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Steve Dickson
Tinkerer
Qld
Soarer GTT

Posts: 58
Reg: 04-2009

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Wednesday, May 27, 2009 - 01:45 pm, by:  Steve Dickson (Stevedeez87) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Hey guys just wanted to get some sugesstions really, I have a pretty stocko 94 tt and was thinking about getting a loan of maybe 7 grand and doing it up a little perfomance and interior wise! So far just a few things I have considered are, new ecu, dyno tuning, new exaust system, new carpet, re-spray, new tint job, new DVD head unit (already have a fully sick sound system haha') maybe some of those xenon soarer headlights from eBay, hid kit?,body kit? Lowered, maybe chrome out and paint the engine bay etc? Obviously won't be able to do all of these things! Just wanted to find out what I should go for to get better performance and have a nicer looking soarer! Any feedback apreciated! Thanks
David Vaughan
Goo Roo
NSW
V8 Ltd manual

Posts: 4398
Reg: 07-2005

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Wednesday, May 27, 2009 - 01:58 pm, by:  David Vaughan (Davidv) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

My suggestion is not to borrow but to put half the value of the potential repayments into investments and save the other half to spend on your car, because you want to. It is already fast and looks good so it needs only modest improvements while you make some money. If you save some money then my suggestion is to put it progressively into the lights, brakes, exhaust, and make sure you set some aside for first class tyres when you need to replace them. If you want to spend borrowed money on tupperware, it will be more useful in the kitchen than on your car.

Cars depreciate, while improvements to cars are worth close to zero from the day after they are completed.
Anika Le
TryHard
SA
TT 1JZ-GTE

Posts: 190
Reg: 01-2009

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Wednesday, May 27, 2009 - 02:30 pm, by:  Anika Le (Hime1901) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Hands up, I agree with David

Not going to lecture or anything. For me, I already have the money there but chose not to touch it. Its quite tempting but realistically I invested because it's for my future. And honestly, do you want to be in 7k debt?! that's quite a bit!

Just saw your DP, your soarer looks nice already!

I love my car to bits and she does need work but I don't love her that much to spend a crap load of $$$ on her if I knew I wasn't getting the value back in the future! haha
Steve Dickson
Tinkerer
Qld
Soarer GTT

Posts: 59
Reg: 04-2009

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Wednesday, May 27, 2009 - 02:35 pm, by:  Steve Dickson (Stevedeez87) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Hahaha! Definately some good advice! Now that I think about it I really don't wanto be in 7k debt! I'm just the kind of person where I will see something I want and just have to have it! I have been searching the forums alot lately and just seeing all these things! It's driving me crazy! I guess I should just be patient! And work on it slowly! Thanks again
Ali Saeed
DieHard
WA
V8 Limited

Posts: 502
Reg: 09-2007

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Wednesday, May 27, 2009 - 02:38 pm, by:  Ali Saeed (Ali) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

i know the feeling Steve! your car looks perfect mate, dont respray it!
Ian Johnston
DieHard
South Australia
UZZ30 GT 4.0

Posts: 831
Reg: 07-2005

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Wednesday, May 27, 2009 - 02:58 pm, by:  Ian Johnston (Ted) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

David is correct on this one.
You could borrow $7,000, spend it on the car, get sick of it, and would struggle to get $7,000 for it.
It is a lousy market, for $7,000 you could buy a good 2nd Soarer.
David Vaughan
Goo Roo
NSW
V8 Ltd manual

Posts: 4400
Reg: 07-2005

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Wednesday, May 27, 2009 - 03:32 pm, by:  David Vaughan (Davidv) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Anika got me there. I hadn't even looked at Steve's profile . She is right, the car looks really good. Nothing as good as a '94

The reasoning for my suggestions was that they can be done incrementally at reasonable prices, they will improve your car (HID lighting, performance from a better-breathing exhaust, grip from better tyres) and you don't blow all of your satisfaction (or budget) at once but keep on feeling good. I mentioned brakes in the earlier post but you already have a TT, not awful V8 brakes. You can always spend money on better brake pads when you need them.

