Hello Everybody...

[Chupacabra]

Just wanted to say hello. I just picked up a new daily driver and it is indeed an '09 Yaris liftback. The color is Meteorite and I pick it up tonight at 7pm. :thumbsup:

As I learn this car...I hope to be able to add some value to the forum.

[KCALB SIRAY]

Hola Vato

[contraband831]

OH NO! Its the CHUPACABRA!!!!!!!! RRRRUUUUUNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[KCALB SIRAY]

bahahahahahah bahahahahhah

http://www.windrifthill.com/Images/Farm/goat3a.jpg

[SIPNGAS]

Welcome!

[Chupacabra]

I figured that some of you guys would get a kick out of my username. I am not South American FWIW....just considered the name for a "sillyness" factor.

[KCALB SIRAY]

^ ohhh love that one, lol

[m911gt]

I figured that some of you guys would get a kick out of my username. I am not South American FWIW....just considered the name for a "sillyness" factor.

that's an awesome UN, welcome to the forum

[drbilal]

welcome, enjoy the car and do post up pics to show it off once you get it :cool:

[Appalachian Trail 2007]

¿Hola como esta?

[Appalachian Trail 2007]

wow I can't believe I remembered the code for the upside down question mark....see you do learn something in high school spanish class

[33OH]

Hi and welcome :)

[Chupacabra]

wow I can't believe I remembered the code for the upside down question mark....see you do learn something in high school spanish class

I thought that was Middle School Spanish? :tongue:

Anyhow....yes, I will post a few pictures once the weather permits. I think that the state is scheduled for rain throughout the remainder of the week with exception to Sunday possibly. If that's the case...I will seal the paint and take some pictures of it.:w00t:

[33OH]

Oh and welcome to the Meteorite Metallic club too :)

[KCALB SIRAY]

still not too late to go get a black sand pearl =)

[CKaelin]

Nice color choice! 2 xtra doors is cool too..

[cali yaris]

makes me think of red vs blue "chupa-thingie"

[Chupacabra]

I considered the 4 door until I found that it only came with an auto. I picked the car up a few hours ago...looks great.

[dvlnblkdrs]

awesome! welcome


but dont they blame everything bad and missing on the chupacabra?


living in so cal, gotta keep up on my mexican...lol

[CTScott]

I considered the 4 door until I found that it only came with an auto. I picked the car up a few hours ago...looks great.

Welcome to another CT person. What dealership did you grab yours from?

[Revsson]

Just wanted to say hello. I just picked up a new daily driver and it is indeed an '09 Yaris liftback. The color is Meteorite and I pick it up tonight at 7pm. :thumbsup:

As I learn this car...I hope to be able to add some value to the forum.

Meteorite Metallic owners are the best !! :thumbup:

Welcome to the forums!

[k2vitz]

Welcome....I hope you will enjoy your ride. Good luck

[Chupacabra]

Welcome to another CT person. What dealership did you grab yours from?

Hey Scott! I bought my car from Middletown Toyota on Newfield Street in Middletown. I drove the car today...I love it for what it is.:thumbsup:

[nemelek]

Meteorite Metallic owners are the best !! :thumbup:

Welcome to the forums!

It's great and you picked the best color also.

[Appalachian Trail 2007]

I wish I had thought of Chupacabra...

[CTScott]

Hey Scott! I bought my car from Middletown Toyota on Newfield Street in Middletown. I drove the car today...I love it for what it is.:thumbsup:

Excellent. This Friday will be a month for mine, and by then I think I'll be ready to fill the gas tank for the second time.

[Chupacabra]

Excellent. This Friday will be a month for mine, and by then I think I'll be ready to fill the gas tank for the second time.

I am very much looking forward to the "infrequent" stops at the gas station. Although the prices of fuel are currently more acceptable....we all know how long that will last (just enough for government and people to 'back-burner' the clean energy push). Anyhow...no politcs talk here, just car talk.

Love the car so far...if it stops raining this weekend, I'll pop a few pictures.

