ST185

The ST185 gets categorized/compared to other rally cars of the era: Impreza, Lancer and Pulsar among others, and before purchasing mine this was a comparison that I was making.  Having owned one now for only a short amount of time, it is clear to me that the Celica’s of WRC vintage are something else entirely.  This stems not from their number of doors (Pulsar had two and Impreza often as well), but from Toyota’s commitment to build a road car that was quiet, well appointed and mature.  The road going rally cars from other Japanese manufacturer’s are minimalistic, buzzy and typically much better performing.  It is a mistake to equate the performance and success of the competition cars with the road going versions.  The Celica for instance was hugely successful as a race car.  The Pulsar a total failure.  But I believe that when comparing road going versions, the Pulsar will annihilate every compact turbo 4WD car of the era… especially so if using a Beta version which was very very similar to the competition vehicle.

The road going Celica on the other hand, is just too fat and distant from the competition car.  It is geared for 300km/h.  It has automatic climate control, 10 speaker stereo’s and heated seats.  It might have a turbocharged 2.0L engine, but it many ways it is more comparable to GT cars of the time: the Mitsubishi GTO, the Nissan 300ZX, the Subaru Acylone.  These are cars that were fun and fast, but more suited for quiet cruises to the golf course than blasting down the gravel touge.

It is with minor disappointment that I make this realization.  I don’t want to be an old guy.  I don’t even like golf.  At the same time, a Pulsar seems quite immature and rebellious.  My hope is to find some compromise between the two extremes… this is an authentic RC version, which does give me a bit of a head start versus the regular All-trac/GT4.  I begin with some more boost and then maybe…

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[Show slideshow]

Specifications of the Machine

attribute-st185h2 FOOTWORK

  • 5.2/4.6 kg/mm springs
  • Monroe Sensa-Trac dampers
  • [QR]Garage Caster Plates

POWER UP

  • HKS EVC + 16psi
  • Full 3″ turbo back exhaust
  • CT20B

DRIVETRAIN

  • OS Giken Clutch + Flywheel

INTERIOR

  • Nardi Classic with Giraffe boss
  • Greddy Knob

EXTERIOR

  • [QR]GaraGe Mudflaps
  • [QR]GaraGe UHMW Undertray

OTHERS

  • Stainless Brake lines
  • Slotted Rotors

SHOES

  • 16 7J +23 Speedlines Mim
  • 205/55 Firestone Winterforce + Studs
  • 16 7J +10/-3 Enkei RP-01
  • 205/50 Bridgestone RE-01R

Heh look what is on Kijiji again. How many weeks has it been? I think about 8. It’s just as he says too: very good condition, perfect for winter, no damage… but some cars just suck no matter how they look on paper. This is even oddly tempting for me… it certainly was a fair sight in the garage, but […]

My Ex

2

Celica is gone, and barely missed at all.  I can think of no cars that make sense to purchase.  ZN6 is first in my mind, but I’m trying to be practical and wealthy, not happy and poor.  I have about 10 daily notifications subscribed to on Kijiji, and four enthusiast forums that I check daily.  It’s been a long desperate […]

Pieces Of This Dream Remain

I came back with a to do list… the car is fast and fun in corners, but very much out of line on the highway.  The power and torque are there, but due to my alignment and aggressive fitment is horribly unfriendly over bumps, uneven pavement and standing water.  This is the first time ever that I’m going to have […]

Emergency Landing

I used to get 20 or 30 spam comments a day… but I logged in today, after three or four weeks, and there were a measly four.  Even the bots know that my car life sucks.  I’ve been looking at this car with great frustration.  If you haven’t forgotten… I did sell it and have a buyer back out… TWICE.  […]

A Pulse?

1

Life with AE86 is full of company and motivation. ST185 is a little boring and uninspired. If there was snow on the ground 365 days a year it would be no contest, but in summer there isn’t much to do except appreciate 3SGTE output and a quiet/solid chassis. AE86 could keep me satisfied all winter long with an endless supply […]

Lonely In Here

2

Oh look who’s back. Although it never actually left anywhere except my mind. After twice taking deposits from individuals who’s eyes were bigger than their wallets I am vowing to change how I use deposits and selling cars forever. Deposits are for people who come to look at cars on Sunday evening when the banks are closed. Deposits are not […]

Dandruff

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2 thoughts on “Dandruff”

  • Q

    I’m not actually hating. I was a little baby once too. And it wouldn’t have sounded so bad if other punks weren’t also bailing on wheels and engines and other AE86 goodies left over from my collapsed kingdom. I must be a horrible seller.