Toyota Celica GT-Four + Saab 9-5 Aero daily.
Discussion
Been a lurker for a while so thought might as well put up a project log of my current fleet of cars.
First is my daily drive a Saab 9-5 Aero. Only had this since February this year but bought it as the perfect family wagon for kids and more importantly the dog! I also wanted something with a bit of oomph so the Aero was the only choice!
Not much has been done to it at present. Mainly fixing the the little niggles it had when bought. A full thorough service and a good mop and polish. It does have a few mods though being polybushed front sub frame, rear anti roll bar bushes and front torque rod bush. Has stiffened up the old girl quite well! Nothing really crazy planned for the future. Will stage 1 map it at some point and maybe add a spoiler.
My ST205 I have had for 3 years and a lot has changed in that time. Started off as a low mileage, non sunroof and non abs model. I tried a sunroof model but my 6ft3 frame didn't fit!
Earliest pick I have of it. Only mod at that time was a set of carbon fibre riser blocks for the rear spoiler (Pretty much the ST205's party piece) and de tango indicators. I actually had these before I even purchased the car!
Next up was to give the car facelift lighting. This included fitting the face lift head lights and tail lights. A huge improvement over the old fresnel lenses.
Did a few track days and then the modding commenced. It was already very well poised on track. Tein super street coilovers, C-One front strut brace, cusco rear brace and white line RATB but thought it could do with a little more power as it is not the lightest car in road trim (1380KG's). Over the months including a shattered ceramic turbine I have ended up with the following spec list.
GFB G-Force II ECB, Turbo Technics S148 hybrid turbo, Berk decat pipe and Fensport 3" front pipe. I have also invested in a header tank/swirl pot system to compliment the aluminium rad. I coupled this with a lagged chargecooler to reduce temps for track work. Next year will be looking at 800cc injectors, fuel pump and stand alone plus a slush fund for when I need to go forged
. At the moment I would say it is around the 300-320 mark.
Following on from this I also relocated the battery to the boot and made a straight intake. Picture is an old one as the idle breather has been removed and plumed directly into the intake pipe.
A closed air box is currently in the making but that will have to wait till after christmas!
It is not all about the go faster bits either. The car is still used for those weekend trips out with the family so did a little something about the interior. First I fitted facelift dash plastics followed by re-soldering all the dash LED's red and finished off with some red dials to match.
For a bit of bonus content this is currently the other half's daily an Suzuki Ignis Sport. A proper little hot hatch of old but with modern comforts! Always has the nuts thrashed off it and been super reliable for the past 2 and half years we have had it. Our driveway is one of the most unique in the street that's for sure!
Have most likely missed out a few things as it is three years worth of threads across 3 cars but will make sure to update this thread in the future!
First is my daily drive a Saab 9-5 Aero. Only had this since February this year but bought it as the perfect family wagon for kids and more importantly the dog! I also wanted something with a bit of oomph so the Aero was the only choice!
Not much has been done to it at present. Mainly fixing the the little niggles it had when bought. A full thorough service and a good mop and polish. It does have a few mods though being polybushed front sub frame, rear anti roll bar bushes and front torque rod bush. Has stiffened up the old girl quite well! Nothing really crazy planned for the future. Will stage 1 map it at some point and maybe add a spoiler.
My ST205 I have had for 3 years and a lot has changed in that time. Started off as a low mileage, non sunroof and non abs model. I tried a sunroof model but my 6ft3 frame didn't fit!
Earliest pick I have of it. Only mod at that time was a set of carbon fibre riser blocks for the rear spoiler (Pretty much the ST205's party piece) and de tango indicators. I actually had these before I even purchased the car!
Next up was to give the car facelift lighting. This included fitting the face lift head lights and tail lights. A huge improvement over the old fresnel lenses.
Did a few track days and then the modding commenced. It was already very well poised on track. Tein super street coilovers, C-One front strut brace, cusco rear brace and white line RATB but thought it could do with a little more power as it is not the lightest car in road trim (1380KG's). Over the months including a shattered ceramic turbine I have ended up with the following spec list.
