Newera Imports AE86 Project - 1st Trackday, Tsukuba, Japan.

[Miguel - Newera]

Had a blast yesterday in my nearly completed Corolla AE86, It's 1st day out in Tsukuba along with 45 other cars out for a track day.

This is the first time I've driven it in anger since completing most of the build for it. The engine’s a full blueprinted race unit prepared by Techno Pro Spirits with a 9,250 rpm rev limit running 11mm lift 304 degree cams, making around 200 genuine bhp from a 1.6 N/A.
This engine proved itself to be very suited for track use, although I needed to keep it above 5,000 rpm to keep it from bogging down coming out of corners (It makes strong power from 4,500 rpm). I found this is a car that rewards very committed driving and accuracy with the way the power’s applied. I have to say, this car was the most fun I've ever had on a track!! :smokin:

Most enjoyed the way the rear end would go light on downshifts combined with hard braking, as engine braking itself is fairly strong given that it’s running 12.5:1 compression ratio. Despite heeling and toeing perfectly, I found there would still be smoke off the back tyres entering corners, which also helped get the back to step out… Had to keep the engine on song mid corner to come out with full power, which often resulted with exits completely broadside & the engine screaming at full bore.. Grip was surprisingly strong, despite running Potenza RE-01R street tyres and not semi slicks, as the RX-7 does. It was only 2 seconds of the pace of my RX-7 (With which I got 2nd quickest lap of the day ).

The AE86 would probably close the gap by a second or so, with semi slicks..
It's still too grippy for drifting, I think, although maybe with some rubbish tyres it'll become looser, but it certainly drifts. Then again, being more focussed on drifting than getting round the track as quick as possible, will make it go sideways better.

The engine is very special indeed. A rev limit this high means I didn't have to change rear as often as other cars. I was chased hard by a stripped out Integra Type R DC2 which has 200cc more and much the same power and it wasn't catching me. A couple of Skyline R32 GT-R's weren't gaining ground either, but it's difficult to compare, as drivers may not have been as committed. Was chasing one Celica GT-4 ST205 that was pushing hard but making up no ground. Sadly, he went wide on the long back chicane and then suddenly lost the back end right in front of me, before crossing my path and hitting the armco on the other side. The foam absorbed the impact and the kitty litter stopped it. I watched it bounce up in the air as it hit the foam. Real shame, that.. Felt really sorry for the guy. I kinda wanted to stop and see if he was okay, but the marshalls wouldn't have approved. I didn't see him or the car again, though I know he was alright as he was standing behind the armco on the next lap.

The way the AE86's engine would just rev and rev with power just building more and more up to the red line was inspiring. I'd change up at 9,000 rpm and this meant on the back straight I'd only just need 4th gear, whereas on the shorter front straight I'd reach the braking area at 9,000 in 3rd before heeling and toeing down and braking hard, accompanied by squirming and smoke off the rear tyres as I entered the top corner.

I was pleased the oil cooler, radiator and ducting I've made. It worked well - oil temp briefly hit 120 degrees after 6 hard laps, upon which I'd give it one cool down lap before going hard again.

The TRD bushes on the suspension seem to have made a difference. The car feels tight, although very raw too, also aided by the TRD 2 way differential. Will need to drop the front a bit more to aid front end grip next time and perhaps go for some semi slicks. It's got a slightly noisy pilot bearing in the differential, so that's to be changed on Monday.

I've almost finished it now. This weekend I'll probably refit the interior, as it's too noisy for road use without it. Plus it only weighs around 15kg so the saving's very little, really. Got 2 red Bride seats to go into it too, plus a new carbon bonnet from J-Blood and a few more goodies. DCD's going to be picking it up and having it for a few days, to do his magic and give his verdict, so no doubt you'll see this car in J-Tuner as well as his blog shortly.

He'll need ear plugs for the 2 hour trip home in it though!

I love this car. It's more fun than the RX-7 as it's even more challenging to drive. Never thought I'd say that! Roll on the next track day. Here's some pics of what it's looking like at the moment. I intend to make this Hatch Rokku into my ideal old skool car.