Corolla Ascent 2000

[dshamim]

Hi fellow members,

I recently found myself in a position where we needed a second reliable family car - something that we can drive for 2 years but on a budget

So I can haul kids in it as needed

So I started searching for around for old corollas, picked one MY 2000 corolla ascent seca up for 5k

I'm told it was single owner with 151000 km on the ODO, inside it's relatively clean, outside has a few dints and scratches - but nothing too major

I'm considering the possibility of modding it a little bit, make it a bit more modern and a bit more fun to drive, but not something so outlandish that the wife can't drive

I understand this car does not have any performance potential, but then again I'm in my 40's and won't be doing track - my 7 year old son likes the idea of making it look a bit more sporty

While looking through the internet, I found a colour scheme which I really liked - video is attached as well 

Anyway, while searching what I can do with this car - I did found that parts - such as body kitsand other things are hard to come by

Some of the things I'm considering without breaking the bank - also I'm not a mechanic by any stretch of the imagination, but might be ale to get some DIY stuff done and would like to get some thoughts on the list that I have prepared

Change wheel types:
- does anyone what is the largest widest legal tyre possible on this model ?

Coilovers / Springs:
- I found this kit online - just looking to improve handling and lower the car a little bit, nothing too stiff 
https://au.maxpeedingrods.com/product/toyota-corolla-88-99-e90-e100-e110-ae92-ae111-adjustable-coilover-shock-absorber-strut-suspension-kit.html

Springs are cheaper - not sure what's a better option here

Exhaust:

- Have read on here forums , a straight cat back through exhaust without muffler for 7A-FE ?
I have not looked up any, I would not prefer a fart cannon and I won't be driving in the high RPM range as its an auto, what's a good pairing to get a deeper sound ? loud but not a screamer

Intake:
- I've read this can be a simple enough upgrade, been checking these ram intake ebay kits - anyone has experience with these ?
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/334681984380?chn=ps&_ul=AU&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=705-139619-5960-0&mkcid=2&mkscid=101&itemid=334681984380&targetid=1741701787898&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=9071376&poi=&campaignid=18278742238&mkgroupid=141565058112&rlsatarget=aud-1176408675505:pla-1741701787898&abcId=9301725&merchantid=10063082&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_O2lBhCFARIsAB0E8B-Ql66iNTg9tgE66eMw7wrqoDp2kNr2rj2rTHQDAg46YFbrOBQQ5YYaArAdEALw_wcB

Or universal ones with flexible pipes, can add a K&N filter in front of those
Does anyone if the engine bay layout  is the same as AE110 ?

Body Kit:

- it's hard to find anything for this car - no bumpers / lip, no skirts , tailgate - didn't find anything

Lighting:

- fog lights - it's hard to find the fog lights from levin or new with stalk- Anyone used 3rd party universal ones ? - maybe I can get the housing 3d printed to fit those in, is this  model fog lights compatible from any other models ?

- replacement for all halogen bulbs to LED / cool white, interior dash lighting to white

- back light led strip ?

 

Entertainment:
- Considering Joying 2 DIN android unit (currently my original radio does not turn on, so not sure if I have power there) and back up cam, maybe update speakers later, my question here is is it possible to adjust 2 din to sit a little forward out of the bay ? - so I can get a bit larger screen than the 7 inch in 2 DIN

Steering Wheel:
 - What sort of aftermarket steering is legal for VIC ? - If I want to replace it ? anything from SCA ?

Repaint / vinyl wrap ?:
- this is an expensive one, I might get it just buffed and touched up, but a full repaint will likely get very costly - Can anything be done with this colour ? 

Anyone had experience setting up and OBD based 3rd party digital dash for this ?

Would love to hear some suggestions from other members, what is worth doing and what not on this
I'm still getting all the necessities done, spent a 1000 on replacing all fluids / filters / timing belt / spark plugs
Next is starter replacement and bushes need replacement - I think apart from those, it's ok

 

 

 

[Terra]

Hi just wondering about the coil overs u were looking at I’ve been looking at them as well did u find out if they will fit?