When does a automobile’s original design and construction change into a hindrance? For lots of us (myself included), the urge to change a automobile will often occur before the keys are in hand.
The Toyota AE86 is an ideal example of this; it’s many things to many individuals and, with the suitable changes, can change into an incredibly capable machine despite its inherent shortcomings.
While some owners stay true to the purist approach, preserving the unique 4A-GE engine and associated running gear (guilty again), what if you happen to never had those parts to begin with?
Case-in-point: the AE86 you see here, owned by Robbie Durant.
That name is likely to be familiar to some; Robbie co-drove alongside Travis Pastrana within the American Rally Association (ARA) rally championship before the pandemic, spending over twenty years within the navigator seat.
This AE86 is greater than only a automobile for Robbie – it serves as a rolling portfolio for his expertise in electronics and wiring. His work spans the whole lot from Formula 1 to WRC cars, and this project is a showcase of that skill.
The automobile began as a rolling shell from Dytko Sport in Poland, an organization renowned for its expertise within the “Skilled design and constructing of bizarre cars for rallying and racing.” The shell had already undergone significant modifications, including Nissan S14 subframes front and rear, in addition to a roll cage.
More work was needed to bring the automobile to its current form, including additional strengthening to make sure the construct met the high standards required for what is basically a business card on wheels.
The outside is comparatively understated, with a vintage TRD-inspired livery. Composite panels have replaced the unique metal bonnet, front fenders, and boot lid to save lots of weight.
European AE86 enthusiasts may recognise the Hasselback lip attached to the front bumper, a rare dealer kit option back within the day.
Drawing further inspiration from Robbie’s rallying background, the Corolla wears 15-inch Braid wheels wrapped in 205/50R15 semi-slicks. CBY-style arches replace the stock units to accommodate the broader wheel and tyre package.
Öhlins DFV dampers feature in any respect 4 corners of the automobile, and since these photos were taken, the front brakes have been upgraded with AP Pro5000 callipers with 2-piece discs – designed to suit inside a 15-inch wheel.
However it’s in the inside and engine bay where Robbie has been in a position to truly display his skillset.
MoTeC supplied the M880 ECU, C127 Dash, PDM16, and a CAN keypad, all expertly integrated with Deutsch connectors and a custom wiring loom encased in Raychem R25 tubing.
This high-end electronics package leaves little to be desired, featuring full data logging, a 25MHz GPS for speed and track mapping, and brake pressure sensors.
All critical controls are neatly arranged on a custom panel mounted to the steering wheel, with the CAN keypad housed in a 3D-printed mount.
A couple of parts with motorsport heritage have also found their way into the automobile, a Prodrive Group A Impreza hydraulic handbrake and a passenger footplate salvaged from a Prodrive-built WRC Mini Clubman amongst them.
Corolla purists, brace yourselves – there isn’t a Toyota 4A-GE within the engine bay. As a substitute, a Honda F20C from an S2000 takes pride of place, gulping air through Jenvey individual throttle bodies and exhaling through a bespoke exhaust system.
Fueling comes courtesy of a 45-litre fuel cell within the boot, with Nuke Performance pumps and fittings keeping the flow regular.
Depending on noise regulations, a side exit exhaust notched into the sill allows for an alternate exhaust route when permitted. Otherwise, Robbie runs a traditional rear exit system.
The mix of automobile and driver has proven very capable, contesting for the fastest time at events just like the Curborough Sprint Day.
While this automobile may never satisfy those that value originality above all else, the execution speaks for itself. From a motorsport perspective, choosing the suitable parts for the duty at hand means the AE86 shell could just as easily have been an Opel Kadett, Mk2 Ford Escort, or something similar.
Though the Corolla’s character has modified drastically from its 4A-GE and live axle roots, never having had those parts under his ownership and subsequently no nostalgia to reflect upon, Robbie has been in a position to focus solely on constructing a very fast and well-executed automobile – one that appears good doing it, too.
Chaydon Ford
Instagram: chaycore
This Article First Appeared At www.speedhunters.com
