Suggestions for $300-$400 worth of mods please! [Archive] - Toyota Yaris Forums

CtrlAltDefeat

01-24-2009, 08:59 AM

Well I just got permission to buy up to about $400 worth of mods from the wife, :w00t: and as usual I'm not going to rush my decisions. I have a bone stock black sand 08 LB MT with the 15" wheels. I'm looking forward to installing mods myself with the forums DIYs.

My initial thoughts are to improve the suspension with springs and a strut bar. A short shift kit would also be sweet and should improve acceleration.

I found these parts at wesellcarparts.com (http://www.wesellcarparts.com)(with free shipping in the cont US):

Tanabe DF210 Lowering Springs (http://www.wesellcarparts.com/store/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=3085) $168

GT Spec Front Strut Bar (http://www.wesellcarparts.com/store/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=7264) $145

NST Short Shift Kit (http://www.wesellcarparts.com/store/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=7687) $90

Total $403

I'm not sure if these are the best bang for my buck, nor do I know if these are the best prices for these parts. I'm also concerned about the Tanabe DF210 (http://www.tanabe-usa.com/springs/df210.asp) springs. The Tanabe site shows these springs are for lowering the car specifically, not necessarily better performance like the GF210 (http://www.tanabe-usa.com/springs/gf210.asp) or PRO210 (http://www.tanabe-usa.com/springs/pro210.asp) springs. I would like to get rid of the 4x4-like wheel well gap, but I prefer better performance over sheer height drop. I'd consider the GF210s or PRO210s if they made them for the Yaris, but baring that, I wonder if there's a better performing part out there.

Like I said, I don't rush these things, so I'm looking for alternative opinions and suggestions. Any thoughts on it would be appreciated! Thanks!

eTiMaGo

01-24-2009, 09:13 AM

If you want real bang for the buck, I'd say skip the strut bar and get an NST underdrive pulley. Springs and a SSK are great too because all of these give you results you can immediately feel.

Black Yaris

01-24-2009, 09:22 AM

underdrive pulley set, short shifter and lowering coils would be the best start

DF's on my Yaris made a huge handling difference, I loved em

CtrlAltDefeat

01-24-2009, 09:29 AM

the under drive pulleys are that good? Are they hard to install?

CtrlAltDefeat

01-24-2009, 09:31 AM

btw I was sad to hear about your yaris (a while ago). It was kinda my inspiration for my black yaris...

RagnaCaT

01-24-2009, 09:41 AM

the under drive pulleys are that good? Are they hard to install?

Let's make it simple they are the best thing that can ever happen to the Yaris period. Install is fairly easy do a search there should be a DIY around also you can get more info on them Remember NST 10% underdrive pulley and +1 on DF's and SSK! it will be like driving a new car!

tk-421

01-24-2009, 09:50 AM

the under drive pulleys are that good? Are they hard to install?
Not with the proper tools. Here's a DIY on the subject:
http://yarisworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3964

NST products are highly recommended. Check out my thread on best & worst investments link on my sig to get an idea

cleong

01-24-2009, 10:26 AM

Let me suggest something else:

DF210 lowering springs

TRD rear anti roll bar

Camber bolts to get -1.5 degrees camber for your front wheels

Save the remainder for gas

eTiMaGo

01-24-2009, 10:39 AM

that's certainly another great direction, focus on handling, it is the strong point of the car after all :smile:

thebarber

01-24-2009, 12:07 PM

PETERPOOP

01-24-2009, 01:20 PM

PetersRedYaris

01-24-2009, 01:29 PM

Skip the strut bar and replace it with an NST pulley. Don't do the whole pulley set if installation worries you as the alternator pulley seems to be the trickiest. And shop around for DF210 springs, they can be found for far less than you have listed.

TEHxFALLEN V1.2

01-24-2009, 02:17 PM

CtrlAltDefeat

01-24-2009, 03:03 PM

Afe Intake $171.50

http://shop.microimageonline.com/product.sc?categoryId=2&productId=74

NST 10% Underdrive Crank PUlley $112.00

http://shop.microimageonline.com/product.sc?categoryId=2&productId=46

Tanabe DF210 lowering springs $158.00

http://shop.microimageonline.com/product.sc?categoryId=4&productId=8

total = $441.50 * $40 more than you planned, but I would get these...

All of these will change the look, feel, and sound of your car!

I have considered an intake, but I've heard the bang for buck is pretty bad for intakes. How much HP does the $170 for that intake actually get you? I hope to possibly mod my air box to make it less restrictive later if I do not get an intake now... Altho It does look good...:wub:

ZING

01-24-2009, 03:16 PM

Yargh how jealous I get. Cost me 300$ for springs alone..including shipping and customs tax.

