'99 Echo Mod Question

[zipjack]

Hi there,

We have a '99 Echo with Aircon, engine immobiliser. Stock standard - no kits (yet)

The car has done 170,000Ks so far with no problems. Just maintenance and occasionally having to put gas in .

You can call me a hard arse if you like, but I figure with the good run we've had with this car, the car should be rewarded.

The car is now my wifes' runaround and I'm looking at doing it up for her for her birthday this year. Good tires, lower suspension, kit it up and soup it up good.

Now, if you had a stock standard echo like mine and had say a budget of 2K, what would you do to it. I am no expert on these things, and have no idea what brands to look for etc, but I'm thinking of the following:

Good Suspension (any reccommendations)?
replace wheels and tires (any reccommendations)?
Full Sports kit - fin, front/rear bumper, side (I like the look of some of the c-one stuff but can't read Japanese)
Paint Job (It's white, so somehting that won't collect dirt)

What can be done to the engine? More Air Intake? I am not averse to doing things to the car that migh be a bit risky as we have allready well and truly had our moneys worth.

[ECHOKnight2000]

Did you have a long list or certain items? I don't know much about this stuff either but what I do know is you get what you paid for...meaning don't go too cheap or you can risk your life (the aftermarket parts on the car) or they just will break right away. I guess what I'm saying is make sure the brand (whatever that may be) has been around for awhile and has a good rep. Also 2K is a good budget but I'm afriad you might need more money. With cars and most other hobbies there is an endless amount of money you can put into it, just choose wisely. Good luck!

[zipjack]

Hi EchoKnight,

Thanks for the tip. I'm thinking of some tweaks to the engine (don't mind flogging it now), some safety improvements (shocks, Tires) and making it look good for the missus .

Maybe some decent shocks as the current ones are probably pretty tired by now, some good tires/wheels, some spoilers/bumpers and somehow get more air through the engine.