[Chupacabra]

Hey guys...promised a few pictures and they are nothing special but it looks much better in person. I clayed and sealed the car today and it looks fantastic. The only real plan that I have for now is a set of DF210 Tanabe springs as this is a daily driver.

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r280/greenstargo/IMG_1405.jpg

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r280/greenstargo/IMG_1406.jpg

[33OH]

Awesome :thumbsup:

I have DF210's and would highly recommend them to you.

And good luck stopping at just springs. :)

[Chupacabra]

Awesome :thumbsup:

I have DF210's and would highly recommend them to you.

And good luck stopping at just springs. :)

Ryan,
I am a nut when it comes to modifying but this car may be the exception. I have a heavily modified e30 M3 that takes up a lot of wrench time and money so...this car needs to be small mods here and there and it is a dedicated DD.

[TheRealEnth]

Well then give it a smoother ride.

[33OH]

Ryan,
I am a nut when it comes to modifying but this car may be the exception. I have a heavily modified e30 M3 that takes up a lot of wrench time and money so...this car needs to be small mods here and there and it is a dedicated DD.

Well mines definitely a DD too. I drive almost 100 miles commute everyday. I just bought my Yaris in January and I have 20,000 miles on it 11 months later.

And I refuse to touch the engine, but for a MT I would definitely recommend a short shifter kit (I use a TRD, but they're all similar.) And I love the sound of my Nitto exhaust, it's not loud, just sporty sounding and looking. And the HID's just make it look awesome. :)

I said the exact same thing when I bought mine (not modding it), and by no means have I even hardly done anything to mine, but the things I have done I would definitely recommend to all. :w00t:

[tk-421]

Welcome to the forums! Nice choice of color.
Kickass username BTW. :biggrin:

[Chupacabra]

Well mines definitely a DD too. I drive almost 100 miles commute everyday. I just bought my Yaris in January and I have 20,000 miles on it 11 months later.

And I refuse to touch the engine, but for a MT I would definitely recommend a short shifter kit (I use a TRD, but they're all similar.) And I love the sound of my Nitto exhaust, it's not loud, just sporty sounding and looking. And the HID's just make it look awesome. :)

I said the exact same thing when I bought mine (not modding it), and by no means have I even hardly done anything to mine, but the things I have done I would definitely recommend to all. :w00t:


I hear you Ryan. I am already eyeing the short shifter too.:w00t: I have noticed that the lighting is sub-par. Is there a good Xenon available?

[33OH]

I bought the HID kit from sponsor vendor Xenon-Vision here on the forums. I couldn't be happier. I purchased an 8000K but I've heard good things about the other "colors" as well. It definitely lights up the road 100 times better than stock (or Silverstars in my opinion).

[Chupacabra]

I bought the HID kit from sponsor vendor Xenon-Vision here on the forums. I couldn't be happier. I purchased an 8000K but I've heard good things about the other "colors" as well. It definitely lights up the road 100 times better than stock (or Silverstars in my opinion).

Is there a need to upgrade the fuse for the lights?

[33OH]

Nope, they just plug into your stock headlight wiring and also there is a ballast included that you plug into. It's very simple.

[yarisugi]

Welcome Chupacabra. I don't know what it means but I think about this when I hear it.

http://www.sweetjanes.com/images/Chupa%20Chups%20Lollipops.jpg YUM

[33OH]

Wow I remember those suckers from when I was a kid. haha.

[Chupacabra]

Nope, they just plug into your stock headlight wiring and also there is a ballast included that you plug into. It's very simple.

Ryan,
Thanks...I have done a few installs before and each time, on BMW's, we needed to up the fuse by 5 amps.:smile:

[TheRealEnth]

How do you not know what Chupacabra means! Well maybe in hawaii they arent big on that myth cause it wouldn't do any good.. lmao... It is a goat sucker or vampire monster sorta. Its popular in spanish countrys and also in the US. They did a fear factor episode on it. Supposidly it likes to drink animals blood and such.. Some say it has wings some dont lmao

[RagnaCaT]

How do you not know what Chupacabra means! Well maybe in hawaii they arent big on that myth cause it wouldn't do any good.. lmao... It is a goat sucker or vampire monster sorta. Its popular in spanish countrys and also in the US. They did a fear factor episode on it. Supposidly it likes to drink animals blood and such.. Some say it has wings some dont lmao

Same thing happen in Puerto Rico a few years ago strange!!

