Cary Miller - 1972 Toyota Celica ST

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Cary Miller

1972 Toyota Celica ST

Instagram: @1jzra21

Photographer: Donnie Roc
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“Don't be scared to get the knowledge to do it yourself or find the people or friends that can help. In the end, built-not-bought is way more satisfying.” ~ Cary M.

Cary was born and raised in the Sacramento, California area. He is 55 years old. He currently owns and runs Cary’s Automotive in town and he also works for a memory company doing CAD (Computer-Aided Design) work as his 8-5. 

Cary got his love for cars due to all of his friends having cool cars in High School. He had always been very mechanically inclined so the world of cars was a perfect fit for him. The passion to build, destroy, and build again was etched into his life.

This current car was actually his second choice. Cary originally wanted a 1972 Chevy Camaro, but his Dad said no. His buddy, however, had a 1974 Toyota Celica which is very similar as far as body lines so he went looking for one and ended up finding a 1974 Toyota GT Celica in 1981 and it went from there.

Cary has had many Celicas over the years and done various modifications and styles. This is the third version of the street style and the one he was actually able to complete to this point. Before he was driving anything else though; he was practising driving and took the drivers test in the family car; which was a 1976 Chevy Malibu.

This car is his pride and joy. He is very proud of how it came out. It was not supposed to be as nice as it is, but with the help of friends over the years and a painter that went way over the top this is where it wound up. Cary enjoys talking to people about it at shows and meets. Sharing ideas and talking with others about their builds as well. Most people don't think they can get to this level but they can just dig in and ask questions and learn how don't be afraid. It's gotten me here. I had no idea when I started.

I asked Cary if there are any tips you could offer to other builders out there. He said, “Basically start with the best car you can find and get after it. Don't be afraid to try things done by others or new things that have not been tried before.”

So what makes this car unique in comparison to the other old school Celicas in the scene? Well, there aren't too many ProStreet driven Celicas out there; some, but not many around this area. Plus it has a lot of one-off parts like the billet grill, custom intake, etc. Sometimes to be unique means going the extra mile and fabricating parts you won’t find anywhere else. 

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Cost to Build -

• More than he can mention.. his wife might read this...

Engine - 

• Engine Code: 1jz head (2jzgte on the block)
• Displacement (cc): 3000              
• Bore & Stroke (mm): 86x86mm      
• Peak Horsepower (@ rpm): Est 520hp on 91 at 18 psi   
• Camshafts: Crower stage 2 race for 2jzgte 268/276 staggered   
• Head / Main Studs: ARP
• Intake Manifold: Custom fabricated
• Throttle Body: 100mm
• Air Induction System: Mandrel custom 3.5 in
• Exhaust Manifold: Tube manifold T4 flange
• Exhaust System / Downpipe: Custom 3.5-inch mandrel
• Muffler: Flowmaster
• Wastegate: Tial 60mm                 
• Blow-Off Valve: 2 HKS           
• Intercooler: Custom 3 in core                              
• Fuel Injectors: ID 1700cc
• Fuel Pump(s): Aeromotive a1000                           
• Fuel Cell: Aeromotive 20 gallon         
• Engine Management System: AEM gen 2 31-6100
• Engine Management Tuner: Henry Chong

• Boost Controller: AEM
• Spark Plugs: NGK
• Cooling System: Custom 3-inch core aluminium
• Performance Electronics: Autometer gauges
•  Supercharger/Turbocharger: Precision PTE6766 ball bearing

• Frame: T4                   
• Compressor Wheel Specs: 67mm     
• Turbine Housing: T4 .81ar         
• Custom fabricated mandrel 3.5-inch exhaust with a Flowmaster muffler
• Custom fabricated Cradle cross member to convert to rack and pinion and enable engine swap

Chassis / Driveline -

• Chassis is ¾  custom tube chassis fabricated and designed in house
• Transmission: Th350 Chevy reverse manual pattern with trans brake
• Final Drive: 4.10 with a spool
• Differential(s) (Make & Type): Toyota 8 inch G series truck Narrowed about 16 inches
• Spal 14 inch cooling fan in a custom fabricated shroud
• ATI crank pulley

Suspension - 

• Springs, F&R (Make & Rate): QA1 12 inch 225lb front 120lb rears
• Shocks, F&R (Make & Rate): QA1 single adjustable rear, Koni race adjustable fronts
• Ride Height: 3 inches
• Sway Bars: Chris Alston chassis works rear none in front
• T3 camber plates
• T3 tie rods
• T3 lower steering knuckles
• T3 adjustable lower control arm kits
• T3 strut support bar

Wheels & Tires -

• Wheels (Make, Size & Offset): Billet Specialties Black Street Lites 15x12 and 15x6 both with 3.5 in backspacing
• Tires (Make & Size): Mickey Thompson 325-50-15 Drag radials. 195-50-15 fronts

Brakes -

• Brake Calipers (F&R): Mazda 4 piston front and single rear from FD RX7
• Brake Rotors (Diameter, F&R): 11.5 x .750 front and rear
• Brake Lines: Stainless braided AN3 throughout the car                                                                     

Interior -

• Roll Bar / Cage: ¾ chassis 12 point
• Seats: Kirkey drag with Kirkey covers
• Harnesses: 5 points RCI
• Gauges: Autometer sport comp and AEM
• Door panels refreshed to appear original. Black carpet.
• Custom fabricated stretched centre console
• Converted car to RHD with dash components from AUS. 

Exterior -

• All original sheet metal and trim everything re-chromed or polished TRD lip valance
• Headlights: BMW 3 series projector with HID upgrade
• Mirrors: Harley motorcycle mirrors with custom machined mounting brackets
• Grill: Billet machined one-off grill machined in house. Started as a 45 lb chunk now its 3.8 lbs
• Paint: Black 2 stage by Willie
• Custom Body Work: By Willie

Most of the work and design was by Cary, but there was also help from friends to achieve the end results. He has a new engine already built and ready to go in the car. He’s just waiting for the right time to do the swap. Cary says he’s enjoying it too much right now to tear it apart just yet. 

If you enjoyed this Car why not read this ONE HERE

Cary has kind of pulled back from most of the clubs and social media stuff the last couple of years. He is in most Celica groups online or at least the bigger ones. He mostly just enjoys meeting people and checking out other’s ideas on their cars.

Cary says his ultimate dream car is the one he drives right now! But if he had the money, probably an LC500 Lexus.

Special shout out to Joe at Wiredworx. He performed all mil-spec wiring; amazing work.

John H. performed dash and centre console modifications. Incredible job; if you know what he started with. Floyd F. with his amazing abilities on the CNC machine for the one-off grill and many other parts you may or may not see. Omid, Rick, and many more for help along the way.

And my loving wife for allowing me to play with my mistress. She is my rock!!!

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