Keep your Scion tC alive and running,
because selling It would be quitting.

tC1 enthusiast site by @gen1scion


Restore faded yellow headlights using the wet sand and 2k clear coat method

Cloudy, yellow headlights? Don’t replace them yet. Wet sand + 2k clear coat can make your headlights look almost brand new for under $40

Every Car That Shares the Scion tC 2.4L Engine (2AZ-FE Swap Guide)

Did you know your Scion tC shares its 2.4L 2AZ-FE engine with several Toyota models? Discover what years and models to hunt for before buying your replacement engine.

The Real Reason Toyota Moved Away From TRD and Bet Everything on GR

Toyota shifted from TRD to Gazoo Racing (GR) as its global performance brand. Here’s why GR now leads Toyota’s racing and sports car development.

Can’t remember the last time you changed your cabin air filter? It’s probably time.

Is your car blowing stank air? Learn why changing your cabin air filter improves airflow, removes bad smells, and keeps you from breathing yesterday’s pollen.

Fuel. Air. Spark. Why Your Scion tC is Staging a Protest in the Parking Lot

A guide for every tC owner who has ever turned the key and got nothing — written with love, judgment, and a deep respect for Toyota's most underrated coupe.

Installing OEM Denso fuel injectors by GB Remanufacturing

Rough idle? Random misfires? Your injectors might be crying for retirement. Follow this DIY guide to install OEM Denso fuel injectors on your Scion tC.

Carbon Fiber style B Pillar door applique

Restore your Scion tC’s faded B-pillars with OEM carbon fiber door appliques. A quick, easy upgrade that instantly sharpens the look of your car.

Custom Underhood engine bay LED light install

Here's a practical custom underhood LED light install for the engine bay to give you ample work light if you ever need to pop your hood in low light conditions.

2AZ-FE Balance shaft delete Pros and Cons

Thinking about deleting the balance shafts on your 2AZ-FE? Before you crack open that oil pan, see what really happens when you ditch Toyota’s smooth-operator setup.

DIY Automatic Transmission fluid ATF Type T-IV and OEM filter flush and fill maintenance

Step-by-step DIY guide to draining and refilling automatic transmission fluid. No power flush, just a safe and effective service at home.

Modify your battery tray and J-Hooks to accept ANY Group 35 battery tie hold down

Looking to replace your battery tie? Here's how to modify the battery tray and J-hooks to accept any straight across design battery tie.

Energy Suspension Polyurethane transmission mount bushing removal and installation

Ditch the mushy OEM transmission mount and install polyurethane bushings. Your car will thank you, and you'll stop asking “What's that noise?”

The OEM Stock air box is best for daily driving the Scion tC. Here’s why

Sometimes, the best upgrade is knowing when NOT to upgrade. The stock airbox is going to give you the most reliable daily driving on the Scion tC

OEM 10th Anniversary 10 Series illuminated locator badge emblem retrofit on TC1

Want that head-turning illuminated 10th Anniversary locator badge on your Scion tC? I'll show how to retrofit it step by step.

Tips for finding rare, hard to find, discontinued NLA parts on marketplaces like eBay, OfferUp and Facebook

Looking for a rare part? In this article I give you a few pointers to help you track down hard to find, obsolete or discontinued parts in various marketplaces.

Benefits of carrying a full size spare rim and tire

In this article I go over the benefits of running a full size spare tire. You can fit one in the Scion tC 1st Gen trunk with minor trimming.

Why does my car idle rough after disconnecting the battery?

After disconnecting the battery you might experience really low RPMs and rough idle. This article explains how to perform the idle relearn process.

TC2 to TC1 steering wheel retrofit swap install with wiring audio controls

This article describes the TC2 to TC1 steering wheel retrofit installation and includes information on how to wire the audio controls.

Don’t buy the OEM Toyota Water pump! Save money with the AISIN WPT-129

AISIN manufactures parts that are often identical to what comes installed from the factory, just without Toyota branding. This includes items like water pumps, clutches, timing components, and drivetrain parts

PART 1 – Restoring a used Wilwood BBK kit found on marketplace for 1st Gen Scion tC

In this article I describe the pain staking restoration of used Wilwood BBK kit I found on Facebook marketplace

Custom 3D printed 95 TPU Slotted front motor mount bushing to reduce NVH

Originally designed by VampyreX13 for the TC2 Torque Solution front engine mount, this design also fits the TC1 motor mount.

