First Japanese Turbo

Before I left for UK, there was one member whose Celica had a heart attack and passed away. The owner who was preparing for an upgrade saw that as a chance and decided not to fix the engine but decided to take upon the task of transplanting a new heart. His choice of heart is non other than the Toyota 3SGTE engine found in the famous MR2, GT4 Celicas and Caldina.

The 2.0 turbo engine has always been a favourite in the Toyota world besides the 1jz and 2jz from Supra. Since it has been allocated in the Celica GT4 variants since the 5th generation, it has been the in the wish list of 7th generation Celica. This project has been done in a few places but it was the first attempt in Malaysia. Many have doubt the possibility and the possible outcome. When I left,  it was in no progress but now it is out on the road and approved by the government.

As soon as the news of its completion reached me, it was something I had to see with my own eyes. The time has finally came for me to not only see the beast but drive the beast as well. Upon researching on the engine specs, you will know it is very fast engine but I never expect the ride that it gave me. I am very rusty with my manual driving but even I could drive it easily because of its soft clutch.

The power delivery is smooth unlike other Japanese turbo car I have come across with and there is no turbo lag that is famous on Evos. Even in the 4th gear, power would come just by pressing the pedal without the need to shift gears. The lightweight of 7th generation does help too. Overall it gave me the feeling that I could drive this car daily without much difficulty. Unbelievably smooth and tame yet powerful. He sure prove many people wrong. I hope I could have this too but from a ST205 Celica instead of his ST215 Caldina..

Birthday Fiesta

A few days after my return to my homeland, it was my birthday. While I was away, there were many club events that I couldn't attend due to the fact that I'm far away in UK. So, when I was informed that there will be an event, I jumped at the chance and agreed to participate. This was the first event I participated as a member of this club.

I thought it was an auto show where we would display our cars but it turned out to be a government carnival where we were special guests due to our registration with the government. The best part for me was the convoy to the place of event. Finally after 4 months, I got to race down the highways with my fellow owners of Celica.

At the end, I met up with friends I have not seen for 4 months (some mod their car and it's time I inspect it), met new owners, had free food, free drinks and even rode on the mechanical bull for the first time in my life. It was hard to not fall (I didn't fall) but it was fun. Not a bad welcome back. I look forward for more events with my club.

Parking

On the Way

Participation Certificate from Govt.

All wrapped and custom interior - The one I was anxious to meet.

Comeback TT

One of my firsts itinerary after I am back is to join the weekly TT with the Celica Club. On the way there I was anxious to meet all the members that I have missed when I was at UK especially those who mod their cars. There were a few I was expecting more than the others. When they saw me, all eyes were on my now long hair and some said I look thinner than they last saw me.

The whole session was a big catching up with my fellow owners. We talked a lot about cars, their mod, their breakdown and we celebrated one member and my birthday. It was both our first birthday with the club. There were cakes specially from one member's cake shop and special condom from Taiwan with real chocolate. The highlight of the night was catching up with the members and testing out the monster auto Celica with Blitz Supercharger and Power FC. 

Condom with treats

That particular car was something I look forward to for a long time because it would the first auto Celica with the Power FC management that I have encountered and equipped with the Blitz Supercharger (my choice of supercharger). So automatically, I am very intrigued with the outcome. I was lucky to have a drag test of his car. It was fast and makes you think that auto Celica ain't too bad after you tweak it up. I hope one day I could have that power for my car too. That night I went home all happy racing home. 

The Return

I finally finished my exchange study period in the UK and reached home few nights ago. As people who know me well will predict, the first thing I did after reaching home was driving out my Celica and go for some fast sprint. With 4 months away from the car, it was just the right gift to say "Welcome Home". It was exciting and I almost forgot this feeling of pure adrenaline.

Before I went to UK, I planned to bring back parts to sell or help my friends buy some parts and of course I did what I planned to do. However, as I was there for studies I didn't have much time to purchase many parts. So, I got some parts back that I hopefully can sell off to get some funding to mod my car.

Some of the parts are for sale and some to be collected by my friends. I hope I have good sales so I can't continue mod my car and may consider becoming a vendor for some side income. Wish me luck.