Toyota GT86 build thread
Discussion
Picked up a 2012 Toyota GT86 in pearl white a few weeks ago. I've got a few plans for some modifications (mostly visual), so thought I'd start a thread to write up the progress as I go and hopefully a few people might enjoy reading what I get up to.
The GT86 replaces a 2.7 Cayman which I had for a little over a year. Hard to fault the Cayman and there was nothing I'd really want to improve on it! I only sold it as I felt like something new. Prior to the Cayman I've had a string of various cars including an Audi S4 (4.2 V8), Maserati 4200 (god-awful flappy paddle gearbox) and a mk2 1.8 MX5. Out of the last three, I had by far the most fun in the modestly powered MX5, so the GT86 felt like something that would suite me and I liked the idea that I can personalise it to make it more 'mine'.
Overall my plan is to aim for a relatively stock look, but a little more aggressive and purposeful. I don't want it to look overtly modified - so there will be no carbon fibre canards, wild GT wings or 20" wheels. I'm also relatively happy with the power of the car. I really enjoy being able to drive it hard through 2nd and 3rd gear without fear of losing my license - so no plans at the moment for a turbo or supercharger.
This is how it looked when I picked it up. (thanks to http://www.nineteen80one.com/ for the photos)
Plans to begin with are:
- do something about the rear spoiler
- new wheels
- lowered
- exhaust
- do something about the 'altezza' style factory tail lights
- maybe tidy up the radio antenna
- maybe do something about the fender trims, which look too 'busy' to me
I want to keep all the modifications 'bolt on' if I can, so that I don't completely lose the factory warranty and also so that I can return the car to standard when the time inevitably comes to sell.
Updates soon!
The GT86 replaces a 2.7 Cayman which I had for a little over a year. Hard to fault the Cayman and there was nothing I'd really want to improve on it! I only sold it as I felt like something new. Prior to the Cayman I've had a string of various cars including an Audi S4 (4.2 V8), Maserati 4200 (god-awful flappy paddle gearbox) and a mk2 1.8 MX5. Out of the last three, I had by far the most fun in the modestly powered MX5, so the GT86 felt like something that would suite me and I liked the idea that I can personalise it to make it more 'mine'.
Overall my plan is to aim for a relatively stock look, but a little more aggressive and purposeful. I don't want it to look overtly modified - so there will be no carbon fibre canards, wild GT wings or 20" wheels. I'm also relatively happy with the power of the car. I really enjoy being able to drive it hard through 2nd and 3rd gear without fear of losing my license - so no plans at the moment for a turbo or supercharger.
This is how it looked when I picked it up. (thanks to http://www.nineteen80one.com/ for the photos)
Plans to begin with are:
- do something about the rear spoiler
- new wheels
- lowered
- exhaust
- do something about the 'altezza' style factory tail lights
- maybe tidy up the radio antenna
- maybe do something about the fender trims, which look too 'busy' to me
I want to keep all the modifications 'bolt on' if I can, so that I don't completely lose the factory warranty and also so that I can return the car to standard when the time inevitably comes to sell.
Updates soon!
Edited by walamai on Tuesday 3rd November 19:59
Edited by walamai on Tuesday 3rd November 20:02
First job - Rear Spoiler
I'm not a big fan of the factory rear spoiler.
I do like the TRD style 'duck tail' spoiler like this, so maybe I'll look at getting one at some point.
For now though, I'm going to try out the plain look.
First, open the boot and remove the lining.
There are around 6 small plastic clips which pop out with a small flat head screwdriver. The four rubber plugs just easily pull out.
Wait, I thought I bought a Toyota?
Once the lining is off, remove the four bolts (two on each side) and give the square plastic clips in the middle a squeeze.
It's filthy under there!
Careful wipe down and a spray with some quick detailer. Better, but now the rain can get in!
Picked up some official TRD spec white vinyl off ebay (*may not be official Toyota product). Used a sticky tape role to mark out some circles, then cut them out.
Weather proof for now
I much prefer the look without the spoiler. The little gloss white vinyl circles stand out much more than I expected against the pearl white of the paint, so I'll have to do something about them sooner rather than later. Going to keep an eye out for a spoiler-less boot lid if I can find one.
Edited by walamai on Tuesday 3rd November 20:28
Edited by walamai on Tuesday 3rd November 20:30
walamai said:
- do something about the 'altezza' style factory tail lights
Other than that interested to see what you go with. I rather like the TRD wing for these, but it's a bit on the large side for most people I would imagine.
edit - ninja'd
I see what's going on here...
walamai said:
Blayney said:
They aren't stock?
Good spot! The seller had some Valenti 'smoked' tail lights on there which are a really dark grey and not to my taste. It's back to stock for the time being. I have plans though 
I hated the GT86 Shen I test drive it but I've got to admit after 6 months with my MX5 I wonder if I'd actually like one this time round. They still look really modern and fresh.
It wasn't so much the lack of power but the coarseness of the engine that put me off-I was driving a Z4M coupe at the time however.
I'm with you on the low power thrills however, being able to redline a car in 3 gears is so much more fun when you don't feel terrified you might get sent to jail if caught!
