Pushing Limits: A GR86 Owner’s Journey to Track Dominance
As part of our deep dive into the world of car enthusiasts, we had the privilege to interview a dedicated GR86 owner who has transformed their vehicle into a track-ready machine. Here’s what they shared about their journey, modifications, and aspirations.
Wheels and Tires:
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Wheels: 17x9.5 +45 TE37SL
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Tires: Yokohama A052
Photos by: Jeffrey Sengaloune & Brandon Tran
When asked about the choice of wheels and tires, the driver explained, “The TE37SL wheels are lightweight and strong, and paired with Yokohama A052 tires, they have great grip while on the track.”
Modifications:
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Exhaust: HKS Hi-Power Lightweight Exhaust
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Seats: Bride Zieg IV (Driver and Passenger) with PCI Seat Mounts
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Harnesses: Cusco Hans 6-Point Harness (Driver and Passenger)
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Harness Bar: Brey-Krause Harness Bar
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Rear Lower Control Arms: GKTECH RLCA
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Bushings: Cusco Transmission Insert Bushing and Whiteline Differential Insert Bushing
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Shifter: CAE Ultra Short Shifter
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Pedal Extension: Cusco Throttle Pedal Extension
“Each mod serves a specific purpose,” the driver said. “From better handling to interior comfort, everything is aimed at enhancing the car’s track performance while still looking great.”
Brakes:
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Brake Pads: Endless ME20 Pads
“Braking is crucial on the track, and the Endless ME20 pads have consistent performance lap after lap.”
Aero:
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Body Kit: Sayber Designs Front Lip, Skirts, Rear Spats
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Splitter: RaceBred 2” Splitter Kit with 9livesracing Splitter Endplates
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Hood: Kazama Auto Hood
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Wing: Verus Rear Wing
“Aerodynamics play a huge role in stability,” the driver noted. “The combination of the splitter, wing, and hood helps keep the car planted.”
Suspension:
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Control Arms: Cusco Front LCAs
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Coil-overs: RaceComp SSR 3-Way 9k/10k Coil-overs
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Sway Bars: Racecomp Front and Rear Sway Bars
“Suspension tuning is an art,” the driver explained. “These upgrades allow for precise control and handling on the track.”
Additional Modifications:
- Clear front side-markers
- Clear Tail-lights
- Rear Diffuser Delete/Cut
Performance Stats:
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Average WHP: 214
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Average Weight: Approximately 2,700 lbs (without driver)
The Passion Behind the Build
What Got Them Into Cars:
Growing up in a family that ran a car shop, the driver’s passion for cars was ignited early. “Helping my dad and watching 90s JDM videos really set the foundation for my love of cars,” they shared. Influences like Hot Version and Initial D also played a pivotal role.
Why the GR86:
“The GR86 is affordable, lightweight, and an excellent platform for learning,” the driver said. “It’s perfect for tracking, and with minimal modern tech clutter, it’s just raw driving fun.”
Recent Setbacks and Future Plans
Engine Failure on Track:
Recently, the GR86’s FA24 motor experienced a catastrophic failure at Arizona Motorsports Park (12.8.24). While pushing the car to its limits on the track, the motor suffered from oil starvation, leading to a complete breakdown. Despite this setback, the driver remains optimistic. “It was a tough break, but I see it as an opportunity to rebuild the car even stronger and better for the next track season,” they said.
End Goal for the Car:
The ultimate goal is to transform the GR86 into a full-on race car, akin to the GR Cup Cars. “I’d love for it to compete with the top GR Supras, but with my personal style added in.”
Goals for This and Next Season:
“This season, I want to enter more competitions and travel to events like 86Cup and Gridlife,” the driver said. “I’ll also work on increasing power and dialing in suspension and aero further.”
Why Time Attack?:
“Time Attack is the next step from HPDE,” the driver explained. “I love the focus on the fastest time, but it’s also fun to compete against higher-budget cars with a well-tuned setup and skill.”
Achievements:
The owner’s dedication and skill have already paid off, with multiple podium finishes and victories in UMS Time Attack. “Those wins mean a lot to me because they showcase not just the car’s capability, but also the effort I’ve put into learning and improving as a driver,” they said. The accolades are a testament to the synergy between driver and machine.
Favorite Modification:
“It’s hard to pick, but the interior and the Kazama Vented Hood are my top choices,” the driver shared. “The CAE Racing Shifter also stands out as a favorite.”
Sponsors:
The driver expressed gratitude to their sponsors, saying, “Verus Engineering, Racecomp Engineering, and TrackBuilt have been instrumental in helping me achieve my goals.”
Final Thoughts
This GR86 is more than just a car—it’s a testament to the owner’s passion and dedication to motorsport. With continued effort and support, they aim to leave their mark on the racing world, one track day at a time. We at TrackBuilt hope to see Shane back on track and ripping his GR86 even harder than before!
Follow the Driver Shane, on his path to getting this car back on track
@turnskindafast