was busy this weekend

[Chris25NJ]

Sorry, just feel like posting this even though i know noone will care. However, If anyone needs tips on any of the below i'll be glad to help.

This weekend I:
-put in synthetic motor oil (first time)
-put in synthetic trans fluid
-flushed radiator
-installed hood scoop
-installed trd rear strut bar
-replaced pcv valve

Tomorrow it's going in for the belt tensioner replacement.

Can't wait till i get my buddy club kit installed!!! I'm tired of tripping on it in my small apt.

[coOOlcelica]

any tips on instaling the trd rear strut bar???

[Chris25NJ]

I followed the directions in the installs section (the link that works). The bar I got came with directions in japaneese, so didn't help much. The directions in the installs is excellent. However the japaneese directions came with templates for cutting. i used those and didn't have to measure a thing. Also I used a dremel to do the cutting (or melting I should say), but it went pretty easy. Oh man it's a puzzle to get it all back together, but a fun one. Just do as the directions say, if you need help call my cel 201-446-4624.

Chris

[HilfigerCelica]

Where's the PCV valve located at and can I get it at AutoZone?

When you switch to synthetic tranny fluid, did you have to do anything special like flushing out the regular fluid? Also did you changed the tranny filter when you changed your fluid, if you did how much was it and where can I get one?

Do you feel any difference with the TRD rear brace?

And how much was the flush kit for the radiator and did you have to use Toyota's coolant or can you use any old brand?

Sorry if these are newbie questions, but I've worked on other cars before, and I just wanted to make sure with the Celica.
Thanks Chris.

[Chris25NJ]

That damn PCV valve, you know I was asking on here for months where it was any nobody knew, or cared. Some simple maintence item, too. Yet, everyone on this forum is an expert when it comes to modifying the engine. Not trying to be negative to you HilfigerCelica, just a little disappointed nobody could tell me where it was. In fact it's nice to see somebody else is concerned with this simple maintence item.

Sorry needed to vent about that. Here's the info.

I went to the dealership and asked them, and sure enough they knew right were it was. Take off the plastic engine cover by those 4 allan screws. The one that says VVTL-i on it. On the far right hand corner of the engine (under where the plastic was), you'll see a bunch of hoses that go into the engine. The one closest to the windshield running from right to left into the engine has the PCV valve at the end of it (you can see the bolt head between the hose and engine). Just slip off the hose and use a rachet/socket to remove it and put in the new one. I don't remember what socket size off hand. But that's it, real simple to change. I got mine from toyota costed like $7 or something.

No I didn't flush my trans, just drained and filled. If you really want you can take off the oil pan and change the filter, (don't forget to replace the gasket) but I didn't, maybe I will at 60K. I was surprised to see the fluid still was pretty amber, not black. I have 37K miles.

The rear of the car feels incredibly stiffer with the brace. I can't wait till I can find a front strut bar that doesn't block the hood scoop air path. RacinJason? Slotted bars??

I didn't use a flush kit for the radiator. Just drain and fill. I was going to flush with water, but numerous toyota mechanics just said drain and fill. Per the design of the engine there is no way possible to drain out all the water before filling again. Don't bother about draining from the block, if you can find the coolant union that won't hurt, but draining from the radiator is good enough. Definitely do it yourself, save yourself the 200 that toyota wants to do it. I bought toyota coolant. I would recommend you do the same. Just buy one gallon and fill the rest with water.

Glad to be of service. :)

[MarkyMark]

damn, good luck w/the buddy club kit...I know someone who had it, the fit was attrocious. Get a shop to do it!!

[HilfigerCelica]

Thanks Chris

[Chris25NJ]

I was planning installing the kit myself, until I held up the rocker panel to the car. You're right, the fit is atrocious. however maybe the bumpers will fit better since they are full bumpers opposed to clip ons? I think i'm gonna save up and have a shop do it all.

By the way, I needed to add more coolant today, guess I didn't get enough in there the first time.

[kuruptgt]

how did you flush yer radiator?

[Chris25NJ]

kurupt there is another post, which I describe it all. check out "flushing the radiator"

[Chris25NJ]

here's the link, sorry was being lazy.

http://www.newcelica.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=10624

[kuruptgt]

cool thanx