Post by: mtnbkr on March 29, 2006, 10:35:12 AM
Eventually, I'm going to replace the 15" steel wheels with 16" allow wheels and slightly lower profile tires (205/65-15 to 205/60-16, nearly same overall diameter). When it's time to replace the struts, I'll go with better versions.
In the meantime, I want to take care of the "low hanging fruit", so to speak. Based on what I've read, the Camry benefits most from an upgraded rear anti-sway bar and a strut tower brace up front. The rear anti-sway bar is easy enough. However, there seems to be a wide range of choices for the strut tower brace ranging from scrap metal cheap to nearly $200 (Toyota Racing Development). Making the decision more difficult is that there's no consensus on the differences between them (some say they're all the same), nor whether they actually do anything at all. In addition, nobody's compared two different models. They just install one and call it good.
Also, I can't find carbon metallic brake pads (my choice when available), but lots of "ceramic" pads. How well do these work? I'm not overly concerned with dusting, but I do want brakes that stop well even when hot.
Chris
Post by: K Frame on March 29, 2006, 10:37:10 AM
Why do I envision a trebuchet in your near future?
Post by: mtnbkr on March 29, 2006, 10:40:40 AM
Quote from: Mike Irwin
Why do I envision a trebuchet in your near future?
Only to knock that subaru out of my driveway. 
Chris
Post by: K Frame on March 29, 2006, 10:45:25 AM
You WANT an Outback.
It's just that you don't think you have enough inner Crocodile Dundee.
Everyone would know you're a poser by the miniscule knife you carry.
They'd laugh at you, and you'd have to go on a walkabout of shame...
Post by: K Frame on March 29, 2006, 10:47:59 AM
It laughed mockingly and called you a nasty name.
Post by: mtnbkr on March 29, 2006, 11:23:27 AM
So the folks at home will know what you're referring to...
Pimping and unpimping (along with trebuchets and things that suck): http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/02/22/vw-strikes-again-un-pimp-my-ride-videos/
Fast: http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/02/17/videos-volkswagens-bizarre-gti-fast-commercials/
Chris
Post by: K Frame on March 29, 2006, 11:28:34 AM
After she kills you, can I have your guns?
The first thing I'd have to say about your new ride is that the color.... stinks.
It's very bland and mommyish. Anything you do to it is going to be overwhelmed by the color banality...
Post by: mtnbkr on March 29, 2006, 11:40:03 AM
Quote
After she kills you, can I have your guns?
No.I love the color (Aspen Green Pearl). Besides, when you're saving that much money, you can't be too picky on color. I'm still waiting for the engine to blow or the cops to show up to reposess my "stolen" auto.
Because it's bland and doesn't stand out, I won't get noticed as readily if I'm driving a tad fast.
Chris
Post by: K Frame on March 29, 2006, 11:46:29 AM
Post by: Harold Tuttle on March 29, 2006, 11:51:28 AM
Post by: K Frame on March 29, 2006, 11:53:43 AM
NOT while I'm taking a drink of my coke, please... As sore as my sinuses are right now, I can't afford to expell any soda through them.
Post by: ...has left the building. on March 29, 2006, 12:29:37 PM
Also, which engine did you get again?
Post by: ...has left the building. on March 29, 2006, 12:36:45 PM
Post by: charby on March 29, 2006, 12:39:02 PM
this guy might give you some ideas..
I'm clueless on pimping cars.. but I can build a gas suckin' tire burnin' Camry eating V-8
too bad gas is like $2.50 at the pump
-C
Post by: crt360 on March 29, 2006, 12:46:38 PM
http://www.phatpimpclothing.com/hi/phatpimp/buycarstuff.html
Post by: Brad Johnson on March 29, 2006, 01:10:28 PM
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Hex-Yugo-GVPLUS-Convertible-GVX-GV-Fiat-Air-Valve-Caps_W0QQitemZ8051499504QQcategoryZ33747QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Brad
Post by: mtnbkr on March 29, 2006, 01:16:12 PM
Quote from: Daniel Flory
How much do you want to spend?
Also, which engine did you get again?
I don't know just yet. I know I don't want to do it all at once and I don't want to take it too far. Just a few tweaks to make it a bit more fun to drive when the opportunity appears.Also, which engine did you get again?
