Got the Echo back, with permission to mod!
 

Finally put it in to get the bodywork done, got her back today. Still needs the dopey state "safety" inspection, then we're off to the races (err, so to speak). Wife has her new Kia, so she semi-bequeathed it to me.

Since I got the wifely approval to mod the car a little bit, what do you all suggest? I have to keep the A/C and seats in place for family duty (there goes my diet plan), but I would at least like to remove the carpet, fashion a new lower engine cover, and possibly craft a WAI . What are some other cheap/free/easy things to pursue? It's a 2000 Toyota Echo, 210k miles, slushbox trans. Runs like a Swiss watch, it's 100% stock right now.

A little bit about my current commute:

11 miles each way. From home, the first half is a slog through town, 35-45mph speed limits, the last half a straight blast down a 55mph Psl highway with a maddeningly high RR road surface, and the very last mile is a clean and easy access road to my work. Some fair gliding opportunities in town, but only two worth mentioning on the highway segment.

Re: Got the Echo back, with permission to mod!
 

I say leave the carpet right where it is, but a WAI would be nice. What do your tires look like? If they'll be needing replacement soon, how about a nice set of LRR tires?

Re: Got the Echo back, with permission to mod!
 

Dont remove the carpet it only about 5pounds, but if you insist on going on a diet, Thats ok but dont make the car janky in the process. In a civic i helped a friend build for raceing we removed about 40 pounds of the rubber sound deading stuff thats under the carpet. Its a lot of work but dry ice helps it come lose. But i would reinstal the carpet afterward.

Re: Got the Echo back, with permission to mod!
 

Also remove the spare and get a triple A membership. Also A light weight oddysey brand battery will drop about 20 pounds

Re: Got the Echo back, with permission to mod!
 

I have a friend that runs a lawn mower battery in his mustang. he does it for weight savings while autocrossing. (4 cyl turbo)

you may want to play around with a grill block too.

Re: Got the Echo back, with permission to mod!
 

Well, the carpet is so nasty, I wouldn't be surprised if it's a health hazard. Out it goes. The thing hasn't had a spare since I've been around it, so that's already gone :) I am hesitant to do a grille block - it's been a mild winter here anyway, but it was having overheating problems last summer. I don't know how much of this was related to the bad cat I replaced, but I'd like to run it as is that way for now. WAI is a good idea; would you suggest piecing together a completely new intake, or seeing what I can do with the existing stuff to draw in warm under-hood air? Tires are about 3k old, so they'll be on for a while, but I did air them up nicely. I suppose I should also re-fab the lower engine cover, destroyed by the accident. If nothing else, it'll keep the water off my belts.

Re: Got the Echo back, with permission to mod!
 

Just found out the car is not flat towable, so I'll have to leave it with ICE-on coasting. Am planning on swapping a 5-speed when the slushbox gives out though, provided the car lasts that long.

This tank isn't turning out so badly, 244,0 miles and I'm apx. 3 needlewidths below the 3/4 mark on the guess gauge.

Re: Got the Echo back, with permission to mod!
 

post pics of the mods.