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Mods Update during 4550 mile road trip with pics.

2K views 14 replies 3 participants last post by  SuperchargedMR2 
#1 ·
So I took my 2017 Corolla iM 6MT on a 4550 mile road trip from WA State to New Mexico and back. I took the scenic route on mostly back mountain roads. Over this past spring and summer, I've installed many modifications. I installed a DC Sports CAI and ceramic 4-2-1 header, a DNA 2.25" exhaust, Quantum Solenoids, JET MAF, short shifter, Tanabe lowering springs, Tanabe front strut brace, and TB chassis braces.

I was looking forward to this trip to experience the difference. I took a similar trip when my car was bone stock so I had a good baseline. I haven't had the chance to get my car on a dyno yet but the difference these mods made was very impressive. Above 3500 RPM my iM now pulls very hard. I was shocked at how much better it did at elevation, even above 6000'. I drove over many passes that were 10k' or higher and it pulled the steep grades much better. It's like my 2009 Corolla S Turbo 5MT, but it could hold a much higher speed up steeper grades than it could when stock. At 70 mph in 4th gear at 4k RPM it would hold the speed on steep grades and made driving the mountains so much more fun. I didn't use 6th gear in the mountains if going uphill. I drove it as a 5MT unless going downhill or on a flat section. It pulls harder from a stop and was worth every bit of time spent installing the mods. I'm very happy with the results.

These were from Central Oregon.
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#3 ·
I drove through Idaho during the night. As the sun rose I was driving through the small section of SW Wyoming heading back into Utah.
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These were taken near the south side of Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area.
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#5 ·
I jumped on I-70 east and spent the night in Rifle, CO. I was up early heading east to Glenwood Springs, CO where I headed south on SR-133 up and over the mountains to Hotchkiss, CO. This was an amazing drive with beautiful vistas, mountains, and the Aspen trees changing to a golden yellow.
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#6 ·
At Hotchkiss, CO I headed south on SR-92. The colors of the trees where amazing and as the road turned east it twisted along the edge of the mountains at 9k' elevation. The twisty drive was sensational and I enjoyed rowing the gears every minute of every turn. I can't wait to drive this road again. I turned east on US-50 toward Gunnison, CO.
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These pictures were taken from Curecanti National Recreation Area. The water level is low waiting for winter snows to fill it up!
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#8 ·
I headed south on Colorado SR149 and back over numerous mountain passes. These are near Lake City, CO.
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Look at that elevation! Close to 12k' and she pulled the pass amazing well.
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At the Continental Divide!!!
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#10 ·
After spending some time with my mom near Albuquerque I started my back road adventure home. The first stop was at the VLA rest stop. The telescopes run on 3 different tracks that are each 17 miles long.
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I drove through NM to the AZ border. These roads were a blast to drive.
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#13 ·
I got a lot of compliments from people when I was getting gas or stopped with others nearby. Many asked what kind of car it was and that they thought it was so great looking! :)
 
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#14 ·
From AZ I headed up to Telluride, CO. It was a beautiful drive with all of the fall colors. It felt good to get out of the desert and into the mountains.
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