GFB G-Force II ECB, Turbo Technics S148 hybrid turbo, Berk decat pipe and Fensport 3" front pipe. I have also invested in a header tank/swirl pot system to compliment the aluminium rad. I coupled this with a lagged chargecooler to reduce temps for track work. Next year will be looking at 800cc injectors, fuel pump and stand alone plus a slush fund for when I need to go forged
. At the moment I would say it is around the 300-320 mark.Following on from this I also relocated the battery to the boot and made a straight intake. Picture is an old one as the idle breather has been removed and plumed directly into the intake pipe.
A closed air box is currently in the making but that will have to wait till after christmas!
It is not all about the go faster bits either. The car is still used for those weekend trips out with the family so did a little something about the interior. First I fitted facelift dash plastics followed by re-soldering all the dash LED's red and finished off with some red dials to match.
For a bit of bonus content this is currently the other half's daily an Suzuki Ignis Sport. A proper little hot hatch of old but with modern comforts! Always has the nuts thrashed off it and been super reliable for the past 2 and half years we have had it. Our driveway is one of the most unique in the street that's for sure!
Have most likely missed out a few things as it is three years worth of threads across 3 cars but will make sure to update this thread in the future!
Edited by BricktopST205 on Monday 5th October 10:44
A few little updates last summer the Saab 9-5 Aero was about to do the journey of its lifetime. England to Lithuania which is circa 1500 miles. One problem is when you are going to be driving for 20 hours plus a 6 CD changer isn't going to cut it. Out with the soldering iron, a butchered aux lead, an old switch and a AUX input was made using the telephone feature of the head unit which outputs stereo. Aux lead was put through the center console and into the storage compartment to keep it looking clean. Now I had access to thousands of songs at my finger tips.
Undertaking a massive journey requires preparation whether it is in a brand new car or a 12 year old car on 120k miles so a brand new set of Assymetric 3's were ordered and also a sump drop kit for piece of mind. Luckily for me the car has been looked after well and the sump was in great condition with just a little bit of RTV on the strainer.
Car cleaned and waxed just before its epic voyage.
Car performed very well with only negative being a cracked ABS ring which cost a couple of quid and half a morning to replace. 4000 miles in two weeks and the other half cracked 140mph with plenty to go on the Autobahn which is the fastest she has ever been!
On the Celica front I have only done about 1500 miles in it this year mostly driving to Goodwood FOS. A lot of tinkering though.
Car on axle stands while I take a trip to get my AD08R's fitted.
Tucked away in the garage for the winter.
Was trying to get the car track ready for Blyton a couple of weeks back but other things popped up. Car is coming up to 66000 miles so thought it was best to do a cambelt change which turned out to be one of the biggest ballaches evers. I have changed cam chains before that were less involving. Just changing the water pump required removal of the AC compressor to get to remove a bracket. Also upon inspection I had a split C.V boot so had a fun afternoon playing rubix cube with C.V joints
Engine bay looked like a minefield and this was before I had to remove alternator and move AC compressor!
Last gremlin was a squeaky clutch slave cylinder so a replacement was ordered and fluid replaced. Wouldn't be surprised if it is the original fluid from 1995. Coupled with a gearbox fluid change to Motul Gear 300, Gulf Gear LS in the rear diff and the gear changes are smooth as silk now.
Car is now all back together and almost ready. Just need to do something about the brakes. Got 2 litres of RBF660 in the garage and will most likely be going carbotech pads with some J hook discs.
Undertaking a massive journey requires preparation whether it is in a brand new car or a 12 year old car on 120k miles so a brand new set of Assymetric 3's were ordered and also a sump drop kit for piece of mind. Luckily for me the car has been looked after well and the sump was in great condition with just a little bit of RTV on the strainer.
Car cleaned and waxed just before its epic voyage.
Car performed very well with only negative being a cracked ABS ring which cost a couple of quid and half a morning to replace. 4000 miles in two weeks and the other half cracked 140mph with plenty to go on the Autobahn which is the fastest she has ever been!
On the Celica front I have only done about 1500 miles in it this year mostly driving to Goodwood FOS. A lot of tinkering though.
Car on axle stands while I take a trip to get my AD08R's fitted.
Tucked away in the garage for the winter.
