New KJ Ei Verada - Tips and Simple Mods

[biggles20]

Hey Guys,

Just purchased a Verada Kj Ei and was looking for some tips for maintaining it and also ideas for some simple and cheap mods that won't make it run or look like a shit box Thanks!

[khn47]

First thing to do would be to change your timing belt, oils and fluids, you dont know how well the cars been taken care of and how many ks the current timing belt has on it and im sure the last thing you want it to have to replace your engine.

Next thing is just regular maintenance, have your suspension checked and replace appropriately, fulcrum places do a decent suspension check for free and give you a list of what is needed but you dont have to buy it from them as theu aint the cheapest.

Good petrol, good tyres, good parts, thats about it.

[Spetz]

Ting the windows
Wheels/suspension
Stereo
What else do these cars need really.
Though the first thing I'd do is make sure maintenance is up to date and make sure the transmission fluid is in good condition

[khn47]

And mods theres practically countless mods, leather seats, exhaust/muffler, lower it, depends what your budget is and what your after (power / luxury / both )

[biggles20]

Thanks for the quick replies! I will get onto the mechanical maintenance asap. Um fairly minimal budget. Do you know of any places/sites that you can find cheap stereos or audio systems??

[ammerty]

First thing to do would be to change your timing belt ... you dont know how well the cars been taken care of and how many ks the current timing belt has on it and im sure the last thing you want it to have to replace your engine.

You don't know how many k's the belt has on it.

OP, before you go replacing the timing belt - perhaps needlessly - check if your vehicle has service records or maintenance history; if so, check when the timing belt was last replaced (normally replaced on 90k or 105k service (or in between), and should be replaced every 5 years/100k whichever occurs first), failing that, look in the engine bay for a timing belt replacement label.
If there is no documentation of a recent timing belt replacement, then start saving for it and get it done sooner rather than later; and replace the hydraulic tensioner and water pump while you're at it.


Initially, the best money that can be spent on your car is maintenance. Make sure any outstanding services are carried out.
-Inspect your suspension bushes, CV and rack boots for deterioration
-Check the steering rack for leaks
-Check the condition of your transmission fluid. If it is any colour other than red, replace it.
-Inspect under/behind the centre area of the dash from the passenger footwell, find the heater core and check the area for coolant leaks (especially around the ECU below it)

Oh, if you're considering cheap mods, then cross pod/K&N air filters off your list. They have no benefit on a standard (or even mildly modified) 3rd gen, and in many cases actually makes them run worse by messing with MAF readings.

Thanks for the quick replies! I will get onto the mechanical maintenance asap. Um fairly minimal budget. Do you know of any places/sites that you can find cheap stereos or audio systems??

If you are good to fit it yourself, eBay and www.ryda.com.au are good sources.
Otherwise, JB Hi-Fi and Autobarn are decently priced and provide a fitting service at reasonable rates.

[khn47]

I always get the rude replies where people make out im stupid, kind of half expected tbh.

Biggles, as stereos, jb hifi is cheap, as is autobahn, or theres ebay, third gens are pretty easy to install yourself if its just the head unit, I paid $220 for a double din jvc with blue tooth and saved myself about 100 on installation if your after a big setup, autobarn will set you up for $59 plus parts

[highlander2287]

I have a kj ei verada too. The changes I have made to it are as follows. Added woodgrain console to fit in with the rest of the woodgrain. Nardi steering wheel and gear shift. Chrome gear shift surround. Rear diamante side markers. Aftermarket stereo/gps/tv unit with reversing camera from ebay and currently installing reversing sensors from ebay. Nothing major but just some simple changes to upgrade the look a little. Also mitsubishi valve caps and mitsubishi logo oil filler cap. And as others have said, I have made sure everything is working ok with it also getting regular cleans and polishes to keep it in that condition.