You didn't mention NF210's up there. They are great.

CtrlAltDefeat

01-24-2009, 03:45 PM

megan lowering springs (1.5") $132
http://www.wesellcarparts.com/store/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=4491

camber bolts $35
http://shop.microimageonline.com/product.sc?categoryId=4&productId=72

dragon intake $109
http://www.wesellcarparts.com/store/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=4858

NST 10% underdrive pulley $112
http://shop.microimageonline.com/product.sc?categoryId=2&productId=46

TOTAL $388

The camber bolts are scary... I've read the wrong camber settings can ruin a car...

so far I think springs and the under drive pulley are on the list of what I'm going to get(which springs, I'm not sure yet but the DF210s seem to be most popular so far...) So far what I'm unsure of is whether to get more HP with an intake or better handling something else...

dexter_5000

01-24-2009, 04:27 PM

springs short shift kit should work well i'm debating about pulleys for my xa still too. i've only heard good things though about the nst set.

blacksandiegovitz

01-24-2009, 04:38 PM

If you want real bang for the buck, I'd say skip the strut bar and get an NST underdrive pulley. Springs and a SSK are great too because all of these give you results you can immediately feel.

^^^^^ +1 for that set-up !

YarisPR

01-24-2009, 05:19 PM

Let's make it simple they are the best thing that can ever happen to the Yaris period. Install is fairly easy do a search there should be a DIY around also you can get more info on them Remember NST 10% underdrive pulley and +1 on DF's and SSK! it will be like driving a new car!

Lo dices por experiencia? jajajaja :biggrin:

cali yaris

01-24-2009, 05:36 PM

And shop around for DF210 springs, they can be found for far less than you have listed.

Less than $158 shipped? where?

I do also have Progress springs for $144.95 shipped. Customers so far have really liked them.

Great ideas on this thread, enough to put together a nice upgrade package for your car.

NonStopTuning

01-24-2009, 06:31 PM

Excellent thread!
I have repeatedly heard that the NST Underdrive Crank Pulley and Short Shift Kit transform the Yaris into a much more enjoyable car.

Of course this is why we build them :biggrin:

lilredrocket

01-25-2009, 05:59 AM

Haha. Mike you sound a little cocky there... I like it. I will be buying the whole pully kit ssk and bushing kit next weekend. Can't wait to feel the difference!

CtrlAltDefeat

01-25-2009, 06:17 AM

Ok so far It looks like my best buy would be:

Tanabe DF210 Springs (http://shop.microimageonline.com/product.sc?categoryId=4&productId=8) $158
NST Short Shift Kit (http://www.wesellcarparts.com/store/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=7687) $90
NST underdrive pulley (http://www.nonstoptuning.com/pKitToyYaris.htm) $118
Total $366 shipped

(tho not sure if these dealers are the best price for these...)

I'm still not sure if these are the right springs to get... I'm leaning towards the Tanabe DF210s, after all they were "approved by Black Yaris":biggrin: Other springs were also mentioned but I don't know any thing about spring rates or what makes a good setup... I'm not sure if rubbing is an issue with a 2" drop. I'm pretty sure my stock 15" steel wheels would be ok but if I upgrade to larger alloys in the future, I wonder if my upgrade will be limited (I wonder if a larger wheel is needed at all to tell the truth)

With the current list it leaves a tiny bit left for possibly the camber bolts (http://shop.microimageonline.com/product.sc?categoryId=4&productId=72) but then again I might need that for the tools I will prolly have to rent/buy to install all this stuff. That and the camber thing scares me... :confused:

Any ways sorry for being so wordy, but I would appreciate any thoughts on this subject (after all this is my first major mod and prolly my last until I ether get a better job or another tax return :biggrin: )

eTiMaGo

01-25-2009, 06:29 AM

There's not much actual comparison between different springs, and not a lot of data, but essentially if you are looking for a mild drop that remains comfortable, then NF210 or TEIN H-tech would be fine. For a more aggressive drop with stiffer feeling, then DF210s or S-techs... No idea how other brands fit in to the range, though!

Klink10

01-25-2009, 08:51 AM

Thanks for your post to my "something to do thread".

It appears that several knowledgeable folks have provided good comments on how to spend your available funds wisely. Don't forget that a Yaris is a very nicely styled auto and when kept clean and shiny it will draw attention. The clean and shiny can be done by you with a minimum expense in materials. I consider it a free mod. Good luck.

CtrlAltDefeat

01-25-2009, 08:58 AM

yea thanks:smile: Wish I could wash it right now but sub freezing temps and salt covered roads make that unlikely... If I don't get any better ideas by tomorrow, I think I'll order the parts. (After I research the DIYs a bit more to be sure I can put these parts on....)

cleong

01-25-2009, 10:15 AM

Well here's the thing, if you're going to do the springs, you're going to mess with the front struts and the alignment anyway. Now some people feel that an alignment after a disassembly of the struts is un-necessary, but I'll leave you to decide for yourself.