Was trying to get the car track ready for Blyton a couple of weeks back but other things popped up. Car is coming up to 66000 miles so thought it was best to do a cambelt change which turned out to be one of the biggest ballaches evers. I have changed cam chains before that were less involving. Just changing the water pump required removal of the AC compressor to get to remove a bracket. Also upon inspection I had a split C.V boot so had a fun afternoon playing rubix cube with C.V joints
Engine bay looked like a minefield and this was before I had to remove alternator and move AC compressor!
Last gremlin was a squeaky clutch slave cylinder so a replacement was ordered and fluid replaced. Wouldn't be surprised if it is the original fluid from 1995. Coupled with a gearbox fluid change to Motul Gear 300, Gulf Gear LS in the rear diff and the gear changes are smooth as silk now.
Car is now all back together and almost ready. Just need to do something about the brakes. Got 2 litres of RBF660 in the garage and will most likely be going carbotech pads with some J hook discs.
Edited by BricktopST205 on Monday 5th October 10:55
HybridAero said:
What an awesome mix of cars! Did you stage 1 the 9-5 in the end? What's the Celica like on fuel?
Yeah it is stage 1 but that will be as far as I am taking it as I don't have pockets deep enough to modify two cars! I get roughly 250ish to a 60 litre tank so not very good. 
Sent my wheel for a re-trim in alcantara with red stitching. Certainly freshens up the interior compared to the old shiny leather item. Think I will get the gear gaiter done the same.
Modified my shift to make it even shorter and installed a shift extension was a bit apprehensive at first but the shifts feel fantastic.
Lastly i used up one of the blanks on the dash and installed a red latch switch to switch between boost presets quickly.
Modified my shift to make it even shorter and installed a shift extension was a bit apprehensive at first but the shifts feel fantastic.
Lastly i used up one of the blanks on the dash and installed a red latch switch to switch between boost presets quickly.
Edited by BricktopST205 on Monday 5th October 11:33
The GT4 currently has a 3" downpipe and front pipe but is still connected to the OEM exhaust system which is 2.5" at best. Managed to score myself a Fujitsubo Legalis R 3" straight through system for a good price. Although it was in quite a state externally. Nothing a bit of elbow grease cannot sort. Just got the second section to do now!
When bought.
50/50
Hopefully get it on the car tomorrow and upload a chavy exhaust video to go with it! :P
When bought.
50/50
Hopefully get it on the car tomorrow and upload a chavy exhaust video to go with it! :P
A bit of Suzuki love recently. The Suzuki is the household workhorse and is driven near enough 365 days a year and doesn't get much love but is totally dependable. Missus one day driving home from work noticed a weird scraping sound and a loud exhaust. Being a woman she drove 10ish miles like that before stopping 1 mile from home only to find the back box had split and the mid pipe had been dragging along the floor so what would have been a simple back box replacement ended up needing a full system 
. Luckily a system came up for sale in a reasonable distance. Again a bit of elbow grease and a new 4" tip and it was ready to fit. M.O.T was coming up as well so I refurbished my dealer option 16's and stuck 4 new Dunlops on. New wheels fill the arches a hell of a lot better!
BEFORE
AFTER
. Luckily a system came up for sale in a reasonable distance. Again a bit of elbow grease and a new 4" tip and it was ready to fit. M.O.T was coming up as well so I refurbished my dealer option 16's and stuck 4 new Dunlops on. New wheels fill the arches a hell of a lot better!BEFORE
AFTER
Edited by BricktopST205 on Friday 15th September 14:20
Massive update incomming. Missed most of the summer with the Celica as I had a mini resto on the rear end, new discs and pads all around plus refurbished calipers.
It all started by a siezed rear toe cam as I wanted to get the car alligned for the summer track day season and didn't want to ruin my AD08R's. Due to its positioning it was very difficult to get at with tools so decided to drop the rear subframe to make access a lot easier.
After giving it a quick hose down I wasn't really happy with its condition. It wasn't terrible but didn't look good. This is where the phrase going down the rabbit hole springs to mind.
First a bit of chemistry. Electrolysis to remove the rust from all the arms and subframe pieces, nuts and bolts.
Once that was all done the bushes that needed replacing were, and the arms and pieces painted up.
