Hi Folks,
Long-time lurker stepping into the light to share my Toyota GT86 race car build. For years, I’ve been progressively transforming this car into a track weapon, and thought it was time to document the journey here. This forum has been an invaluable resource, so it’s my turn to contribute back.
This is how the Toyota GT86 looked when I first brought it home in 2016.
Original 2016 Toyota GT86 Purchase
Toyota GT86 being collected from Momentum Motorsport
The car had been on the market for a while, and I’d been watching it, hoping it would still be available when I was ready to buy. Luckily, everything aligned, and on a freezing February morning, I found myself heading to Momentum Motorsport near Lisburn to pick it up. This particular Toyota GT86 has an interesting history. Apparently, it began as a pre-production model straight from Japan. JRM Engineering, known for their work in GT1 and GT3 R35 GT-Rs, LMP1, and Group N rally cars, undertook a project to transform it into a Clubman version for a potential race series. This was early in the GT86’s life, when aftermarket parts were scarce. JRM developed most components in-house with their suppliers. However, the race series never materialized beyond a single demonstration and shakedown day with Phil Glew at the wheel. For the next four years, it sat tucked away in storage before being sold to Momentum Motorsport, eventually finding its way to me.
JRM’s involvement was a major draw for me. Their builds are typically in the realm of the ultra-high-end, making this GT86 project something quite unique and accessible. Considering their reputation, I knew the quality would be exceptional.
True to form, with only 250km on the odometer, the car was in pristine condition. The build quality was indeed outstanding. The interior had been completely stripped, wiring neatly managed, a custom-welded roll cage professionally installed, and plumbed with air jacks and a fire extinguisher system. The interior had also been professionally resprayed. The underside was equally immaculate. My only slight reservation was the body kit, particularly the rear bumper, which wasn’t quite to my personal taste. But, let’s be honest, it’s a race car; these are minor details in the grand scheme of things.
Toyota GT86 Interior with Roll Cage and Race Prep
Toyota GT86 Underside Condition
Toyota GT86 Exterior Bodykit Details
Engine-wise, it was essentially stock apart from an HKS panel filter, HKS intake pipe, and rear section exhaust. Toyota Gt86 Cars are known to be a bit underpowered from the factory, often dynoing below the advertised 197bhp. It was safe to assume this would be the slowest car I’d ever tracked at my local circuit, Mondello. However, raw power wasn’t the point; the chassis was the focus. JRM had already enhanced it significantly with a set of KW coilovers and AP Racing brakes – 6-pot calipers up front and 4-pots at the rear.
AP Racing Big Brake Kit on Toyota GT86
KW Coilover Suspension on GT86 Race Car
