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

The EP82 is light and genuinely fun to drive, whether turbocharged or naturally aspirated. Its low weight has also made it a popular tuning base. It is good on a circuit, but especially suited to drag racing, where weight is decisive. The robust 4E-FTE can be tuned hard, and with a large turbo these cars can run in the 11s. One such machine is this flaming-pink EP built by Cruise, owned by Hiroshi Kaminobu. It uses a GT3037S 52T turbo (even HRF used a GT2835R) at 1.8 bar and makes 430 PS. Calculations suggest it can propel the lightweight 860 kg body through the quarter mile in the low 11s. Advantages of the 4E engine include access to parts from the larger-displacement 5E and easy swaps. Most of all, the EP82 itself is inexpensive, which makes it an attractive tuning base.

The stock camshafts were modified to 280-degree duration and used on both intake and exhaust. To match boost arriving from 3,000 rpm, intake cam timing was advanced so the valves open earlier and improve breathing. A GT3037S 52T at 1.8 bar makes 430 PS. Three additional 550 cc injectors are controlled by a Rebic; an upgraded fuel pump bolts in, and an original computer handles fuel tuning.

Showa-era cars are…

…is a bargain!

Lightweight, compact, and quick: from mountain passes to drag racing…

…even top-speed runs are no problem!

Koctreetes

Starlet.

0.（000

Cruise’s flaming-pink EP82.

This zero-four EP82 built by Cruise has an enormous intercooler that gives it a serious look. The transmission uses a TRD close-ratio five-speed. Suspension combines Ohlins front shocks and springs (rate unclear) with Carrosse rear shocks for a LanEvo and TRD springs.

What is the EP82 like?

…as a car?

From “Idaten” to “quick and nimble”: the lightweight inherits the fierce power… .

STARLET

…people involved… [fragment].

…sports… [fragment].

Cruise’s original exhaust manifold is stainless steel and designed for an external wastegate. Pipe diameter is 42.7 mm; price ¥160,000.

…debuted in November 1989 (Heisei 1) as the fourth-generation…

1989… [fragment].

The EP82 Starlet was the second generation to use front-wheel drive and received the larger 1,331 cc 4E engine. Versions included the carbureted 4E-F and fuel-injected 4E-FE. The carburetor was discontinued in the January 1992 minor change.

A turbocharged 4E-FTE was also offered…

4E-F (naturally aspirated carburetor version; early model… [continues].

Engine type.

Model code EP82

4E-F (carbureted, 82 PS), 4E-FE (fuel-injected, 100 PS), 4E-FTE (turbo, 135 PS) .

Cruise’s original connecting rods have a strong I-beam section for high boost and cost ¥148,000. Cooperation: Cruise, Chiyoda Building 1F, 2-chome Hatsujo 10-jo, Nishi-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 063-0830; 011-662-7219. Hot Road, 1206-3 Tsuruta, Kawagoe, Saitama 350-0844; 0492-26-2953.

Photos: MPS / Hiroki Iwashima. Report: Atsushi Miyashita / Option.

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

About this issue

Page 152 — English draft translation