Save the Planet, recycle!

If you’re anything like me you’re a parts hoarder. I just seem to accumulate Corolla related tat, mainly as I never seem to chuck any bits away; fearing that one day, never, the bit in question would come in really handy.

I got a bit fed up tripping over the old dead block I ripped out of my AE86 – so I thought I would put it to a better use. Take 1 4age crank, some flywheel bolts, 2 rods, 2 pistons and 1 old discarded IKEA stool mix them together and you have a stool suitable for anyone’s garage or workshop.

For extra JDM scene points a subway ring was added, consisting of 2 piston rings stuck together – all neatly dangling from some carbon fibre ribbon. JDM tyte yo!

Yeah I know I need to get out more!

MIJ Performance

Exhausting all options!

When it comes to exhausts for the AE86 there is a good supply of second hand units doing the rounds, but what do you do when you dont want someones cast off’s?

There isnt much in the way of aftermarket systems which are readily available in the UK, so with the exception of ordering a new system from Japan your a bit stuck. Next best alternative is to get a custom system made to your own specifications.

Chay recently got a new system fabbed up for his Corolla at MIJ Performance, here is what he has to say:

Seeing as I received great service from MIJ Performance, I thought it apt to write a short review.

Booked in on relatively short notice late Thursday and made the journey up to Walsall on Saturday morning. Upon arrival I was rather impressed by the setup, from memory there were at least 6 or 7 bays, all occupied with cars having various work done.

After a short wait in reception, the car was put up on a ramp and I was called over to have a discussion about what I wanted. MIJ caters for every requirement and each system is tailored to suit what the customer wants noise and volume wise. I opted for a mid sport setup which comprised of a center resonator box leading to a round rear can with a 3 inch tip. I also had the exhaust routed under the axle as Im planning on lowering the car more in the next few weeks.

We decided to venture to the town center (15min walk away) to kill some time and two and a half hours later, the exhaust was complete. Had a quick look while the car was still up on the ramps and initial impressions were very good! The system was made using one section of pipe-work and is very sturdy and well supported along the length of the car. The best bit though, was the noise! Whereas the Kakimoto R was rather loud from idle right up to redline, the new exhaust has a far more subtle tone while still making the right noises when you floor the throttle!

To sum up, I couldn’t be happier with my new purchase. While there were a few shops far closer by that offered custom systems for around the same price, a few friends who previously went to MIJ recommended them and I’m glad I took the 2 hour drive up.

…thanks to Chay for the contribution…

Here are some shots of the finished system – click to enlarge

Hand built 2000GT

Ummmm WOW!

Its not all about Corolla’s at eight-six, and this is just something that I stumbled across whilst trawling the internet. Want a 2000GT but dont have a cool million sitting in your account, why not hand make one instead.

I will let the pictures do the talking but this guy has EPIC fabrication skills. Massive Kudos!

For the full build and more photo’s vist Studio Time Capsule’s website … link

Video – Fast food!

Dont want lunch to cut into your drift session – simple, eat and drift at the same time! Now you know why the Japanese love their cup holders, its for those mid drift refreshments!

…Thanks to Megabob for sending it through…

Pic of the day

Found this photo on Speedhunters – great shot, like most of the photo’s on Speedhunters! Hot Rod Landcruiser, and in the back ground 2 Gurney AAR Celicas and a 2000GT.

Photo take from speedhunters.com

Alternator swap

Jap-Si has come through with a handy how to on swapping your old dead alternator for shiney working one!

… Thanks for the contribution Si …

Click for more …

Often over looked – A60 Celica

The AE86 tends to cast a pretty big shadow over a lot of old Toyotas of the same period – not because it was necessarily better, just that its popularity meant that it secured its place in peoples hearts. Sad thing is a lot of awesome old Toyotas are often over looked in favour of for their better known cousin.

I am planning on running a few of these posts over the next few months, just to highlight some sweet old Toyotas that have some real potential.

The A60 Celica (Gen 3) is just one of those cool old Toyotas from the 80’s that has faded into relative obscurity. Even with the growth of the retro car scene and increased interest in old J tin it has still languished at the side lines. Its rarity probably hasn’t helped along with the marmite styling.

What’s evident is that they don’t need much beating with a stick to make them look cool – slam and some dish and you’re onto a winner! The photos borrowed from 7tune, show how they can look with the right treatment.


Epic 80’s straight edge styling, angry looking rear lights and pop up lamps at the front just give this car timeless cool. Not to be over looked!

Photo’s borrowed from 7tune – more photo’s and a write up on the owner and the car can be found here …7tune…

Corolla GT road test – 1984

Keeping up to date with the latest motoring news!

Bit of motoring nostalgia for you here – 1984 Autocar road test for the AE86.

Click for more …

Project watch – Toyonda Coolrolla

How to keep your car off the road …

It’s been a long time in the making but like all good things, they don’t happen over night and Ian G’s F20 powered AE86 is one of those things. A truly epic build, Ian is creating a car that most people would willingly head butt their own mother to own!

Now a tried and tested conversion, F20 swaps becoming more common. It seems the F20c and the AE86 are well suited, with conversions cropping up with greater frequency. The thing that distinguishes Ian’s build is the attention to detail that’s going into it.

All the fabrication work has been carried out by RS Fabrications in Banbury; and even Ray Charles can see the quality of the work. The build photo’s just show exactly how much work has gone into making this car, top end components and fabrication make this one very special AE86 indeed!

Hopefully its going to be hitting the roads very soon – come on Ian!

For all the details and more photo’s visit Ian’s build thread in the main forum – link.

Wallpaper – Japfest 2010

It was asked if I could upload a wallpaper of one of the shots taken at Japfest in May. So here it is.

4 resolutions available – just right click and save as on the one you want!

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