Then some more chemistry happened and decided to zinc plate my nuts and bolts. This required a lot of trial and error to get the voltage and amps correct. Also dipping the bolts first in hydrochloric acid first helped a lot. I went with a clear passivate in the end as thats how they would have been from the factory. I could have also done them in that yellow tinge but decided against it. Not perfect by all means but the bolts now at least have some protection on them.
Before and after with the rear toe adjustment cams which was my original objective!
Rear subframe was in good condition and just needed a flappy wheel and paint. Diff hanger bushes were shot however and replaced with poly.
After around 2 months managed to get everything back on the car and bolted up.
Now i could put my discs and pads on that I was originally going to do before. Went with carbotech XP10's and Mtec grooved discs but as I was in that restoration mood decided to refurbish my calipers while I was at it so stripped, new seals, pistons where needed and a lick of new paint in a OEMish colour.
Booked the car in for an M.O.T and four wheel alignment. No advisories which isn't bad for a car aproaching its 24th birthday.
Did at least manage one track day before the weather got worse and the car performed great. Had a split heater hose in the morning but a new piece of hose and some coolant and she was fine for the rest of the day. Was just one of those things that happens when you have an older car. Was mightily impressed with the XP10 pads. Being able to outbreak VX220's in a 1300KG car is just a testament to their quality.
Next job over the winter is to get my Tein Superstreets rebuilt as they are looking super scabby and will most likely be due a rebuild. Will be getting my wheels refubished in an easier colour as with the new pads the white wheels turn to a horrid grey quite quickly! Might even do Cadwell next month if we can find some decent weather!
It all started by a siezed rear toe cam as I wanted to get the car alligned for the summer track day season and didn't want to ruin my AD08R's. Due to its positioning it was very difficult to get at with tools so decided to drop the rear subframe to make access a lot easier.
After giving it a quick hose down I wasn't really happy with its condition. It wasn't terrible but didn't look good. This is where the phrase going down the rabbit hole springs to mind.
First a bit of chemistry. Electrolysis to remove the rust from all the arms and subframe pieces, nuts and bolts.
Once that was all done the bushes that needed replacing were, and the arms and pieces painted up.
Then some more chemistry happened and decided to zinc plate my nuts and bolts. This required a lot of trial and error to get the voltage and amps correct. Also dipping the bolts first in hydrochloric acid first helped a lot. I went with a clear passivate in the end as thats how they would have been from the factory. I could have also done them in that yellow tinge but decided against it. Not perfect by all means but the bolts now at least have some protection on them.
Before and after with the rear toe adjustment cams which was my original objective!
Rear subframe was in good condition and just needed a flappy wheel and paint. Diff hanger bushes were shot however and replaced with poly.
After around 2 months managed to get everything back on the car and bolted up.
Now i could put my discs and pads on that I was originally going to do before. Went with carbotech XP10's and Mtec grooved discs but as I was in that restoration mood decided to refurbish my calipers while I was at it so stripped, new seals, pistons where needed and a lick of new paint in a OEMish colour.
Booked the car in for an M.O.T and four wheel alignment. No advisories which isn't bad for a car aproaching its 24th birthday.
Did at least manage one track day before the weather got worse and the car performed great. Had a split heater hose in the morning but a new piece of hose and some coolant and she was fine for the rest of the day. Was just one of those things that happens when you have an older car. Was mightily impressed with the XP10 pads. Being able to outbreak VX220's in a 1300KG car is just a testament to their quality.
Next job over the winter is to get my Tein Superstreets rebuilt as they are looking super scabby and will most likely be due a rebuild. Will be getting my wheels refubished in an easier colour as with the new pads the white wheels turn to a horrid grey quite quickly! Might even do Cadwell next month if we can find some decent weather!
danllama said:
Great thread! Your gt4 looks suspiciously like one that belonged to a guy I bought a grey mr2 turbo off 4 years ago! His house and drive way was very similar too. Are you him?
I bought the car from a guy in Western Super Mare nearly 6 years ago. He had a history of MR2's and Celicas. I have never owned an MR2 although that might change as I fancy a convertible/T-Top for next summer.kaveney said:
With regards to the Carbotech XP10 units what are your thoughts on them as I was looking at them or the XP9 units to upgrade from the yellow stuff I have on the MR2 next year .
