In terms of drift cars, there’s nothing much simpler than an old rear-wheel drive Toyota Corolla powered by a 4A-GE. Takuya-san, nonetheless, decided to show this theory on its head, constructing one of the crucial eyebrow-raising Corollas I’ve ever come across.
If you happen to’ve caught any of my previous stories, you’ll probably know that I’m relatively easy to persuade in relation to shooting cars in Japan. Especially when it’s a Toyota, and particularly when there’s a chance to go out into more rural areas.
For those not accustomed to the Low Brain Drift Team, they’re a small crew with an enthusiasm for cars, food and general tomfoolery. In addition they placed on a terrific annual event at Sportsland Yamanashi.
Where am I going with this? Well, Takuya-san – the owner of this crazy Corolla wagon – began Low Brain in 2007, and ever since, the team has been a staple of recent Japanese automobile culture. As I reveal the main points of Takuya-san’s KE74, you’ll start to know why.
Now, Takuya-san’s Toyota will probably confuse a couple of of you, because it’s a variation of the Corolla not lots of us are accustomed to. If you happen to stare long enough though, you begin to see parts shared with the more common sedan variant.
From the skin, there’s loads to have a look at on this drift-spec wagon. From the RS Watanabe wheels to the Moze over-fenders, there’s not an entire lot you’ll be able to critique. Continuing the Corolla theme, parts from other variants appear to integrate seamlessly, namely the AE86 Levin front lip and Goodline carbon under panel.
Don’t let this Corolla’s kyusha styling and carburettors idiot you though – its innards boast plenty of recent developments, most notably the rear S14 multi-link suspension conversion with a ‘Low Brain Original’ pushrod system. The type of setup that may look right home in an open-wheel race automobile. Nuts, right?
In terms of the rest of the footwork, Takuya has spared no expense or effort. Largus front coilovers, T3 knuckles and Beatrush bracing keep the front of the wagon planted and agile, often somewhat of a tough task as Corolla aficionados would know.
Old Corollas aren’t known for his or her structural rigidity, so Takuya has comprehensively strengthened the wagon with a custom 11-point roll cage that ties into the rear suspension. To maintain everyone protected, a pair of OMP seats and Crow 6-point harnesses have been fitted as well.
At the center of the KE74 is Toyota’s venerable 16-valve 4A-GE. Save for Toda 288-degree camshafts, the engine’s internals are relatively standard, but nearly the whole lot else has been touched. A set of Mikuni HSR42 motorcycle carburettors and a K-Works headers make for a harmonious auditory experience, each inside and outdoors the automobile.
Because it sits, the 4A-GE is putting down around 130PS, which does nicely within the sub-tonne Corolla. Acting because the proverbial ‘cherry on top’ to this perfectly balanced setup, an AE86 T50 5-speed gearbox, ORC clutch and Nismo LSD help get power to the bottom – or no less than keep the rear wheels spinning.
It was an actual pleasure to spend the day shooting with Takuya-san – it definitely added to my desire of wanting to construct a Corolla in Japan in the future. Until then, expect a couple of more from me featured here.
Alec Pender
Instagram: noplansco
This Article First Appeared At www.speedhunters.com
