Somebody’s Bound to Do It: Manila’s First JZ86

You’ve heard it over and over again from your friends and their grandmothers: the Toyota 86 isn’t particularly fast on a straight line. Then comes the debate about forced induction, whether or not the Toyobaru needs a boost in power to begin with, and ultimately what engine it should have come with. The answer to the latter would usually be the EJ25 or FA20 flat four turbo motors from the WRX and the WRX STI, but as we all know the aftermarket knows no bounds when it comes to these things. GM’s LS motors or Toyota’s venerable JZ powerplants are usually the first option for most folks looking for reliable power on any rear-wheel drive platform – and we’ve all seen it done as early as weeks into the Toyota 86’s release.

Locally however nobody is particularly keen on taking a brand spanking new off-the-showroom model and ditching a perfectly good motor straight away – that just isn’t the way Filipinos are wired to think. As expected, we’d have to wait a few years or so for the 86 platform to develop and trickle into the used market before we see something as drastic as an engine swap locally. Well folks, it looks like you don’t need to wait any longer since there is now a true JZ-swapped 86 in town – and it isn’t just for props either.

First intended to be a GT-spec touring car, the plans for this 86 shifted when its owner, Gabe Tayao, realized that he would be racing in GT100 – the lowest powered class of Philippine GT. Instead, he opted to build it into a full race-prepped drift car. Considering Gabe is sort of new to the sport, his JZ86 is ultimately meant to develop and train him for sideways action. With loads of experience behind karts and a stint with racing touring cars, Gabe now gets the opportunity to experience a remotely different motorsport with this high-powered rear-wheel drive platform.

If his last name sounds familiar, that’s because Gabe’s uncle, Kevin Tayao, used to be an active competitor during the early days of the sport. Now he acts as a guiding hand for his nephew as he follows in his uncle’s footsteps. That said, they’ve entrusted the gruesome transplant of the 2.5L 1JZ-GTE VVTi into the bay to the guys at DMF Drift – the shop itself run by the pioneer of drifting here in the Philippines.

Beyond literally shoving a straight six into the bay, all other systems of the car need to work perfectly to make full use of the motor especially during racing conditions. The motor is mated to the stock transmission via a custom bell-housing which houses an Exedy Twin Plate clutch to send power towards the Cusco 1.5-way LSD and the rear axle. To further bump the power from stock, a host of modifications surrounding a Garrett GT3076 Turbocharger allow the JZ86 to make about 450whp and 444 lb/ft of torque to the rear wheels with E85. As for engine management, a Haltech 750 Elite standalone ECU keeps the motor in check with all the added hardware installed.

Interior modifications have been kept fully functional with a pair of Sparco seats and harnesses surrounded by a full rollcage for proper occupant safety. As for the exterior, the JZ86 maintains an unassuming stock-ish body with a mild lip kit and ducktail wing made locally by Car Porn Racing. Continuing the local representation, a staggered set of Rota RK-Rs find their way under the wheel wells for perfect functionality.

Future plans for the first JZ86 in town include a full Wisefab angle kit and continuing development of the car and its driver for the upcoming National Drift Championship. Considering that this swap is the first of its kind locally, we’re eager to see just what this car can do once everything’s properly set up.

Words by Aurick Go

Photos by Jaime Miguel Echavez