If you have plans to take it to an alignment shop to get it squared up again, you might as well do the camber bolts at the same time. Otherwise you'll end up spending alignment labour twice.

TheRealEnth

01-25-2009, 01:31 PM

The camber bolts are scary... I've read the wrong camber settings can ruin a car...

is that true? dont know about camber bolts -.- what does -1.5 degrees in the front do exactly... and how would we set it up right.. or we need a mechanic that knows what hes doing ? lol

-edit: reading up on it now... when you drop your car it changes the camber angle which leads to faster wear and tear... and also at a negative in the front you can take turns better .. =D... but is it still true about the wrong settings?

cleong

01-25-2009, 02:41 PM

is that true? dont know about camber bolts -.- what does -1.5 degrees in the front do exactly... and how would we set it up right.. or we need a mechanic that knows what hes doing ? lol

-edit: reading up on it now... when you drop your car it changes the camber angle which leads to faster wear and tear... and also at a negative in the front you can take turns better .. =D... but is it still true about the wrong settings?

-1.5 degrees gives you better corner grip if you're the sort of driver that likes to be enthusiastic around the twisty stuff. How much negative camber you actually need depends on your driving habits. If you regularly test the traction limits of your tires on freeway on/off ramps then negative 1.5 and beyond should serve you well. Otherwise, setting up that much negative camber and driving sedately would actually wear out the inside edge of your front tires prematurely. The idea is to spread the wear evenly on your front tires. By doing that, you're maximizing your tire grip as well.

bikegerm

01-25-2009, 02:48 PM

Your choice is perfect. Springs, underdrive pulley, and SSK. Trust your fellow forum members, you won't find any better prices and support than from the vendors on this site !! Don't waste your time looking anywhere else for Yaris specific mods. :thumbup:

PetersRedYaris

01-25-2009, 03:56 PM

Less than $158 shipped? where?

I do also have Progress springs for $144.95 shipped. Customers so far have really liked them.

Great ideas on this thread, enough to put together a nice upgrade package for your car.

Hmmm, I guess your right. 2 years ago when I got my NF210's, I would see DF's all over ebay in the $130 range. I guess prices have gone up; inflation?

So, it appears you do have the best deal. :clap:

Edit- heres a sweet deal.
http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13122

bzinn 1

01-26-2009, 01:58 AM

I really enjoyed the look and ride from my DFs,they ride a bit low on my car for some reason and I scrape with my stockies on on speed bumps but that is normal.

Another great mod is the rear TRD sway bar.....works great with the springs.

For best handling good tires make a great differance.

Pullys make the car come alive.....night and day.....

SSK makes it better to control shifts too.

Great choices out there,shop around and find the best prices,check the classifieds on here as I always see springs for sale for cheap.....

CtrlAltDefeat

01-26-2009, 02:53 AM

I really enjoyed the look and ride from my DFs,they ride a bit low on my car for some reason and I scrape with my stockies on on speed bumps but that is normal.

Yikes... you scrape on speed bumps?:eyebulge:

hmmm ok now that's something to think about... what size wheels?

AdeJong 03

01-26-2009, 05:05 AM

rear sway bar would be the first thing id buy

hard for me to justify go fast mods on a car that has less than 110 hp lol. im only doing suspension

CtrlAltDefeat

01-26-2009, 06:08 AM

rear sway bar would be the first thing id buy

hard for me to justify go fast mods on a car that has less than 110 hp lol. im only doing suspension

ahh but the thing is... It weighs so little that every hp counts :burnrubber:(that and every pound shaved off...)

CtrlAltDefeat

01-26-2009, 06:26 AM

ZING

01-26-2009, 06:39 AM

Still unsure about which springs to order...

Also, is an alignment really needed when you swap springs?

Here check out the bottom of this thread, I posted up my car before/after NF210's.

http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13054

As for an alignment I have no idea. I was told by members here to do it, and from my friends dad who was assisting with installation. I am going to go right after my finals.

tk-421

01-26-2009, 07:17 AM

well the SSK and the Underdrive pulley are ordered... Still unsure about which springs to order...

Also, is an alignment really needed when you swap springs? The DIY seemed pretty straight forward; I didn't see any thing you could adjust...
I have NF210 springs and they are the perfect balance between stance and daily driving comfort IMO. No rubbing at all with my wheel/tire combo (see my garage for details).

As far as alignment goes, you should really do it until the new springs have settled. Drive it around for a couple of weeks and then get it aligned.