Scion tC Radiator bracket upgrade using Civic EK ’96-’00 brackets

In this article I show you how to modify Civic EK radiator bracket stays to fit the stock 1st gen Scion tC radiator

Safelite mobile windshield repair wont replace window with rust in rain channel

In this article I talk about how Safelite mobile windshield service would not replace my cracked windshield because I had rust in my rain gutters

Valvoline claims it cleans engines. Really? Here’s My 12,000 mile journey using Valvoline Restore & Protect

Want to know whether Valvoline Restore & Protect actually removes deposits or just slick marketing? My hands-on experience with this engine-cleaning oil.

Installing inner and outer polyurethane bushings on the lower control arm 2005-2010 Scion tC

In this article I talk about the lower control arm replacement bushing options for the 2005-2010 Scion tC

Installing 7k and 10k Swift Springs on BC Racing BR coilovers for 2005-2010 Scion TC

In this article I show you how to install Swift Springs on BC Racing BR Series coilovers on any 2005-2010 Scion tC

Inexpensive security mods: Installing starter interrupt and hidden fuel pump kill switches

In this article I talk about the added security benefits of installing both a starter kill switch and a fuel pump cut off switch

NRG stainless steel installation Diversion Panel cooling plate DVP-3051 2005-2010 Scion tC

In this article I show you how to install the NRG diversion panel cooling plate p/n DVP-3051

Theft deterrent using 2 sets of Wheel lock lug nuts for aftermarket wheels

In this article I show you how to install wheel locks as an added theft deterrent for your aftermarket rims

Adding a DE 507M tilt sensor to the OEM Scion Security car alarm

In this article I talk about adding a Directed Electronics DE 507M tilt sensor as added theft deterrent for jacking up your car

Headlight mounting dress up bolt DIY using M6 bolts instead of screws

In this article I show you how to swap out the headlight screws for M6 bolts for a consistent engine dress up look

Fel Pro Valve cover gasket p/n VS-50530R for the 2.4L 2AZ-FE

In this article I give you info on the Felpro valve cover gasket for the 2AZ-FE 2.4L Toyota engine

Power steering fluid flush 2005-2010 Scion tC with Valvoline Max life

In this article I describe the process I used to do a basic drain and fill of the power steering fluid to smooth out my steering issues.

Redline Tuning dual hood struts with lift assist and soft open

In this article I show you how to custom install dual hood struts from Redline Tuning on the 2005-2010 Scion tC

Seymour 16-2668 cast iron gray high temp paint for exhaust heat shield

In this article I show you how to paint your exhaust manifold heat shield with Seymour cast iron gray high temp paint.

Switching from Raceland Classics to BC Racing BR coilovers on my Scion TC

In this article I talk about why I changed from Raceland Classic coilovers to BC Racing fully adjustable coilovers

Engine cover options and variants for the 2AZ-FE 2.4L engine

In this article I talk about various other engine cover options for the 2AZ-FE that will fit the Scion tC 1st gen

Custom fitted billet aluminum oil dip stick handle for 1st Gen Scion tC

In this article I show you how I custom fit an aluminum billet oil dipstick handle from eBay to fit the Scion tC

In-line mini oil catch can separator with clear reservoir install between PCV & Intake manifold

In this article I show you how I installed an inline oil catch can separator with a clear reservoir between my PCV valve and intake manifold, and it works great!

Modern look: Reduced Height Automatic Gear Shift Knob Chopped and Rethreaded with OEM Boot

Tall, awkward shift knobs are a crime. Chop and rethread your gear selector to give your interior a modern look without aftermarket cringe.

Removing sun visor warning decal labels using isopropyl alcohol for a clean look

In this article I show you how to remove the warning label decals on your sun visors using isopropyl alcholo and and iron for a clean look

Tuning the 2005-2010 Scion tC is challenging because the ECU constantly relearns

The ECU on the 2005-2010 is constantly relearning. This is why it's so difficult to tune. This article unveals more about the relearning process.

How to program a new keyfob car remote for the immobilizer and keyless entry

The 2005-2010 Scion tC has 2 different procedures to reprogram a replacement keyfob remote. One for the immobilizer and One for the keyless entry.

Restoring a used OEM TRD 2005-2006 Cold Air intake PTR03-21060

In this article I show you how I restored an NLA OEM TRD Cold Air intake I found on eBay back to working condition

Part 1 – 2005 to 2010 Scion tC blackout interior project

This article is Part 1 of my interior blackout project where I attempt to find original OEM Toyota parts in black rather than painting them.

