And those wheels. Some old-school JDM purists will undoubtedly agree, even more so than its engine, its wheels are what define this car. We've all seen some that look similar, but not quite the same as these. These are real RS Watanabes, sized a ridiculous 14x9.5, -19 offset up front, and 14x10.5, -32 offset in the rear. "The wheels alone were $800 apiece," enlightens Bernard, "and that was the cost for them in rough shape, not including shipping." Why all the trouble? "These wheels are expensive now, because they're hard to find, but back when I was younger, that's what people put on these cars. To me, the car just doesn't look right without them."
Fast forward to real-time, and my question for Bernard-and the looming, uncomfortable silence-still stand.
"So . . . ?" I begin to ask.
"I really don't know," he replies, his words formed cautiously and measured, "It's like this: say you have a Hachi, a modified 350Z and a restored 240Z all sitting together. Most people will be drawn to the Hachi. It's an old car that never gets old, and just . . . always manages to stay interesting." Second try: "To build one right takes a lot of patience and dedication, and even when you're done, all you have is a car that still isn't the best at anything. But people respect a well-built Corolla." And finally, one last offering that seems to sum it all up: "I don't know man," he confesses, cracking a grin and sitting back in his chair in confident surrender, "It just . . . makes me proud to own one."
Behind The Build
Head to the message boards at www.importtuner.com to chat about this feature Vehicle
'86 Toyota Corolla GT-S
Output N/A
Engine Second-generation Toyota MR2 3SGE engine; Danstoy custom-ported cylinder head, modified 20-valve 4AG individual throttle bodies and components, modified engine mounts, custom alternator bracket, modified starter motor housing, wiring harness, custom high-rise header; Ferrera valves, springs, retainers; HKS Hyper exhaust; Koyo radiator; MSD plug wires; RC Engineering fuel injectors; Electromotive TEC-II engine management, tuned by Danstoy
Drivetrain Fourth-generation Toyota Pickup W55 transmission; ACT Stage 2 clutch; Fidanza flywheel; TRD limited-slip differential
Suspension QA1 coilovers; KYB AGX shocks (front); QA1 32-level adjustable shocks (rear); Tanabe sway bars (front and rear); Cusco tri-point upper front strut bar, six-point cage
Wheels/Tires RS Watanabe wheels (14x9.5 -19 offset front, 14x10.5 -32 offset rear); 195/60-14 Falken Ziex tires (front); 205/55-14 Toyo Proxes tires (rear)
Brakes Hawk pads
Exterior JBlood side skirts; TRD wing; CBY fender flares; AE86 Levin front bumper, rear bumper, hood; zenki Levin front spoiler; MK IV Supra Anthracite paint
Interior Sparco Torino front seats; Sabelt harnesses; Nardi steering wheel
Electronics Pioneer head unit, speakers
Gratitude Roy, Cathy, Kaylin, Grace Lou, Elena, Rona, Abi Jerez, Andrew, Jason, Jay, Elena Beth, Pat, Karlo, Ding, Evelyn, Sarah Lee, Victoria, Jed, Allan, Marvin Edward, Don, P.J. Bonifacio for the awesome paint job, Danstoy for the build, Team High Intenzity, QuickWorks Photo's Patrick Lauder for the shots, Joshua Works, Carlos Perales, Gary in Sacramento, and Vigan; club4ag.com, mr2oc.com, supraforums.com, hachiroku.net, bimmerforums.com
Name.
Bernard Nicolas
Age.
33
Hometown.
Bellflower, CA
Occupation.
Telecommunications
Build Time.
Three Years
Feedback.
bzebern@yahoo.com
Hobbies.
Turtle cycle maintenance, G.I. Joe collecting, Ewok Village L.A.R.P.ing
Favorite Quote.
"Tootcha"
By Luke Munnell
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