Your opinion on upgrades - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

capblueberry · 02-19-2010, 11:53 AM

well recently got my tax returns/excess financial aid back so have some money put back and was curious as to what mods yall recommend.

im lookin for more functionality but possily some aesthetic stuff as well.

i've already for window tint, stereo, and HID's

just lemme know what you think. im sitting on about $850

ilovecorollale · 02-19-2010, 12:14 PM

How about a short ram intake like K&N...and strut bar.

AlaricD · 02-19-2010, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by capblueberry

well recently got my tax returns/excess financial aid back so have some money put back and was curious as to what mods yall recommend.

im lookin for more functionality but possily some aesthetic stuff as well.

i've already for window tint, stereo, and HID's

just lemme know what you think. im sitting on about $850

Window tint will really pay off in the summertime, and just for overall daytime glare reduction (sometimes light would come in the back window of my '01 LE and reflect off the dashboard and be really annoying).

A good stereo, or even in-dash DVD nagivation/entertainment would also add to your enjoyment of the car. It can also typically be moved to your next vehicle should you decide to replace it.

A good set of lightweight rims would be great performance upgrade-- stay the same size to keep the weight down. Handling will get better, and city mileage should improve (less rotating mass when starting from a stop, and whatnot).

Forget the HIDs. The perfect upgrade for your lighting would be a set of Toshiba HIR 9011 and 9012 bulbs. A very minor base modification, and you've got 45% higher intensity at the same wattage as stock for the high beam, and 90% higher on the low beam.

If you absolutely MUST get HIDs, don't get a kit where the bulbs drop in to your stock lamp assembly. Also, keep the color temp around 4100-4300K and make sure they are properly aimed (by a competent shop using the proper tools).

RoachRolla · 02-19-2010, 04:05 PM

I recommend a custom catback exhaust with a muffler of your choice. Don't get a short ram, waste of money. I should know, I have one. Its more for bling than performance because it sucks the hot air near the header. If anything, get a higher flow filter and toss it into the filter box.
Other things you could do...sway bars, front strut bar, coilovers. Lightweight rims. You wont really be able to make the Corolla into a beast without putting a ton of money into it, but you can make it into a good handling vehicle.

capblueberry · 02-19-2010, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RoachRolla

I recommend a custom catback exhaust with a muffler of your choice. Don't get a short ram, waste of money. I should know, I have one. Its more for bling than performance because it sucks the hot air near the header. If anything, get a higher flow filter and toss it into the filter box.
Other things you could do...sway bars, front strut bar, coilovers. Lightweight rims. You wont really be able to make the Corolla into a beast without putting a ton of money into it, but you can make it into a good handling vehicle.

Yea I was thinkin bout rims but not sure what style and color would look good on a white car. Was thinkin black but not sure since there is no other black on the car. What u think?

RoachRolla · 02-19-2010, 05:15 PM

If you think black looks good, then go for all black. The black with chrome lip is played out so i dont recommend that type of color. Have you looked at bronze rims? or gunmetal? Those seem to look good on white cars. I might be the wrong person to ask because I have 16" black/silver rims on my car right now, but i just bought a set of red 15" Konigs with a polished aluminum lip. I know they dont go with my car, but I like how they look "different". And you have a white car, if it was up to me, I would put purple rims on, Im not even joking lol. Its your car, do whatever makes you happy. However, I'd try sticking to some lightweight 15s, 16s.

***PhatRoyale*** · 02-19-2010, 05:26 PM

You can't really do much with that small of a budget.

I would just upgrade the stereo and save the rest on gas and maintenance.

Skip the HID kit. Unless you're doing a proper retrofit, which including OEM projectors, hardware and all, will eat up close to your entire budget.

DjiNN · 02-19-2010, 05:26 PM

do suspension upgrade after put some lightweight rims. If you want your car to sound like it has more grunt put a catback system on it.

Crowbar911 · 02-19-2010, 07:33 PM

I say go with suspension and tint.

JDM_jody · 02-20-2010, 02:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhatRoyale

You can't really do much with that small of a budget.

I would just upgrade the stereo and save the rest on gas and maintenance.

Skip the HID kit. Unless you're doing a proper retrofit, which including OEM projectors, hardware and all, will eat up close to your entire budget.

you read my mind sir. lol
+1

gold94corolla · 02-20-2010, 12:18 PM

did he say that he's already done window tint, stereo, and HIDs?

$850 should get you a nice drop, with springs and shocks, that would take care of both looks and performance!!

AlaricD · 02-20-2010, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by capblueberry

i've already for window tint, stereo, and HID's

Quote:

Originally Posted by gold94corolla

did he say that he's already done window tint, stereo, and HIDs?

You can't blame us for not understanding the phrase "i've already for", can you?

gold94corolla · 02-20-2010, 06:04 PM

yeah I know right hahaha!!

I didn't even see the "for" until after I posted that

capblueberry · 02-20-2010, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gold94corolla

yeah I know right hahaha!!

I didn't even see the "for" until after I posted that

hahah sorry bout that...i was wondering why everyone was suggesting things i've already done then i reread it...but yes i've already done window tint, HID's, and stereo haha

gold94corolla · 02-20-2010, 08:56 PM

Oh OK, that mans sense haha.

So what about a proper drop? Or rims for that matter?