I got the 2.4L I4 (VVT-i).
Quote
ceramic pads rock!
How do they compare to carbon metallic pads like the ones Performance Friction sells? Those are the only "performance" pads I have experience with. They were significantly better than factory pads on the car I installed them on. If my front brake pads ever wear out on my 4Runner, that's what I'll use there as well.Quote
yo yo, all you need is a type R emblem from an integra
It's funny because it's true. I didn't know Ford, Hyundai, Toyota, Chevy, etc made Type R vehicles. Quote
this guy might give you some ideas..
no thanks.Quote
but I can build a gas suckin' tire burnin' Camry eating V-8
Not much of an accomplishment. Grab the nearest Ford or Chevy musclecar of your choice, your credit card, and the Summit Racing catalog and go nuts. Chris
Post by: ...has left the building. on March 29, 2006, 01:29:18 PM
Quote from: mtnbkr
Quote from: Daniel Flory
How much do you want to spend?
Also, which engine did you get again?
I don't know just yet. I know I don't want to do it all at once and I don't want to take it too far. Just a few tweaks to make it a bit more fun to drive when the opportunity appears.Also, which engine did you get again?
I got the 2.4L I4 (VVT-i).
Quote
ceramic pads rock!
How do they compare to carbon metallic pads like the ones Performance Friction sells? Those are the only "performance" pads I have experience with. They were significantly better than factory pads on the car I installed them on. If my front brake pads ever wear out on my 4Runner, that's what I'll use there as well.Also, be very discretionary in your tire selection. Good tires, like the P Zero Neros, are better modifications for your car than adding things like bars, intakes, exhaust, etc. You'll feel good tires 100% of the time in all driving conditions.
If you have a manual, a short shift adaptor would be an excellent first modification.
Regarding brake pads, I haven't used the Performance Friction ones and I don't know anyone who does. I do know that the Hawk pads are excellent. They withstand the stress of SCCA Solo fairly well.
And be prepared for a million and one dipshit comments because you're doing something to an import compact. A lightly tuned compact will do some amazing things if you're a good driver.
Post by: K Frame on March 29, 2006, 02:49:09 PM
I'm busting his nutz because:
1. We're friends (isn't that the best reason of all?
)2. I don't really know squat about cars (which makes it ironic), and
3. I've got to get some revenge for the beatings I take at the hands of his daughter...
OK, that said, I know where Chris is coming from. While great cars, the Camrys are about as vanilla as you can get, but what even schlubs like me realize is that because it's a family car, it's decked out for comfort, and there's a LOT of performance, on many levels, that can be coaxed from one of these critters.
Post by: Gewehr98 on March 29, 2006, 03:37:28 PM
2. Big honkin' wing on the trunk lid. The higher, the better, try to make it even with the roofline.
3. Blue LED winshield washer nozzles. Those alone will allow you to break the speed of sound at sea level.
4. A fart can. The more annoying and loud, with the biggest diameter exhaust tip, the better. You want no back pressure at all on your exhaust valves. Think constipated bumblebee.
5. Slam 'er with camber. Make certain it rides so low, and the camber is so boogered up, that you're only wearing on the inside edge of the tires. That's handling!
6. 20" or bigger rims, with tires so low profile that they have no room for air inside. Think lumber wagon ride, thin rubber bands over a big metal wheel. Bling.
7. High-amperage elctric air induction boost blowers. They don't really add much horsepower via the intake air squeeze, but look impressive, especially if you have to add an extra gel cell battery or two. Nobody's yet figured out that if you simply geared those larger electric intake blowers that use jet engine starters to the driveshaft or crankshaft pulley with a simple electric or one-way clutch you'd realize some extra on-demand oomph.
Of course, Chris isn't a riceboy. I know that, and he knows that. But if ever there's a time that Coca-Cola comes out of my nose, it's when the ricers pull alongside me on the road.
