My 2008 started like this:

Built up to this:

Started a turbo kit

Then this happened...

 

So.. I thought two totaled Prii..time to move on.

Been following several 2GRFE MR2 swaps and knew I couldn't do a coupe little sports car - so I started looking at Toyotas quickest little SUV. Didn't even know that they made one without the spare tire - found the SAP and looked all over and only found them in the Northeast. Worried about the rust, I found one in Missouri that had been brought down from NY and I snagged it.

Didn't stay stock for long...

 

First, had to do something with the taillights. Got them tinted. Hadn't even got my actual plates on yet.

 

Then started on all that ugly chrome... Anthracite PlastiDip does wonders.

 

Started in other things..Swapped out the head unit and started on other electronics.

Double-Din Pioneer DVD player

Added a front camera

Rear camera

Started on the speakers

 

Tinted the mirrors turn lights

 

Didn't like how dark the tails were - concerned that they were so dark that my brake lights wouldn't show well enough. And the backup lights weren't adequate. So I added smoked LED rear bumper lights and a 10" single row LED flood bar.

Right is still the oem red reflector, Left is the new smoked LED that will tie into the taillights and brake lights.

 

A little video of the lights working at night.

https://youtu.be/ywHNa2Gyg4c

 

Gross, swapped out the dirty cabin filter.

 

Picked up some RAV4 Sport floor mats... some reason mine didn't have any.

 

You do know that tinting the tail lights is illegal in TX right?

 

Didn't actually - but luckily the police have never bothered me with either of my vehicles - both have tinted tails.

 

Started on the intake - found a cheap eBay short ram intake for the V6 Camry.

Kept throwing CEL - MAF voltage out of range. But it drove fine - so cleared codes... kept driving.

Drove around for awhile before I figured out that the underhood temps were skyrocketing. So I spent some time this weekend fixing my eBay SRI and making it a functional CAI. Took advantage of those who have done before and Myxalplyx's CAI parts list.

1. Started off with the following parts:

*eBay SRI ($57.99)
*3"-3.5" 45° 4ply silicon transition ($8.44)
*12" of 3.5 aluminum tubing ($15.81)
*3.5" to 4" 4ply silicon straight transition ($9.08)
*4" 180° aluminum tubing (90° is all that is necessary)($30.67)
*4" 4ply silicon coupler ($7.09)
*4" to 6" velocity stack ($14.99)
*K&N RU-3100 6" cotton cone filter ($48.99)
*(3) 1/2" hose clamps from HD for 3"-4" pipe ($4.35)
*(3) 1/2" hose clamps from HD for 3"-5" pipe ($5.55)
*(2) rolls of reflective intake insulation wrap ($19.99)

2. Removed the bumper

3. Took out the OEM intake snorkel after removing the (3) 10mm bolts holding it in.

These little guys in the intake resonator - gross!!

4. Cut a 2" 4 ply silicon coupler lengthwise, trimmed the edges and epoxied it into the eBay SRI to reduce MAF housing size.

5. Started fitting the intake pieces all together.

6. Found that the 12in 3.5" tubing was about 1" too long and trimmed it down using a chop saw and a deburring tool to clean the piping edges.

7. Then realized that I didn't need the full 180° bend 4" tubing and chopped it down to about an 80° bend.

8. This is what I ended up using.

9. After all mocked up, I used standard hose clamps from HD and secured all the transitions.

10. Then to help with the engine temps effecting intake temps, I wrapped the intake in reflective intake insulation.

Even wrapped the MAF sensor...

For $226, its definitely not pretty, but its functional! Haven't tested it out in high heat temps, but I'm positive I won't see the 177°F intake temps I WAS seeing with the eBay SRI.

Next, I plan on doing the coolant bypass as I won't be needing that in Texas. I did the same on my old Prius and it made a notable difference. Even when I lived in Canada, I never saw any issues when the temps dropped below freezing and having the bypass.

 

Throttle Coolant Bypass completed - took about 5min

 

Worked a bit more on the stereo. Ran zip-tied wires to the back.

Started in on the dual 10" Pioneer shallow sub box and dual Polk Audio amps.