Initially I was sceptical as they had proper racecar squeal and the car is still a weekend car with full interior so wanted some normality. The track day soon sorted that out though and they are fine now. The pads are in a different league to yellowstuff which in my opinion are a great fast road pad but soon fade on track. My friend has them on his MX5 and they fade after around 5-6 laps. Cannot imagine what they must be like on a more heavy car.Edited by BricktopST205 on Thursday 18th October 19:08
Genuine Sachs clutch and gearbox change/new seals on the Saab 9-5. Also polybushed the front anti roll bar while it was out. A job i do not want to be doing again in a while that is for sure. Garage was a mess but at least the engine bay is squeaky clean and oil free. The bonus is I now have a very smooth reverse gear now and no more popping out of 5th!
Garage nice and clean now but a boot full of waste for the tip!
Only problem I have now is my radio is asking for a code. Guess i need to find someone local with Tech II!
Hopefully Saab is not going to give me grief for a while as I think I have had every "common" fault now. Lovely snapped exhaust manifold studs. A weekend, 90 degree drill chuck, some easy outs and a bucket load of tea! 4 out of 7 studs were snapped! All better now and my boost leak is now gone and car is pulling strong again. Now to get the car booked in for a noobtune.
Car is driving great now. As it has a new clutch and the radio needs a recode a short trip to Noobtune was needed. Car now has a radio again and 275BHP 420NM now
Garage nice and clean now but a boot full of waste for the tip!
Only problem I have now is my radio is asking for a code. Guess i need to find someone local with Tech II!
Hopefully Saab is not going to give me grief for a while as I think I have had every "common" fault now. Lovely snapped exhaust manifold studs. A weekend, 90 degree drill chuck, some easy outs and a bucket load of tea! 4 out of 7 studs were snapped! All better now and my boost leak is now gone and car is pulling strong again. Now to get the car booked in for a noobtune.
Car is driving great now. As it has a new clutch and the radio needs a recode a short trip to Noobtune was needed. Car now has a radio again and 275BHP 420NM now
Also have new silicone coolant hoses as one of my old ones burst on a track day so better just to replace them all. Still need to get those fitted. Also treated myself to a birthday treat and had my wheels refurbished. Whilst white was nice once clean with the carbotech's was a pita to keep clean. Now done in light gunmetal. Just waiting for the caps to be machined as they were chipped and need a lot of work. but cannot wait to get them on the car.
I guess because of lockdown. Now is the perfect time to sort out my "lockdown" charging setup.
Been meaning to do this for a while. Plug and play charging setup for my car when it is in the garage. No more messing about with crocodile clips and opening bonnets. Hid the connector behind the number plate.
Been meaning to do this for a while. Plug and play charging setup for my car when it is in the garage. No more messing about with crocodile clips and opening bonnets. Hid the connector behind the number plate.
Few updates to the fleet.
Ignis has had its wheels refurbished for a second time. Now also Mot'ed for the next year. Cars reliability over the past 7 years has been fantastic. Has costed peanuts to run.
Saab is also having a little bit spent on it. New DIC as the old one has a crack in it so will start to fail before too long. I also replaced the PCV system as I was getting blue smoke on a cold start. Initially thought valve stem seals but after testing they are fine. At least now I don't have a massive blue smoke screen on a cold start in the morning.
https://youtu.be/VZ_cOc1aqFE
Also after my greasy prints everywhere treated the engine bay a decent wash and dressing. Scrubs up not to bad for coming on 17 years old.
Big updates coming soon as I have a load of polybushes and new dampers coming to refresh the Saabs suspension. Also the GT-Four is currently going through a refit for a front mount but I have torn a muscle in a my back so will have to wait for now.
Ignis has had its wheels refurbished for a second time. Now also Mot'ed for the next year. Cars reliability over the past 7 years has been fantastic. Has costed peanuts to run.
Saab is also having a little bit spent on it. New DIC as the old one has a crack in it so will start to fail before too long. I also replaced the PCV system as I was getting blue smoke on a cold start. Initially thought valve stem seals but after testing they are fine. At least now I don't have a massive blue smoke screen on a cold start in the morning.
https://youtu.be/VZ_cOc1aqFE
Also after my greasy prints everywhere treated the engine bay a decent wash and dressing. Scrubs up not to bad for coming on 17 years old.