The ceramic brake pads are quite nice. I put a new set on my '01 S-10 and was immediately rewarded with better stopping power, less brake dust on my rims, and they appear to be somewhat more fade resistant as they get hot. My stopping tests get somewhat stymied, however, because the quirky S-10/Sonoma/Hombre anti-lock brakes do their thing pretty soon in the whole braking sequence. (The way they pulse the brakes makes you feel like you've lost control)
I'll agree about better sway bars and shocks. I just converted the same S-10 pickup to the Chevy ZQ-8 package, with bigger front sway bar, rear sway bar, anti-hop shock absorber tying the differential to the chassis (like the older panhard rods), extra frame rail crossmember ahead of the rear axle, Bilstein shocks, and quick ratio steering box. (2-3/4 turns lock-to-lock) Late model '82 Corvette rims and Dayton Daytona H-series unidirectional tires finished the package. I left the stock 5-speed tranny alone. Wow! Now it kinda reminds me of my old VW GTI, albeit with oversteer, I wonder if they let small pickups into SCCA? Pretty obvious I just paid off the loan on the truck.
Post by: jefnvk on March 29, 2006, 04:09:17 PM
Post by: 280plus on March 29, 2006, 04:10:44 PM
(Oh sure, NOW I read jevnk's post
)
Post by: TarpleyG on March 29, 2006, 04:37:06 PM
Greg
Post by: mtnbkr on March 29, 2006, 06:05:40 PM
I'll have to give the ceramic pads a closer look. They sound good and everybody seems to be satisfied with theirs.
The tires and wheels will come when the current tires are ready to replace. Judging by the tread, I have a year or more on that. The struts will remain stock until they too need replacing.
No lights, no fartcan mufflers, no HP stickers, etc. I'm focusing solely on handling and stopping (because that will actually help in daily life).
I noticed an odd sensation on the way home today. As I was exiting I66 via the cloverleaf at RT234, the road was empty ahead of me, so I gave it some gas. As I rounded the downhill exit at about 50mph, I noticed a sensation from the rear that felt like the rear end trying to push out while the front seemed to want to turn in tighter. Nothing actually happened and the tires didn't even chirp, but I could "feel" it. That sounds like classic oversteer to me, which is odd because a front wheel drive car is supposed to tend towards understeer. This Camry has the lighter 4cyl engine which gives it less understeer (theoretically). I'm reconsidering the rear swaybar for now since it would add more tendency towards oversteer. I did go ahead and order the strut brace since at worst it'll just be inexpensive underhood bling. It may help.
Anyway, I don't want to turn it into an autocross rig, I just want to tighten it up a bit.
Quote
The way they pulse the brakes makes you feel like you've lost control
I hate ABS. I know how to and actually do pump my brakes in a panic situation, I don't need the car doing it for me. My 4Runner has them and it throws me off every time I drive in snow. Luckily, the Camry doesn't.Chris
Post by: K Frame on March 29, 2006, 07:47:04 PM
Is that an option with the Camry?
Post by: K Frame on March 29, 2006, 08:24:40 PM
Good question. I'll let you know next week.
Post by: BillBlank on March 30, 2006, 12:19:49 AM
). Then have fun fiddling . That's where I'd spend my money. Plus points include the fact that you can't see the mod so no "rice boy" appelations come your way. In my experience strut braces varied in usefullness/noticable improvement depending on what car they were in. For example, my A series manta with a 2 litre lump in it benefited a great deal, more positive response to steering input, straighter tracking under accelleration etc. I figured this was down to a 1970 chassis designed for 80bhp ish being asked to cope with 150ish. A mostly standard 1999 Nissan 200 on the other hand evidenced no noticable improvement. Pays your money and takes your pick on that one me thinks.+1 on the dislike of ABS. We've just bought a new suzuki swift and the abs is horrible for me. It cuts in just as I'm beginning to moderate the pressure on the pedal and flummuxes me for a second. Combine that with a VERY softly sprung front end that runs out of travel under hard braking or violent lane changes at highway speed due to a shedding load in front me and I had to take a moment on the shoulder to do some breathing exercises. I can only describe the feeling as like riding an elephant on marshmallow ice skates down the cresta run. Its brand new so the wife will not allow me to do anything that may void the warranty. I just want the peugeot 306 back
.
Post by: mtnbkr on March 30, 2006, 01:26:03 AM
Quote from: Mike Irwin
What about rechipping the computer for a different engine performance band?
