SP Rides: I love Celicas
By Michael Kitchens
Name: Roligar Jess Ipalari
Age: 35
Occupation: Construction
Hobbies: Basketball, paintball
Year/Make/Model: 2000 Toyota Celica GT-T
Color: Metallic Blue
Engine: Garrett t2/t3 turbocharger, Icevex intercooler, Hks blowoff valve, TRD oil catch can, TRD oil cap, Custom headers, Spectre air filter and breather, Mega racing strut bar, HKS Ti-Carbon Exhaust
Exterior: AIT Racing K1 Series wide body w/ 3-piece wing, Carbon fiber wind splitter, Vis carbon fiber hood, APR performance canards, APR Formula GT3 mirrors, GT-T emblem
Interior: Corbeau racing seats, Takata 3-inch harness, Nrg 2-inch harness, Apexi boost controller, Blitz turbo timer, Greddy ecu, TRD 3-point rear tower bar, Kenwood double din, Trust shift knob, Autometer gauges, Razo gt spec racing pedals
Suspension: TEIN Super Street Damper Kit/Coilovers
Wheels and Tires: 20-inch Work Meisters S1 S2 w/ Toyo tires (front 245/35/20 and rear 275/30/20)
Sometimes there’s a certain car that you can’t get enough of — a special automotive make that causes your blood to rush and your hands to sweat. For Roligar Jess Ipalari, that car happens to be the 7th generation Toyota Celica. Originally from the Philippines, Roligar was 18 when he purchased a 2000 model GT. But with his young family growing and requiring more attention, he knew he had to make the mature yet still painful decision of giving up his car.
The pain wouldn’t last, however, for as his children grew older and demanded less of his time, Roligar began to get the automotive itch again. “I love Celicas — the whole package,” he says of one of the great loves in his life. With the hum of a Toyota engine on his mind and urging him on, he came across this 2000 Celica GT and the love affair with Toyotas began anew.
The first modification made to the car was the impressive AIT Racing K1 Series wide body kit, which wasn’t exactly cheap. As soon as he saw the kit online in 2007, he knew the direction he had to take the car. The 10-piece kit includes direct replacements for the front/rear bumpers and side skirts plus new aerodynamic additions such as the rear flares, and front/rear carbon splitters. A three-piece rear wing adds some extra downforce along with a sexy Vis carbon fiber hood. APR carbon fiber canards have been added to the front fascia, and the entire kit is layered in gorgeous metallic blue. The mirrors have also been replaced with some APR Formula GT3 versions.
With a kit this wide, Roligar knew he couldn’t run the stock wheels, and understood he had to step up his game. So, he paired this kit with some absolutely massive 20-inch Work Meister S1 two-piece wheels covered in ultra-high performance Toyo Proxes T1Rs. The result is an incredible tuck where the wheels actually have a 1.5-inch spacer to help fill out the arches. Carrying out the drop is a TEIN Super Street damper kit.
With the exterior work completed, Roligar wanted to address the power situation. The stock GT model comes with a
1.8L 140HP ZZT230, which isn’t exactly a tremendous amount of power. Unlike the 2ZZ-GE GT-S model, however, this engine takes turbo-charging well. Thanks to a Garrett T2/T3 turbo setup, this anemic 4-banger now pumps out an impressive 265HP for a 125HP gain. Even more wonderful goodies rest under the hood and a HKS Ti-Carbon Fiber exhaust is within plain view in the rear. A trick GT-T emblem lets everyone know that this isn’t your typical Celica — but a boosted-to-a-T ride instead.
The interior has had a makeover as well and includes Corbeau Racing Seats paired with Takata & NRG harnesses. An APEXi boost controller and Blitz turbo timer helps regulate in addition to a Greddy ECU.
Keeping the shifts smooth is a Trust shift knob while a TRD 3-point rear tower bar adds extra stability.
This really is one of the most epic Celicas that I’ve seen on the island and the car is meticulously maintained. The fit and finish are perfect while the ride features an amazing stance that instantly grabs your attention. And get ready to have your mind blown as this 2000 model has only 28,000 miles on the odometer!
Despite his passion for this particular automobile, Roligar understands where his responsibilities are. “If you work hard, you can play hard — just don’t forget your family.”
