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

Parts catalog.

EP82

Starlet.

L.S.D

JAM original computer.

An LSD is essential for enjoying a high-power front-wheel-drive car. This 1-way unit does not engage on deceleration, preventing understeer on corner entry with the throttle off while providing strong traction on exit. ¥75,000 [category C].

5E engine.

Tuned base engine.

A 5E engine prepared as a tuning base. The package includes resurfacing the cylinder head and block, balancing the pistons and connecting rods, and an overhaul. Prices vary with engine condition but start at ¥300,000 including removal and installation [category B].

In addition to removing the various limiters, fuel injection and ignition timing are corrected for an ideal increased-boost setup. ¥125,000 with stock ECU trade-in [category B].

Reinforced actuator.

Front-mount intercooler kit.

A bolt-on front-mount intercooler that fits neatly after trimming only a little from the inside of the front bumper. Size, pipe diameter, and routing are designed to minimize pressure loss and improve charge efficiency. ¥178,000 [category B].

Its diaphragm spring is stronger than the stock turbo’s, so boost comes on sooner. It allows increased boost while retaining the factory boost-switching system. ¥25,000 [category B].

Genuine turbo tuning… [heading fragment].

（A）

If increasing boost is no longer enough, replace the turbo for more power! ¥248,000.

JAM original high-capacity radiator.

An original brass radiator with a two-row core for greater heat capacity. Its strong heat dissipation is reassuring even in traffic. It bolts in without body modifications, and the electric fan bolts on too. ¥49,000; ¥39,000 with stock radiator trade-in [category B].

I want an EP82!

Buyer’s guide.

Sample: EF8.

¥300,000–¥900,000. Supply ★★★☆☆.

Market price.

Number available.

The popular round-headlight version is expensive; look for the mid-generation model…

A word of advice.

“The popular ones are the later round-headlight models (1994–95), around ¥600,000–¥900,000. The 1990–91 cars sell more cheaply. You can sometimes find one around ¥100,000, though a good-condition car may be about ¥400,000. The 1992–93 models are around ¥500,000. Popular colors are white, black, then silver.” (TAX Higashikawaguchi, 048-297-3003).

The EP is often associated with fast turbo cars, and most people choose turbo models as tuning bases. But a high-revving, aggressively tuned naturally aspirated build is fun too, making good use of its light, compact body. For serious fun on mountain roads or a circuit, a light car with power you can use is ideal.

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A serious setup for both circuits and mountain roads.

The classic EP82 build!

Brake-cooling ducts show how serious this circuit build is. This naturally aspirated car is by TBS (0425-57-6885). Its ordinary appearance hides a stripped interior with undercoating removed and a roll cage installed…

Simple but functional cockpit. A car built this far seems to pressure you not to drive halfway!

The naturally aspirated 4E-FE has been mechanically tuned with a resurfaced head and altered compression ratio. Intake and exhaust are carefully matched, and the computer is tuned to deliver the engine’s best performance.

…enough to leave rivals behind.

Parts inquiries: A, B-MAX 0422-60-0515; B, JAM 03-5682-1110; C, Cusco 0273-52-2888.

Option

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