Boxer engine connection pays homage to Porsche

The Miyagi 86/BRZ Meeting, now in its second year, is an event that started in 2023 with the desire to create a place where owners could casually gather with other owners, regardless of whether they were fully stock or tuned. The inaugural event in 2023 was quite successful with 50 cars, and in 2024, as many as 150 new and old Toyota 86s and Subaru BRZs participated. Among these Tohoku-centric owners, we would like to introduce one car of interest.

86 has evolved to the point where it is the only one of its kind

Mr. Aida says he bought the 86 as a business associate rather than a hobby. However, as a motorcycle and car enthusiast who had been into mopeds since his teenage years, he was unsatisfied with the stock model and his desire for customization grew. Eventually, he became the factory manager at Garage Bullet, a professional store in Yamagata. While he responds to the detailed requests of his customers, which is hard work but worth it, he never loses his passion for working on his beloved car, which has evolved into something truly one-of-a-kind.

The concept of the customization was a Porsche with a horizontally opposed engine. Although he humbly states, “It’s still in its developmental stages,” the mix of big and small tricks made it a center of attention for the gallery at the event. The Airmecht suspension achieved a ride height that crawled on the ground, and Nissho tires were used for the pillow-upper mounts.

Porsche wheels and mufflers create a different atmosphere

The interesting thing is the OZ Futura wheels that adorn the undercarriage, and P.C.D. has changed them for Porsche. The original rim width was 8.0J front / 9.0J rear, but to fit the 86, the rims were changed to 10.0J front / 10.5J rear. The inset was also pursued without compromise to fit without hitting the fenders, and the 215/45R17 Nancan AR-1 tires were pulled and assembled.

The rear diffuser is a combination of a genuine Porsche diffuser and a stock 86 bumper, and the muffler is a late-model Porsche 911. The combination of parts from different manufacturers and different car models, yet the natural finish that you wouldn’t notice unless you were told, is what you would expect from a professional store that excels in customization.

Many genuine Porsche parts are also used in the interior

In addition, the genuine Porsche horn button and the shift knob from the air-cooled Porsche era were modified and used for the interior. If this is the extent of the work done, the concept is true, but Mr. Aida is now planning an even greater feat. That is to replace the engine with the 3L 6-cylinder EZ30 engine used in the Subaru “Legacy Lancaster” and other models. The team has already started researching the modifications that are needed for the engine member, the direction of the throttle is opposite the front and rear, and the intake needs to be redesigned, they hope to have the engine installed by the end of this year.

Of course, it is not a simple task, but as a mechanic, he feels it is very worthwhile, and it will also be a new customization proposal for the users.