Newbie from Tennessee

[01SilverGT]

Before I start about my car and the future, I would like to know if theres anybody from around the Clarksville TN area? Anyways, as of now I have a Mustang GT and a Celica GT-S, but at the beginning of the year I plan to get a Solara. The reason I joined already is too find out some info about each year and model and see which one is up my alley. I love the look of the new generation, but it sucks the new 3.3 v6's dont come in 5spd manual, but the auto is 5spd so you wont be losing that much power. I like the fact the last gen, I believe was 99-02, the v6's came in 5spd. I guess I could take the 2.4 from the newer model and get the 5spd in that, but I really want the v6 power. I need help before I choose. Like which model and years are faster stock? Which model and year would be best for bolt on's and which would be best with a S/C or turbo. A turbo on the new 3.3 v6 would be sweet, but I havent ever seen a turbo for it. What kind of times do some of you turbo and S/C guys run? With your mods and engine size? Thanks for all the help from the ones who reply, I really would like you guys help in this, as its my first Solara. Thanks again.

[MCOjerry]

I said welcome in your other thread, but I'll say it here too. You have three posts out there asking the same question...be careful, some will give you a hard time about that.

[theprodigy79]

Hey, welcome to the site. I'm sure you'll find out all you need to know.

As far as the fastest stock, the ranking is in the lines of:

Gen 2 V6 > Gen 1 V6 Manual > Gen 1 V6 Auto > Gen 1 I4 Manual > Gen 2 I4 manual > Gen 2 I4 Auto > Gen 1 I4 Auto.

As far as bolt ons... The Gen 1 V6 has the available supercharger, which definitely pushes it ahead of the Gen 2 V6. There are a couple people with I4 turbos for the Gen 1, and the Gen 2 has a carry-over engine, but you can look forward to dropping $8-$10K for a solid one...

There are NO available high-power bolt-ons for the Gen 2 3.3L... If you wanna drop some serious $$$, you can be the first.

Overall the Gen 1s have far more aftermarket support... So if you're looking for something to mod the hell out of without being overly creative, it may be the model for you.

Peace,

-James

[PhreakdOut]

Welcome from an ex-Tennessean. (Used to live in Knoxville. Love the state)

Wow - I'm overwhelmed on the questions in your posting. You sound like a kid in a candy store ... "What should I get, what should I get?" (Just kidding) If you are looking to modify your ride and have the expertise, I'd recommend you go with a Gen 1 / 1.5. There are a lot of guys here with the wrench time who can tell you what to do and what not to.

You can find a V-6 with 5spd but it's rare. Many V6s have the auto trans. As for the Gen 2s, 5spd only comes with the 4cyl. The Gen2 V6 trans is electronicly controlled and is pretty decent. (So long as the trans TSB has been applied)

My recommendation is that you watch this board and learn. Occasionally, someone here will sell their car. Thus you'd end up with an already modified ride by someone who knows what they are doing. Joe B's famous ride was purchased by a fellow SolaraGuy and continues to live on here.

Hope to see ya often around here. Good luck in your search for a 'Lara.

[Astro]

Welcome

Everything they said above me is correct. Just take in to consideration that the gen 1 or gen 1.5 may have more aftermarket support, but it's getting harder to find things. Many things have been discontinued. TRD USA sucks, so you probably won't see anything for the gen2. Sorry to say, but if I was going to get a new Toyota for power, I'd probably look into the Camry. You get the 2GR-FE, 3.5L, 268HP, with 6 speed transmission. This motor is better, IMO, than the 3MZ, 3.3L, 210HP, 5 speed tranny. Besides, I'll bet there will be a supercharger for the 2GR-FE. Even though it's a 4 door, which I don't like, the Camry will outperform the Solara powerwise - sooo sad! Check out the this ride, the Toyota Aurion - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Aurion. In Australia, there's a sportivo concept version that has the 2GR-FE supercharged!!! Also, you know the Camry is going to NASCAR, so you may see more aftermarket support for it. I don't understand why they didn't put the Solara in it to boost sales???

[vairdasol]

Welcome first of all,

I would have to agree with Astro. I compare my v6 gen 1 solara to my sister's 07 camry v6 se, and there is no comparison as far as power and design are concerned. If you are looking for something quick, go for that. I still <3 my solara more tho. Cant go wrong wiff a sexy coupe.

Cheers ,

Dave-O

[SleeperSolara]

Welcome man.

[gone]

welcome