Is that an option with the Camry?
I think it is an option, but I'm not dissatisfied with the engine's performance. Sure, more is better, but what I have is enough. For most Japanese cars, I think you have to send the ECU to the chip company so they can reprogram it for you.Is that an option with the Camry?
Quote
Tyres, springs and shock absorbers.
That's what I had in mind. Maybe not springs, but definately an upgrade to the struts when that's due. Same for tires (Not sure what a "tyre" is...). I plan to be subtle with all my changes. No 2" drop springs, race struts, or 45 series tires, just minor tweaks to "tighten" things up a bit.BTW, I read somewhere last night that the Camry SE (sport version) comes with a strut tower brace, so maybe there is some usefulness there.
Chris
Post by: BillBlank on March 30, 2006, 01:55:46 AM
I'm with you on the subtle though, less attention from the constabulary and less questions from SWMBO. There is something to be said for AP brake disks the size of dinner plates as well.
Post by: garyk/nm on March 30, 2006, 02:02:05 AM
http://www.camryforums.com/
http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/f15
If the answers aren't already there, then you have some like-minded folks to bounce some Qs off of. Be forewarned, however, that you are going to get a lot of "16y/o, will 22's look good on my ride" crap, as well.
Generally speaking, the best handling mods are going to be expensive; coil-over conversion, 50 or 45 series tires on lightweight wheels, tunable swaybars, etc. I don't know enough about Camrys to know whether or not a strut brace will help much, but hey, it can't hurt and looks good too.
Also check out www.tirerack.com . They have a selector feature that will allow you to see what their wheels will look like on your car.
ETA: AutoZone has carbon-metallic pads for the Camry.
Post by: mtnbkr on March 30, 2006, 02:06:35 AM
I knew about Toyotanation, but I hadn't found camryforums yet.
I hear ya on the 16yo 22" rim thing...
Chris
Post by: K Frame on March 30, 2006, 05:09:37 AM
How's that empire doing?
Oh, SNAP!
Post by: mtnbkr on March 30, 2006, 05:20:04 AM
Chris
Post by: Harold Tuttle on March 30, 2006, 06:25:16 AM
http://customwheel.com/custom_wheels/product_info.php/products_id/1687
http://72.51.37.160/pimpstar.html
Post by: mtnbkr on March 30, 2006, 06:32:01 AM
I'm not spending more on wheels than I spent on the entire car, especially if they're that ugly.
I found some tasteful 5spoke alloys at Tirerack that are 16x7 with a +50 offset (same as factory) and weigh 16lbs. At $82 each, they're well within budget. I'll buy the tires from them at the same time and not have to take them out somewhere for installation. I could probably sell the factory steel wheels with whatever's left of the existing tires for a couple hundred or so, putting my total investment at about the same level as locally purchased tires alone.
Chris
Post by: K Frame on March 30, 2006, 06:45:55 AM
$12,500 to $19,500 depending on tire size?
Post by: Harold Tuttle on March 30, 2006, 07:09:26 AM
look, if you are not going to buy 20 K buck rims for your ride
then you obviously have no idea what it takes to make the folks in NVA notice your daddy-liciousness
come on homie, you gots ta be a player to roll in the game
Post by: 280plus on March 30, 2006, 07:11:25 AM
Post by: mtnbkr on March 30, 2006, 08:12:43 AM
Quote from: Harold Tuttle
http://premium1.uploadit.org/docZox//snap.jpglook, if you are not going to buy 20 K buck rims for your ride
then you obviously have no idea what it takes to make the folks in NVA notice your daddy-liciousness
come on homie, you gots ta be a player to roll in the game
I'm far too white and square to understand what you just said. then you obviously have no idea what it takes to make the folks in NVA notice your daddy-liciousness
come on homie, you gots ta be a player to roll in the game
Edit to correct spelling mistake.
Chris
Post by: K Frame on March 30, 2006, 08:18:05 AM
Yo yo yo!
You know it, Dog!
Post by: Harold Tuttle on March 30, 2006, 09:29:56 AM
They absorb the GhettoPimpSpeak
and mutate it, so an up tight sprockets teuton asks
"yo-mikey-wantusto-unpimp-thisthing?-letmehear-yousay-Vat"
and the pimper is clueless
the tables are turned and the jabber speakers are foiled
cue the WE coyote wreckingball
we are DEVO!
