Tuesday 6th October 2015

Toyota AE86 V8: You Know You Want To

What better tool for powerslides than a RWD Corolla with a 4.0-litre V8?

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PH likes the Toyota GT86. Hopefully this has become clear from our long-term test, comparisons and features on the modified cars. We're very big fans of the original AE86 too; both offered a RWD coupe option when the hot hatch appeared the only choice for the money and that will always be well received here.

Fuel filler easy to spot. You'll need it

But it's impossible to discuss both the 86s without reaching power at some point. The current car makes 200hp, the original just 123. Fine engines both, and enough for some fun at road speeds, but what about beyond that? What about as a track toy or, dare it be said, drift hooligan? There is an answer.

This AE86 has a 4.0-litre Lexus V8 in it. Which sounds ludicrous given the size of the car but look at the underbonnet shot; sure, it's a snug fit, but it certainly doesn't look overengined. A 1.6-litre four-cylinder to a 4.0-litre V8 and it doesn't look ridiculous! It should be noted this car has a lowered subframe and new bonnet to accommodate the engine but that's still some achievement.

Conservatively that should have doubled the power and torque output, with the standard V8 making 256hp and 260lb ft. Even with the additional weight of the this 86 should be hilariously fast. And sideways.

Might happen at every junction

Pleasingly the overhaul appears very comprehensive, much more than just dropping in a V8 and hoping for the best. The brakes, suspension and drivetrain have all been uprated to cope with the huge increase in power, set off by some lovely Volk TE37 wheels. And they're just 14-inch diameter! The stickers won't be to all tastes but they can be removed. The bonnet? It's housing a 4.0-litre V8, it's allowed to be different from standard!

As the advert pictures suggest, the current owner is already enjoying their 86 at sprints and hillclimbs so it would be rude not to continue. It's fully road legal too, with an MoT until August. Whether it proves a bit much for regular use remains to be seen but, well, who wouldn't want to give it a try? The owner's view is that it's "just as happy driving round town as she is tearing around a track." Good news!

There's not much more to say really. The ad is crammed with detail - there's even the name of the guy who did the work mentioned - and the potential for fun must be huge. For those who value originality or who don't really like old Corollas, this will seem like an unnecessary butchering. For those with easy access to tyres and craving ultimate amusement, this could be £11,000 very well spent.

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TOYOTA COROLLA AE86 V8
Price: £11,000
Why you should: Bro do you even drift? You do now!
Why you shouldn't: Not exactly original; not exactly cheap either

See the original advert here.

[ManOpener]

The first "YKYWT" in a while I've actually wanted! Looks like it would be a great bit of fun.

[jmesgotav8]

Would prefer a stock one, but this ticks so many boxes. Looks like fun

[s m]

I like the standard ones as well but this V8 one looks like a lot of fun too

[dufunk]

1UZ weighs less than a 2JZGTE with tranny and only 22kg more than 4age so this made perfect sense. The early 90's 1UZ only 256bhp vvti one 300bhp and loads more torque.

[Krikkit]

That looks rather magnificent, a bargain tbh!

[JamesHayward]

This belongs to / was built by a friend of mine. Sadly for everyone else I think it's no longer for sale as he's found a way of being able to keep hold of it.

It's really well built, and sounds the mutt's nuts when it's on chat!

Edited by JamesHayward on Tuesday 6th October 15:17

[j90gta]

That is wonderful. As you said, remove stickers and maybe paint it all one colour, then scare every other person at the traffic lights GP! Endless opportunities for serious hooning. You would also require extra large cojones to drive it on the road!

[Escy]

Just as well it's been withdrawn. There is no way he'd get anywhere near 11k for it, he'd be doing well to get 7k.

[Amirhussain]

ManOpener said:

The first "YKYWT" in a while I've actually wanted! Looks like it would be a great bit of fun.

+1

[WokkaWokka]

Surely it must lose its original balance and allure after whacking a v8 in it.

[sege]

dufunk said:

1UZ weighs less than a 2JZGTE with tranny and only 22kg more than 4age so this made perfect sense. The early 90's 1UZ only 256bhp vvti one 300bhp and loads more torque.

Seriously? that's amazing. I'm a big fan of the 4AGE but if this motor only weighs 22kg more that's hard to argue against.

When asked about what makes the Ferrari 250 GTO so special Mark Hales said something along the lines of "It has a balance like nothing else". So I've always thought that in a more logical world that should make the GTO and the AE86 the two most sought after, desirable and valuable classic cars in the world. So really 11k is (was)a bit of a bargain. Shame they don't make 'em like that any more.

[skyrover]

These Lexus V8's just love being bounced off the limiter and can cope with 9000rpm with upgraded valve springs and stock internals

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dkqY1ttkpA

[BoyRacerChaser]

WANT.

Its the same as my Mk1 MR2 with a supercharged V6, the 1MZ fitted in there is within a few kg of what the 4AGE was and the handling is sublime.

[Ed86]

Hi guys and girls, I'm the owner of the car in question, figured I should reply to this just to clear up the for sale / not for sale questions. While I'm not really keen on selling this car now if the money is right it will have to go, everything has a price after all! If people have other questions regarding the build or the car in general I'm happy to answer them either on here or over the phone.

With regards to the issue on pricing it's always difficult to work out what something like this is really worth, I went for that figure based on current market prices and previous sales, but I'm always open to sensible offers.

[Matt Bird]

Ed86 said:

Hi guys and girls, I'm the owner of the car in question, figured I should reply to this just to clear up the for sale / not for sale questions. While I'm not really keen on selling this car now if the money is right it will have to go, everything has a price after all! If people have other questions regarding the build or the car in general I'm happy to answer them either on here or over the phone.

With regards to the issue on pricing it's always difficult to work out what something like this is really worth, I went for that figure based on current market prices and previous sales, but I'm always open to sensible offers.

Hi Ed,

Thanks for chipping in! If my numbers come up over the weekend then it will definitely be sold

Cheers,


Matt

[Bladedancer]

dufunk said:

1UZ weighs less than a 2JZGTE with tranny and only 22kg more than 4age so this made perfect sense. The early 90's 1UZ only 256bhp vvti one 300bhp and loads more torque.

Plus it's tuneable and almost indestructible (but a heavily tuned one won't necessarily be indestructible though). One of the all time great if a bit overlooked engine.