photographer: Henry Z. DeKuyper
The legendary composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart lived an entire lifetime swinging between poverty and wealth, died, and then became the most renowned musician of all time. Vincent Van Gogh sold just one painting during his life, shot himself and missed out as his paintings became some of the most valuable artwork in existence. Then, Toyota killed its awesome powerhouse (a.k.a. the Supra), apparently due to a lack of consumer interest and sales, and now the Japanese-bred supercar is the most highly sought after and ultimate platform for import performance. Unfortunately, it sometimes takes drastic measures before we can realize the qualities that make something so great.
Fortunately for us, and the rest of the import culture, the Van Gogh of Japanese supercars was in production long enough to leave a healthy supply for the used car market. Since its demise, the Supra, particularly the twin-turbo version, has become an untouchable force in terms of attainable performance. Naturally, the lower cost of a used version, as opposed to the original MSRP, has upped the Supra's appeal and availability to a younger hot rod generation. Combine this with the aftermarket's loyalty to the Supra's performance potential, and we are blessed with a large army of wicked street cars that flex awesome body tuning and an almighty punch that often exceeds 600 hp.
Eric Murata's 1994 Toyota Supra is a prime example of how intimidating a Supra can be when suited up for street action. Murata purchased the vehicle just two years ago and has already dipped deep into the depths of the aftermarket pool. As you'll see, the attention to detail is immense throughout this car, with little expense spared, particularly in the packaging. The Supra's bodylines have been reworked Blitz-style with an awesome aero kit from the Japanese tuning guru. In addition to the four-piece kit, a TRD rear wing is perched out back, the roofline sports a trick vent and the factory hood has been swapped-out in favor of a carbon fiber version. Of course, the barrage of sheet-metal mods cries out for custom paint and Murata's father took on the responsibility of laying three coats of kandy winefire from House Of Kolors. To finish the Supra's exterior flare, Murata fitted 19x10-inch Blitz Techno Speeds in the rear and 19x9s up front, wrapped in Yokohama AVS rubber.
Murata told us that once he was satisfied with the way his ride looked, he turned the attention to the stereo system. The car was delivered to Ryan Uchida at Stereo 2 Go in Long Beach, Calif., where the factory equipment was removed to make room for some serious hardware. On completion, the Toyota delivered hard-hitting audio and video with high-end components from Clarion, including a VRX 8271 head unit, Hi-Fi VCR, six-disc changer, amplifiers and mid-range speakers, all bearing the Clarion name. Sufficient bass comes by the way of JL Audio sub-woofers.
Interior tricks are plenty and, along with the custom stereo, other inner refinements include a pair of Recaro SRD bucket seats in matching black, a subtle carbon fiber dash kit and race-like, white-faced gauges. A line-up of GReddy gauges that read "Boost," "EGT," "Water Temp" and "Oil Temp" put an end to any doubt as to whether the Toyota can back up its visual statement.
Of course, the huge Spearco front-mount intercooler jammed behind the Blitz front end is also an early warning the 2JZ-GE packs more than just a factory wallop. That's right. When Murata purchased his Supra two years ago, it was a non-turbocharged version powered by the 2JZ-GE powerplant, as opposed to the stout 2JZ-GTE found in the factory twin-turbo monster. Murata soon found himself suffering from a force-fed fever and decided to equip his ride with a heavyweight punch that would put him on par with any turbo-charged counterpart. The Toy Shop in Torrance, Calif. drew up a battle plan that would give the Supra a bite as bad as its bark. The cylinder head was removed prior to a port and polish job and three-angle valve cut and a 3mm custom head gasket was inserted during the re-installation process.
Big power comes in the form of a completely custom turbo kit. Murata had a custom exhaust manifold fabricated as a foundation for the Turbonetics T04E turbocharger and HKS wastegate. The polished intercooler piping measures 2.5-inches, while exiting exhaust gases are sped through a 3-inch downpipe. Boost is set and maintained with a GReddy Profec B set at a mild 14.7 psi and the Supra boasts plenty of performance upgrades to maximize force-fed induction. The Toy Shop fitted the Toyota with an HKS Twin Power ignition system and upgraded the fuel system with factory fuel pumps from a twin turbo Toyota. The ECU is a factory unit re-tuned by JUN for improved ignition and fuel curves. Other power mods include a Blitz Nur Spec R 4-inch exhaust system, high-flow catalytic converter and a Blitz oil cooler.
Putting the right power components together is obviously a major part in the performance puzzle, but whether it's a purpose-built strip car or a menace assembled for the street, getting the ponies to the ground is an issue that is too often underrated.