[eric81]

I bought Silver Star bulbs, and didn't replace my fuse. People flash their brights at me sometimes, and I never have my brights on. They are VERY good. And they are cheap if you shop around from several stores. Whatever bulbs you guys are getting, if you have to change a fuse, it is probably bad for the rest of the wiring too. And the SSK should be under $100. NST has a great price, and they were doing free shipping on a lot of their stuff. Check them out. I bought the SSK and the shifter cable bushings, and they work VERY well together. It is a much shorter throw, and is pretty solid. I would still like to replace the cage bushings to help stiffen it up a little more, but that is not a high priority right now. Welcome to the Himalayas! No.... wait......... I mean... Welcome to Yaris World! Yeah, thats it. Drive On!

[33OH]

I had SilverStar Ultras before my HIDs. I'd say if you are just looking for good cheap lighting, they are the way to go.

But personally I think the $115-$120 I spent on my HIDs is the best money I've ever spent.

[Chupacabra]

Thanks for all of the valuable input guys. I can appreciate your point Eric, in regards to upping the amperage on the fuse but many, many have done this with no ill effects. Keep in mind...this is specific to the e30 M3 and I don't think that anybody mentioned doing this with their Yaris.

Another thing that I wanted to bring up is my difficulty so far in figuring out the clutch coming out of reverse and first gear. I have driven manual cars my whole life, though confined to American and German cars - both of which had a fairly stiff clutch and easy to feel. Am I the only one having issues figuring this thing out? I never stall cars and I have already stalled this car 3 times! I am keeping count because I think it's sorta funny. It's like I am learning to drive stick again. My neighbor, Yaris owner, has stated similiar. It took him a while to get the clutch. Am I crazy here?

[33OH]

No, it is like that. The whole putting it into first is funny. You almost have to be at a complete stop. I just lightly push until it finally goes in.

[CTScott]

I had SilverStar Ultras before my HIDs. I'd say if you are just looking for good cheap lighting, they are the way to go.

But personally I think the $115-$120 I spent on my HIDs is the best money I've ever spent.

I've noticed as well that the OEM lights are insufficient. I ordered a set of SilverStar Ultras from Amazon today for $26.

[33OH]

The SilverStar Ultras are really nice. I only did away with them to get the 'cool' look of the HID's. The HID's are definitely brighter, but not $100 more worth of brighter.

[Chupacabra]

I've noticed as well that the OEM lights are insufficient. I ordered a set of SilverStar Ultras from Amazon today for $26.


Scott,
I assume that you "shopped" those for a while. Is $26 a shipped price? How much would these light cost if I walked into Napa to buy them?...I assume about $40-$45?

[33OH]

My local Walmart had them for $26.00.

Advanced wanted $40.00.

[CTScott]

Scott,
I assume that you "shopped" those for a while. Is $26 a shipped price? How much would these light cost if I walked into Napa to buy them?...I assume about $40-$45?

I had a $50 gift certificate to Amazon that has been sitting on my desk for a couple of months, so I really didn't shop around. Shipping was $4.59.

[Chupacabra]

Gotcha. Hmmmmmm....Wal-Mart may be an option then!

[eric81]

Got mine at Target for about $20 on sale. Usually $30. I saw them for $40 to $60 on average. Yay Target!

[Chupacabra]

OK....so after going through threads at an endless pace, I have decided that, for now, I will go with DF210 lowering springs on stock dampers. I also purchased an NST short shift upgrade. Depending on how fast I get the springs...I will install them prior to the snow falling. Would anybody be interested in a documented process with pictures? I know that a few already exist...

[eric81]

If you want to drive to Olympia, WA, sure. Your Yaris might fit in overhead storage, but unless you drain the gas and oil out of it, it won't make it past the x-ray machine and security detail. I have the issue of Siphon where it walks you through how to replace the springs. Want me to take some pics of the pages and send them to you via PM? Let me know.