One of the nice things about spending a bit more on the consumables (brake pads, tyres) is that you have to spend most of the money anyway, it is not a lot in the scheme of petrol, rego and insurance, and it rewards you in performance every day you drive the car quite apart from potentially keeping you safer.
Vinh Bui
Goo Roo
NSW
94 UZZ31 (V8) / 96 JZZ30 (TT) / 97 JZA80 (TT)

Posts: 2816
Reg: 07-2005

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Wednesday, May 27, 2009 - 03:45 pm, by:  Vinh Bui (Hyudsjk) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I agree with David's above post. In my experience, if you just save up and spend on modifications when you can you'll get a whole lot more satisfaction out of it.

You kind of appreciate it more too.
James Johnson
Tinkerer
Auckland
UZZ31 Soarer

Posts: 57
Reg: 03-2009

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Wednesday, May 27, 2009 - 05:11 pm, by:  James Johnson (Jimbo) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Steve, David and Anika are right. Just save a certian amount of your pay each week (say $50) and put it into a savings account until you have enough to get some coilovers or what ever else you might want. That way by the time you get used to one modification, you would probably have enough coin for another. Take it from me I have just blown an easy 7 grand on my car in the past week but I already had the money and didn't need to borrow it. I could have invested it but I already am investing some amount. In short I decided to do both, spend some coin in upgrading the soarer and throw some money into the bank since that looks like the safest thing to do unless any one has other recommendations?
Daniel Clarke
Goo Roo
NSW
TT 2.5L 6 cylinder

Posts: 5023
Reg: 03-2006

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Wednesday, May 27, 2009 - 05:31 pm, by:  Daniel Clarke (Dieseltrain) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Dont spend money on cars if you expect the amount to be returned somehow ... Exepct if you take payments of driving pleasure :-)

IM with the Dont borrow to spend on mods crowd here !

You own a TT , you dont have to spend alot to get them going nicely :-) And you dont have to spend much if at all to look nice either, as your profile pic looks nice :-)
Steve Dickson
Tinkerer
Qld
Soarer GTT

Posts: 60
Reg: 04-2009

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Wednesday, May 27, 2009 - 05:36 pm, by:  Steve Dickson (Stevedeez87) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Hey thanks for all the comments guys! You have successfully talked me out of getting a loan! Made me realize i really dont want another 7 grand loan! as i am almost finished paying off my 8 grand loan that i got for my soarer. I just fell in love with the soarer and want it to last a long time and i would definatley get another one! But for now i guess i will stick to what i got and gradually get the mods done! Thanks Again
David Vaughan
Goo Roo
NSW
V8 Ltd manual

Posts: 4401
Reg: 07-2005

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Wednesday, May 27, 2009 - 06:06 pm, by:  David Vaughan (Davidv) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)



Enjoy the car. I have had mine a few years now. Keep an eye out for bargains in add-on bits being sold here as well. I picked up new brakes (I have a V8) and some TRD pads from the forum, interior bits and sound system improvements. Performance bits for the TT crop up here.

Hopping briskly onto one of my hobby-horses again, save for really good tyres, You will be amazed at the the way they change a car.
Ali Saeed
DieHard
WA
V8 Limited

Posts: 509
Reg: 09-2007

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Wednesday, May 27, 2009 - 06:24 pm, by:  Ali Saeed (Ali) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

yeh TT brakes + ss braided lines = win.
Mark Tierney
TryHard
NSW
Soarer GTT & Celsior

Posts: 240
Reg: 09-2005

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Wednesday, May 27, 2009 - 07:44 pm, by:  Mark Tierney (Mark_t) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