Post by: Harold Tuttle on March 30, 2006, 09:40:36 AM
Post by: Azrael256 on March 30, 2006, 12:29:34 PM
Post by: 280plus on March 30, 2006, 12:39:27 PM
Post by: mtnbkr on March 30, 2006, 02:10:50 PM
Quote from: Azrael256
Are you guys this wierd on a daily basis, or is it just an APS thing?
Daily basis. What's your point? Chris
Post by: Azrael256 on March 30, 2006, 02:44:54 PM
Post by: K Frame on March 30, 2006, 03:33:29 PM
Excuse me, Azrael.
In order to participate in this conversation, you must be wearing a pancake on your head.
NOW PUT THE PANCAKE ON YOUR HEAD OR GET THE HELL OUT!
Post by: Harold Tuttle on March 30, 2006, 04:15:31 PM
i now write off my pancakes as a business attire expense
Post by: Guest on March 30, 2006, 07:10:04 PM
Post by: Azrael256 on March 30, 2006, 10:06:29 PM
Post by: mtnbkr on March 31, 2006, 02:13:25 AM
Quote from: baus44
while not at all orginal, and pry been mentioned, pull the body off the camry, roll the ol' chasis out, and roll a late 60's smallblock camaro chasis back in its place. bolt the toyoder body back on and enjoy. no one will be the wiser.
I prefer reliability.Quote
Is it cheating if I secure it with duct tape?
Not at all!Chris
Post by: K Frame on March 31, 2006, 02:37:22 AM
That way you get the anti-brain-control-wave benefits, as well.
Post by: Harold Tuttle on March 31, 2006, 05:26:11 AM
"OH Schnap!"
Post by: K Frame on March 31, 2006, 05:58:56 AM
"OH Schnap!"
Did you send enough pancakes for everyone in the class?
In 8th grade one teacher always made the "Did you bring enough for everyone in the class" comment to anyone who was eating or chewing gum.
He caught Adelle chewing gum one day and asked the standard question...
"Why yes I did," she said, and pulled out several of those huge packs of Juicy Fruit.
He was NOT pleased!
Post by: mtnbkr on March 31, 2006, 06:18:41 AM
Quote from: Harold Tuttle
oh the simple joy of having my daughter infect the 3rd grade with:
"OH Schnap!"
What's funny is that's an old saying that dates back to at least when I was a sophomore in High School, about 1988 or so..."OH Schnap!"
Chris
Post by: ...has left the building. on March 31, 2006, 08:32:40 AM
Chris - Which rims/tires were you looking at at the Tire Rack? I was up there not too long ago getting a set of Kumho ASXs put on my Honda. TR rocks! The owner/founder of the company was in their massive garage putting my tires on
Also, I think TRD makes a short shift for your car but I'm not certain. If I were you, I'd start with lightweight rims/ultra high performance all season tires, short shift kit, and then suspension work.
Post by: mtnbkr on March 31, 2006, 11:15:37 AM
I currently have Uniroyal Tiger Paws on steel rims. The tires look nearly new.
I'm considering these tires: http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Yokohama&tireModel=AVID+V4S&partnum=06VR6V4S&index=1&vIndex=3
The specs look good and seem to match my needs without going overboard. I feel comfortable with Yokohama and have Yokos on my truck now. I would be getting the 205/60-16 size.
And possibly one of the following two rims. Which one I pick is determined by the offset I'll need. I can't seem to find a good solid answer on the offset of the factory rims.
http://www.tirerack.com/servlet/CallJsp?target=wheelSearchCloseUp&initialPartNumber=GD4602S&sizeIndex=1&wheelIndex=83&autoMake=Toyota&autoModel=Camry+LE&autoYear=2003&autoModClar=&showRear=null
http://www.tirerack.com/servlet/CallJsp?target=wheelSearchCloseUp&initialPartNumber=KSE976601S&sizeIndex=0&wheelIndex=90&autoMake=Toyota&autoModel=Camry+LE&autoYear=2003&autoModClar=&showRear=null
I'm not too stuck on any one type of rim as long as it does the job and isn't too expensive. I'd even go for factory alloys for a good price. BTW, regarding cast vs forged, is it that big of a deal for a street car? The only vehicle I've owned with alloys is my 4Runner. No issues there, but I have several inches of rubber between the rim and the road.
