The Perfect Ride - 1997 Toyota Supra

Engine output more than doubled from stock, XS' next challenge was to ensure SJ would get every extra pony onto the street. It doesn't matter how much power you have, you have to be able to wield it. It's like John Cena trying to bench press four plates with a can of Crisco slathered all over his hands. He'd be risking his flourishing movie career. Heavy sarcasm aside, an HKS triple-disc clutch was called on to replace the badly slipping stock unit. A TRD LSD divvies the power to both the rear wheels and a combination of stiffer KYB shocks, Eibach springs and TRD sway bars guarantee optimal weight transfer.

Just as important as getting power to the road is keeping the car from going off the road. So it's a good thing brawny four-piston Brembo calipers and 13.8-inch rotors in the front and stock replacement Brembo calipers on the rear, pumped by Motul brake fluid, brings the Supra to a standstill in seconds. Pirellis P-Zeros (275/35/19 front; 295/30/19 rear) wrapped in Racing Hart C5s (19x9 front; 19x10 rear) provide the huge skid marks.

In the cabin, pillar-mounted A'PEXi gauges and Rev/Speed Meter readout various engine parameters. Important when you're turbocharged, or bored while stuck at a long light. A Blitz SBC i-D synced with a Power Meter controls boost and a turbo timer cools the turbo after extended runs.

"I'm the first owner of the Supra and it's all original paint. I bought the Toyota as a car to build as a weekend warrior and it has been. The car was built in '99 and has stayed perfect," SJ proudly beams. Fast, never been with another man and looking as good as when he first saw it, you can't ask for a more perfect ride.

By Carter Jung

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