View Full Version : Ecogeek's Build.... Teacher Budget!
Ecogeek
03-02-2014, 07:48 PM
Hey Guys/Gals! I wanted to introduce myself, I am a 24 year old school teacher in the Kansas City Area. I ended up buying a Yaris at the beginning of the school year when my 88 Honda CRX was taken from me by Bambi!
A life lesson was learned, buy full coverage insurance! I picked up my Yaris for 7k. And decided to pay it off within the year.... I have 2 more months then it's paid off!
Anyways I have been scraping pennies to do some mods while I pay off my car. I bought Plasti-dip and hit the badges, and picked up a Tanabe g-concept exhaust off amazon for $184.
http://i1294.photobucket.com/albums/b611/leviwilsongu/Yaris/frontbadge_zpsdd7f8ff6.png (http://s1294.photobucket.com/user/leviwilsongu/media/Yaris/frontbadge_zpsdd7f8ff6.png.html)
http://i1294.photobucket.com/albums/b611/leviwilsongu/Yaris/plastidip_zps194f0dd5.png (http://s1294.photobucket.com/user/leviwilsongu/media/Yaris/plastidip_zps194f0dd5.png.html)
malibuguy
03-02-2014, 08:45 PM
Twinzies?
tk-421
03-02-2014, 08:56 PM
Very nice mods so far. :thumbsup:
Ecogeek
03-02-2014, 10:11 PM
@tk-421 Thanks! Also you don't know it but, thanks for your help getting me on the website! I had to use a different email.
@malibuguy Yep the other is my dad's. I'm jealous of his tint but not the 4 speed auto in it! lol
TerenceCruz
03-03-2014, 04:57 PM
Nice lookin Yaris so far! Looking forward to seeing your progress!
nice start. With the payments gone soon you should have some free cash to finish modding
Klink10
03-04-2014, 07:12 AM
De-badge?
malibuguy
03-04-2014, 10:30 PM
May I suggest a rear sway bar as next mod?
Ecogeek
03-09-2014, 09:37 PM
I'm interested in doing the de-badge! Also I'm planning on the TRD rear sway bar this summer!
Ecogeek
03-09-2014, 10:04 PM
So I tutor at the JDC in Kansas City, and have been saving some money, some hard earned money! I bought a couple of things to make my 30+ minute commute to work more bearable. I went with coaxial speakers because I am lazy... I'll probably upgrade later! I got some sound dampener To put on the outside door skins and the rear tire wells. I also got a new amp, sub-woofer and head unit.
http://i1294.photobucket.com/albums/b611/leviwilsongu/20140207_184109_zpse4230e5c.jpg (http://s1294.photobucket.com/user/leviwilsongu/media/20140207_184109_zpse4230e5c.jpg.html)
Here is the install.... Pics
The head unit.
http://i1294.photobucket.com/albums/b611/leviwilsongu/20140309_110500_zps9a438738.jpg (http://s1294.photobucket.com/user/leviwilsongu/media/20140309_110500_zps9a438738.jpg.html)
Front Rockford 6.75
http://i1294.photobucket.com/albums/b611/leviwilsongu/20140309_110537_zps7bbe9b47.jpg (http://s1294.photobucket.com/user/leviwilsongu/media/20140309_110537_zps7bbe9b47.jpg.html)
Rear Kickers 5.25
http://i1294.photobucket.com/albums/b611/leviwilsongu/20140309_110551_zps73bb2c33.jpg (http://s1294.photobucket.com/user/leviwilsongu/media/20140309_110551_zps73bb2c33.jpg.html)
Infinity Reference Amp
http://i1294.photobucket.com/albums/b611/leviwilsongu/20140309_110336_zps54811991.jpg (http://s1294.photobucket.com/user/leviwilsongu/media/20140309_110336_zps54811991.jpg.html)
Polk DVC DXI 10" 300 RMS
http://i1294.photobucket.com/albums/b611/leviwilsongu/20140309_110325_zps30bb9225.jpg (http://s1294.photobucket.com/user/leviwilsongu/media/20140309_110325_zps30bb9225.jpg.html)
Exiwolfman
03-09-2014, 10:51 PM
like ur set up...for speakers did u have to use install kit to support them..? any pics with panels off....i need to do same got my deck and sub done need to update rest.
TerenceCruz
03-11-2014, 05:36 PM
Sweeet!
Ecogeek
03-12-2014, 09:06 PM
http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1930
^^^^^^Here is a good DIY for the install
I used these to mount my speakers. MDF cut to make spacers spacers
http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2305&highlight=door+removal
^^^^^^This is the best door removal Link if you have manual windows.
Naw, no pics. I was to Lazy... To take off the rear panels, start pulling the plastic panels at the door jams and work your way to the hatch (if you have a 3dr LB). I would invest in some automotive trim removal tools I picked mine up for 4 bucks from Harbor Freight. The removal process is all button pops be gentle but firm and the panels will come off.
Hope this helps.
Ecogeek
03-18-2014, 09:38 PM
Living it up during Spring break!
Took Klink10's advice, did the De-badge... I like the look.
http://i1294.photobucket.com/albums/b611/leviwilsongu/Mobile%20Uploads/20140318_183946_zpse7bhiivh.jpg (http://s1294.photobucket.com/user/leviwilsongu/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20140318_183946_zpse7bhiivh.jpg.html)
I also got my Tow hook in the mail today.... I'm mixed about how it looks. it sticks out farther than what I want..
http://i1294.photobucket.com/albums/b611/leviwilsongu/Mobile%20Uploads/20140318_183933_zpsu8tgfb3k.jpg (http://s1294.photobucket.com/user/leviwilsongu/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20140318_183933_zpsu8tgfb3k.jpg.html)
And I went ahead an blacked out my side markers (Still visible in low lighting)
http://i1294.photobucket.com/albums/b611/leviwilsongu/Mobile%20Uploads/20140318_183915_zpsrnvkywkv.jpg (http://s1294.photobucket.com/user/leviwilsongu/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20140318_183915_zpsrnvkywkv.jpg.html)
Exiwolfman
03-18-2014, 09:44 PM
http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1930
^^^^^^Here is a good DIY for the install
I used these to mount my speakers. MDF cut to make spacers spacers
http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2305&highlight=door+removal
^^^^^^This is the best door removal Link if you have manual windows.
