1991 ST

[Jak.C]

Any suggestions how to improve the performance on my standard 1991ST auto? What can be done to the standard engine to give it a bit more power?

Open to all possibilities, including engine swap

If I do swap the engine whats the best/easiest option

Who supplies good recon engines in Australia?

Also looking for upper roof weatherstrips RH and LH, Toyota want $360 each for them. Does anyone know of a cheaper source?

Also need rear view mirror in VGC.

Any help appreciated

[Guest]

dont bother with the stock engine (5SFE) unless you wish to spend a lot of time and money turbo-ing it. I've done it before, and even doing it the 'cheap' way cost thousands and many, many hours of research. Trent (trentmeyer23) has done a turbo 5SGTE properly and don't even ask how much its cost him.

The easiest/most common swap is a 3SGTE from a ST185 celica but this will still be an expensive exercise, even if you do the work yourself.

As for recon engines, no idea I would just get a motor from a wrecker/importer and have the work done to it.

ST184 celicas are pretty common at wreckers so thats the cheapest place to get parts.

[Jak.C]

Thanks for the suggestions, I'm in Townsville and can't find one in any of the wreckers here, plus the plastic/rubber parts that I'm after tend to be completely deteriorated due to sun/heat damage.

Will look into the engine swap, I've had the car for 8 years and it owes me nothing, its currently being re-sprayed and the interior is all good so I don't mind spending a bit on the engine to improve the performance.

[trentmeyer23]

Modifying a 5S = holy sh*t expensive. I'm not saying don't, just be prepared for what you are getting yourself in to.

[Jak.C]

Been advised to go the ST185 air cooled, but will also need to change from auto to manual, a figure of about $5000 total has been mentioned. Does this sound about right?

Apparently there's not much you can do to the standard 184 but I figured this was the best place to find expert opinion where no one is trying to sell me anything.

[trentmeyer23]

$5000? If done properly including labour, I think you will get about halfway and run out of money. I would budget $10,000 to be on the safe side.

If you do the work yourself I think it might just scrape in at $5000.

[Guest]

agreed. 2000-3000 alone would be a half cut from a 185, then you need all sorts of other bits and bobs + labor... so 10k is probably safe if you arent doing it yourself.

You are probably better off just buying a GT4

[Jak.C]

Thanks for the advice! Think I'll stick with the way it is for now !