Bunch of Questions - New Owner / New-B

[Bo Hunter]

I'm the new owner of a 2004 Corolla S 5-Speed, and a first time buyer of any Toyota product, and a new member to this board.

I purchased this car mainly for the cost and fuel economy. Now that I've driven it for about a month, I'm interested in a few improvements, and had some general questions. I will try to make this brief, and number the questions so they are easy to answer.

Ride/Handling
1. How much of a difference does a new spring kit make as far as handling? It appears to me there is a lot of body roll with this car as stock (Compared to my old 1997 Audi A6), and I get easy wheel squeal around corners. I'm 28 years old, and I'm not looking to build a "Fast & Furious" mobile, but better handling would be nice. Please give input on various systems available, and how it affects handling, and ride (TRD springs look like best option, only lowers 1.25"). Do I need new shocks/struts if I get the spring kit?

2. The stock tires seem like they just plain suck. If I were to get new tires, would I want to go with 16" rims as well? I want a comfortable ride, and good looks. Is 16" overkill? What is the impact to this improvement on handling? What tires do you guys like? If I go with new rims, the old ones will be either sold (what are they going for?) or used in the winter with seperate winter tires.

3. What is with all the different strut tower braces on E-Bay? Do they work? Why are they so cheap? The only one that caught my eye as possibly functional was from Megan Racing for like $40. Is that money wasted?

Engine
The engine is a little gutless (could use more torque), but I'm happy with the fuel economy. I also don't want one of those loud exhausts as I drive an hour to work one way. Would a cold air induction system provide noticable improvement in power? What is the effect on fuel economy? What particular air intake would you buy? AEM, K&N? I can't find any that "officially" fit the 2004 Corolla S yet. Any direction would be appreciated.

Stereo
I purchased the "upgraded" stereo when (actually, it was already there) and I'm pretty disappointed in it. My question is about the tweeters and crossovers. Does anyone know, are the crossovers in the door, or is it done at the deck? I was hoping I could just plug in an aftermarket deck, and hook up new component speakers to the existing wiring? Is this possible, or will I have to reqwire?

My final question is, what exactly IS my car? I see all of this Generation 8.5 Corolla, AE92, engine specs etc. What IS the 2004 Corolla S so I know when I'm browsing?

Sorry this was so long. I appreciate any information you guys can give me, about upgrades, their "REAL" improvement on the vehicle, and your preferences on manufacturers etc.

Bo

EDIT - PS - What bolt pattern does this car have for rims?

[falnfenix]

1 - dropping the car is a wonderful idea...it reduces the body roll immensely. invest in a strut tower brace/strut bar as well...you won't be sorry you did.

2 - i'm not so sure on the tires, but 16" wheels look good on a corolla. saying that's overkill is far from the truth...a set of 18"s on a corolla is overkill. keep your stock wheels for winter...you'll be happy to see your rims stay nice year round that way.

3 - if the strut bar is a one-piece, and it's solid, it's your best bet. the three-piece bars allow for more body flex. before buying a cheapo ebay bar, make sure you ask the seller those questions. if it looks like a hollow bar with holes in it, it probably is...and those are generally a waste of money. i bought a one-piece TRD bar...and am overjoyed with it.

4 - intakes have me a bit lost...i know E.L. Prototypes have a cold air intake for the 01/02...but i don't know about for your car.

tha'ts about all i can answer for you...hope it helps

[Bo Hunter]

From what I've been reading it appears that the Tokico Illuminas with the Eibach Pro-Kit would be a good balance between handling and ride quality. Any input? Where is the best place to buy these components online? Will they void my warranty? How do the Eibach's compare to the TRD Lowering springs?

[falnfenix]

TRD = Eibach

they won't void your warranty...because i don't believe there IS a warranty on such parts...aside from like a year from the date of purchase. if i were you, before you do ANYTHING to your car, check with your dealer to see what you can and can't do.

by the way...i'm a huge fan of Tokico.

you can usually find parts on any of the tuner websites...but for the TRD parts, try www.vpower.net. hell, check that site for any of the parts you might want or need...that's a pretty good source.

[tech-304]

eiback makes trd's shocks , struts, and sway bars, so if you buy from either company your buying the same product

[falnfenix]

wow...talk about resurrecting an OLD thread, dude. thanks for the input, though.