Naw, no pics. I was to Lazy... To take off the rear panels, start pulling the plastic panels at the door jams and work your way to the hatch (if you have a 3dr LB). I would invest in some automotive trim removal tools I picked mine up for 4 bucks from Harbor Freight. The removal process is all button pops be gentle but firm and the panels will come off.
Hope this helps.
cool and ty:thumbsup:
MyzticZ3r0
03-18-2014, 10:02 PM
It's coming along nicely!
tk-421
03-19-2014, 03:23 AM
@tk-421 Thanks! Also you don't know it but, thanks for your help getting me on the website! I had to use a different email.
:w00t:
nookandcrannycar
03-19-2014, 05:44 PM
Twinzies?
:laugh: My first reaction as well.
Ecogeek
03-20-2014, 06:28 PM
It was a good day today! I put on a spoiler on....
http://i1294.photobucket.com/albums/b611/leviwilsongu/Yaris/20140320_160231_zpsxvpue4tr.jpg (http://s1294.photobucket.com/user/leviwilsongu/media/Yaris/20140320_160231_zpsxvpue4tr.jpg.html)
And bought some lowering springs. Haven't installed them yet.
Mongoose7
03-20-2014, 06:35 PM
Which spoiler is that???
Ecogeek
03-20-2014, 08:07 PM
It's a knockoff RS spoiler? I think.... I also got a stubby antenna... My car is paid off so I can start putting some money into my car! I also am saving for a house so nothing to crazy!
Ecogeek
04-09-2014, 01:14 PM
Chicka chicka yeah, Got some sprangs and strats!
M2 lowering springs (1.5" drop) picked them up for $100...
KYB Struts and shocks for $173!
http://i1294.photobucket.com/albums/b611/leviwilsongu/Yaris/20140409_110008_zpsknodzf75.jpg (http://s1294.photobucket.com/user/leviwilsongu/media/Yaris/20140409_110008_zpsknodzf75.jpg.html)
According to what I have read the KYB are fine up to 1.5 inch drop... Can anyone verify this? or did i just pull that number out of my A$$? lol Before I install I want to double check.
TerenceCruz
04-09-2014, 05:27 PM
Great pick up!! Can't wait to see it lowered!
Exiwolfman
04-09-2014, 06:18 PM
I'm on KYB and 1.8 inch drop for the last 40,000km or so and all good they are well priced and work well
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Exiwolfman
04-09-2014, 06:22 PM
Don't forget to cut ur bump stops by how much u lower the car
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Ecogeek
04-18-2014, 11:45 AM
I can't find how much I'm supposed to cut the bump stop. I'm dropping my car 1.5 inches. How much do I need to cut off ?
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Exiwolfman
04-18-2014, 12:17 PM
1.5 inch same as the drop or halfway
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Ecogeek
04-18-2014, 01:05 PM
Awesome thanks!
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no need to cut the bump stops.
Exiwolfman
04-18-2014, 08:11 PM
U always should cut bump stops ...think about it car droops 1.5 inch with a bump stop made for stock ur travel and ride will suffer on stock bump stop size basically ull loose travel and hit the stops ....kind of like riding on them and not ur springs if u say u go even lower .
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except that isn't always the case anymore. Plenty of people have lowered Yaris and didn't touch the bump stops and have never reported any problems. Cutting the bumpstops is an old thing like so many car ideas that does not need to be followed any more.
Exiwolfman
04-18-2014, 10:32 PM
Sorry but I do not agree with u has nothing to do with old school it's simple physics ...just look over how a strut works and what the bump stop is intended for ...ur limiting ur suspension by not cutting u will notice the ride difference on bad roads .
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Sorry but I do not agree with u has nothing to do with old school it's simple physics ...just look over how a strut works and what the bump stop is intended for ...ur limiting ur suspension by not cutting u will notice the ride difference on bad roads .
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If the ride sucks it has nothing to do with the bump stops and has everything to do with crappy suspension tuning. If you are bottoming out your suspension is screwed up.
Bump stops aren't there just for the hell of it.
And yes, it is old school. Everything is much better now than it use to be. Suspension components are a million times better.
At this point in time cutting bump stops is just a personal choice, with no real relevance to actual performance except it could be more dangerous, but probably isn't. Like I mentioned, we've got 7 years of data and many lowered Yaris, some didn't touch there bump stops, some did. No one has ever come back either way and said they destroyed the car, or damaged the car in any way, or made the ride worse or better, because they cut their bump stops or didn't touch them.
Exiwolfman
04-18-2014, 11:26 PM
Just look at the physical aspect of the application ...that's all .
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OP, what are those tubes in your bottom grill? Brake ducts?
Ecogeek
04-19-2014, 10:27 PM
Alright it is all done buying two new sway bars... I had to cut one off, it was really corroded. So I figured I'd get the otherside done too.
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Ecogeek
04-19-2014, 10:32 PM
@sex those are from the previous owner they towed behind their RV.
@Exiwolfman
@why?
Thank you guys for your input! After hearing what you guys said. I decided to live on the edge I trimmed it a half inch! Lol I am worried about the strut bottoming out, but dont want to be smacking my bump stop every 5 minutes....
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