I agree on the wheels-shifter-suspension idea. That's basically where I'm headed. I like the overall ride and I think simply upgrading the wheels and tires will make a huge difference, probably all that I need. TRD makes a shifter for Camrys, but it's for the previous generation. I can't seem to find any info that'll tell me if it'll fit mine. TWM makes one as well. Oddly enough, they say it'll fit up to 2001 (prev gen) and 2005+ (same gen as mine), but they leave out 2002-2004. I've sent them a message, but I haven't heard back yet. As a plus, the TWM is half the price of the TRD model because it's just the shifter rod and not the entire frame. It should be easier to install...
Chris
Post by: Gewehr98 on March 31, 2006, 11:46:00 AM
Post by: K Frame on March 31, 2006, 11:53:33 AM
On certain surfaces in low-speed turns they squeal like banshees, but I don't think I've ever had a better set of tires for sheer road grip on crappy surfaces.
Post by: mtnbkr on March 31, 2006, 11:59:43 AM
Quote from: Gewehr98
Uniroyal Tiger Paws scare the daylights out of me. They were factory standard on my 2001 S-10. Even when maneuvering at parking lot speeds, especially when turning into a parking place, they would squeal like I was Mario Andretti rocketing out of the pit stops. Every now and then they would actually cause understeer when there was gravel or dirt in a given parking lot! Do yourself a favor and at least get something with an "A" traction rating.
Dunno if they've changed the composition or not, but these seem to handle ok. I took the large sweeping exit from I66 to Rt234 in Manassas at 50mph the other day and couldn't get the tires to make a bit of noise. I've done that on a few other exit ramps and got the same handling. I haven't gotten a bit of noise out of them yet. I wouldn't put them on again, but I'm not replacing them just yet.Chris
Post by: Harold Tuttle on March 31, 2006, 03:47:02 PM
i took a pass on ebay tires but deals are out there
Post by: mtnbkr on March 31, 2006, 04:42:29 PM
Chris
Post by: ...has left the building. on April 01, 2006, 05:34:51 AM
Quote from: mtnbkr
Daniel,
I currently have Uniroyal Tiger Paws on steel rims. The tires look nearly new.
I'm considering these tires: http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Yokohama&tireModel=AVID+V4S&partnum=06VR6V4S&index=1&vIndex=3
The specs look good and seem to match my needs without going overboard. I feel comfortable with Yokohama and have Yokos on my truck now. I would be getting the 205/60-16 size.
And possibly one of the following two rims. Which one I pick is determined by the offset I'll need. I can't seem to find a good solid answer on the offset of the factory rims.
http://www.tirerack.com/servlet/CallJsp?target=wheelSearchCloseUp&initialPartNumber=GD4602S&sizeIndex=1&wheelIndex=83&autoMake=Toyota&autoModel=Camry+LE&autoYear=2003&autoModClar=&showRear=null
http://www.tirerack.com/servlet/CallJsp?target=wheelSearchCloseUp&initialPartNumber=KSE976601S&sizeIndex=0&wheelIndex=90&autoMake=Toyota&autoModel=Camry+LE&autoYear=2003&autoModClar=&showRear=null
I'm not too stuck on any one type of rim as long as it does the job and isn't too expensive. I'd even go for factory alloys for a good price. BTW, regarding cast vs forged, is it that big of a deal for a street car? The only vehicle I've owned with alloys is my 4Runner. No issues there, but I have several inches of rubber between the rim and the road.
I agree on the wheels-shifter-suspension idea. That's basically where I'm headed. I like the overall ride and I think simply upgrading the wheels and tires will make a huge difference, probably all that I need. TRD makes a shifter for Camrys, but it's for the previous generation. I can't seem to find any info that'll tell me if it'll fit mine. TWM makes one as well. Oddly enough, they say it'll fit up to 2001 (prev gen) and 2005+ (same gen as mine), but they leave out 2002-2004. I've sent them a message, but I haven't heard back yet. As a plus, the TWM is half the price of the TRD model because it's just the shifter rod and not the entire frame. It should be easier to install...
