Tuning that focuses on driving performance rather than flashy customization
The “Miyagi 86/BRZ Meeting” is where everyone from fully stock to tuned cars can gather. One person we saw at the event was Mr. Saito, who purchased a Toyota “GR86” because of its FR drivetrain, which is ideal for polishing driving techniques. He grew up with car-loving parents and had ordered parts for his car before he took delivery intending to drive it on the race circuit. We asked him to introduce his car, which he is very particular about.
As soon as he finished breaking in the car, he went for a run at Sportsland SUGO
Mr. Saito grew up with parents who loved both two and four-wheels. He used the family car when he was a student, but when he became a working adult, he bought his first car, a Toyota GR86. Although the Mazda “Roadster” and Honda “Civic” were on his list, he decided on the current model because it is a current model that does not deteriorate over time or have parts that are difficult to obtain and because it has an RWD drive system that is ideal for polishing driving techniques.
To drive on the circuit, he ordered the parts before the car was delivered, and as soon as he finished breaking in the car, he went to his local Sportsland SUGO to drive it. However, he did not go overboard with the tuning, and kept the suspension and intake/exhaust systems to a very light specification. This is no doubt due to the advice of his parents, who experienced the heyday of tuning in the 1990s and have a wealth of experience in this area. </p
The engine, which has more power and torque than the previous model, is sufficient for the needs, and the first thing Saito-san worked on was the interior, including the bucket seats. He chose the BRIDE XERO CS, which has a head guard and is inspection compliant, an HPI camouflage racing harness that matches the body color, and a TRUST steering wheel, which is his favorite manufacturer. In addition, the factory replacement type air cleaner, muffler, and oil filler cap are all TRUST.
The high spring rate was chosen for circuit driving
The suspension is based on HKS HIPERMAX S. The springs were changed while driving on the circuit. From the factory setting of 5kg/mm front and 6.5kg/mm rear, both front and rear are now at 8kg/mm. Since the car is not currently designed for continuous laps in a race format, only the brake pads have been changed with the assumption that the car will be raced after a moderate interval. The ENDLESS SSR-G, which offers an excellent balance of braking power and control, is a good match for the 245/35R18 Shibatires, and the rotors are less aggressive.
Future tasks include improving cooling performance
The exterior is fully aero-designed by Masahiro Sasaki, who is from Iwate Prefecture in the Tohoku region of Japan and is active in a variety of categories. To enjoy circuit driving even more, the cooling system is the main issue to be addressed in the future.
Even at Sportsland SUGO, where the straights are long, the oil temperature reaches nearly 130℃ during the time attack at full throttle. He plans to install an oil cooler with his summer bonus because it would be half the fun if he could only drive in the cold season. If the oil temperature drops, the water temperature should drop in tandem, so he will check the situation and if he feels that further measures are necessary, he will probably install a large-capacity radiator. We are looking forward to not only the evolution of the driver, but also the further evolution of the car.