[33OH]

I have the DF210 springs and I am very happy with them. It's definitely a stiff ride (but still completely tolerable for a daily driver). Very sporty feeling and you can actually control the car.

[Chupacabra]

If you want to drive to Olympia, WA, sure. Your Yaris might fit in overhead storage, but unless you drain the gas and oil out of it, it won't make it past the x-ray machine and security detail. I have the issue of Siphon where it walks you through how to replace the springs. Want me to take some pics of the pages and send them to you via PM? Let me know.


PM sent :drinking:

[Chupacabra]

I wanted to upload one more picture before I drop the car.

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r280/greenstargo/yaris1.jpg

[Chupacabra]

cool. I was a little bit surprised at how weak the lights were but it sounds like the silverstars will be a nice improvement. I am just about ready to hit 300 miles....still on my first tank of gas. :biggrin:

[Chupacabra]

:thumbsup:Just threw in the NST short shift (external). Took about 45 seconds to install....awesome difference in shifting. I'd say it reduced the throw ATLEAST 60%

Also worth noting for those who might not have done the install...you won't be able to re-install the original retention pin....but the pin that comes with the unit is more than enough to keep the assy together. I definitely think that the car is much easier to drive now and rev-match.

[eric81]

Next, do the metal bushings in the cables ($20 or so at NST) and see how you like that. I am waiting now to have a litlte bit more cash to buy the bushings for the cage because I liked the ones for the cables so much. It shortens it even more by making the shifter more solid. I wouldn't say 60% shorter, but it's like a whole new transmission, right? Now, I just have to find some little old lady to rob so I can afford those cage bushings.......:evil:

[Chupacabra]

So I did the DF210 installation today and it couldn't have been easier. It took me about 4 hours taking my time. I also removed the entire cowl w/wiper motor etc for ultimate access. These pictures were taken before the car was driven and I am convinced that just driving the car yielded another 1/4" drop. The ride is unbelievable!!! I was worried that it was going to be harsh but is soft....maybe softer than stock!!!!! a GREAT mod....I am so happy that I did this. So....I did the NST short shifter and the DF210's and those are 2 awesome mods. My next mod is going to be the OSRAM night vision headlights which arrived today and the hatch spoiler which comes tomorrow. The car only has 394 miles on it. Here are pics, as mentioned, before driven.

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r280/greenstargo/IMG_1439.jpg

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r280/greenstargo/IMG_1440.jpg

[CCILovePinkCC]

Nice!

[Bob_VT]

Nice drop. Just not pratical up here in VT due to snow........

Headlights to dim? Before you invest in new bulbs..... try to adjust them up just a bit.

[CTScott]

So I did the DF210 installation today and it couldn't have been easier. It took me about 4 hours taking my time. I also removed the entire cowl w/wiper motor etc for ultimate access. These pictures were taken before the car was driven and I am convinced that just driving the car yielded another 1/4" drop. The ride is unbelievable!!! I was worried that it was going to be harsh but is soft....maybe softer than stock!!!!! a GREAT mod....I am so happy that I did this. So....I did the NST short shifter and the DF210's and those are 2 awesome mods. My next mod is going to be the OSRAM night vision headlights which arrived today and the hatch spoiler which comes tomorrow. The car only has 394 miles on it. Here are pics, as mentioned, before driven.


Looks great!

[Chupacabra]

Thanks guys...the car was dirty so I washed it today. The spoiler came but I just didn't have enought time to get it installed....looks great though (factory paint). So...for you guys with a 2009, not sure if the 2008 configuration-wise around the rear of the headlights but holy shit is a ROYAL MFPITA to change the headlight bulbs. I am no stranger to the process of installing H4 style bulbs but they give you ZERO room to work with especially on the driver's side unit. Needles to say, about 1 hour and 25 minute later I was done with the pair. I hope the light output is THAT much better. Anywho...here are a few clean shots....2 with steelies and 1 with the caps back on.

