Modifications
Performance Parts
- TRD Intake
- TRD Header
- HKS Exhaust
- TRD Engine Comps.
- MSD Ignition
- Motec Engine Electronics
- TRD Shocks
- TRD Springs
- Cusco Strut Bars
- Wilwood Brakes
- TRD Transmission
Car Audio & Video
Interior
Exterior Styling
THE HISTORY
September 2004: I found the car located in Texas (a rust free State)thru Ebay auction. Checked CARFAX history if the car was into an accident, to my elation records are clean as a whistle. Bidding war was fierce, 45 bids were posted. After the smoke has cleared, bidding ended at a whopping $3100! Call me crazy, but I really wanted a fresh 25 year old Starlet no matter what or nothing at all. This will save me from a bunch of headaches when I prep the body in the near future.
A little bit of trivia..as I picked my car from Dependable Auto Shippers, I checked and the AM-FM radio works, heater blows heat and AC gives a really cold air with still a strong blower, complete jack kit, unused spare tire...amazing.
I named my car Pepsi Paloma, named from a famous starlet (actress) in the Philippines as the same time my 1981 Toyota Starlet came out of the market. The actress committed suicide on her prime....sad to say.
December 2004: Started buying aftermarket parts first to come in is a pair of T3 camber plates for $170.
Brand new Cusco front and rear strut tower bars from Japan (rear on pic). If you need Cuscos for your KP61 email me, I can sell it for only $179 plus ship. Cusco doesn't sell these tower bars in the US market not even in Europe. It is exclusively for the Japanese market.
January 2005: rare Original TRD N2 wide flares arrived from Japan. The only way to find out if the flares are original is by looking at the TRD logo (3rd picture below)imbedded in clearcoat which is located on the inside of the flares. What separates this from a copy? it fits right, it's thicker, it's more flexible and stronger!
March 2005: TRD front and rear 8 way adjustable shocks arrived (it's thicker by an inch compared to stock).
Sold my baby Supra wheels, A nice set will be arriving soon from the Philippines.
April 2005: Bought a rare find at Ebay! A TRD Close Ratio Gear Set for K50 5 speed transmission.
Also got TRD oversized valves set.
May 2005: Purchased a nice rare set of Mosport wheels (looks similar like SSR XR-4 Longchamps but I find the Mosport better just a personal taste, besides xr-4s rarely comes in 13s) from my friend (thanks Bruce) the Philippines. First pic, on its unpolished state, 2nd pic polished and wrapped ready to ship out here in the USA.
June 2005: Purchased a pair of rear Tom's springs with a 280 lbs. spring rate. It's lower by 4 inches and definitely stiffer compared to my stock springs. It will definitely compliment the TRD 8 way adjustables.
September 2005: After a year of searching and getting the parts to complete it from 3 countries I finally got a brand new pair of chrome bumper! Chrome bumpers never came with 80-82 Starlets, it only came out from 78-79 Starlet bug eyes. Now purists with keen eyes will say "hey that part is not right for that car model, it's wrong!" I am not a purist by standard whatever makes my car stand out better without altering out of its original design suits my taste. You guys will be the judge if what I am doing is better or not, that is what the car rating is all about.
Installed the rear TRD 8 way adjustable shocks and TOM's rear spring. Clicked it to #5 setting and see how it goes if it still needs stiffening or softening. So far, the rear now sits lower than the front. I won't be installing the new front TRD shocks yet for now until I get a set of front coilovers. Contemplating on whether to use Ground Control or QA1. Spring rate will be 250-300 lbs. Note: before thinking of lowering your car, preload all your suspension system by loosening up everything lower your car then tighten up back everything or you will put too much stress on those without doing so.
November 2005:
My Pepsi is due for its very first repainting soon, the original paint is still in very good condition but I am such a perfectionist that I want every dents and scratches fixed...pics indicate chalk marks to mark pinhole dents of the car.
Photo was taken before installing the rear aftermarket suspension.
$1500 paint job done, I have it painted with a 3 stage Escalade Diamond White. The clear coat is still raw (no shine yet) and it won't be buffed until after 60 days for I chose not to add a catalyst.
Door type side mirrors were removed and covered the holes prior to painting then a brand new set of original kp61 JDM manual fender mirrors were installed.
Removing the old rare S-Type grille and installing a newer polished metal S-Type grille and emblem.
December 2005
TRD 5.6 LSD which I got from friend in UK, Thanks Adam.
January 2006
Brand new TRD 4k Flathead (TRD dome pistons doesn't exist) Piston Set... a gift from my friend Francis Barba to whom I adore his rare TRD SCCA Starlet sooo much.
Nothing much to do the car this month for this is the coldest winter month here in Chicago. I can't wait Spring to start so I can put in all of my goodies.
Look what I got from Japan (where else duh)
A rare die cast toy of my car #15 of 550 made. Cool huh
Feb 2006 I ordered God knows how hard to get this HKS turbo kit made for the 4K, this will make my engine one of the rare breed.
tuning and making it work will be another story. I will still have to decide if I will go with a blow thru design with twin sides or go to change my carbs to efi.
March 2006 Been tinkering my car, installed my hood...nothing much to do...still very cold here in Chicago.
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