Modifications to a '98?

[hops523]

Hey guys, so the deal is Im going to be getting my license in a few months, and I think I want to buy a '98-'99 Corolla. When I get the car Id like to modify it a little, Im just not sure on everything I want to do, and I was looking for some suggestions. Some things Ive thought of doing are: putting on new wheels/rims (15"-18" rims, what size do you all think will look the best?), switch the head and tail lights to Anzo lights, upgrade sound system and put subwoofers in the trunk, maybe put on a carbon fiber hood.

I dont feel like I need to modify the speed of the car. And I DO NOT want to put on any type of body kit. Anyone have suggestions on what would look nice? Brands,sizes, etc.

This will probably take me awhile to complete, but since Corollas are pretty reliable, Im hoping I'll get everything done and still have a lot of life left on the car.
Thanks

[fishexpo101]

Wheel size depends on if you are going for looks or performance. Here, less unsprung weight is better for performance - try and shoot for 16" wheels or less. Even with a 16" wheel - you are looking at a 45-series profile tire. If you have some good sized potholes in your area - could be looking at frequent bent wheels / flat tires. Especially if you plan on adding all the stuff you mentioned - you need to help out the car as much as you can.

Lowering springs would be a good modification. If you go with a nice tire and wheel package - they will "look" weird if running the stock spring height. Just an illusion, but it will make the car look more like a 4x4 - unless that is what you are after. The Corolla takes very well to suspension modifications - since the car is very softly setup by the manufacturer - and if you are set on a 1998-1999 Corolla, probably a good idea, given that those springs and struts are probably pretty tired.

Anzo lamps - if they're your style, go for it. Just keep in mind that some locales have restrictions on modifications to a vehicle's lighting system. Carbon fiber hood - just watch what make you get and install hood pins if needed. Some CF hoods can "bulge" out at speed. Once that happens, it is likely that the hood could pop free from the latch and slam into the windshield. Hood pins are a good safety measure here - make sure they are installed properly.

Wouldn't worry too much about what to do to the car - the trick is finding one that is in good shape. Read up on the forum - some have had some serious oil consumption issues, others have intermittent CELs from EVAP related issues to misfires.

[hops523]

Yeah, I didnt know if 18" wheels would look awkward on a '98 corolla, so I'll look into some 16". Thats a good idea to lower the springs. Ive seen a couple corollas with nice wheels and like you said, they just looked weird, but then I saw a corolla with nice wheels that looked really nice. I didnt know why some looked nice and others looked weird, now I know.

I really like the Anzo lights, I think I'll put them on either way, and I guess if I get in trouble I'll have to switch them out haha. Do you have any suggestions for carbon fiber hood brands?

Yep, Im definatly going to be reading around the forum.

[toyotaman11]

Yeah I think 18's would be kind of dumb on our 98 corolla. I still have the stock 14's, but that is because my struts are gone and I dont have money for the rims. lol

[Buurin]

Below are a bunch of mods that will make your Corolla more reliable, less maintenance and more nimble.

- All LED exterior bulbs ie. corners/turn signals, the three stop lights, backup lights, license plate lights. There are drop-in units that will work even with Anzo lights. Remember to match the color to the lens' color. Do not use load resistors - it defeats the purpose. These draws much less power than usual bulbs so you can save every bit of juice for your stereo, if that's your plan.
- Switch out the flasher relay with one designed for LED to make above work.
- Lightweight alloy wheels, 14" or 15". Don't go bigger, and don't go wider than 195 for your new tires, although the widest you can fit is 205. Kosei K1 TS (14/15"), Sport Edition D5 (14"), Konig Helium (15") are good looking wheels. You can also try to find Civic HX or gen 1 Prius wheels.
- Wait till your suspension wears out, then put on a set of MILD struts and springs. KYB GR-2 or Tokico blues, and find some springs that drops no more than 1.5".
- Get a set of factory mud flaps if you don't have them. These aren't considered bodykits - mine have them stock. If you see snow, you'll be glad you have them.
- Get a K&N drop-in. You can wash and reuse it many times.

Of these mods, the springs/struts and the wheels are probably your biggest purchases.

[fishexpo101]

Originally Posted by hops523

Yeah, I didnt know if 18" wheels would look awkward on a '98 corolla, so I'll look into some 16". Thats a good idea to lower the springs. Ive seen a couple corollas with nice wheels and like you said, they just looked weird, but then I saw a corolla with nice wheels that looked really nice. I didnt know why some looked nice and others looked weird, now I know.

I really like the Anzo lights, I think I'll put them on either way, and I guess if I get in trouble I'll have to switch them out haha. Do you have any suggestions for carbon fiber hood brands?

Yep, Im definatly going to be reading around the forum.

That's cool. As far as hoods - you get what you pay for. Some like the OEM "smooth" style CF hoods, some like the more extreme hoods with all sorts of slots and openings - up to you. Seibon and VIS are two popular makes on the 8th gen Corolla. Seibon looks like the OEM hood, but in CF - VIS makes an "invader" hood and an OEM style one. Both run around the $400-$500 price range. Both take factory mounting points - should be easy to install. Both also make use of the factory latch - hood pins are not required, but highly recommended. Pretty sure the VIS hood is about 1/2 the weight of the OEM hood. I think Siebon is lighter than the VIS - but not 100% sure about it.