Iridium spark plugs – Denso SK20R11 (3297), NGK IFR6T11 (4589), Bosch 9603

Struggling with rough idle, misfires or poor MPG? Choose replacement Denso, NGK, or Bosch Iridium spark plugs for your next maintance.

O2 sensors: Upstream Air/Fuel Denso 234-9049 & Downstream Denso 234-4149

Bad O2 sensors lead to check engine lights and poor MPG. Here are the exact Denso upstream and downstream replacements for your Scion tC.

Replace the brittle or melted ignition coil sockets harness terminals, no need to solder wires

Your coil harness is dying and you might not even know it. Melted clips and brittle connectors are silently causing misfires and CEL codes. Learn the cheap fix.

OEM Crankcase breather hose to intake pipe replacement 12262-28080

Replace that worn crankcase breather tube, before your mom asks if your Scion tC is trying to communicate in Morse code.

Genuine Denso 673-1307 replacement ignition coil packs for the 2AZ-FE

In this article I show you genuine Denso ignition coils. There are a lot of counterfeits out there so this will help you identify real coils

PCV Valve replacement 2005-2010 Scion tC

In this article I show you how to replace your PCV valve as standard maintenance

Drove 391 miles on full tank for 31.56 MPG sustained freeway run San Diego to Bay Area

In this article I show you how I acheived almost 400 miles on one tank in my 2006 Scion tC on a sustained freeway drive from San Diego to The Bay Area

Aftermarket badgeless upper and lower grill replacement from eBay/Amazon

In this article I show you how to install aftermarket badgeless grills from Amazon/eBay

My experience with the P0420 CEL code bad CAT catalytic converter

In this article I show you how I fixed the infamous P0420 CEL code. Unfortunately I ended up being a bad catalytic converter

Quantum VVTI solenoid installation 2005-2010 Scion TC: Get better gas mileage on long drives

In this article I show you how to install the VVT oil control valve solenoid made by Quantum Solenoid

AC repair: Denso 10S15C air compressor replaced with Four Seasons 98365

Working air conditioning is a must. In this article I swap out my busted Denso for a Four Seasons. It works great!

Using polarizer film to change the color of your LCD trip computer display on Scion tC

In this article I show you how to swap the colors on your LCD trip monitor display on the gauge cluster.

After disconnecting the battery my passenger side window doesn’t work

If you disconnect your battery, you might have to reprogram your driver's side window control switch for the passenger window. Here's how to do it.

Fitment Industries delivers – ESR CR5 18×8.5 ET30 rims 225/40/18 tires ready to mount

In this article I talk about my Fitment Industries ordering experience - 18x8.5 ET30 ESR CR5 rims with tires and lug covers

Change the gauge face colors with transparent wrap on back side

In this article I show you how to change the gauge face colors by using transparent wrap on the back side

DIY gauge cluster mod – OEM style red needle swap, NOT painted

In this article I show how to custom retrofit of OEM style red needles instead of painting them. This is part of the gauge cluster mod series

Modern Take: Custom LEDs mounted in door cards with stock Car Alarm for added theft deterrent

How to install custom LEDs in the door cards for a modern looking car alarm look and added theft deterrent

GReddy pn 14013032 rear upper strut tower bar installation 2005-2010 Scion tC

Installing a rear upper strut tower bar is an easy DIY upgrade that improves handling, reduces flex, and sharpens rear-end stability.

DC Sports CSB1403 front upper strut tower bar brace installation Scion tC

In this article I show you how to install the DC Sports front upper strut tower bar. Step-by-step DIY guide with tools, tips, and what handling gains to expect.

How to wire up and bench test a donor gauge cluster 2005-2010 Scion tC

In this article I show you how to wire up a test gauge cluster so you can practice soldering for the LED cluster mod

Modern 3x blinker relay courtesy lane change flasher mod on Scion TC

Upgrade your car with a 3x blinker relay for modern turn signal behavior. Learn what it is, how it works, and why it’s an easy DIY mod.

Torque Solution polyurethane exhaust mount kit hangers for the Scion tC TS-EH-200

In this article I talk about how to swap out the OEM rubber hangers with upgraded polyurethane mounts by Torque Solution

P0455 CEL code evap leak check your gas cap first

Fix a P0455 EVAP leak code with this DIY guide. Covers symptoms, common causes, and repair steps for large EVAP system leaks.

Header options for the 2005-2010 Scion tC, gaskets, torque sequence and values

In this article I review some header options available for the 2005-2010 Scion tC and why installing headers (alone) result in very little performance gain