We never had the pleasure to getting the Z20 Toyota Soarer on US soil. It shares the same chassis as the A70 Supra, where powerplants just like the 1G, 7M and 1J/2J were interchangeable,. That’s perhaps the most relatable part of the ’86-91 Soarer. Some might say we were blessed using the Lexus SC300/400-the successor for the Z20. However for us JDM fanboys, a sheet of us was still missing since we never received this fine rear-wheel drive, boxy coupe that begged to be driven hard and even drifted; hence why our hearts fluttered when we stumbled onBefore the next generation came marching in, Akihiro Nakamura snagged this ’91 Toyota Soarer just. Considering that the newer plus more powerful JZ engines were a direct swap, it had been a no-brainer what Nakamura-san was going to do, even though the chassis originally came with a turbocharged 7M-GTE. He decided to piece together a completely-built 3.-liter 1.5JZ. Confused? A 1.5JZ includes a 1JZ head with a 2JZ short block. This hybrid combination relies on a high flowing head mated with a large turbo, all equating into aThe bottom-end received a grip of reinforcement to serve his power demands, not necessarily for reinforcement but for longevity with newer metals and fresh components. The guys at R Performance installed forged Tomei pistons and connecting rods in preparation for the ogre-esque T04R turbo. An HKS standalone computer controls the engine assembly working in conjunction with its various sensors. A five-speed R154 transmission, a direct cousin of the robust six-speed Supra V160 Getrag, was reused but upgraded having a twin-plate Ogura Racing Clutch. The rejuvenated powertrain gave the Soarer reliable and quickSuper-stiff 20kg front and 11kg rear Swift springs on the Aragosta-based coilovers were a perfect match for the drift machine, as this JDM Toyota Soarer was built to slide. At a whopping 6.5-degrees camber, the top struts are already set up Oni-kyan style (demon camber) by which no pun was ever intended to this Oni Style Soarer name. The Soarer comes designed with a double wishbone suspension, so the camber adjustment needed to be done via upper and lower arms and not by camber plates-a big hint that the suspension components were modified for stance and gratification. All alignment settings were configured in accordance with Nakamura’s driving style.pulled and folded to support the staggered TE37 Super Lap wheels. Not just for show, Nakamura-san explained to us he chose these classic Volk Racing six-spokes for their light weight, durability and strength. In fact, these wheels were so emphasized for their weight-saving characteristic that Volk never included center caps. Yes, every ounce matters when it comes to lightweight tuning! The massively wide wheels were wrapped with Dunlop DZ101 tires-slightly stretched for fender clearance.
1991 toyota soarer MOMO drifting steering wheelwork like a partition to the gutted rear and carpeted front interior. The Cusco Safety 21 rollcage prohibits more than two occupants in this machine, with various gauges and a deep dish MOMO steering wheel an indication of this JDM Toyota’s serious sliding potential.
So, while we never saw the Z20 here stateside, Nakamura-san has shown us a good demonstration of how the perfect one is built. The underground drift car has taught us precisely what the hybrid 1.5JZ engine is capable of, plus we’ll always bear in mind the Winged Lion emblem of the Toyota Soarer.
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