Ebay parts for the tC

[beyond305]

so like I want an intake, I figured why spend $250+ on a AEM,Injen,etc. intake when I could just get an off brand on ebay for like 50 bux? Its not like the cheaper ones are made outta plastic or fragile...All a intake is, is a tube with a filter on the end. Simple right ? It might not have the cool brand name sticker on it (but i could always slap a injen sticker on it lol).

So like I already know the hype about intakes not doing much for low end torque and the gains are not even noticible. I just want one to compliment the way my engine bay looks (and for the half a hp i get lol) oh and cant forget that cool suction sound !

Ok let me get to my point haha, since the gains are so little why not just buya cheap one off ebay ?? Anyone own an ebay intake? Let me know pro's/cons cause Im seriously bout to buy one.

Ive got a super white tc so Im goin for the whole carbon fiber and white trim look. I think it goes good with the color of the car.

Heres some links to carbon fiber (simulated that is) intakes Ive found on ebay. Theyre pretty bad ass lookin. All opinions welcome, just dont come off like a ass.


Heres a short ram carbon fiber intake

eBay Motors: CARBON SHORT RAM INTAKE 04-06 SCION tC w/ BLUE FILTER (item 150214957149 end time Feb-17-08 19:03:14 PST)



Heres a CAI carbon fiber

eBay Motors: COLD AIR INTAKE 04 05 06 SCION tC CARBON W/ BLUE FILTER (item 150213776928 end time Feb-13-08 18:52:58 PST)

Heres another carbon fiber CAI (this ones pretty cool)

eBay Motors: COLD AIR INTAKE 04 05 06 SCION tC CARBON W/ BLUE FILTER (item 150213776928 end time Feb-13-08 18:52:58 PST)

I've never seen a car with a carbon fiber intake, so I like the idea that its something different. I always seen polished chrome and black ones...if anyones got pics of a C/F one on a tc post it up!


Also if anyone has bought a part for theyre tc off ebay, give us a review or something. I wanna know if all these parts are atleast worth the money before I buy them, theres a long list of stuff I want off ebay, not just CAI's

[miss_tc_tuner]

The ones off ebay are just as good. One of my buddies actually makes CAI's and sells them. They arent name brand, but they are just as reliable. Just make sure to check the seller out before buying and ask a lot of questions. If he knows intakes he will be able to answer every question you have.

[navylife59]

beyond305

Those are not real CF intakes. They are aluminium tubes with CF pattern vinyl wrap. The tell-tale sign is that you can't weld CF. One thing that you have to look out for is that you get what you pay for. The aluminium tubing is very thin-walled. If the make their major claim, it is probably the cheap, off-shore (aka CDM) thin stuff. You don't want this stuff as the piping is easily dented or cracked. Also, you have no idea of the quality of the filter media. Pay it safe, build your own or buy from a reputable source.

I am not knocking Ebay. Heck, I just bought a ton of stuff for my tC off there. I am very pleased with the products that I bought. If your buying from an individual, you are usually getting the real deal, high quality stuff. If the seller is selling alot of inexpensive stuff then it is probably CDM (Chinese Domestic Market).

An example would be my oil cooler. Looking from the pics, I could deduce that it was a well-built 17 row plate oil cooler. The oil filter sandwich block was high quality. Where the money was saved was the hoses. They were a non-reinforced standard rubber line with a very thin stainless steel braid. They did have swedge fittings but they were a heavy, cadium/tin plated steel type. These are SAE industrial hydraulic hose types, not AN fittings. These were not 37 ° type that did not make a complete seal on the actual AN fittings on the sandwich block and cooler. As such, they developed corrosion. The hoses are easy to replace and the other parts were of good quality so I would say it was a cost effective purchase.

[tristan_the_trout]

The biggest issue people run into with ebay items aside from longevity is fitting. Most ebay knock-offs don't have the R&D behind them that reputable, name-brand items do. You find yourself cutting, moving, cursing, and praying you can get the darn thing to fit more than you spend your time enjoying it.

[beyond305]

i know that it isnt real c/f, jus by lookin at the pattern lol but heck if u saw it on my car you wouldnt think to your self i got it from ebay, unless you saw it there before ....

I just want it cuz it cordinates the look im goin for and its mad cheap. I guess il write a review for it once i get it. hope theres no cussing and praying involved tho haha thanks tho!

What about the projector headlights? has anyone bought a pair off ebay? how are they?

[navylife59]

Eagle Eyes. $145, Good fitment, good looks, and good light output. Check out my Member's Rides thread. 'Project tC'

[hotrice]

when it comes to ebay you usually get what you pay for. not helping i know but you have to keep that in mind when you hit the bid button.

[Vmix06]

i dont really use ebay to get stuff for cars but thats my opinion

[Soulbane]

From what I understand the tC's stock intake is specially designed to give some decent performance, and from that understanding, aftermarket Intakes generally don't generate worthwhile power gains.

What was your experience like Navy?

I guess saving all the nickles and dimes towards F/I is the only way to go.

[hotrice]

the intake is mostly for looks and sound

[tristan_the_trout]

Originally Posted by beyond305

i know that it isnt real c/f, jus by lookin at the pattern lol but heck if u saw it on my car you wouldnt think to your self i got it from ebay, unless you saw it there before ....

You're right. Advance Auto Parts would come to mind first

[hotrice]

come on now i use to work there they don't sell stuff like that all they sell is **** for big v-8 meat heads.

[tristan_the_trout]

Originally Posted by hotrice

come on now i use to work there they don't sell stuff like that all they sell is **** for big v-8 meat heads.

wrong, i worked there as well and i can personally assure you they also cover the chevy cavalier, honda civic/accord, and a full array of universal rice off the shelf :P

[navylife59]

Originally Posted by Vmix06

i dont really use ebay to get stuff for cars but thats my opinion

For the most part, I agree but there are a few select items or used itrems that you can pick up there if you know what to look out for. Guys I work with use Craigslist

Originally Posted by Soulbane

From what I understand the tC's stock intake is specially designed to give some decent performance, and from that understanding, aftermarket Intakes generally don't generate worthwhile power gains.

What was your experience like Navy?

I guess saving all the nickles and dimes towards F/I is the only way to go.

It is a CAI setup (sort of) but I would not say it is for performance. It is mainly to quiet the motor down.
My job experience in the Navy is awesome. I get to work on and fly around in a variety of Naval cargo aircraft. Right now I am a C-130T Hercules Loadmaster down here in New Orleans. My Active Duty Enlistment is up and I am transitioning back to the Reserves. I will still fly alot but now have more time to start my racing product business.

Originally Posted by hotrice

the intake is mostly for looks and sound

This is true. Not much gained on stock, 2~3WHP. This is a supporting mod upgrade that works in conjuction with better flowing exhaust, head work, cam profile upgrades, higher compression, NOS, and FI.

[Soulbane]

That's awesome. My younger brother joined the Marines, and same with my younger cousin.

They're attending college right now, doing reserve duty.

You plan on getting out soon? Or just staying in as a reservist?

[navylife59]

After 4 years of Active Duty, I am going back to being a Reservist. I was one for 3.5 years before I took orders. I am on med hold for 90 days due to a surgery. My plan is to move back to Texas and start my racing business. I will continue to fly with the Herc Squadron in New Orleans.

[Vmix06]

what part of Texas navy maybe i will stop by and get some parts from u

[navylife59]

I will be in the DFW area, probably West of Fort Worth. I am going to stay close to my support industries in Dallas.