Big updates coming soon as I have a load of polybushes and new dampers coming to refresh the Saabs suspension. Also the GT-Four is currently going through a refit for a front mount but I have torn a muscle in a my back so will have to wait for now
.Edited by BricktopST205 on Monday 5th October 11:50
Treated the Saab to a mid life suspension refresh (153k on what looks like original). New Aero Sachs dampers, poly rear trailing arms, new top mounts/bearings and polys for the front wishbones.
Only managed to get the rear done today as I had to fight a rusty top nut on one damper. Just got back from a little b road blast and the car is immeasurably more planted on the road now and that is just with the rears done! Hopefully get the front end done tomorrow. Front shocks will be easy but not looking forward to doing the front arms.
I am not aiming for knife edge handling but before it was a bit sketchy at speed. Especially on a windy day.
Only managed to get the rear done today as I had to fight a rusty top nut on one damper. Just got back from a little b road blast and the car is immeasurably more planted on the road now and that is just with the rears done! Hopefully get the front end done tomorrow. Front shocks will be easy but not looking forward to doing the front arms.
I am not aiming for knife edge handling but before it was a bit sketchy at speed. Especially on a windy day.
So come November whilst overtaking an Audi A7 I managed to blow the engine. Piston number 4 bit the dust. Big shout out to Doncaster Saab Repairs who put a refurbished bottom end in with a new genuine chain kit. Unfortunately that didn't last long as come M.O.T in Feb it failed on rear arch rust which is a lot worse than I thought it was. Just about finished one side. Just need to paint it up but is a very labourious process welding it all up but I did it all myself so only cost me £80 in material.
All done and sealed up. Once dried will apply stone chip and paint. Out of picture but also had to weld up the dog legs by the rear doors and also around the fuel filler neck. Drain was blocked so it ended up trapping water. I am hoping the passenger side will fair a little better
. Very strange however as the rest of the car especially the front end is basically rust free but this seems to be a common problem area with 9-5's.
All done and sealed up. Once dried will apply stone chip and paint. Out of picture but also had to weld up the dog legs by the rear doors and also around the fuel filler neck. Drain was blocked so it ended up trapping water. I am hoping the passenger side will fair a little better
. Very strange however as the rest of the car especially the front end is basically rust free but this seems to be a common problem area with 9-5's.Saab still going on strong but have had some time to tinker with the Four. Gone is the chargecooler and in is a front mount. What a Faff that was. New custom gearbox and power steering cooler to fit the front mount without cutting. Also had to weld up an intake pipe to fit all the breathers. Have gone with a Ramair Proram air filter. It is certainly big enough. Will make a box for it at a later date but is fed by a cold air feed in the wing.
Just waiting for a couple of mikalor clips for the hot side and then I can try it out! I also need to readjust the pre-load on the wastegate as it is chattering since clocking the turbo. That is going to be fun!
Just waiting for a couple of mikalor clips for the hot side and then I can try it out! I also need to readjust the pre-load on the wastegate as it is chattering since clocking the turbo. That is going to be fun!
Edited by BricktopST205 on Thursday 25th November 09:15
I wouldn't say mine feels that heavy although it was what I would call the "superleggera spec". No Sunroof, No Abs, No airbags. Was 1350 on a weight bridge. All I have done is ditch the chargecooling now, removed spare wheel, lightweight rays alloys and relocated battery to boot. I also stripped out all the rather heavy amps and things from the interior and simplified the stereo.
I have thought about going the "clubsport" route and removing the rear seats, half cage, fibreglass wings etc but that is at the bottom of a long list. I am sure you could get these to 1300KG's without sacrificing too much. With a built block and mapping that would see close to 300BHP/Tonne.
Superstrut is a non issue now as there is a Russian lad who rebuilds them professionally for a decent price. Only problem is he has a huge waiting list.
I have thought about going the "clubsport" route and removing the rear seats, half cage, fibreglass wings etc but that is at the bottom of a long list. I am sure you could get these to 1300KG's without sacrificing too much. With a built block and mapping that would see close to 300BHP/Tonne.
Superstrut is a non issue now as there is a Russian lad who rebuilds them professionally for a decent price. Only problem is he has a huge waiting list.
Edited by BricktopST205 on Thursday 25th November 11:27
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