Pure Pleasure - 1999 Toyota Supra

Most owners of high horsepower vehicles can relate to hard clutches that demand you literally stand on the pedal with every shift. For Mangune, he demanded a unit that would hold the Supra's 484 lb-ft of torque while offering smooth engagement found on the O.E. clutch pedal. Yes, we know what you're thinking (the same thought came across me as I was writing this article): Earl needs a serious reality check! But low and behold, after a series of heavy left pedal extensions that caused a mild case of clutchitis, the boys at Centerforce clutches came to the rescue. Combining a six-puck single disk in a super-secret clutch material (now being sold) with their dual friction pressure plate offered an OE type of clutch pedal feel and engagement while upholding the torque of the engine without a hitch.

With close to 600 hp on tap, the factory suspension proved to be the next limiting factor and was next in line to be addressed. HKS Hipermax RS dampers reside on all four corners while a front and rear TRD sway bar improves handling characteristics when blasting down the roads in excess speeds. A TRD strut tower bar ties both shock tower and chassis together for added rigidity. If Mario Andretti can blast through banking turns in excess speeds of 170 mph, it's a proven fact the factory brakes are well up to the task to handle rigorous driving conditions. The only upgrades to the braking were a set of steel braided brake lines and Motul RBF 600 racing brake fluid now coarses through the Supra's veins. Applying maximum tire adhesion to the tarmac is achieved through a set of 19x9.5 SSR D5R wrapped in 265/30/19 Toyo T1R out front and 285/30/19 rubbers on 19X10.5 rollers in the rear.

"Keeping the interior simplistic while achieving a clean look is a main focal point for this buildup," said Mangune. Keeping the JDM theme alive is an ultra rare TRD steering wheel equipped with an airbag system. Keeping the driver and passenger's posterior planted firmly in the factory seat is aided through a set of Sparco harnesses, securely fastened to a Sparco harness bar. With a stab of the throttle, Mangune relies on this 46mm HKS boost gauge and HKS A/F knock meter to safeguard against premature engine detonation.

So what's in store for Mangune's Supra in the near future? With a smirk, Mangune remarks, "Maybe in the future, technology will advance, so I can tune my Supra to achieve an average of 30 mpg and produce over 600 hp on 87 octane unleaded gas." Sure Edwin...we all have dreams.

Behind The BuildName: Edwin ManguneAge: 40Hometown: covina, CaliforniaOccupation: sales/marketingHobbies: Motorsports, Boating, Traveling, carsBuild Time: 6 yearsFeedback: emangune@comcast.net

Head to the message boards at www.importtuner.com to chat about this feature Vehicle.