Customization help and parts needed!

[S.Z.-Alpha]

Hey guys! I need some suggestions on good parts suitable for modding my solara.
I decided I just wanna change the wheels/tires(like would 17" would be nice? not 18"s they're painful O_o...or are they?), Exhaust system(dual exhaust systems? catbacks?), and more so, some CAIs(K&Ns or any better?) and programmers(superchips or the like?).
And also some advice about suspensions(not necessarily lowering them, well...maybe just slightly cuz roads here in Roswell are torture)
Another concern is body kits, I'm going for the non-ricey approach, more about simplicity. All stage one stuff. nothing brash and too much sass. Please help! Thank you.

[DSM_Lara]

Here's something that will probably help. viewtopic.php?f=2&t=37723
Most parts that are listed in this link are discontinued. Once in a while those rare parts pop up on this forum.
Just try browsing the forum and use search button it's your best friend. For Exterior inspiration I would suggest looking in the gallery section. I bet you'll get what you want there.
Enjoy!

[S.Z.-Alpha]

There's a gallery section? where? is it on the Pictures and Videos in the General forum?

[DSM_Lara]

Ya, thats what I meant.
viewforum.php?f=8
Or this one viewtopic.php?f=8&t=34508

[99BlackSandv6]

^Those links are great starting points.
You'll probably figure out pretty quickly that 95%
of the SolaraGuy population is conservative with their modding.
It's the general consensus that the TRD/Kaminari lip kit is the
only way to go for a Gen 1-1.5.

Definitely check out the galleries and choose the things that you like.

[S.Z.-Alpha]

1st gen already has the neat shape. why not modify it even more, am i right? XD

[S.Z.-Alpha]

How about dual exhaust systems? I want some that arent that loud and overbearing.(i saw a vid in youtube with one that sounded like a v8 (me want O_O)) would any dual exhaust systems from other cars like the TRD one for an 08 Camry?

In three months time i'll be changing my wheels to some MB Mesh Xs. Are those good? I think they look nice.
still 16s though cuz i'm due for changing all my tires right now.

[99BlackSandv6]

Any dual exhaust will require custom work.

[trd4life]

I am a Solara performance specialist i sell custom and performance parts feel free to call me @ 2072298666.

Thanks

Gabe

[SirThomas88]

For the wheels I have a suggestion. TireRack.com

I got a really good deal on light-weight 15" wheels from TireRack.com that look great on my car, AND have a performance gain. The wheels I bought were only 14lbs per wheel (approx 20lbs for the stock steelies). They only cost me $68 per wheel. Check my CarDomain profile for photos.

You can find good deals on TireRack if you check often, plus they provide a good amount of info about the wheel, usually including (and most important to me) the wheel weight.


My second suggestion is to check with Gabe to see what he can do for you. I've bought MANY parts from him, including:
1. Supercharger (complete kit including full instruction manuals)
2. Custom rear motor mount
3. Two carbon fiber hoods
4. aftermarket headlights
5. front bumper
6. JPP catback exhaust system
7. rare poly dogbone bushings
8. more im sure im forgetting

Plus he's always been very helpful and informative.

Good luck, and I look forward to hearing how your car mods go!

[twinjetguy]

Welcome to the addiction!

I have a Camry myself, but it's a 2001 and it's pretty close to your Solara. You will be surprised at how much stuff is out there for these cars still. There are all kinds of suspension mods you can do (e.g. struts, springs, sway bars, coil overs) just depends on your budget and what you want. Also, like Sir Thomas was saying, Gabe (trd4life) is THE source for aftermarket stuff for our cars.

You might want to talk to some of your local muffler shops for your exhaust. I have one close to me that has specialized in upgraded mufflers for over 20 years. They sold me a nice Magnaflow muffler with resonator and made the complete cat back exhaust system right there. Turned out real nice and very low key, no huge tip on the end of it like you see on Civics.

Definitely save up your money and find yourself a supercharger! That is when the car gets really fun! As for wheel size, I went with 18's on my car and I think they look great (of course I think they look great, it's my car and I picked them out). Take a look through the picture gallery, there are some Solaras with 18's, and I think I just recently saw one with 19's and they looked awesome on the car.

[S.Z.-Alpha]

Size 18"s are torture though O_o I wanna get 17s but cant yet. If my tires wore out later, I wouldve changed them all. There STILL TRD superchargers for 1mzfe's? O_o that's kick ass

And also some shoe shopping advice.

I already shown the MB Mesh Xs
Here's the rest. What y'all think?
Konig Rewind Graphite(wouldnt this look weird?)

Konig Feather(Gold on gold? really now...)

Konig Foil(Hmm...s'alright)

[S.Z.-Alpha]

bump on the wheels...so to speak. XD
Is there anyone here just changed their wheels and not the size? I really wanna see some pics of solaras with 16 inch custom wheels. Most would just go 17 and 18s. Anyone?

and als, I just notice some engine knocking on my V6...could this be resolved if i replace the intake?

[Midias]

bump on the wheels...so to speak. XD
Is there anyone here just changed their wheels and not the size? I really wanna see some pics of solaras with 16 inch custom wheels. Most would just go 17 and 18s. Anyone?

and als, I just notice some engine knocking on my V6...could this be resolved if i replace the intake?

Knocking is bad what kind of knocking?

my solara with gen2 16's

[S.Z.-Alpha]

I have no idea where it's coming from specifically on the engine. Alot of ppl say on other forums that 1mzfes have faulty/overreactive O2 sensors. Some say it's the heatshield rubbing.
And also how bad is this? How bad can knocking be?