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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 487
Senior Member
2003 Toyota Celica
Senior Member
2003 Toyota Celica
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 487
Hello all,
I have a 2003 Celica GTS. Half of the long thin grill opening above the front license plate is covered by Styrofoam on the drivers side. I have read that this Styrofoam serves the following functions:

1.Energy absorption in case of impact.
2.Structural support for the vinyl plastic front fa ade. (Removal is said to cause droopy front bumpers.)

My speculation is that the Toyota engineers may have decided to cover the half of the grille on the drivers side as a preventative measure against water being sucked into the air intake which is just a few inches up and behind the Styrofoam blocked side of the grill.

I am contemplating cutting holes in the Styrofoam to get more of a RAM Air effect, but I am trying to calculate the hydro locking danger potential in doing so.

As a preventative measure to this potential MOD I am thinking about cutting a foot long length of PVC pipe in quarters and using one of the curved pieces as a sort of downward deflector that will still let air in.

I am already using the TRD high flow K&N type air filter.

It would be great to hear some input from some experienced Celica owners.


1869828936-P1010040a.jpg

Joined: May 2003
Posts: 5,342
dikitzaps
1974 Toyota Celica
dikitzaps
1974 Toyota Celica
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 5,342
go for it... but the stock airbox is basically sealed so idunno

Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 108
Member
2000 Toyota Celica GTS
Member
2000 Toyota Celica GTS
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 108
Hydrolock will not occur with the stock air box unless you submerge it completely. The shear fact that it is an airbox will prevent it. Seriously hydrolock is not a problem unless you have a cia that is loww and submerge it. Then it is a matter of the engine sucking water up the intake like a straw.

Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,899
ThE iRoN mAiDeN
2003 Toyota Celica GT
ThE iRoN mAiDeN
2003 Toyota Celica GT
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,899
I have the same set up (TRD filter with the foam trimed), just get a upgraded intake. Its such a pointless mod it does little to help HP, save the time its going to take you to cut that out and use it to install a short ram.

Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,110
Specialist
2001 Toyota Celica
Specialist
2001 Toyota Celica
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,110
You sound like you need a Cold Air Intake. Maybe the Injen Short Ram.


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Wheezy Joe
2002 Kawasaki Ninja 250
Wheezy Joe
2002 Kawasaki Ninja 250
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,442
if you cut that, and you get into an accident, you might have problems.


To have played and laughed with enthusiasm
and sung with exultation
To know even one life has breathed easier
This is to have succeeded.

Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 799
Senior Member
2001 Toyota Celica GT
Senior Member
2001 Toyota Celica GT
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 799
Originally Posted by GraSSRooTs
You sound like you need a Cold Air Intake. Maybe the Injen Short Ram.


a kid told me that celicas handle like crap... i laughed

Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 411
Senior Member
2003 Toyota Celica
Senior Member
2003 Toyota Celica
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 411
CAI is the way to go thumbsup

Anonymous
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I doubt that styrofoam is gonna help if you get in an accident.

Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,305
Specialist
2002 Toyota Celica GT
Specialist
2002 Toyota Celica GT
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,305
I think that if you hit something wile going 30 mph and over Styrofoam will not gonna make any difference...
But you should keep it on.It can help to save your bumper if you hit somthing on the low speed.

Last edited by RoMkApOmKa; Feb 16, 2004 11:39am.

Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 487
Senior Member
2003 Toyota Celica
Senior Member
2003 Toyota Celica
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 487
Thanks for the reply. Good feedback all of it. The common consensus seems to be that although the hydro-locking danger is very low, so is the benefit to screwing around with that Styrofoam. For the time/cost benefit ratio CAI or short RAM seems to be the way to go.

Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 4,650
Rebel
2003 Toyota Celica GT
Rebel
2003 Toyota Celica GT
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 4,650
What you said about droopiness is true. After a while, you may notice some sagging. Personally, I wouldn't cut it


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Joined: Jan 2004
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2000 Toyota Celica
Specialist
2000 Toyota Celica
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,167
Eh, rip it out and try it for a little while, if you like it then aweome! If not, just shove it back in there.


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