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

Akamatsu’s Mark II is a model drift build. The engine itself is untouched; the key change is swapping the automatic transmission for a five-speed manual. It can then deliver performance comparable to a 90-series Tourer V. The challenge for JZX81 owners is suspension setup: front struts and a rear double-wishbone arrangement, not the Cefiro’s multi-link layout, but the design is tuned to “never let the car spin,” so understeer is pronounced… [continues].

An inexpensive 280-PS sedan…

…doubles its potential with a five-speed manual conversion!

GX/JZX Mark II, Chaser, and Cresta.

Akamatsu JZX81, converted to a five-speed manual.

The 210-PS 1G-GT twin-turbo is frankly underpowered. If you are buying one, the best choice is a later 25G twin-turbo with the 1JZ-GTE, offered only in the later model. It is nice that you can buy one for more than ¥500,000 less than a 90-series Tourer V.

Its potential for increased boost and power is high; output can exceed that of a 100-series… .

It is enjoyable even with the stock engine. It can also make over 350 hp, more than a Tourer V. Its only drawback may be that it overheats easily.

…and it is powerful but reluctant to turn. This car has Shooting Star coilovers, but adjustable front pillow-ball upper mounts are essential. A negative-camber adapter would also be a worthwhile upgrade…

…that is how it goes.

Still, its basic performance is high; once the suspension is sorted, it is very fast. Its straight-line speed is every bit as good as a lightly tuned Silvia. In a good way, it is a wild machine, and the fun lies in using skill to tame it. Since it does not need engine tuning for ordinary driving, it is also inexpensive to build, which suits us.

Now… [fragment].

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

About this issue

Page 138 — English draft translation