9 May 2008 - My car is for sale on E-Bay. let the high bidder win

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=010&sspagename=STRK%3AMESE%3AIT&viewitem=&item=200222059936&rd=1

"Let Freedom Ring"

My Next Car Currently in Production with Delivery in 2008. See page 3 for more.

Old and New School

28 May 2007 - Slide Show

20 May 2007 - Updated Pics

16 July 2007 - Video Remix

20 May 2007 - I've been chasing that elusive 12.1 to 12.5 AFR across the 3000 to 6500 power band for a very long time but, I finally got it.

Talking with several top notch tuners and the guy that built my custom intercooler it was determined that with my mods and running 10psi boost with water meth injection, that range on the AFR would be the best mix of driveability and performance and keep the engine safe. I had been running 11.0 to 11.9 at WOT and around 13.0 to 13.8 from 70 to 95% throttle. The difference at 12.1 to 12.5 is really noticeable across the entire range. Just came back from a short run and man it's so strong. I'm really going to HATE letting it go next year. I been trying to reach this level of performance for almost 4 years now.

27 Mar 2007 - I've been debating a long time about getting my throttle body bored out. I did my research, spoke with several possible companies that could do the job. I have been provided a computer model by one of the companies that clearly shows a 20 HP gain and 10% increase in airflow rate with a 2mm bore increase and a mods to the throttle plate and shaft based on the present state of my engine. So I've shipped off my TB for the modification and we will see what happens.

I am honored to have been selected as Showwoff of the Week for 19 Mar 2007. I take great pride in what I've done with a car that is mostly over-looked. For the countless times when someone asked what kind of car do you drive and I say a Toyota Solara, and their reply is a what? Heres to all those who supported me over this almost seven year journey. To the good folks at CarDomain, thanks for the selection. I am greatful! While you're here please take a moment to Rate My Ride!

I am PROUD to say I am retired from the US Army, Aviation Branch. To all those BRAVE young men and women on the front line of freedom, I salute you. Stay safe, God Bless, watch your six, keep your powder dry and come home safe

UPDATE 20 March 2007
Thought I'd give everyone the opportunity to hear the BEAST! Let me know what you think: Just click the PLAY button below (you may have to click it twice)

UPDATE Photos - 25 Feb 2007

My 3rd Brake light mod and you can have one for your 1st Gen Solara from the Good Folks at Custom Brake Lights.

If you're interested in having your SC modified or rebuilt go here.
PSE SuperChargers

ADS The Place To Go

Home of SolaraGuy

ProFlow Design

UPDATE - 16 Feb 2007 - Well, the more things change, the more they stay the same. Almost back to the look I had the day I got the car with a few extras of course :-) and a lot more power. Wanna run??

No More changes for the next 12 months!!

UPDATE - 24 Jan 2007- I wanted to wait until I could repeat numbers three times but, now it's confirmed. I have tested my car at above 320 Front WHP. The 300 Front WHP mark has always been a magical number for the Solara with its 3.0 V6 engine. For me the success is in the fact that I have a totally street legal, OBDII inspection certified, licensed and insured vehicle that is a true high performance import car. So finally after many set backs and way too much money, I have reached and exceeded my goal. Nothing left to prove with this car. It is a fun and fast car with very good looks and I am sure it will give me many mile of pleasure. It's important to note that the guys at ADS of Chandler, AZ played a BIG part in helping me get there. Thanks ADS!!!

UPDATE - 30 Dec 2006

Custom front grill from Renova.

Look close to see the 3rd brake light custom decal.

My Rottie (Isis) and my Solara.

UPDATE - 25 Nov 2006 - It has been awhile since I posted any pics of my car. Here is a couple I snapped in the garage tonight. I'll post several more tomorrow.

Silverlicious Rebirth Updates!! Rebirth performed PSE Superchargers, California and ADS, Chandler, Az

22 June 2006 - Just a few pics of the new dual exhaust. This is very high quality work.

My new custom SC Intercooler (Thx PSE SuperChargers), Heat Exchanger.

24 May 2006 - UPDATE - I had to add a TB spacer for clearance on the intercooler fittings. It will also be a performance boost. The E-Manage install is going well along with several other electrical mods. Here is that spacer. I found one for a Toyota truck that works just fine.

31 Mar 2006 - UPDATE - It's finally done. Here is a bottom side pic of my TRD SC with custom made intercooler installed. I'm waiting for my reworked throttle body to be flow benched and they both will ship to ADS in a week. I have internal pics but I promised not to show them yet. I assure you it will blow you mind. It's one (1) of five (5) modified like it in the world.

