Option — Shōwa Car Tuning & Buyers Guide (2000 Edition)

‘If I were buying now, I'd choose a late-model car from 1989 or later. We specialize in FCs and see plenty of them. Check whether the engine has been rebuilt. Even an expensive car can need another ¥500,000 if it has not had an overhaul, so a car with one already done is more reassuring. For the body, accident history matters more than rust. Most FCs on our lot have some tuning—at minimum, the exhaust and suspension have been changed.’ (Garage Seven, 012...)

Catalog item

Catalog

Rear under-half and side steps flow smoothly into the rear body line as one integrated design. The newest rear under-half costs ¥35,000.

Side-step part number 6

Fog-lamp set

Toe-control canceler

Rear wing

A four-position adjustable wing. For FC owners who want a performance-focused look amid the popularity of low-mounted wings, this is an ideal choice. ¥80,000. (A)

FC3S door-mirror catch hooks solve the problem of the locking hook breaking when folding the stock mirrors. They are an inexpensive repair; there is no need to replace the whole mirror. (B)

This cancels the FC3S rear toe-control (4WS) system. It suppresses toe changes for more natural handling. (B)

100 mm round fog lamps. ¥22,800 with harness, ¥19,800 without; also sold individually. (A)

For early model

The mechanical LSD offered on early FCs can be transformed into a much more aggressive unit by replacing its internal plates. The later GT-X viscous unit and the Eunos Cosmo Torsen can also be swapped in. (F)

Mechanical LSD

Urethane bushings. Strengthening the engine mounts on a high-revving rotary can dramatically improve feel. Replace cracked bushings promptly. (C) ¥12,000 per vehicle.

This practical setup makes strong torque in the low-rpm range used most often. It is very easy to drive up to around 6,000 rpm and recommended for street use. Type II is discontinued; only Type I is currently available. (¥140,000)

High-performance turbo, Type II

Multi-adjustable pillow-ball mount: camber and caster can be adjusted together, with increased stroke as a bonus. Recommended for enthusiasts. (D) ¥43,000.

For late model

Hybrid turbo. For affordable power, a high-flow turbo is recommended. It reduces boost drop at high rpm compared with the stock turbo and lets the engine rev freely. (D) ¥168,000 with stock-turbo exchange.

4-45-1 Higashikomatsugawa, Edogawa, Tokyo 132-0033; 03-5662-2534.

Parts inquiries: A, Auto...

B: Home Speed

627-1 Tamura, Hiratsuka, Kanagawa 254-0013; 0463-55-0688.

C: Lost R Magic

2327-25 Tana, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 229-1124; 042-764-7077.

D: Pan Speed

2-7-8 Sekiyama, Hasuda, Saitama 349-0121; 048-764-2040.

1556-1 Miyakocho, Isesaki, Gunma 372-0801; 0270-23-9370.

E: Okada Engineering

F: Mazda parts distributor

January

Want to buy an FC?

Want an FC3S? Buyer's guide

Sample FC3S

¥300,000–¥1,500,000

Market price

★★★★☆

Number of units

Plenty of cars on the market and a wide price range—choose carefully.

In short

Option — Shōwa Car Tuning & Buyers Guide (2000 Edition)

About this issue

Page 108 — English draft translation