Super Strut Celica – My Search for the Rare JDM Gem
After a year of working hard, I decided it was time to reward myself with a new car. The Toyota Celica immediately caught my attention. I had always admired this model, especially the rare Super Strut Celica. In May 2007, I began my search, determined to find the perfect version. The journey wasn’t easy, but the outcome was worth it.
The Quest for the Perfect Celica
My search wasn’t just about finding any Toyota Celica, I had a very specific version in mind. I wanted the Super Strut Celica edition, paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. I scoured the internet for nearly a month, but no luck. It was frustrating to say the least.
Heading to Kuala Lumpur
With no luck locally, I decided to expand my search. I made the decision to head to Kuala Lumpur, hoping that I would find something more promising. After a few days of searching, I found a car dealer in Serdang that had the Celica I had been looking for. It had everything I wanted:
- Super Strut Suspension
- Full bodykit
- VARIS Extremor Sports Muffler Ver. 2 exhaust system
- Leather steering wheel and gear knob
- Dual SRS airbags
- A clean, cockpit-style interior
The car was a beauty — it checked all the boxes. The only downside? The In-Car Entertainment (ICE) system had been removed during shipment. But that was a minor issue I could fix later.
What’s Under the Hood?
Now, let’s talk about what powers this beauty. Under the hood, the Super Strut Celica is equipped with a 190 hp VVTL-i engine. The high-lift cam engages at 6200 rpm, making it a fun ride, especially when paired with the 6-speed manual gearbox. While I haven’t had it dyno-tested yet, the community estimates that the stock 2ZZ-GE engine pushes around 160 whp.
Performance Mods in the Future
Some might say that the Super Strut Celica is all show and no go. While that may be true in stock form, I believe there’s a lot of untapped potential in this car. I’m excited to see what the right performance modifications can do to unlock its true power.
As I continue to mod this car, I’ll keep you updated on its progress. I’m excited about the journey and looking forward to making this Super Strut Celica my own.
Stay Tuned for my Super Strut Celica
The build for my Super Strut Celica has just begun. I have big plans for this car, and I can’t wait to share every step with you. If you’re into JDM cars, be sure to check out my other project — Project Satria. More updates coming soon!
