cheap and easy performance upgrades

[Midias]

You could get one of these sets
http://tinyurl.com/6bbrct *URL Edited and replaced with TinyURL by Mods
I believe they are the company re-marketing ignition solutions products.

But they are not cheap.

[solara caper]

^^^Thats not cheap and is not gonna give him power.If ya want a bit of power get a cold air intake (K&N typhone or injin short ram)the drop in replacment filters have no feelable gain, ebay scion tc headers what ever you get a deal on and do your piping at the same time 2.5'' will suffice, save your money for a while and get a piggy back system (I recomend Greddy E-manage, no need to cut wires just plug and play). And if you get serious into your build but want to keep the stock look get your head done and bore her out to a 2.6L and get some high compression pistons, and H beam rods,then you might want to do some other upgrades like coils,injectors,fuel pumpan lines

JUst my 2 cents

[gnegroni]

High compression is likely to give both HP and better MPG, but its costly.

I want to try the Plasma Direct (coil upgrade), but its too freaking expensive for just ignition replacement. Other than that, its N-times more expensive if your bank account go straight to pay up car, house, debt, etc.

Still, I think that may very well be the BEST solution for better MPG. If it does burn better than stock, it might provide a few HP in addition to MPG. I remember an old Falcon 5.0L on a CarCraft mag. putting up 300hp and 30mpg. It used Jacobs Ignition systems http://www.jacobselectronics.com.

[gnegroni]

Got replies from Okada Projects on the Plasma Direct. Just wanted to make sure it is exact fit:

Hello Giancarlo,

Sorry for late reply.
The Plasma Direct PD4003701R can be installed on the 2005 Toyota Solara.
The catalog needs updating.....sorry
If you would like to purchase it, please contact our dealer listed on our website at http://www.okadaprojects.com/usa/dealer ... merica.htm

Again, thank you for your interested in our products.
Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

Best Regards,

Akira Sato

OKADA PROJECTS USA Inc.
23891 Via Fabricante, Suite 614
Mission Viejo CA92691
Tel:949-583-7800 Fax:949-583-7810
akira@okadaprojects.com
www.okadaprojects.com

[PXLpainter]

^^ thanks for sharing that info!

Let us know if you get pricing on that.

[gnegroni]

^^ thanks for sharing that info!

Let us know if you get pricing on that.

Bah, if it is of some use, I'll share it! For now I can't get into it, but the prices seem to be in the $700 range. Maybe if I made a group buy (and if I had the money to spend)!

BTW, did you check if they had something for your car?

[gnegroni]

Found this...
http://www.aempower.com/ViewCategory.aspx?CategoryID=78

...it says that it works on CoilOnPlug (COP) applications...
http://www.aempower.com/Faqs.aspx?CategoryID=78#92

...and its half the price of the COP PlasmaDirect Unit from Okada.

[PXLpainter]

Found this...
http://www.aempower.com/ViewCategory.aspx?CategoryID=78

...it says that it works on CoilOnPlug (COP) applications...
http://www.aempower.com/Faqs.aspx?CategoryID=78#92

...and its half the price of the COP PlasmaDirect Unit from Okada.

Bummer

"*Legal in California only for racing vehicles which may never be used upon a highway."

[Down2TheC]

If you don't have the cash to get the big bumps like Tact, consider doing the standard first mods. RSB is universally known as the best bang for your buck for the Solara. No HP, but the handling difference is amazing. (Someone was even kind enough to post a photo tutorial)

[gnegroni]

If you don't have the cash to get the big bumps like Tact, consider doing the standard first mods. RSB is universally known as the best bang for your buck for the Solara. No HP, but the handling difference is amazing. (Someone was even kind enough to post a photo tutorial)

Yep, the RSB will be my first mod! EVERYBODY has let us know that it is the best bang for the buck and gives the greatest feedback!

[tacti]

can't believe that i forgot that!
RSB is still my best performance upgrade for the buck.
it won't give you any power, but the handling will be amazingly better.

i would recommend that as well!

Tacti

[Midias]

Don't forget to use Teflon paste to lube the bushings.

Over a year now and some salt fill winters and not one squeak yet.

[gnegroni]

Don't forget to use Teflon paste to lube the bushings.

Over a year now and some salt fill winters and not one squeak yet.

Teflon paste... hmm!

[tacti]

i used the mobile one synthetic grease, and over an year and half or so never had a squeaking problem.
either one that works...

Tact

[lemmez]

Hey guys,

I have an '05 SE, 2.4L solara. What are some of the cheaper options I have to upgrade my cars hp and or mpg? I'm not expecting anything amazing, and understand that I will only be able to pick up a few hp here and there, but what are some little things I can do to upgrade my car. I'm already planning on getting a K&N air filter (and yes I know, the effects will be minimal) but is there anything else I can do?

Thanks for the suggestions.

check the post in my signatures. Heres a good chance to gain real hp and torque with out paying high price.