Project Car Update - Toyota Celica GTS

Toyota Celica GT-S
The GT-S has become a very successful project car. Almost all modifications were completed prior to the Toyota press reception at the 2002 SEMA show. Since then, we've been happily cruising around in the vehicle-this isn't any pampered trailer car!

Courtesy of the Blitz supercharger, the GT-S car is pure joy to drive. The power feels amazing and makes it an exciting ride-even if it's just to the store and back.

It's also won its fair share of battles. We only have a few more plans to implement with the GT-S before it's complete. We're currently in the process of installing a lightweight sound system. We hope to have the system complete for the upcoming Import Auto Salon. And the final coming out party for the Celica will be its Turbo cover shoot, so heads up.

Scion Bbx
As was discussed last month, the Bbx made an impressive debut at the SEMA convention in Las Vegas, Nevada. It's since been in the hands of the Scion folks for a round of promotional demos and media hype get-togethers. We hope to get our precious Bbx back in our hot little hands so we can continue with a few more modifications.

First and foremost, we'd like to do more power testing on the vehicle. Also, as no car escapes without a flogging here at Turbo, it's a requirement that we take the Bbx to the dragstrip. I've yet to race a minivan, but, hey-there are firsts for everything. Keep your eyes out for a feature article on the Bbx in the near future.

Toyota AE86
Contrary to rumor, this car has not been in hibernation. The Hachi Roku is alive and well and has been sighted cruising the mean streets of Orange County, Calif. (and taking on a Civic or two).

I've found tight handling supercedes minimal horsepower on certain occasions. A rear strut bar and lower tie bar from Cusco were added. This stiffer support has already had a noticeable effect on handling. I have been so dedicated to this car that I actually whored out my manual labor skills in order to earn enough money to buy our Project AE86 some dope TRD parts. I felt like a kid mowing lawns for allowance, but it was worth it.

I picked up a TRD short shift kit and shift knob, as well as a front anti-roll bar. The future is bright for this Corolla GT-S. A Cusco fiberglass hood and trunk awaits installation; a new paint job-once we decide on what color-will follow. (We're leaning towards a shade of silver, but we're open to your suggestions.) The next big step will be an engine swap. Watch for future coverage.

Acura Integra (Bumble Bee)
My Bumble Bee. First love. I may have mentioned the bumble bee-yellow Integra was the first car I ever purchased.

At its current stage, the powerplant is fully built with a custom turbo kit. However, the car is going back to N/A status. I am currently in the process of building a 2.0-liter LS/VTEC with 50 mm multiple throttle bodies.

We're currently considering a 12.0:1 compression engine which we plan to run on a 50/50 mix of 104 and 91 octane gasoline. The suspension will also be addressed; we plan to take the Integra on the road course and dragstrip. A street roll cage is also on the agenda to stiffen the 13-year-old chassis. We will keep all you Honda heads posted on the build-up.

Toyota MR2 turbo
You forgot about this project car, right? It may be dusty, but we're planning more. It's been difficult finding someone qualified enough (and not too busy) to properly install one of only 11 real-deal TRD 2000GT body kits in the United States. This isn't the type of kit I want to drop off at a body shop then not see the car for a year or more. (Yes, these situations really do happen.)

In the meantime, this bad-ass Mister 2 awaits its aggressive new look. In addition, we're considering what color to paint the car once the new body kit goes on. Again, e-mail us with suggestions. We want a color light enough to photograph that also complements some sick 19-inch wheels.

After the body kit goes on and the car is painted, it'll be nonstop modifications until it becomes the sickest MR2 turbo you've ever seen. Quote me on it.