Throwback Thursday: F20C Swapped AE86 Corolla
This Honda-swapped Toyota might be blasphemy to some, but to us, it's pretty damn cool.
Mr. Controversy
Nothing gets purists more riled up than when someone puts an off-brand engine in their ride. But in this case, we'll let it pass. Mostly because this 1986 Toyota AE86 gets its juice from a Honda sourced F20C. But we're also the open minded types who can appreciate a well-done build of any make. And this very orange, extremely blasphemous Toyota is one seriously well-done build.
Opposites Attract
The owner of the AE86, Ka Wong, picked it up with modest intentions of making it a side project. And even though the F20C swap might seem strange to most, it was the obvious choice for Wong. He wanted a modern engine that made excellent power without having to sink a bunch of money into it. This, of course, ruled out the typical 4A-GE build. So he paired the high revving powerplant with the nimble chassis of the AE86, and a star was born.
>>Join the conversation about the AE86 with the heart of an S2000 right here in the S2ki Forum!
Heart of a champion
Surprisingly enough, swapping the Honda motor into the little Toyota wasn't that difficult. Mostly because a company by the name of JSP sells an AE86/S2000 conversion mount kit with brackets that utilize both factory S2000 and AE86 engine mounts. No cutting, hacking, or headache required. But the car does make use of a custom exhaust system, custom fuel lines, and a Koyo Aluminum radiator. On top of all that, the JSP kit sits the engine lower in the chassis, which helps retain that excellent agility these cars are known for.
>>Join the conversation about the AE86 with the heart of an S2000 right here in the S2ki Forum!
She's a looker
As you've already noticed, this AE86 isn't just some clapped out science experiment beater, either. The Pearl Spicy Orange paint is simply stunning laid down over a JDM Corolla Levin front end conversion, D-Max widened front fenders and hood, Origin rear fender flares, and a TRD rear wing. And we'd say the choice of TE37V wheels perfectly complements all of that reworked sheet metal.
>>Join the conversation about the AE86 with the heart of an S2000 right here in the S2ki Forum!
Handling corners
Helping the already nimble Toyota handle even better is a set of GReddy Type-S coilovers, Nagisa Auto Shakitto Plates, Ueo Style lower control arms, and inner and outer tie rods, Cusco tension rods, front and rear sway bars, and adjustable 4-links, and T3 traction brackets. Plus, a Wilwood big brake conversion slows things down in a hurry. At the end of the day swaps and builds are all subjective but there is one thing that is absolute: if you're going to do something, do it as best as it can be. Mr. Ka Wong, you've done an awesome job with this one.
>>Join the conversation about the AE86 with the heart of an S2000 right here in the S2ki Forum!