CtrlAltDefeat

01-26-2009, 07:28 AM

Makes sense... I appreciate everyone's help... It kinda got off topic after the parts were decided, so I'm really thankful for everyone's patience with the noob:wink:

cali yaris

01-26-2009, 03:26 PM

NST underdrive pulley $118'

$112 shipped from me - who did you order from?

CtrlAltDefeat

01-26-2009, 04:30 PM

'

$112 shipped from me - who did you order from?

whoops... damn I didn't see that I ordered directly from NST for $118 and $10 for shipping :frown:

cali yaris

01-26-2009, 04:53 PM

:cry:

CtrlAltDefeat

01-26-2009, 07:56 PM

Well I bought all my parts the final list is

Tanabe DF210 lowering springs (http://shop.microimageonline.com/product.sc?categoryId=4&productId=8) $158 shipped
from Micro Image

NST Short shift kit (http://www.wesellcarparts.com/store/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=7687) $90 shipped
from wesellcarparts.com

NST 10% Underdrive Crank Pulley (http://www.nonstoptuning.com/pKitToyYaris.htm) $118 + $10 shipping
from nonstoptuning.com

Total: $376

Sadly, I didn't realize that I could have gotten the NST Pulley from Micro Image (http://shop.microimageonline.com/product.sc?categoryId=2&productId=46) for $112 shipped :frown:

I don't know how I missed that... ahh well, Thank you everyone for your help... when I get the parts in take pics and post the new thread here:thumbup:

PetersRedYaris

01-26-2009, 08:41 PM

Sweet, your Yaris is about to drive a thousand times better...

And yes, get an alignment post spring install.

botchilah

01-28-2009, 02:12 AM

From my experience, any car with a macpherson front suspension will necessitate an alignment every time you dismantle / disassemble the shocks since it is an integral, moving part (not just up and down but rotates on its body clockwise / counter-clockwise when you steer). And if the car's ride height becomes lower, your camber will be off for sure. By how much varies on a lot of things, but for the most part, it will be excessively off for sure. Toe also tends to change so you gotta look into that. Camber bolts would be great to remedy this. A pillow-ball top-mount would be beter but might be too harsh for most DD cars.

Having said that, since I don't have my Yaris yet, I'm not sure if the Yaris has a macpherson front suspension but if it does, you definitely will need an alignment job to maximize your suspension upgrades.

As for the rear, I haven't really looked at the Yaris' rear suspension but doesn't it look like ti has a simple twist-beam rear-end? Anyone please correct me if I'm wrong. I'm basing my experience on mostly Evos and Subarus I've dealt with in the past plus my old Honda Fit / Jazz DD.

dexter_5000

01-28-2009, 04:46 AM

machperson front suspenion and a torsion beam rear.

botchilah

01-28-2009, 05:40 AM

Thanks Dexter5000!

I realize an alignment job there is quite expensive which is probably why everyone is hesitant to do it. Back here a decent alignment from a computerized aligner will set you back 10-20 U$ in your money. I tend to have my cars aligned every 3-4 months partly because the roads here are pretty bad, partly because I like experimenting with alignment specs and lastly because it's cheap!

I believe it's closer to 100U$ for a proper alignment job there?

CtrlAltDefeat

01-28-2009, 08:10 AM

well costhelper.com (http://www.costhelper.com/cost/cars/wheel-alignment.html) says $50-$100 for an alignment which is an unexpected expense... Well I've heard it will take a couple of weeks for the springs to settle, so I'll just have to save up... If I had realized that I might have dropped off one of the other parts to make up for it...(tho I don't think I'd be as happy about my upgrades)...

CtrlAltDefeat

03-30-2009, 05:09 AM

Oh hey I forgot to post the link here with my mods on it... Here (http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13270) it is...

crolandiz

01-02-2011, 11:38 PM

Hi, my engine is a 1.3L 2NZ-FE, do you think I can install the NST 10% Underdrive Pulley Set wich is for the 1.5L?

Thank you.

yaris rs

01-05-2011, 07:56 AM

your list is good, i would suggest though...

shocks (tokico blues)
lowering springs
shortshifter kit
AND if money is left over, a rear sway bar.
(rear since there isnt anything there besides control to regulate corning load)

"Anti-sway bars (also known as anti-roll bars) are used along with shock absorbers or struts to give a moving automobile additional stability. An anti-sway bar is a metal rod that spans the entire axle and effectively joins each side of the suspension together.

When the suspension at one wheel moves up and down, the anti-sway bar transfers movement to the other wheel. This creates a more level ride and reduces vehicle sway. In particular, it combats the roll of a car on its suspension as it corners. For this reason, almost all cars today are fitted with anti-sway bars as standard equipment, although if they're not, kits make it easy to install the bars at any time"