Toyota Corolla AE86 Modified - Import Tuner Magazine

The engine was immediately torn apart to reinforce an already excellent Toyota bottom end. Acquiring the help of engine specialists Technosquare Inc. of Torrance Calif., the engine was stroked from its original 1582cc to a 1mm over 82mm bore, increasing displacement to 1662cc. Looking to bump up the horsepower level, a set of TODA 12:1 high-compression pistons were mated to the factory rods.

"There's nothing like the sound of an individual throttle body coming alive at full tilt," states Aono. A pair of TODA camshafts with a 304 intake and exhaust duration and 9.0mm lift inhales and exhales through the TRD valve springs, feeding the newly ported and polished 20-valve blacktop head that was reworked by Technosquare. With the engine complete, Aono opted for the Techno Pro Spirit, special 42.7 to 60mm equal-length header, terminating in the rear though an Expert OZ exhaust canister. Engine parameters are closely monitored through a Freedom ECU from E&E systems of Japan. The ECU is unique; it allows consumers to use all original sensors, while flexibly running a 4A-GZE DLI ignition system. With a few keystrokes by Nagata-san (Technosquare's 4A-GE racing operations specialist), the 20-valve engine spun the Dyno to the tune of 192 hp.

As an avid autocross participant, Aono wants his car to take on any road course condition with ease. Upgrading the shifter and linkage to a TRD unit, shifts are firmly applied though an O.S. Giken super single clutch unit. Power is efficiently transferred to the tarmac though an autocross special O.S. Giken super lock LSD as the 4.778:1 final drive gear enables the vehicle to excel through the chicanes without a hitch. Suspension components consist of Tokico HTS 45-way adjustable dampers on all four corners, combined with a set of Eibach 550-lb springs up front and 450-lb TRD race springs in the rear. Larger-diameter RS*R bars replace the factory sway bars. Additional suspension modifications include a complete front suspension upgrade consisting of pillow balls, caster control and lower control arms-all complements of Battle Version. Battle Version 4-link control arms now handle the rear suspension. Carbon-metallic Endless CCX pads and GoodRidge stainless-steel lines improve braking. To keep the monocoque's chassis from flexing under extreme driving conditions, a Drift Association approved 4-point roll cage with diagonal bar was fabricated and installed by Technosquare. Aono himself performed the long and tedious task of stitch welding the complete chassis.

JDM flavor had a large impact on the Corolla movement in the states. Aono transformed the bland stylings of his AE86 with a complete kit consisting of front and rear J-Blood bumpers and side skirts. A Toysport carbon-fiber hood now graces the front end while a TRD rear wing has been molded to the rear section of the tailgate. Wide body conversions are the latest trend in modern import society. Aono implemented a set of Jubiride fender flares as he managed to wedge a set of Long Champ XR-4 with an astounding diameter of 15x9 (-15 offset front) and 15x9 (-27 offset) on the rears. Wrapped in Yokohama ES100 on all four rims, the 195/50R-15s were mounted in a traditional Japanese style known as "hipari" (stretched) tires, which aggressively pulls smaller diameter tires on wider-sized rims. The hipari trend maintains fender clearance with larger-sized rims. With the body kit completed, the car was sent off to Mickey at A Can Be USA to repair numerous battle scars received at the track. The car was repainted in Snow White. A sticker scheme was designed by Naoki Kobayashi and applied by Euphoric Design.

Built as a track vehicle, it's no surprise the interior has been stripped to resemble a true racecar. Bride bucket seats keep Aono firmly glued to the seat while the Nardi Classic steering wheel turns the car on a dime. When asked about audio systems, Aono replied via e-mail in a 24-point font, "NO SOUND SYSTEM." He means business. Aono also decided to upgrade his second 1985 AE86 3-door to comfort status. For Aono this meant a beast with a supercharged powerplant.