Chris
Those Avids are sweet tires. I think you'll be pleased with them. The Tiger Paws that you have on there now are friggin' hockey pucks! The rim links didn't work so can you tell me which make/rim you're looking at. Regarding cast vs. forged I don't think you'll notice any difference on your car as long as the weight is right. I currently have Uniroyal Tiger Paws on steel rims. The tires look nearly new.
I'm considering these tires: http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Yokohama&tireModel=AVID+V4S&partnum=06VR6V4S&index=1&vIndex=3
The specs look good and seem to match my needs without going overboard. I feel comfortable with Yokohama and have Yokos on my truck now. I would be getting the 205/60-16 size.
And possibly one of the following two rims. Which one I pick is determined by the offset I'll need. I can't seem to find a good solid answer on the offset of the factory rims.
http://www.tirerack.com/servlet/CallJsp?target=wheelSearchCloseUp&initialPartNumber=GD4602S&sizeIndex=1&wheelIndex=83&autoMake=Toyota&autoModel=Camry+LE&autoYear=2003&autoModClar=&showRear=null
http://www.tirerack.com/servlet/CallJsp?target=wheelSearchCloseUp&initialPartNumber=KSE976601S&sizeIndex=0&wheelIndex=90&autoMake=Toyota&autoModel=Camry+LE&autoYear=2003&autoModClar=&showRear=null
I'm not too stuck on any one type of rim as long as it does the job and isn't too expensive. I'd even go for factory alloys for a good price. BTW, regarding cast vs forged, is it that big of a deal for a street car? The only vehicle I've owned with alloys is my 4Runner. No issues there, but I have several inches of rubber between the rim and the road.
I agree on the wheels-shifter-suspension idea. That's basically where I'm headed. I like the overall ride and I think simply upgrading the wheels and tires will make a huge difference, probably all that I need. TRD makes a shifter for Camrys, but it's for the previous generation. I can't seem to find any info that'll tell me if it'll fit mine. TWM makes one as well. Oddly enough, they say it'll fit up to 2001 (prev gen) and 2005+ (same gen as mine), but they leave out 2002-2004. I've sent them a message, but I haven't heard back yet. As a plus, the TWM is half the price of the TRD model because it's just the shifter rod and not the entire frame. It should be easier to install...
Chris
That is weird that no one makes a short shift for the '03. I'll ask around and see if I can find one.
Post by: mtnbkr on April 01, 2006, 07:03:48 AM
Sport Edition F6 Silver Paint: 16x7 Cast Construction, 18.5lbs, +42mm offset $87 each
Kazera KZ-S Silver Paint: 16x7 Low Pressure Cast/Shot Peened, 17lbs, +50mm offset (least favorite visually) $119 each
I'm also shopping around for some factory Toyota alloys.
Chris
Post by: K Frame on April 01, 2006, 07:09:47 AM
I'm just wondering...
Does pimping your auto include a custom, hardshell diaper bag and a nook holder?
Just wondering...
Post by: mtnbkr on April 01, 2006, 07:35:35 AM
Quote
Regarding cast vs. forged I don't think you'll notice any difference on your car as long as the weight is right.
I didn't think I'd notice a difference in driving, but I wasn't sure about strength. It's hard to get an honest opinion on car forums, everybody's an autocrosser or professional driver, so everybody has to have the best... What I hear that keeps me concerned are comments about cast rims breaking/cracking easily over common road hazards like potholes and the like. I've never known anyone to break an alloy factory wheel, but I don't know if they're cast or forged.Quote
Does pimping your auto include a custom, hardshell diaper bag and a nook holder?
That's stage 2 pimping.Chris
Post by: K Frame on April 01, 2006, 07:42:25 AM
My head actually hit the roofliner and I almost lost control and ended up in oncoming traffic.
No damage that I can tell.
Post by: ...has left the building. on April 01, 2006, 07:47:05 AM
Quote from: mtnbkr
Quote
Regarding cast vs. forged I don't think you'll notice any difference on your car as long as the weight is right.
