AE86 UPDATE

Some of you may remember Matt Heslin’s Toyota AE86 project, which we ran halfway through last year as things were looking close to being finished. But as we all know projects have a way of spiralling out of control, and the car was soon sitting at SMS Fabrication stripped back down to a bare shell for phase two. Graeme Smyth from SMS has built a new roll cage, custom steering column, full stainless exhaust, a fuel system and many other custom touches. As before the car is running Parts Shop Max coilovers and rear arms, Cusco adjustable arms, Whiteline sway bars, a Wilwood pedal box and Wilwood brakes on all four corners. The engine set-up is an SR20DET with JE pistons, Eagle rods and ARP hardware. The head has been ported and polished and runs BC Stage 2 cams, cam gears and valve springs. The turbo is a GReddy TD06 with Sinco manifold and SMS stainless exhaust. The bodywork includes Origin front guards, Run Free over-fenders, sideskirts, a rear bar and hatch and a J Blood bonnet. It has been a busy month for Matt and those involved with the build — as GT Refinishers worked its magic on the shell with plenty of metal flake and custom touches like the Miami Vice rocker cover — ahead of its debut at the V 4&Rotary Nationals. With the car very close to being finished for a second time, expect a full feature in an upcoming issue.