back to original springs

New tires then boom goes the engine.

After the muffler installation.  I went straight to get new tires; those thailand tires 15 inch 55 series at 2600 per piece in Laguna.  So far runs ok but better deals do exist.

Unfortunately after test driving, the engine gave out as it was running with low oil.  Forgot to check it daily.  Seems there was an earlier problem with oil burning abnormally.  Maybe that's why it was sold.

I spent 700 pesos, buying oil and having a mechanic drive and guide the car 31 kms. to the shop.  Slowly.

The following weeks were for the painful overhaul.  So every mechanical issue was to be addressed:

 replace:
piston rings, bearings, fluids, gaskets, overhaul kits
Timing belt, fan belt
power steering repair kit, rack end boots
Fuel filter, oil filter, water jackets
Engine supports
etc. etc.

A total of probably 30k in expenses to get all consumables replaced; the engine machined, disassembled and reassembled.

ELectrical problems 7k:
relays, rewiring, labor, lights and bulbs.  Labor was 3000 total so it would definitely pay to go to an automotive/electrical seminar and do-it-yourself.

Here's the engine out of the bay.  after machining, assembly and belt replacement.

the local muffler shop

This ae101 is missing pipes from the middle of the car all the way to the back.  And a muffler.  Got to tone the sound a bit so I visited the local shop.  Php 2000 for a pipe that isn't stainless;  and 1500 for a muffler that looks average at best.  Haggled to get a Php 3300 total package including install.

After acetylene welds, it looks like so.  Probably have to paint it for protection one of these days.  Rust will be a problem in the long run otherwise.

Dad bought this corolla, well I bought it for him with his money anyway.  It's a 93-97 AE101 GLi variant.  It's a familiar street toyota that has since been the taxi car until vios came in.  But this is GLi so it has the 4afe engine (injected) and all that power stuff (windows, mirrors and steering).

Thing is, for a second hand car, i thought it great to buy because of:
1.  Fuel economy (10-12 km. per litre before the overhaul)
2.  Performance.  Can go uphill (for baguio - sagada route)
3.  Available parts and accessories

Unfortunately, I ran through all the problems imaginable.
1.  The car was lowered too much, it hurt in this country's normal bumpy roads.
2.  The muffler and pipes were cut into what the previous owner called scuv.  The exhaust reached into the middle of the car's floor where it made that noisy rattle.  I guess some of the pormados like that but it was just too loud.
3.  The climate control wasn't working.  The thermostat control was sticking out of the dash so the driver can adjust the A/C coolness there.
4.  Power windows at the back were said to  be not working but complete.  I checked after a time and the window mechanism was missing.  -sigh
5.  Power steering fluid leaking a bit.
6.  lights suddenly dimmed
7.  Radio intermittent on and off
8.  etc etc

SO here it was after buying it and sending it to the mechanic for spring replacement.

So first thing done was spend some Php4000 to get it lifted with stock springs.  The shock absorbers were gas type aftermarket types and was still in good condition.

Second thing to do is put in a muffler. (see next post)