I'm New

[jay1985]

I'm new!! Just brought a 2003 celica vvtli t sport and am just wondering what i need to look out for really?? I'm a audi tech and i've owned nothing but VAG cars so thought i would pop my jap cherry!! just wondering what to look out for common faults etc? I've heard rumours about timing chains and oil pumps? And also what to do with it tuning wise induction kit or replacment panel filter? i've seen there is a air sensor on the airbox is this a problem when fitting an induction kit or panel filter?? Many thanks dudes

[Mistermena]

I'm new!! Just brought a 2003 celica vvtli t sport and am just wondering what i need to look out for really?? I'm a audi tech and i've owned nothing but VAG cars so thought i would pop my jap cherry!! just wondering what to look out for common faults etc? I've heard rumours about timing chains and oil pumps? And also what to do with it tuning wise induction kit or replacment panel filter? i've seen there is a air sensor on the airbox is this a problem when fitting an induction kit or panel filter?? Many thanks dudes

Welcome to TOC mate

I dont know much about the VVTI power lump I'm sorry to say! But I'd love to pick your brains about a VW (AMF engine code) at some point! Enjoy this fab forum mate

[Leeky]

Nothing to worry about on the car you've bought as far as i am aware. Issues are with the lesser powered 140bhp engines and the earlier 190bhp ones. Being a 2003 there isnt really anything to worry about. Just make sure it gets regular oil changes and you'll never have issues.

[jay1985]

Pick away dude i'm ex VW and skoda tech aswell VAG made me there !Removed!!! ;) I'll be doing a good full service this week any ideas on induction kits?

[Mistermena]

Pick away dude i'm ex VW and skoda tech aswell VAG made me there !Removed!!! ;) I'll be doing a good full service this week any ideas on induction kits?

LMAO mate

Does the AMF have any timing marks on it to change the belt and do you need this piece of kit to change it? http://www.ebay.co.u...984.m1423.l2649

What oil will you be using in the VVTI? Castrol EDGE? or go all out on some French tarts oil like Motul 300V like I use for my VW :D

[jay1985]

Sadly you will need the took to lock the cam and crank. You could risk painting the cam but it'll be tight as a granny dude! Piece of ***** belt when you have the right tool! Not sure what oil really yet what'll be best for the vvtli as I'm sure it'll need the good **** like a vtak would no chip fat oil for this puppy!

[jay1985]

Dude you can find a cheaper took than those go to a GSF auto factors you will only need the lolly pop stink looking tool and a crankshaft locking tool I got mine for £15!!

[Mistermena]

Dude you can find a cheaper took than those go to a GSF auto factors you will only need the lolly pop stink looking tool and a crankshaft locking tool I got mine for £15!!

Nice one my mate on the info on the locking tools. I'll give GFS a ring and see what they've got. So how come the change from the VAG to the Jap motors? Is it because the customer service at Toyota is far better than the cr@p one you get from VW as I'm finding atm?

[Mistermena]

Sadly you will need the took to lock the cam and crank. You could risk painting the cam but it'll be tight as a granny dude! Piece of ***** belt when you have the right tool! Not sure what oil really yet what'll be best for the vvtli as I'm sure it'll need the good **** like a vtak would no chip fat oil for this puppy!

This is the stuff that would be high on my list of lubs for your motor! Silkolene PRO S 5W-30 Ester Synthetic Oil. Expensive but one of the best around along with the Motul 300V and Gulf comp oils

[edwardio]

Hello & welcome.

The facelift's are pretty good with no real issues. Boot struts are something to watch out for as these can go, but over time. As for the water pumps & chains, it's something I've not really heard of & I've had a Gen7 since 2005.

The only other main issue is the belt tensioners do sometimes go as do the rads over time (usually in a bottom corner & you wont see dripping coolant, but just that the level keeps going down slowly).

Mod wise, fit a decent performance panel filter. Induction kits are no good but for noise & you won't get any performance increase over a performance panel fitler, unless you pay big money & get a completely heat shielded kit.

My mod advice would be-

Performance Panel filter

Lower it

Improve the brakes

Stage 2 cams - if you have the cash, then get an aftermarket ECU as well.

[jay1985]

Dude you can find a cheaper took than those go to a GSF auto factors you will only need the lolly pop stink looking tool and a crankshaft locking tool I got mine for £15!!

Nice one my mate on the info on the locking tools. I'll give GFS a ring and see what they've got. So how come the change from the VAG to the Jap motors? Is it because the customer service at Toyota is far better than the cr@p one you get from VW as I'm finding atm?

How did the tool hunt go??? I did the change because I drive VAG cars all day and wanted to feel like i was driving something different home rather than a customers car! I dont deal with any customer service !Removed! I just do the work myself and if it goes wrong a swift kick to the nuts from the girlfriend normally does the job!

[jay1985]

Sadly you will need the took to lock the cam and crank. You could risk painting the cam but it'll be tight as a granny dude! Piece of ***** belt when you have the right tool! Not sure what oil really yet what'll be best for the vvtli as I'm sure it'll need the good **** like a vtak would no chip fat oil for this puppy!

This is the stuff that would be high on my list of lubs for your motor! Silkolene PRO S 5W-30 Ester Synthetic Oil. Expensive but one of the best around along with the Motul 300V and Gulf comp oils

Ok cool how much we talking for a 5litres then? Ive get the good stuff! 1st time i've heard of some1 putting such good oil in there VW!!

[jay1985]

Hello & welcome.

The facelift's are pretty good with no real issues. Boot struts are something to watch out for as these can go, but over time. As for the water pumps & chains, it's something I've not really heard of & I've had a Gen7 since 2005.

The only other main issue is the belt tensioners do sometimes go as do the rads over time (usually in a bottom corner & you wont see dripping coolant, but just that the level keeps going down slowly).

Mod wise, fit a decent performance panel filter. Induction kits are no good but for noise & you won't get any performance increase over a performance panel fitler, unless you pay big money & get a completely heat shielded kit.

My mod advice would be-

Performance Panel filter

Lower it

Improve the brakes

Stage 2 cams - if you have the cash, then get an aftermarket ECU as well.

Thanks buddy!! Thats good to hear then boot struts are feeling alittle weak really so i'll look into doing those ASAP!

I'll be puuting her up on the ramp friday and giving her a good looking over to make sure i've not had my pants pulled down!! What these belt tensioners like to do then as i may get a new belt and do the tensioner while i'm in the area!?

So induction kits are no good then? I see there is a air flow sensor on the top of the airbox so this might be a problem with induction kits!

I can see a flap inside the airbox which is controled by a vacum? this flap can it be removed to give the noise and performce with a panel filter??

I'll be looking into lowering it at some point what you recommed? what you running on yours? It has got red stuff pads and drilled and grooved discs fitted but the pedal seems to sink abit so think a brake fluid change will help??

Thanks for your help man!!

[Mistermena]

Sadly you will need the took to lock the cam and crank. You could risk painting the cam but it'll be tight as a granny dude! Piece of ***** belt when you have the right tool! Not sure what oil really yet what'll be best for the vvtli as I'm sure it'll need the good **** like a vtak would no chip fat oil for this puppy!

This is the stuff that would be high on my list of lubs for your motor! Silkolene PRO S 5W-30 Ester Synthetic Oil. Expensive but one of the best around along with the Motul 300V and Gulf comp oils

Ok cool how much we talking for a 5litres then? Ive get the good stuff! 1st time i've heard of some1 putting such good oil in there VW!!

Its not cheap my mate! but its the dogs... Cost about £55 for a 5lt tube of the juice! But take a look on eBay as you can get some amazing deals like I did on the Motul 300V for £10 for 2 ltrs. Guy had loads of it for sale so i bought the lot! I'm a real oil head and have to know all about the TBN and Viscosity index ect and use the best oils in the engine and gearbox.

[Mistermena]

Dude you can find a cheaper took than those go to a GSF auto factors you will only need the lolly pop stink looking tool and a crankshaft locking tool I got mine for £15!!

Nice one my mate on the info on the locking tools. I'll give GFS a ring and see what they've got. So how come the change from the VAG to the Jap motors? Is it because the customer service at Toyota is far better than the cr@p one you get from VW as I'm finding atm?

How did the tool hunt go??? I did the change because I drive VAG cars all day and wanted to feel like i was driving something different home rather than a customers car! I dont deal with any customer service !Removed! I just do the work myself and if it goes wrong a swift kick to the nuts from the girlfriend normally does the job!

Tbh I didn't get a chance today to have a look. One of the guys off here is gonna do it for me (And me clutch) in exchange for driving lessons. Gone are the days for me of pulling bits of cars when I was 17 and building engines! lol... My Mrs give me a kick in the rockers when she feels like it or not fella! :lol: