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"seeray28(steve)" <seeray28@charter.net> wrote in message
news:PLWXg.5844$%l1.4539@newsfe07.lga...[color=blue]
> Hey all I recently purchased a 1989 Celica w/ auto air sunroof, for 200
> bucks american. It has 165k miles on it. It runs fantastic and gets
> exceptional hiway gas milage. So far I have replaced the front struts, the
> altenator, and rebuilt the passanger rear brake cylinder. My questions are
> the following
> 1 should I change the transmission fluid, It is dark but not black. I am
> concerned about changing it because it looks to have never been changed
> before and I am worried about messing with a system that is working fine
> at
> the moment.
> 2 If I do change the fluid and filter in the transmission, is there a
> shift
> kit available for it, I would like to get a little firmer shifts if I
> could
> 3 Would a transmission cooler be usefull on this car? If so how big of a
> cooler should I get?
> 4 Aside from different tires, what alternatives do I have in regards to
> making this car handle better?
> So far I have a total of
> 200 for the car
> 100 =altenator
> 90= strut inserts
> 6=brake cylinder rebuild
> ---------
> $396 grand total
> I have less than what some peoples car payments are invested in this car
> so
> I can only go up.
> Thanks for any and all replies
> Steve
>
>[/color]

1. I would change the transmission fluid but don't flush it or go overboard.
just let what runs out come out and no more.

2. Firmer shifts in a front wheel drive car can cause problems, plus shift
kits are recommended on older transmissions. If it is weak that will make it
go quicker.

3. The transmission should already have a cooler in the radiator. unless you
plan to tow with it or race it I wouldn't worry.

4. Coil-over kits are available for the Celica but they need to be fitted
professionally as they modify the strut. 90% of the suspension bushes can be
replaced with polyurethane instead of rubber. Stiffer springs and anti-roll
bars especially on the rear to lift the inside wheel on turn-in will give
sharper handling. fit ST162 front hubs as they have camber adjusters built
in, or get adjustable strut tops which can change the camber and the caster
of the front wheels. And finally have it all setup and corner weighted by a
race suspension shop to get everything working in harmony. Also fit 16inch
wheels with 215 wide tarmac rally spec tyres, but be prepared to change them
regularly.