Dif btw Gen 1 & 1.5? Dumb noob question...

[redsamick]

Greetings. Some dumb(?) questions from a noob:

(1) What is the difference between a Gen 1 and Gen 1.5 Solara?

(2) What is the main purpose behind seafoaming? What benefit? Would a dealership do it if I asked?

(3) Why would one want to disconnect their DRLs? I see a lot of threads with that, but I'm still confused as to the main reason(s) why.

I've only got a slight working knowledge of cars. When I was younger, I would change brakes and oil with my Dad, but I never knew the official names for any of the parts. I know what an oil pan is, I know the brake line and the parts that make up brakes. So, I'm new, but hungry.

Another question: What is the main purpose of a rear anti-sway bar? I'm only the second owner of my 'lara and the guy before me did some very slight mods (rear aftermarket anti-sway bar [color: red, brand: unk], K&N drop-in air filter, slotted brakes, TRD muffler) and I'm just looking to get to know my car a little better.

Thanks for the answers and dialogue.

-Chris

[02slera]

try using the search function on the site to find answers.
if you do search, the difference between gen 1 and gen 1.5 is obvious...
gen 1 (99-01). the gen 1.5 (02-03) is basically the same car with different tail lights (same size and shape though), and a different front end which is the main difference.
i think people seafoam to clean the engine,
someone might disconnect the drl's so they do not turn on, lol
anti sway bar will help keep the car solid in turns with less body roll, if you really want to know what it does... take it off and drive around.

[DSM_Lara]

We disconnect the DRL only because if you got HIDs. If not they will stay on all the time and eventually burn the bulb out. Make sense?

And please Search.

[ToyoSolV6]

Greetings. Some dumb(?) questions from a noob:

(1) What is the difference between a Gen 1 and Gen 1.5 Solara?

(2) What is the main purpose behind seafoaming? What benefit? Would a dealership do it if I asked?

(3) Why would one want to disconnect their DRLs? I see a lot of threads with that, but I'm still confused as to the main reason(s) why.

I've only got a slight working knowledge of cars. When I was younger, I would change brakes and oil with my Dad, but I never knew the official names for any of the parts. I know what an oil pan is, I know the brake line and the parts that make up brakes. So, I'm new, but hungry.

Another question: What is the main purpose of a rear anti-sway bar? I'm only the second owner of my 'lara and the guy before me did some very slight mods (rear aftermarket anti-sway bar [color: red, brand: unk], K&N drop-in air filter, slotted brakes, TRD muffler) and I'm just looking to get to know my car a little better.

Thanks for the answers and dialogue.

-Chris

welcome Chris, diff. b/w gen 1 and 1.5 has already been stated. As to the seafoaming its just to clean out all the crap that builds up insinde the motor over the years. Helps out a lot.

DRL's are your day time lights. If you dont want them on all the time disconnect it.

as to the rear sway bar. Stiffen's up the rear of the car and keeps it good on turns. If its red its most likely the TRD rear sway bar.

[GreeKAvaLoN]

have you ever tried stalking someone with ur lights on? exactly why we disconnect the lights so we can turn em off! jk jk.. the sway like they said keeps the rear end planted down and doesn't sway back and forth, the 1.5 is just a facelift, and seafoam cleans out the car. good luck with ur 5spd solara! you already got one hell of a car it seems

[99BlackSandv6]

2) Seafoam is a solvent that cleans the gunk and carbon out of the engine.
This cleaning helps you car breath. Like blowing its nose.

3) I disconnected my DRLs so I could run with just the marker lights on,
simply because I think it looks cool.

The RSB is a torsion bar that acts as a flexible connection between the
driver and passenger side suspension. It has no effect when both wheels
move together (like they do when you go straight over a speed bump, because it hinges), but it
resists the independent movement of the rear wheels (as experienced when
the car is under lateral loading in a turn) by effectively stiffening the spring on
the outside tire (the spring under compression) and softening the inside spring
(the spring under tension). All this makes the car stay more level left to right in turns.

Also, if your RSB is red as you said it is, you have the TRD rsb. It's adjustable if you want to feel first
hand the difference that it makes. It's pretty easy to change the setting.

[redsamick]

All,

Thanks for the info. I get it - I need to search better

I'm overseas right now, so I'm just getting rough ideas on what I'd like to do with my car when I get home. I'm certainly interested in the seafoam. My RSB squeaks a lot (prev owner said it would) so I'd like to learn how to properly lube it before the winter after next. It also makes sense that it's a TRD RSB. Considering just about every other mod on the car is TRD... A car shop did the RSB lube once when I was living in VA, so I'm sure with a little grease I should be ok.

Your comments are much appreciated.


Chris