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

The third-generation AA63 Carina was the last rear-wheel-drive model. It debuted in 1981, 18 years ago. The top grade included a 2.0-liter twin-cam 18R-G, but Option recommends the 1600 GT with a 4A-G. The body is compact but not especially light; still, a rear-wheel-drive chassis with a 4A-G makes it ideal for people who prefer something other than the AE86. Many drivers switch from an AE86, and it is a great canvas for showing individuality. Start tuning by modifying intake and exhaust for sharper response. For the suspension, lowering the front leaves little stroke, so coilovers are a good choice. The suspension is the same type used in the GX70 series, so parts can be shared. This sample belongs to Sunagawa, representative of the Carina Family team. “It’s heavy and slow, but taming it is what makes it fun.”

Still, WRC homologation cars are often fascinating—and all the more so when they are rare. This Familia GT-R is one of them: its 1.8-liter turbo BP engine drives all four wheels, making it a true rival to the Evolution and Impreza. The BP engine itself is durable, so a good approach is to leave the engine internals stock, or use forged pistons from the Familia GT-R, then install a high-flow turbo. However, the surge tank shape is poor, and raising boost tends to make cylinders 3 and 4 run lean. Countermeasures such as adding fuel directly to the surge tank are needed.

…increased in power. This car has instead been fitted with a 4G63 and FCR carburetors, making it unusual. The front and rear suspension also borrow parts from the AE86, and there are signs of parts-sharing throughout. The aim, however, is to enjoy the predictable handling of a rear-wheel-drive car—a feeling common to these older Showa-era machines.

AA63 Carina 1600 GT

Minor-car

Even as a minority…

4A-G + rear-wheel drive!

…make your statement!!

Assert “I”…

The driver’s seat has been replaced with a Bride bucket seat, and a Nardi steering wheel is fitted. The roll cage underscores how serious the car is.

Although the 4A-G itself is stock, intake and exhaust components such as a header and air cleaner…

Mainstream-level ★ modified

The straight-edged, unmistakably Showa-era shape is cool. The AA63 was the last rear-wheel-drive Carina. Other versions included a two-door coupe and a…

tuning

…system modifications…

…carried out.

has been

…have been fitted.

I want an AA63 Carina!

An affordable drift car that can leave the AE86 behind!

~ Buyer’s guide ~

Affordable

AA63 Carina

¥50,000–500,000

Market price

“People often come to the Carina because it has a 4A-G and rear-wheel drive, while AE86 prices are high. Naturally it depends on each car’s condition, but at the same condition level the Carina is much cheaper. Surprisingly, many people choose it as their first car.” (Auto Bura, 0427-96-5005)

☆☆☆ (rating is incomplete)

There are examples available…

Availability

At a glance

A175A Lancer GSR Turbo / ancestor of the VR-4!

SS WORKS

BG8Z Familia GT-A

I’m a WRC homologation car too!

…Yosei.

The owner is Wakino…

The BP engine is stock internally, but has been converted to an 05…-8G turbo and runs 1.4 kg/cm² of boost.

This Familia, tuned by Auto Signal, records an astonishing 12.882-second quarter-mile.

This Lancer Turbo was put together by SS Works (025-287-1651)…

…built by…

The 4G62 engine became the basis carried forward into the Lancer Evolution family. Although the original Lancer Turbo used that engine, this SS Works car has been converted to a 4G63. It runs four FCR carburetors and makes about 180 hp. A longitudinally mounted 4G feels unusual.

The Lancer EX debuted in September 1979, and the 1800 GSR Turbo followed in 1980. It used the 1.8-liter G-series engine, ancestor to the 4G63. Output was initially 135 hp, but later…

An intercooler was added, bringing output to 160…

D23 Eclipse

A hidden gem among 4WD turbos

…factory wheels for the model…

…are surprisingly well matched.

Developed with a focus on export markets, it debuted in Japan in 1990 (really?). It was a hit in North America, but failed to catch on in Japan.

The engine is a 4G63 and it has full-time four-wheel drive, so it shares its basic configuration with the Lancer Evolution—though it is not identical. Some Evo engine parts can be adapted. Given the car’s character, simply increasing boost may be enough.

…looks just right. The front lip and side skirts…

The other parts are also owner-made.

Looking at these minor-car pages, most of the cars are Mitsubishis. Mitsubishi is cool. This Eclipse was developed for the U.S. market…

Owner Nobuko Segami (left) proudly shows her custom diffuser, made by her husband (right).

Minor-car edition, advanced level ★ modified

Option

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

About this issue

Page 171 — English draft translation