This is all true, but seldom are we sensible with the cash spent on these cars. I've spent a packet on mine but have no intention of selling it. I'm sure other people will buy into this conversation now the ball is rolling. Here's a few ideas:
- FMIC: Greddy ones to be had for $600-700 delivered now. I've had one for the last three years & its gold. Drop right in - no mods
- Boost Controller (varying price Gizmo, eboost, greddy B spec etc) $100 - $300. Don't boost the standard ceramic turbos too much
- Shift Kit - Camerons or MV autos for around $300 (exchange your throttle body). Well worth the investment. gets rid of the slow & sloppy gear change in the auto
- Camerons shift box (manualise the auto) $200 - $300 depending on options. wicked when used with shift kit
- Dump pipes: always a few sets floating around on here
- exhaust system, high flow cat & mufflers $1000 to $2000(stainless)
- Steel wheeled turbos, T3G's or some hybrids. Will bolt up to the stock manifold, so a little saving here not having to buy a manifold. Hone or bore the manifold when you have the turbos off so it will breathe a little better. $1500-$4000 depending on your choice. Cihan had a sweet set a few weeks ago for $3,000
- Blow off valve - will save your turbos when boosted $150 - $350
- Computer: can get a Emanage ultimate with harness 2nd hand for around $600-$700. Many options here that other members can cover. EManage is one of the cheaper but proven options. Check the database here too. Take into account the install & dyno tune times as well. this is often the same if not more than the cost of the computer
- Injectors, maybe some 440's out of a supra 2nd hand (although may need re-jetting in some cases) $400
- good fluids for gearbox & engine $varied. search database for specifics
- Fluffy dice - $2 shop. will add an extra 20RwKw if hung correctly
- forget the respray for now. Get some higher grade polish from repco/car shop & spend the time on polishing it yourself. You'll be amazed at the result-$50. Your car looks sweet as is. Just get the sucker rolling with some performance bolt ons & you'll never look back....
or save your money..... *snickers*
Best thing is to get a run in a few members cars. Once you've done this, you'll have caught the bug well & truly.
(All pricing is very approximate & I'm happy to be corrected. I'm sure I've forgotten a few things here as well)
\
Steve Dickson
Tinkerer
Qld
Soarer GTT

Posts: 61
Reg: 04-2009

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Wednesday, May 27, 2009 - 08:38 pm, by:  Steve Dickson (Stevedeez87) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Well its looking as though i had better get saving! And pulling double shifts at work! haha! Thanks again for all the ideas! Hey lets start somewhere low cost! hah! Im really trying to change all the interior bulbs in my car to led's etc. Has anyone brought stuff from this site
www.brightlightautoparts.com or can anyone tell me what bulbs i would need? Im abit clueless when it comes to these! Cheers
Steve Dickson
Tinkerer
Qld
Soarer GTT

Posts: 62
Reg: 04-2009

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Wednesday, May 27, 2009 - 08:39 pm, by:  Steve Dickson (Stevedeez87) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I guess im asking if there is a way i can just do straight bulb swaps and get a good outcome! without having to worry about resistors and stuff?
Jeff Smith
Goo Roo
NSW
GT30/37r Single T Manual

Posts: 2477
Reg: 07-2005

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Wednesday, May 27, 2009 - 08:51 pm, by:  Jeff Smith (Mozzie) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Oh sh1t.... What a subject.... lol
Like most here... Gradual upgrades are the best.. As Daniel Clarke said,Little upgrades in the right direction can get that neat "94" going quick... So far Dan has proved that you don't need to spend a bucket load on your car to look nice and go hard...
I too have a "94" and got the performance bug and ran into many non needed upgrade's and wasted a lot of money... But really I'm not overly worried as I have no plans of selling it.. It is my daily driver and track car.. There is a lot of fun to be had without serious power mod's...
The 1st thing I did was buy a dvd player and it cost me $2500 just for the head unit... Seriously it is a waste of money... I mainly use the radio on it... lol Dvd's rearly get played on it...
Most the things Mark has pointed out will gain plenty of mumbo...
James Johnson
Tinkerer
Auckland
UZZ31 Soarer

Posts: 63
Reg: 03-2009

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Wednesday, May 27, 2009 - 11:44 pm, by:  James Johnson (Jimbo) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Most but not the fluffy dice unless you have some thing like some play boy car seat covers to match.....
Matthew Sharpe
Goo Roo
North Island
JZZ31

Posts: 4329
Reg: 10-2005

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Thursday, May 28, 2009 - 07:13 am, by:  Matthew Sharpe (Madmatt) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

What David said - never borrow money to modify a car.

