Thursday, April 03, 2008 - 10:45 pm, by: Chris Moore(Chris_moore)
Hi guys, not exactly new, but recently I have done a fair amount of work on my Soarer so it kind of feels new to me. Thought I would share with the group.
I'll start with the ride height. As soon as I got the car, everyone who saw it told me to lower it, I finally got around to it at the end of last year. I believe it has made a massive difference in the look of the car. Suspension is a bit firmer but nothing I can't handle. Before
After
Next there was the gauges I received for Christmas. They are Autometer Oil Pressure, Oil Temperature and Water Temperature in Phantom finish to match my Autometer Phantom boost gauge on the A-pillar. I was sick of having the pocket under my CD player so I arranged to have a 1 1/2 DIN sized piece of metal laser cut to allow my gauges to sit in this spot. The end result is, in my opinion, a great look. It took a fair bit of hassle (including a heap of hours of work by my mechanic and the auto-electrician) but I feel it was worth it.
In case you can't tell in the above pictures, the bracket says Soarer underneath where the gauges sit. Next time the car is at the mechanic, this will light up when the lights for the gauges come on. Here is a pic to show it clearer.
I also purchased a G-Reddy Spec M front mount intercooler and installed it a few weeks ago. I think it has made a difference to the low and mid-range of the car (Boost gauge now sits at 10 vac instead of 20 vac when idling).
I also have a set of 440cc injectors sitting on my desk staring at me. They will go on in the next few months, hopefully joined by a set of Lew's dump pipes (if he answers his email) and a shift kit. Also considering an eManage in the future. Shame I need to travel so far to get a decent tune. All takes money though, so I'm in no real rush. Anyway, hope you enjoy the pics.
Thursday, April 03, 2008 - 11:25 pm, by: Chris Moore(Chris_moore)
I had it custom made up at a laser cutting place a mate works at. I just took in the measurements and a picture of the Soarer text and they put it together. They quoted me $70 to cut the part and fold the edges so I could attach it. However, when I went in to pick it up, they told me their folding machine was broken and they gave me a $65 refund. I went somewhere else and got it folded for free. Then I paid $7 to get it powder coated as they were already using that colour in the powder coating booth. So that is $12 worth right there. Cheaper than a Mazda 1.5 DIN pocket!
Monday, April 07, 2008 - 12:51 pm, by: Chris Moore(Chris_moore)
They were springs I bought second hand off these forums. Not sure what brand they are but they lower the car to just about the perfect height. No, they do not cause the tires to rub.
Saturday, April 12, 2008 - 12:41 am, by: Steven Roduner(Steve89)
Hey there mate, car is looking good. If your ever down rocky way mate let us know would be nice to meet someone who has another soarer, only 3 of us here now I think.
Chris Moore Tinkerer Queensland Toyota Soarer GTT-L