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r280/greenstargo/IMG_1448.jpg

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r280/greenstargo/IMG_1449.jpg

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r280/greenstargo/IMG_1450.jpg

[CTScott]

Thanks guys...the car was dirty so I washed it today. The spoiler came but I just didn't have enought time to get it installed....looks great though (factory paint). So...for you guys with a 2009, not sure if the 2008 configuration-wise around the rear of the headlights but holy shit is a ROYAL MFPITA to change the headlight bulbs. I am no stranger to the process of installing H4 style bulbs but they give you ZERO room to work with especially on the driver's side unit. Needles to say, about 1 hour and 25 minute later I was done with the pair. I hope the light output is THAT much better. Anywho...here are a few clean shots....2 with steelies and 1 with the caps back on.




With the bulbs, the service manual shows to remove the entire headlight assembly (4 screws to do so). From your post, it sounds like you "managed" to change them without removing them?

[Chupacabra]

Scott,
Yes....I did them without removing anything. My manual doesn't mention anything about removing the bumper (strange).

[CTScott]

Scott,
Yes....I did them without removing anything. My manual doesn't mention anything about removing the bumper (strange).

Not the bumper, just the headlight assembly (and I just looked at the manual and it is three screws and three connectors to remove them). I still haven't received my Amazon.com bulbs yet...

By the way, It looks like you did the springs in your driveway. Now that it's starting to get cold here, if you want to work on the car in a heated garage, let me know. I'm only about 25 minutes from you.

[Chupacabra]

Not the bumper, just the headlight assembly (and I just looked at the manual and it is three screws and three connectors to remove them). I still haven't received my Amazon.com bulbs yet...

By the way, It looks like you did the springs in your driveway. Now that it's starting to get cold here, if you want to work on the car in a heated garage, let me know. I'm only about 25 minutes from you.

Scott,
Thank you very much for extending that offer. I think that I am pretty much done for now with the car as it is a commuter. :smile: I do have a garage but no heat...I wish that it were heated! What page is that in the manual if you don't mind me asking. I put the manual back in the glove box so it's not in front of me but when I looked up "Headlights" it mentioned pg 286 I think? I don't remember seeing anything about removing anything.:iono:

[CTScott]

Scott,
Thank you very much for extending that offer. I think that I am pretty much done for now with the car as it is a commuter. :smile: I do have a garage but no heat...I wish that it were heated! What page is that in the manual if you don't mind me asking. I put the manual back in the glove box so it's not in front of me but when I looked up "Headlights" it mentioned pg 286 I think? I don't remember seeing anything about removing anything.:iono:

I was looking at the 09 service manual, not the owners manual.

[Chupacabra]

I was looking at the 09 service manual, not the owners manual.

Ahhh...gotcha! I was looking at the owner's manual! :eek:

[Chupacabra]

Did the mudguards and spoiler today. Very, very easy installation(s). Here are a few quick snaps of the camera....

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r280/greenstargo/IMG_1453.jpg

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r280/greenstargo/IMG_1455.jpg

[33OH]

Looks sharp!

[CtrlAltDefeat]

I'm thinking about getting some DF210s but am unsure about how low it gets and trouble getting over speed bumps.... are those 15 inch wheels? And do you have a lot of trouble with the height drop?

[33OH]

I'm thinking about getting some DF210s but am unsure about how low it gets and trouble getting over speed bumps.... are those 15 inch wheels? And do you have a lot of trouble with the height drop?

I run on DF210's and I have 15" stock steelies and 15" aftermarket rims. I have no problems at all with rubbing or anything.

The only thing that scrapes over large inclines (like ramps, not speedbumps) would be the muffler.

[CtrlAltDefeat]

well it looks really good, and the I really like to look of the black wheels... people seem to hate on the steelies a lot, but with small wheel gap, they look pretty good to me...

[33OH]

I rock steelies in the winter. In the summer I run black wheels.

[CtrlAltDefeat]

:respekt::wub:

[Chupacabra]

I don't mind the steelies because the hide the puny brakes and drums in the back. I understand that there isn't an engineering need for anything more than drum power in the rear but man.....drums are so OLD. :iono:

[CtrlAltDefeat]

heh, yea I know, drums are so ugly.... but rotors are not needed. My yaris stops on a dime on stock:biggrin: