I need some help, seriously!

[sjschwartz]

I have a '96 Camry Coupe with a 4cyl. and an 4-speed automatic. I am looking for some help in the denver, Colorado area. This thing has become my boring daily driver. (my wife took my 2002 Yukon because of the size) Anway, this thing has no power. I need some help as I know nothing about imports, I used to race my '76 monte carlo (454 V8) Anyway, I am looking for any good shops in the area ( I've alreay been pointed to paragon tuning in Aurora, but haven't had the time to make the trip) Are there any shops up north of denver or in boulder? let me know, also I'd be willing to pay someone privately to work on the car, but references would be needed (can be a cash transaction)

I look forward to hearing from the board.

[B16crxTurbo]

Welcome to the board. I guess I would have to ask if you have any plans for the car? If you are looking for performance shops there are a couple north of Denver. There is one in boulder, but I forget the name. You could also check out PFI, they are in Loveland. Their phone number is 970-377-2216. They have a full service shop that they just moved into and recently purchased a dyno to go with it.

If you are looking for service type work, I think there is a shop in denver somewhere called Toysport. You might try the phonebook for that one. Goodluck

[sjschwartz]

Yes!!!! I am looking for performance mods. My ultimate goal is to create a sleeper out of this one. I am looking for suspension and handling mods first, then engine, intake, and exaust mods. I can handle sound and ground effects would be dead last.(unless I am hitting an aerodynamic road block.) If you could rememer the shop in boulder that would be great. As far as service, I usually just take it to the dealer.

[2000SiVTEC]

Have you looked into any TRD stuff? If not then that is where I would start....

[sjschwartz]

Yes I've looked into TRD, but they don't have anything for Gen 3 Camrys, only Gen 4. I've tried to look online, but it seems like everyone has either a newer camry or a much older one. I really like this car because it is a 2-door (pre-solara days coupe) and has leather interior. I have been putting money aside for some improvements, but just don't know where to start or who to goto to have them done properly!

[B16crxTurbo]

Not sure, but maybe one of the superchargers that toyota offers will fit your car?? Just taking a stab in the dark. I don't really know a whole lot about Toyotas. I just remeber seeing that boulder shop in a post, but I have no clue what the name was... Maybe someone that posted that does? As far as handling goes, I know Hotchkis makes things for the new Celica, maybe they make parts for you car as well.

[shane]

e-mail me. i have an idea on how to get you were you want to be.

srichme573@earthlink.net

[newt2]

You could swap in the V6 and put the TRD blower on it. That Camry would have some balls then.

There's not a real big after market on Camry's unfortunately. Especially on the 4cyl models. You can always get more power from basic stuff like exhaust and air filter. Some one probably makes a header for the car. After that though, you're going to be pretty much on your own.

You could go the N/A route and find a local machine shop to do some headwork. A nice valve job and milling the head a little for more compression would give you some power. You could have custom pistons made for more compression too. All of this would cost a lot of money though, with kind of limited results. You'd probably be better off swapping the engine for a V6. In the end it would still be faster and more reliable.

You could also go the nitrous route. Nitrous works on any car and any engine, they don't need to make kits for each car. Just be carefull with that stuff, you could find yourself in a rebuild real quick. It is the best bang for your buck though.

[sjschwartz]

I am assuming that a new engine would also mean a new trans. I think that if I could find a good shop I might go this route.

[sjschwartz]

Well I've found out some very interesting information. There is a turbo for the Gen. 3 5SFE 4cyl. engine. It is made by the old TRD-NW folks and is sold by toyomoto in Miami FL. I am not sure about the price yet, but I have a feeling that it isn't going to be cheap, although it will be cheaper than an engine swap. So, off to figure out who can do the installation and how it will be paid for. Thanks for all the help.

[B16crxTurbo]

If you want to go fast, hands down the best things you can do are:

A. Motor swap if your's isn't very capable
B. Boost

Nothing else except for nitrous will give you more power for the dollar. At least IMHO anyway. Good luck.

[sjschwartz]

I agree about the swap, but I'm not sure what the total cost would be considering I would most likey want to swap to a manual trans. as well. I'm going to look into that option as well.