The heat exchanger for my modified SC with inter-cooling.
Facts about Inter-cooling:
Benefits of Inter-cooling

* Greatly Reduced Intake Temperature
An 85° - 200° drop in air temperature (dependent upon application) results in a more dense, powerful fuel/air charge, greatly reduces exposure to detonation, and virtually eliminates the "power fade" felt in back-to-back runs and extended pulls without inter-cooling

* Full Timing
This reduction in temperature allows you to run factory (or close to factory) timing, and avoids the substantial horsepower loss inflicted by excessively retarded ignition timing

* More Low-End Boost and Horsepower
The inter-cooler also acts as a passive waste-gate, flattening the boost curve at higher rpm's and allowing more boost to be dialed in at lower rpm's

* An Expanded Power Band
Full timing and forced induction keep the engine pulling hard to the red-line

* More Boost
Not only will you experience the above benefits at any boost level, you can also safely run substantially more boost when inter-cooled!

CF Eyelids. (gone)

CF Pillars.

Side view of new paint job.

Engine bay.

Rear View.

The Trunk. (old setup)

6 July 05. A wheel shot with my Tuner01 Real Carbon Fiber Caliper Covers installed.

SuperPro Polyurethane modified dogbone bushing kit installed. Soon to be available at SuperPro. A big thanks out to Mike Stone over at Fulcrum Suspension PTY LTD for pulling this off. He may be way down under but, he's a straight up guy!!

Snow Performance Boost Cooler Stage II MAF - Water/Meth Injection System install is complete. Have a look and let me know what you think. Dyno complete with 21-22 hp increase.

Solara door sills installed. Thanks Astro for the idea!!

Latest custom performance/Show Car improvement. Chrome Housing High Flow reusable Oil Filter.

DRIVE SYSTEM MODIFICATIONS:
B&M High Stall Torque Converter
New Anti-Friction Roller Bearings
Refurnish Fins
New Pump
Modified Fin Angles
New Lockup clutch (2nd build)
Valve Body Modification
Bigger Valves
Stronger Springs
Custom Phantom Grip FWD Automatic Transmission Limited Slip Differential (LSD)
Magnetic Oil Pan Drain Plug
Hayden Transmission Oil Cooler

ENGINE MODIFICATIONS:
Throttle Body Bored Out 3mm over by ProFlow Design
Battery Relocation Kit (Trunk)
E-Manage Blue Piggy Back Computer
Throttle Body Spacer
Light Weight Crank Pulley (UDR)
High Output 180 amp Alternator
CSF 2 Row Aluminum Radiator
SuperPro Polyurethane Dogbone Bushing Kit
SuperPro Polyurethane RR Engine Mount Bushing
Snow Performance Stage II Boost Cooler MAF System
Chrome Ultra Filters High Flow Oil Filter Kit
K&N High Flow Cone Shaped Air Filter
InJen Cold Air Intake
Custom Cold Air Intake Extension
Underdog Racing Super Charger Pulley (2.5)
Complete Blueprinting & Balance of 1MZ Block
Custom Head Bolts
Custom Main Studs
Mill, Port and Polish Heads w/3 Angle Valve Job
Port Intake Manifold
Balance/Polish Crank
Custom Forged Pistons
Custom Forged Rods
Lightweight 1ZZ lifters
Custom Piston Rings
Custom Valve Guides
Custom Valve Stem Seals
Custom Main Bearings
TOGA Performance HV Oil Pump
Engine Oil Filter Relocation Kit
B&M Engine Oil Cooler
New Water Pump
180 Degree TRD Thermostat
RC Engineers 370cc Fuel Injectors
High Flow Fuel Filter
MLS Head Gaskets
Denso Irinium IK 22 Spark Plugs
New Timing Belt
190 Walbro Fuel Pump
GM Knock Sensors
New SuperCharger Belt
TRD Supercharger
Custom PSE SuperCharger Intercooler
Custom Fluidyne Heat Exchanger
Lighting Intercooler Water Pump
Aluminum Intercooler Resevoir
TRD Chrome Oil Filler Cap
TRD Chrome Radiator Cap
JP Performance 1MZ Exhaust Headers
Chrome TRD Oil Catch Can
Jim's Fuel Mod w/Black Hoses
FLEX-A-LITE Inline Fuel Cooler
Jim's Front Motor Strut Mod
Custom Engine Cover
Chrome Liquid Filled Fuel Pressure Gauge On Rail

INTERIOR MODIFICATIONS:
RAZO Shift Knob
Genuine Toyota Door Sill Protectors(Brushed Stainless Steel w/"Solara" Logo)
Chrome OBX Fire Extinguisher
6 New Autometer Phantom Series Engine Gauges
Two Custom Carbon Fiber Gauge Pods(pillar(3) & dash(3)
Super Charger Air Temperature (Full Sweep Electric)
Air/Fuel Mixture (Digital)
Engine Oil Pressure (Full Sweep Electric)
Engine Oil Temperature Gauge (Full Sweep Electric)
Super Charger Boost (Full Sweep Electric)
Engine Water Temperature (Full Sweep Electric)
Reverse GLOW Gauge Instrument Cluster (Green/Blue)
Carbon Fiber Instrument Cluster Bezel
Carbon Fiber Park Brake handle Cover
PassPort Performance Computer
RAZO GT Heel Plate
Hayame Carbon Fiber Pedal Set (AT 3PCS)
Steering Wheel Cover With Blue Neons

EXHAUST MODIFICATIONS:
Custom (True) Dual Exhaust System From Header to Tail Pipe
Hooker Aero Chamber Mufflers
Custom 1970 Dodge Charger Chrome Exhaust Tips
2.5 Stainless Steel Pipes
Corvette Style Mini High Flow Catalytic Converters
2.5 X–Pipe before the CATS
02 Sensor and A/F sensor located in X – Pipe.

IGNITION MODIFICATIONS:
Ignition Plasma Booster
Buddy Club Voltage Stabilizer & Grounding Kit
SUN Automobile Hyper Ground Wire System (S-Type)

BRAKES AND SUSPENSION MODIFICATIONS:
SuperPro Polyurethane Power Steering Rack Bushing Kit
SuperPro Polyurethane Trailing Arm Bushing Kit
SuperPro Polyurethane Lower Control Arm Bushing Kit
Tuner01 Carbon Fiber Brake Caliper Covers (w/Custom TRD Decal)
Whiteline Heavy Duty Front Sway Bar, Bushings and Clamps
TRD Front Strut Brace(slight modification for the boost gauge fitting).
TRD Rear Sway Bar
Goodyear Steel Braided Brake Lines
Eibach Springs
Tokico Struts
Brembo Drilled and Slotted Rotors Front and Rear

AUDIO, STEREO AND SECURITY MODIFICATIONS:
Prestige Security System
Alpine XM Radio
Low Profile XM Roof Mounted Antenna
Chrome Autobahn Amplifier 600 Watt
Chrome Autobahn Amplifier 800 Watt (removed)
Two Autobahn 10" Sub-woofer (removed)
Two Chrome Autobahn Sub-woofer Grills (removed)
Pioneer DEH P660 Head Unit (CD, AM, FM, XM)
Kenwood 4-ways in the rear
Kenwood components in the doors
Remote Trunk Release
Remote Engine Start

EXTERIOR MODIFICATIONS:
Lasor cut TRD emblems
7 Piece TRD Ground Effects Kit
Carbon Fiber Roof Spoiler (Dream came true)
Custom Lower Grill Insert
Carbon Fiber Pillars Covers
Roof Custom Painted (Toyota 205 paint code)
Custom Upper Front Grill Mod (Renova)(Toyota 205 paint code)
Chrome Rear TRD License Plate Frame
Custom Tinted Windows(including rear)
3M Clear Coat Poly Protectant. Front and nose of hood.
Black Pearl Toyota Trunk Emblem
Carbon Fiber Door Lock Covers
Carbon Fiber TRD Trunk Lock Cover
Custom TRD Gas Cap Cover

LIGHTING MODIFICATIONS:
JDM Black Headlights
JDM Clear Black Corners
PIAA High Performance Head Lamps
Silverstar High Performance Corner 1157AST Lamps
LED License Plate Lamp
LED Back Up Lights
All Interior and Truck Lights Converted to Soft Blue Bulbs

TIRES AND WHEELS:
DRAG-12 17x7" Ultra Light Weight Custom Rims
Pirelli P7000 Tires

I purchased my 2000 SLE (Now TRD)Solara in August 2000 in Mesa Arizona. It was special then and now it's just "AWESOME".

Factory stuff:
PS, AT, PW, PDL, CC, Auto Dimming Rear View Mirror, Tilt wheel, door and dash wood trim, Leather interior, Front power seats (DS), Fold Down Rear Seat back, Automatic climate Control, 4 wheel ABS Disc Brakes, 2 Way Moon Roof, dualfront and side airbags, keyless entry and the list goes on and on.

On my Scope for Upgrade:
Complete Custom Paint Job
New Tires