Parts on '05 Sport

[Lucky]

Ok, I got my Solara about 2 weeks ago and I've been trying to figure out which parts I need to get now that I'm getting some money. I gave the car a quick look over the other day(I don't know much about cars) and if I'm not mistaken, my car already has strut bars. I looked at the tail pipe and it seemed to be pretty big already so I was wondering if the Sport version already came equipped with some TRD parts. I've looked on the net for the answers but I haven't found any clear cut answers. So, I was wondering if anybody here knew anything about this.

Also, I can't decide if I wan't to get 19's or 20's put on my ride so if anybody can post a picture of a Solara with 20's it would be very helpful. Thanks.

[RichD978]

pictures would really help. I doubt your car came equipped with some TRD Parts. And all solara's came with stock strut bars

[Lucky]

pictures would really help. I doubt your car came equipped with some TRD Parts. And all solara's came with stock strut bars

Hm, well why would you want TRD struts if your car already has struts?

[RichD978]

well for the gen 1 the stock strut bar won't work wit the trd s/c. also the trd one looks better. I'm happy with my stock strut bar though

[dvdchris45]

Sport version doesnt come equipped with any TRD parts, only a slightly stiffer suspension and OH! The impossible-to-obtain ground effects kit.

If you want a larger tailpipe, consider the TRD Sport muffler (it'll fill in the hole nicely). But the cost is $390+..so you might wanna consider a custom setup too.

As far as rims go. 20s all the way.

[PhreakdOut]

pictures would really help. I doubt your car came equipped with some TRD Parts. And all solara's came with stock strut bars

Hm, well why would you want TRD struts if your car already has struts?

Rich was talking about the strut tower bar, not struts.

No Toyota comes with TRD parts unless you've ordered it as an option. In the case of Solaras, there are no packages or options available with TRD parts. (You end up ordering the TRD parts as accessories from the parts counter.) Confusing, I agree.

I think you first must ask yourself what you want. Better acceleration? Better handling? A sporty sounding exhaust? Bigger wheels for that "bling" look?

I'd caution against blindly buying parts because we have them or have good opinions on them. For example, 20" wheels look cool, but there are downsides to them. Tires are expensive. (Check into this first) The ride is pretty harsh. There's not much sidewall to protect you wheel. If you live in a pot hole infested area, you're going to hate 20"s. Perhaps you just hate that 3"+ gap between the top of the tire and the fender. (Looks like a 4WD) Changing wheels won't help. You'll need to look into lowering springs.

So give us some info and we'll help ya out.

[Lucky]

pictures would really help. I doubt your car came equipped with some TRD Parts. And all solara's came with stock strut bars

Hm, well why would you want TRD struts if your car already has struts?

Rich was talking about the strut tower bar, not struts.

No Toyota comes with TRD parts unless you've ordered it as an option. In the case of Solaras, there are no packages or options available with TRD parts. (You end up ordering the TRD parts as accessories from the parts counter.) Confusing, I agree.

I think you first must ask yourself what you want. Better acceleration? Better handling? A sporty sounding exhaust? Bigger wheels for that "bling" look?

I'd caution against blindly buying parts because we have them or have good opinions on them. For example, 20" wheels look cool, but there are downsides to them. Tires are expensive. (Check into this first) The ride is pretty harsh. There's not much sidewall to protect you wheel. If you live in a pot hole infested area, you're going to hate 20"s. Perhaps you just hate that 3"+ gap between the top of the tire and the fender. (Looks like a 4WD) Changing wheels won't help. You'll need to look into lowering springs.

So give us some info and we'll help ya out.

Right now I'm wanting to get my 20's first, yes, I know the ride will suck but I love the look. I'm also wanting TRD muffler and TRD struts. I'm not sure of what kind of drop would be needed now that I'm wanting 20's.

[PhreakdOut]

Always (read this as in every time) get the drop before tires and wheels. You'll need this to check clearance to the fender.

TRD's drop is just fine. If your wallet is limitless, I believe there are adjustable coil overs available. (Please search this site for that info.)

Remember to get alignment checked as well.

[Lucky]

Always (read this as in every time) get the drop before tires and wheels. You'll need this to check clearance to the fender.

TRD's drop is just fine. If your wallet is limitless, I believe there are adjustable coil overs available. (Please search this site for that info.)

Remember to get alignment checked as well.

Oh, I figured I'd need to get the wheels first and then see what kind of drop I could do.

[Down2TheC]

Sounds like 20s are your first priority... If there's money left over here's the rundown...

Best bang for the buck:
Handling=RSB (If it ain't red, then you have stock.)
Sound = Intake (two to choose from if you're V6)
Look = MichaelT grilles.

The drop and the wheels are the big investment.

[Lucky]

Sounds like 20s are your first priority... If there's money left over here's the rundown...

Best bang for the buck:
Handling=RSB (If it ain't red, then you have stock.)
Sound = Intake (two to choose from if you're V6)
Look = MichaelT grilles.

The drop and the wheels are the big investment.

How much exactly does the TRD struts help the handling? After the wheels and drop, I'd really like to get the intake and TRD muffler.