seriousdownforc - Toyota Supra MKIV 1994 Time Attack
Project Time Attack Supra 2011
Original/donor car: Supra MKIV 1994 Eurospec Targa Red, automatic, untuned and in excellent condition
Goal: Serious Time Attack car and Serious Fun
Background
I got my Supra 2004, it was a love affair. I did the BPU upgrade and it was really spikey. Fun and scary but not very useful if you care about lap times.
"This is the life we chose, this is the life we lead. And only one thing is guaranteed: We will never see heaven." - Road to Perdition
In 2005 I placed a larger order for parts from USA including turbo-kit, electronics and big brakes. The engine got a serious build-up including balancing and components for lots of headroom (1500HP) but a sensible 63mm turbo and tuned to 680HP/700NM(515lbs/ft)on pump gas and optimized for rapid throttle response. It was extremely disappointing to be delayed time and again and I was itching to test out the new setup. The car was down for a full extra year and was rolling again in 2007.
The automatic transmission was a serious disappointment with a torque converter more suitable for drag racing and then overheating rather quickly. Lots of promise in the engine, but the combination was not there - it was not even close.
A 6-speed swap was initiated and it was rolling again 2008. Now the fun was there. The engine has plenty of power with a nice 1000 - 1500 rpm control zone with instant response. Acceleration was satisfying and scary, still pulling like crazy in 5th gear passing 220kmh (140 mhp). Turn-in however felt slippery and no real feedback, and the engine oil temps were rising far too quickly for comfort. Still not the package I was looking for.
Suspension change to the Supra Forum developed adjustable KWs, and a full set of Ikeya Formula control arms and JIC rods. It felt like a complete new car - now it would turn too. This was already so much fun to drive both at the track and on the road. However, oil temps were still rising too fast and the wheels (came with the car), even though fitted with Yokohama rubber, were not really matched to the car. Of course it is not easy to build a car with race/super car performance, but how hard can it be :)?
First real drive at Japmeet 2008 Mantorp Park I managed the finals through 1.35.896 without any preparation whatsoever and no idea where to break and generally driving like a nervous teenager. In the finals going about 230 kmh on the straight, I downshifted 2 times and then the engine dropped dead. The following seconds went by in slomo while I tried to crush the brick that had suddenly appeared behind the break pedal and while I wrestled with the elephant holding on to the steering wheel and I saw $$$$ flying quickly down the drain. Through some effort I finally managed to turn and stop the car.
The oil pump had exploded, but probably thanks to the engine not being under load it simply locked up the crank shaft. Opening up the engine confirmed this - the engine was unhurt! Phuiii! A replacement pump was modified to avoid this from reoccurring.
Current project
After many ups and downs, the current project took form during 2009. The idea is to build a serious Time Attack car that is still convertible to a street drivable machine. Very few compromises. Body kit primarily for serious down force and aerodynamics.
Ball bearing turbo 63mm for faster spool and to offload some heat from the oil cooling system
Fullrace header with 2 TiAl 44mm Wastegates
Switch EMS to Motec M600
Sequential 6-speed gearbox
Carbon fibre hatch, doors and hood
Basic body kit from Top Secret
Custom carbon fibre splitter, diffuser, GT wing, and flat underside
Sellholm pedal set
Full race certified roll cage
Ground Zero
Deadline set for Elmia 22 - 25 April 2011.
Engine build and mechanics by Linköpings Motorsport, 013 121912, linkopingsmotorsport.se, info@linkopingsmotorsport.se
Looks really nice :) Is it a big operation to go from auto to manual gear?
Not really if you know what you are doing of course. I have all the parts including improved bushings, gearbox and the RPS carbon-carbon clutch for sale if you would be interested in pursuing this.
