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

The Mark II trio debuted in 1988 (Showa 63). The engine lineup was led by the 210-PS 1G-GTE twin-turbo, alongside the 170-PS supercharged 1G-GZ and the 150-PS twin-cam 1G-GE. A 200-PS 7M-G was added in 1989. In 1990 the car received a minor change and a newly developed 2.5-liter six-cylinder. The flagship 2.5 GT Twin Turbo received the 280-PS 1JZ-GTE and evolved into “the strongest sedan,” but was offered only with an automatic transmission. The 90-series took over in 1992.

GX81s are much more affordable than JZX models. Shimizu bought his Chaser for ¥500,000 and then converted it to a five-speed manual. The early model looks plain beside the later one, but its front bumper can be swapped for the larger later JZX-style bumper, so it is worth considering. The front wheels are stock HCR32 Skyline wheels. Add plenty of camber and roll the fender lips, and stock BNR32 wheels can fit front and rear.