I didn't think I'd notice a difference in driving, but I wasn't sure about strength. It's hard to get an honest opinion on car forums, everybody's an autocrosser or professional driver, so everybody has to have the best... What I hear that keeps me concerned are comments about cast rims breaking/cracking easily over common road hazards like potholes and the like. I've never known anyone to break an alloy factory wheel, but I don't know if they're cast or forged.Quote
Does pimping your auto include a custom, hardshell diaper bag and a nook holder?
That's stage 2 pimping.Chris
Post by: mtnbkr on April 01, 2006, 08:02:35 AM
Quote
No damage that I can tell.
Cool. My parents have had alloy wheels on some of their cars stretching back as much as 16 years with no problems. I've only had them on the 4Runner, but like I've mentioned before, it has substantially more rubber to protect the rims.Quote
The Sport Editions are decent rims. I don't think that you're going to break a good quality cast wheel. IIRC, nearly all factory alloys are cast.
That's good to know, thanks. The Sport Edition D4s are my first choice and pretty close to factory alloys. The only concern I have left is the offset. Factory offset on 6" wide wheels is +50, as is the offset on the D4s, but I don't know if I'll need something different to compensate for the extra inch of width. Chris
Post by: K Frame on April 01, 2006, 08:52:00 AM
The tires on my Outback are 205s...
The only broken alloy rim I've ever seen was on a coworker's Jeep Comanche. He crabbed sideways on icy roads trying to to avoid hitting a car in front of him and kissed the curb with a rear wheel. The curb split the rim around the bead area. Instant flat.
Post by: mtnbkr on April 01, 2006, 09:12:49 AM
Chris
Post by: K Frame on April 01, 2006, 09:44:13 AM
I didn't think the tires on that thing looked that big.
Must be all the other pimping you've done on it that makes them look small.
Post by: mtnbkr on April 01, 2006, 10:31:42 AM
What pimping would that be? Other than the brush guard and offroad lights (both added by the prev owner), it's mostly stock.
Chris
Post by: K Frame on April 01, 2006, 10:50:46 AM
Well, there's the gold trim package, the highly personalized license plates, the baby spittle, cheerios, nooks, sippycups...
I thought you put that brush guard and lights on...
I guess maybe you did tell me that you didn't do those features, but I probably forgot after your daughter beat me over the head with a jack handle.
Post by: mtnbkr on April 01, 2006, 11:02:57 AM
The brush guard and lights were from the prev owner. All I did was hook up the lights (they were mounted but not wired.
Chris
Post by: garyk/nm on April 01, 2006, 02:51:51 PM
Post by: K Frame on April 01, 2006, 08:10:52 PM
Can you BELIEVE this clown?
EVERYTHING is someone else's fault!
Toyota did it, my wife did it, my miggit did it...
Be a man, Homer! Stand up and take responsibility!
Ok, you don't have to stand up right now. I know how much you ate this evening, and I, too, am having trouble standing up...
OOF.... I may sleep at my desk tonight...
Post by: mtnbkr on April 10, 2006, 07:47:48 AM
Quote from: Daniel Flory
That is weird that no one makes a short shift for the '03. I'll ask around and see if I can find one.
Found one and found a way to make the factory shifter a "short" shifter.TWM Performance's shifter for the 4th Gen and 2005 Camry (5th Gen like mine) should work in my Camry. They've told me I'm welcome to try it and return it if it doesn't work. Apparently Toyota hasn't made many changes to the Camry 5spd shifter. They don't list it as a "Gen5" shifter because they haven't personally tested it themselves.
That said...
I've learned that the pivot ball on the shift rod isn't welded into place. I can, with appropriate motivation and a BFH, move it up or down. Moving it up will decrease the distance the shifter has to move in order to change gears. I'm going to try that first since it's free.
Also, I replaced the shift cable bushings (rubber and squishy) with brass replacements. The shifter now feels much more "assertive". IOW, it's not mushy. The throw is still long though.
Chris
Post by: K Frame on April 10, 2006, 10:00:14 AM
Post by: mtnbkr on April 10, 2006, 10:09:28 AM
Back then, I used a Scat Dragfast shifter: http://www2.cip1.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=C15%2D80500
Chris