i have a 93 ES. I already have a few mods on my car including intake, exhaust, forced air induction, and cleared headlights/tail lights. i was wondering if there are any other decent DIY mods that arent too expensive. Any ideas?? Just blurt em out....

 

IMO you're pretty much set. just drive the car already! lol. i guess its not really DIY but how about suspension? the ES handling is a bit too comfy for me sometimes. you can get HID headlights but i dunno if you wanna spend that much money.

 

here are some inexpensive things (>$100) I've done:

angel eyes
black pearl badges
tint
polish headlamp lens
amplify the speakers w/ a non factory amp

 

I would like to venture into the suspension. I think my car would look great lowered. But the only kits I can find are for a 1in drop. Honestly, that isnt worth it to me. Ive seen the ES lowered 1in and you cant even tell a difference. I want a 2in drop. I heard of some kid using spring clamps? Is that safe? Is that down right ghetto? Or a cheap way to lower your car? Sounds ghetto to me, IM just curious what you think....

 

You can use springs made for the '92'96 Camry as well. H&R sells a Sport version that lowers the car by 1.3"/1.4". Do not use spring clamps as that will not be good for the whole car. What if the clamps accidentally break or slide off? You have to consider what you want more of, handling or appearance. Having a 2" drop will not allow you to handle too much unless you go with real coilover systems. Also, you will need a camber kit to have your tires wear evenly. The <1.5"-drop springs is a compromise between stock and slammed, but still offer a lower center of gravity with some good handling.

Luc

 

Clamps are cool for a car shows, or situations where your car doesnt move heh

 

In addition to what was said:

Intrax and B&G also offer drops <1.6".

Kyle Harty and L_sport have B&G, you can ask them about that.

I have a set of Intrax springs sitting in my garage, I just have to find time to get them installed. Some people say it gives a 1.8" drop, others say more than 2".

 

I defintely wouldnt go with the clamps. They seem dangerous. So, XENONES3, you have a set of Intrax for the 92-96 ES300???? Where did you get em and are you interested in selling them?

 

I got the B&G's and Tokico struts from www.shox.com, about $500 for the springs and struts. There are pics of my car in the gallery and in a thread a page or two back. The service and shipping from shox was good and prices seemed to compare well, I'd recommend them. You'll definately want to do struts too when you lower the car.

You could do a nice set of 17" or 18" wheels and some work on the stereo and you'd probably be set. You could do nitrous too, that's probably the only way you'll get a significant performance increase without paying big bucks to have a turbo kit custom done.

 

ive already got a set of 18in wheels on my car. Im looking into a set of Sprint lowering springs. They drop the car 1.8in! That would look nice over the 18s. Anyhow, do I really new struts too? If yes, why? If I dont get them, what problems am I looking at?

 

Got them from ebay for $100 flat. I probably won't install them this year (snow would be a pain). cialz told me they lowered his ES more than 2".

I'm still deciding, If I decide to get rid of them, I'll let you know.

 

With the lowered suspension, the stock struts prolly wouldn't be capable of handling them too well.

Look at Toxico for a stiffer, more controlled ride. If you want a softer ride look at Monroe Sensatracs.

 

lexpusher96 said the clamps work fine. not forever, but temporary... he's been lowering and raising cars for 10 years. well, i bought those clamps. cant even get them on the damn car! they are still in my closet too.... the springs we have are too big, and too up into the car for me to get to, even with the wheels off...

 

Like Xenon said, the stock struts won't handle the extra stress too well and probably won't last long. The aftermarket struts complete the package for handling and the ride won't be good once the stock struts go out, so you'll end up replacing them fairly soon anyway. KYB struts would be another option, I know McElligot has them and likes them, check tirerack for more info on the KYB's.

 

Yes, i love the ibach pro kit and kyb sturt combo.