It wasn't so much the lack of power but the coarseness of the engine that put me off-I was driving a Z4M coupe at the time however.
I'm with you on the low power thrills however, being able to redline a car in 3 gears is so much more fun when you don't feel terrified you might get sent to jail if caught!
Good choice getting an '86, and a nice list of improvements building up.
Once you've got a primary cat-back exhaust, I'd fully recommend a FenSport re-map. Really livens the car up.
With your tail lights; use some red E-Tech spray from eBay. I also sprayed a light mist of the tint stuff on mine too. Much prefer it now.
Once you've got a primary cat-back exhaust, I'd fully recommend a FenSport re-map. Really livens the car up.
With your tail lights; use some red E-Tech spray from eBay. I also sprayed a light mist of the tint stuff on mine too. Much prefer it now.
LaurasOtherHalf said:
It wasn't so much the lack of power but the coarseness of the engine that put me off-I was driving a Z4M coupe at the time however.
I know what you mean after coming from the Cayman. Lots of clunks and rattles and road noise that aren't there on a cayman, or something like a Z4M. It's taking a bit of getting used to, but I like it. I don't think I could live with an Elise for example, so this is a nice half way compromise.5harp3y said:
Seconded!
looking forward to seeing this progress. Stock they just look that touch awkward (spoiler /lights /stance and wheels)
I'm not straying too far from the theme! The Valenti's on it were these 'smoked' ones.looking forward to seeing this progress. Stock they just look that touch awkward (spoiler /lights /stance and wheels)
I've got some 'red' ones hopefully arriving from the US this week. Pretty much exactly the same, but red rather than grey, so a bit more 'factory' looking.
ECG1000 said:
Good choice getting an '86, and a nice list of improvements building up.
Once you've got a primary cat-back exhaust, I'd fully recommend a FenSport re-map. Really livens the car up.
With your tail lights; use some red E-Tech spray from eBay. I also sprayed a light mist of the tint stuff on mine too. Much prefer it now.
Fensport do an EcuTek remap right? I've got a K&N filter to drop in also, so I think that's a good plan after the exhaust. Maybe 15 or 20HP across the board from what I can gather. I think that'll be good to balance out against the wider rubber going on.Once you've got a primary cat-back exhaust, I'd fully recommend a FenSport re-map. Really livens the car up.
With your tail lights; use some red E-Tech spray from eBay. I also sprayed a light mist of the tint stuff on mine too. Much prefer it now.
I did look at doing sprays or films to make the tail lights red, but I really like the look of the Valenti's and the DIY solutions never looked quite perfect. The lights are around £200 in the US, so between what I got for selling the smoked ones there isn't much in it. Also trying to stick with the 'bolt-on' approach for now, so the stock lights can be in perfect condition to go back on in the future.
walamai said:
5harp3y said:
Seconded!
looking forward to seeing this progress. Stock they just look that touch awkward (spoiler /lights /stance and wheels)
I'm not straying too far from the theme! The Valenti's on it were these 'smoked' ones.looking forward to seeing this progress. Stock they just look that touch awkward (spoiler /lights /stance and wheels)
I've got some 'red' ones hopefully arriving from the US this week. Pretty much exactly the same, but red rather than grey, so a bit more 'factory' looking.
Because real men only buy tools that are eligible for Amazon Prime free delivery.
Almost set for the weekend. I've got a torque wrench, vortex socket set, axle stands and a jack all on the way. I think I'll end up spending more on tools that if I'd just paid somebody to install the springs. Wouldn't be half as much fun though.
Almost set for the weekend. I've got a torque wrench, vortex socket set, axle stands and a jack all on the way. I think I'll end up spending more on tools that if I'd just paid somebody to install the springs. Wouldn't be half as much fun though.
walamai said:
Fensport do an EcuTek remap right? I've got a K&N filter to drop in also, so I think that's a good plan after the exhaust. Maybe 15 or 20HP across the board from what I can gather. I think that'll be good to balance out against the wider rubber going on.
I did look at doing sprays or films to make the tail lights red, but I really like the look of the Valenti's and the DIY solutions never looked quite perfect. The lights are around £200 in the US, so between what I got for selling the smoked ones there isn't much in it. Also trying to stick with the 'bolt-on' approach for now, so the stock lights can be in perfect condition to go back on in the future.
Yep, it's an EcuTek re-map. I've got a Milltek primary cat-back and Blitz panel filter. Fensport reckon it's good for 218bhp.I did look at doing sprays or films to make the tail lights red, but I really like the look of the Valenti's and the DIY solutions never looked quite perfect. The lights are around £200 in the US, so between what I got for selling the smoked ones there isn't much in it. Also trying to stick with the 'bolt-on' approach for now, so the stock lights can be in perfect condition to go back on in the future.
I've gone for 8" wide wheels. So 1" wider than stock. Stuck with the skiddy Primacys, albiet 225 section as opposed to 215. There's still plenty of tail out action to be had!
You can get quite a good result with the E-Tech spray when you're patient. If you don't like it, they do a spray to remove it all.
Looking forward to seeing your progress.
ds the lot of you. 
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