do and added a lot to the look of the car.

I then added a K&N CAI (but I have a 2007 V6, I saw they haven't made one for you yet, so just be patient, when they do, you will love the look, feel, and sound of it for sure

Then I did a custom cat back exhaust with dual Magnaflows and custom tips. This will definitely give you more power and added with the CAI will make the car growl nice and low. Your sound will change depending on which brand of exhaust you go with. Flowmaster, TRD, Borla, Magnaflow, etc.

Then I did wheels, next is coils to lower the car, then stereo and fat mat to keep noise and rattle down.

I know it's lengthy, but I also know how it is just starting out. This site is awesome and will help you a lot, check the DIY Thread in the forum section and you will find lots of great ideas and help.

Thanks a lot!

I will definatly check out the DIY section. Didn;t even know it existed. I'll post some pics once she gets the tint and finally able to clean it. (Rained for days)

Looking forward to being able to do some work to the car. I am a boater and have done extensive work to the boat, so it will be nice to have another obsession. lol Or will it??

[7SickZ0]

Pretty sure fujita makes a cai for the 10-11 i4 camry, advancespeedshop, links around here somewhere

[Stickbo]

Cant aeem to find the DIY thread. Can you post a link if you have a chance?

Originally Posted by Stickbo

Cant aeem to find the DIY thread. Can you post a link if you have a chance?

*** READ FIRST -- Official Gen 5 & 6 DIY and General Info Sticky! ***