VERY NEW NEWBIE wanna know what to upgrade on 2002 corolla ascent

[darren051234]

Hey guys, I got my first car (zze 122r, ascent corolla 5dr hatch) less than a yr ago and I am looking into planning on upgrading it.
The thing is I only know cars enough to have a conversation, but dont know anything about modifying.
Over the past yr driving it, I generally like this car very much, it's really practical, but I feel my stock corolla can do better on power and handling.
since Im still on my P's, I'll have to stay away from turbo for now.
but can anyone please give me a guide line of what I should look into to start off with?
I am thinking I'll go with spend money under the bonnet first as I prefer the idea of having a stealth performance car, ha
Since I am looking into some good upgrade, I dont mind spending some extra cash on better parts. Dont like the idea of cheaping out on my car. so go ahead and recommend some mid priced or good price/ performance ratio parts.
Cheers everyone!

[jeffy]

Welcome !

for handling i suggest

- Rear sway bar < Best bang for buck mod imo

- front strut

- coils

- poly urethane bushes

as for power, cant expect much besides forced induction (turbo/supercharger), otherwise the usual cold air intake, exhaust, headers = but dont expect much power gains from it

[darren051234]

thanks very very much, any suggestions on brands with the parts u have mentioned?
anything about transmission? but mine's an auto, is there any thing for it?
looks like when the time has come to do the turbo, i'll do intake exhaust and headers them all.

Cheers

[handsome]

Don't bother trying to squeeze power out of it. It's gonna be slow either way, but improve the handling to make it more fun to drive.

I'd do these in this order

- Good street performance tyres, no linglong chinese junk -> Kumho KU31/36, Toyo T1R, Bridgestone RE001 etc

- Decent shock/spring combo or coilovers -> Koni yellows + Eibach springs or Cusco coilovers

- Larger rear sway bar to limit understeer -> Whiteline 22mm, TRD 23mm or cusco

- Front strut (minimal difference, not worth it IMO) -> whiteline/trd/cusco

In addition to this, i'd say enhance driver experience with:

- Short shifter kit

- Weighted gear knob

- Bucket seat

[jeffy]

http://au.toyotaownersclub.com/forums/topic/24512-the-official-tocau-zze-corolla-faq/

http://au.toyotaownersclub.com/forums/topic/26862-force-feeding-your-corolla-have-a-read/

[darren051234]

Don't bother trying to squeeze power out of it. It's gonna be slow either way, but improve the handling to make it more fun to drive.

I'd do these in this order

- Good street performance tyres, no linglong chinese junk -> Kumho KU31/36, Toyo T1R, Bridgestone RE001 etc

- Decent shock/spring combo or coilovers -> Koni yellows + Eibach springs or Cusco coilovers

- Larger rear sway bar to limit understeer -> Whiteline 22mm, TRD 23mm or cusco

- Front strut (minimal difference, not worth it IMO) -> whiteline/trd/cusco

In addition to this, i'd say enhance driver experience with:

- Short shifter kit

- Weighted gear knob

- Bucket seat

awesome, they'll be on my shopping list.

i figured it'll probably more cost effective to just get a silvia or a skyline, or something if i want speed.

but i got an other question, does the rim size makes any difference in handling? or it's just a matter of looks?

I think im running 14", so it looks a bit tiny in my car.

I bought it for real cheap 2nd hand, i think the dealer had throw in smaller wheels.

cheers!

Edited April 14, 2013 by darren051234

[handsome]

Don't bother trying to squeeze power out of it. It's gonna be slow either way, but improve the handling to make it more fun to drive.

I'd do these in this order

- Good street performance tyres, no linglong chinese junk -> Kumho KU31/36, Toyo T1R, Bridgestone RE001 etc

- Decent shock/spring combo or coilovers -> Koni yellows + Eibach springs or Cusco coilovers

- Larger rear sway bar to limit understeer -> Whiteline 22mm, TRD 23mm or cusco

- Front strut (minimal difference, not worth it IMO) -> whiteline/trd/cusco

In addition to this, i'd say enhance driver experience with:

- Short shifter kit

- Weighted gear knob

- Bucket seat

awesome, they'll be on my shopping list.

i figured it'll probably more cost effective to just get a silvia or a skyline, or something if i want speed.

but i got an other question, does the rim size makes any difference in handling? or it's just a matter of looks?

I think im running 14", so it looks a bit tiny in my car.

I bought it for real cheap 2nd hand, i think the dealer had throw in smaller wheels.

cheers!

Exactly. A supercharger kit for 1ZZ-FE around 3k isnt much but is not exactly a large gain in power, would still get chopped by most non-eco cars on the road. Turboed 1ZZ is moderately quick but for ~10k, might as well sell up lol

In terms of wheels, a little bit bigger like 15" or 16" is fine, but too big is heavy and will adversely affect handling. I recommend a slightly wider tyre patch on a wider wheel but not marshmellowed (too wide on thin wheel) causes sidewall flex when cornering. Something like a 16x7 with a 205/50 is plenty for the amount of power you're putting out and a good amount of sidewall for comfyness on the street

[darren051234]

Nice now I have the whole picture sorted out now.

I found a set of 4 16x8 at really good condition, don't know about the tires condition but. Looks cool and price is alright. Should I pull the trigger?

Thanks

http://www.gumtree.com.au/c-ViewAd?AdId=1017360868

[darren051234]

- Decent shock/spring combo or coilovers -> Koni yellows + Eibach springs or Cusco coilovers

how do i buy shocks, springs or coilovers?

Like, is there a spec, number, or do i have to look for shocks that are designed for my corolla?

If i want to lower it (by maybe 3 cm), what springs should i be looking at?

Thanks mate, you have been very helpful, and I have just got myself some new wheels, and tires.

Cheers!

Darren

[jeffy]

http://au.toyotaownersclub.com/forums/topic/24512-the-official-tocau-zze-corolla-faq/ <- FAQ