Still need to figure out how to keep the amps cool and covered. Looking for a push-pull fan setup.

 

Did this little rear wipe mod on my Prius - worked well on the Rav4. Shave down the little tab on the plastic wiper cap and it allows you to pull the wiper away from the window. Makes it easier to clean.

 

I really appreciate your comprehensive documentation and excellent photos. Let us know how the intake filter works. I have only modest success with them on my sports car. (I use one over each of the four carbs.)

 

Over the stock intake, its definitely noisier...more throaty sounding. I'll try to get some videos - however dont have a before video to compare to. As far as MPG or HP, i haven't tracked my MPG, but i didn't buy the Rav4 to be concerned with MPGs - thats what my old Prius were for. However after installing, i had my wifes tell me it seemed quicker... of course this is just based off her butt dyno so no real data proof. As long as she's good with it... happy wife, happy life!

 

Sorry about your two previous 'yotas :frown . Thank you for filling us in on your build progress! Really like the mods so far. How does that stereo sound compared to stock?? My girlfriend is looking to purchase a RAV4 so I'm going to show her this thread to show what potential mods she can plan!

 

The oem stereo on all Toyota's i've ever owned, including the JBL series that Toyota uses - all lack range and clarity. But i've never expected much - i didnt buy toyotas for their stereo.

This setup is what i had in my Prius and just like the upgrade from oem to aftermarket, this thing sounds so much better. Honestly most could be happy with just a bit more bass and be good, however, once i upgraded to the amped 6.5" components and subs, the sound was night and day and i couldn't be happier. The front and rear cameras help a ton with parking, the DVD and USB inputs allow for Movies on long trips - making them not so bad.

My ONLY complaint, is the aftermarket microphones used for calls. I've tried two, the pioneer brand and something of Amazon that had the best reviews - both are terrible. Need to find a solution, hate talking on my phone via speaker and i hate having to use a BT headset. I WANT a good microphone option - just haven't found one yet.

 

Tek, sent you PM. Nice build!

 

Thanks - Replied!

 

/subscribe

Great thread! Thanks for the pics and info. Just started reading last night at work. Looking forward to what you'll add next and continue adding. >

 

So this finally happened. Love the sound, look and how it drives.

(2) staggered dual exhaust tips 2 1/4 inlet
(2) 4" Magnaflow straight thru resonator/mufflers
(2) 7" Magnaflow straight thru resonator/mufflers
(1) Summit Racing X-pipe 2 1/4 inlet

Everything was painted in VHT high temp primer and VHT high temp black paint

Last night I trimmed the bumper and today I had it all installed.

Just need to paint the exhaust piping this wknd.

Try to get a video clip of the exhaust tomorrow.

 

Looking good!

 

I've had great success using zinc primer on the hot pipes, and it appears you use something similar. Good luck! Good work.
.

Thanks!

This VHT Flame Proof coating is rated at 1300°F-2000°F (704°C-1093°C) - unique blend of urethane and ceramic resins. Thats what they say anyway... Had used the same brand of paint on calipers and other headers, seemed like a good choice for the exhaust components.

 

These should be delivered by next week. Should only take a weekend to install.

CEIKA Coilovers
8KG front/ 6KG rear
Sport matched shocks
32 way adjustable
Custom setup for max lowering.

*generic stock photo*

 

Just need to paint the exhaust piping this wknd.

I've had great success using zinc primer on the hot pipes, and it appears you use something similar. Good luck! Good work.
.

 

Painted.. love the look!

 

Received and Installed my CEIKA coilovers!
Like Christmas in October!

Front comparison

Rear comparison - also the MeganRacing rear camber kit

Installed new Camber bolts and new Front sway bar links.

Handling is amazing - totally transforms the Rav4.

 

Received and Installed my CEIKA coilovers!
Like Christmas in October!
View attachment 105489
Front comparison
View attachment 105497
Rear comparison - also the MeganRacing rear camber kit
View attachment 105505
Installed new Camber bolts and new Front sway bar links.
View attachment 105513

View attachment 105529

Handling is amazing - totally transforms the Rav4.

View attachment 105521

That setup makes the car's stance look really nice.

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