Steve, your car is very classy looking!
Mark Tierney
TryHard
NSW
Soarer GTT & Celsior

Posts: 241
Reg: 09-2005

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Thursday, May 28, 2009 - 07:17 am, by:  Mark Tierney (Mark_t) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

and maybe....

Upload

an incredible hulk bobblehead to match the seat covers
Brenton Trafford
DieHard
SA
V8 Limited - UZZ31

Posts: 962
Reg: 08-2005

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Thursday, May 28, 2009 - 09:14 am, by:  Brenton Trafford (Traff) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Steve, you could look at paying off your $8k loan quicker and saving money for the car if you calculated what your repayments would have been on taking the $7k loan and adding that to the payments your making on the $8k. That way you're paying the loan off quicker, paying less interest and once the loans paid off put the same amount that you've been repaying into an online savings account the banks are now offering. From what I've seen on the bank websites the online accounts actually pay the best interest rates on savings than any of the other investment options they have. You'll find the money will add up pretty quick and as you're already paying it now on loan repayments, you won't miss it.

Best of luck!
James Harris
Goo Roo
QLD
GT Starlet

Posts: 2784
Reg: 07-2005

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Thursday, May 28, 2009 - 10:06 am, by:  James Harris (Haro) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Mate i would go on a decent holiday. Buy some great memories and experiences cos thats whats its all about in my opinion.
Do it now while you are young and dont have any kids or things that will tie you down in AUS.

BUT - buy yourself a decent set of HIDs though also, 6000K heat range works very well and is not ricer colour. I used a kit from PROLUMEN and it is still going strong (even with its new owner) after 4 years. I paid 200US for my kit all those years ago and i bought directly from the manufacturer.
Bobby Green
TryHard
QLD
TT

Posts: 281
Reg: 09-2005

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Thursday, May 28, 2009 - 11:34 am, by:  Bobby Green (Nash) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

My advice. Put the car for sale and wait a few months for a buyer. Keep saying during this time. Assuming you get at least 6k for your car, that's 13k which will buy a hell of a lot of soarer these days with all the functions that you want. This is assuming the 7k goes completely to the car and not for other items of interest. 7k will run out very quick once you start modifying, but buying someone's car that they've already invested 20-30k+ in not including the purchase price mean you end up saving big time.
Christian Molenda
Goo Roo
QLD
T

Posts: 1094
Reg: 07-2005

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Thursday, May 28, 2009 - 12:48 pm, by:  Christian Molenda (Christof) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Bobby, your absolutely spot on. I dont even want to start adding up the $ ive put into my car. And knowing that realistically i wouldnt get more thant $12-13k for it.

Also My cars at EFI now along side yours.

Did you tell them about the timing belt Cam mentioned?

Hope they get yours going soon.
Bobby Green
TryHard
QLD
TT

Posts: 282
Reg: 09-2005

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Thursday, May 28, 2009 - 02:50 pm, by:  Bobby Green (Nash) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

They had a custom tensioner made up. They said they knew about the timing belt but preferred a custom tensioner with a 2j belt. Can't wait to get it back. I'm hoping for 400hp, but that might be optimistic. We'll see. I got a new mr2 to play with now so I am not an anxious waiting anymore.
Ashley Young
Tinkerer
vic
soarer v8 31

Posts: 20
Reg: 03-2009

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Thursday, May 28, 2009 - 08:19 pm, by:  Ashley Young (1uzman) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

steve my advice to you would be to steal the $7000 no repayments and no need to worry about depreciation T.A.B's are a soft target and little old ladies handbags although they may not have kind of cash on them and that sort of behaviour is generally frowned upon
Daniel Clarke
Goo Roo
NSW
TT 2.5L 6 cylinder

Posts: 5028
Reg: 03-2006

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Thursday, May 28, 2009 - 08:44 pm, by:  Daniel Clarke (Dieseltrain) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Bobby has a good idea ... Hehehe.. Sell yours for 6k and borrow 7k and buy Mine for 11k . You have 2k to keep the mrs happy and have a nice quick soarer :-) Hahahaha

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