GTcarz - Automotive forums for cars & trucks. - 972 Wheel Horsepower Supra JZA80

Jared Sewell has had a long standing obsession with horsepower. No stranger to modifications, he had already been through all the bolt-on normally aspirated parts available, searching for every last pony possible on his previous project. Once the normally aspirated threshold had been met, he stepped up to forced induction, but his old car was simply not reliable. He was fed up with constantly fixing his car and had a talk with his dad, a fellow enthusiast. After long discussions about platforms and performance goals, they decided that a JZA80 Toyota Supra Turbo would be the way to go. Featuring a factory turbocharged inline six cylinder engine with a reputation for supporting big power, a six-speed transmission and a strong aftermarket following, this platform made the most sense for big power production.

Now in the market for a clean Supra to build and a tuner shop that would be able to exceed his expectations, Jared began his search. Even though the JZA80 had been out of production since 1998, Jared managed to find a pristine 1994 model to build upon. In the hunt for a shop with a reputation for building fast Supras, Jared turned to Intense Motorsports of Gilbert, Arizona. When the planners at the shop asked Jared what his horsepower goals were, he told them that the 1000-horsepower mark should satisfy his needs.

Supra-sized power

Intense Motorsports bored and honed the 2JZ-GTE motor in preparation for the 8.5 to 1 compression forged aluminum Wiseco pistons. The pistons are mated to the stock crankshaft by way of Crower connecting rods. With the short-block rebuilt, Intense Motorsports moved on to the cylinder head. They ported and polished the intake and exhaust ports before teaming Supertech +1mm oversized valves with HKS valve springs and retainers. The cylinder head is topped off with higher-lift HKS 272-degree intake and exhaust camshafts and HKS cam gears. A stock head gasket seals the deal between the cylinder head and the block.

The stock Supra twin-turbo system can only provide enough boost pressure for roughly 440 horsepower at the wheels. Therefore, the factory twin-turbo configuration is replaced with a single turbo HKS tubular exhaust manifold and Garrett 76S turbocharger. The big 76S is capable of supporting Jared's horsepower target, making it the logical candidate for the job. This configuration provides a cost-effective means of increasing power potential, since only one turbocharger would need to be purchased. An Intense Motorsports custom fabricated 4-inch turbo-back exhaust system is responsible for routing spent gasses to an HKS titanium muffler.

Big Boost, Big Fuel, Big Fire

The compressed air charge is routed to the three-row GReddy front-mount intercooler through custom intercooler piping. The cool air is then channeled to the stock throttle body and intake manifold. Six thirsty 1000 cc/min fuel injectors are fed VP Racing Fuel's C16 race gas by way of an Intense Motorsports high-flow fuel rail and an Intense Motorsports triple fuel pump in-tank set up. This high-volume fuel system is fitted with -10 and -8 fuel lines and utilizes an AEM fuel pressure regulator. A HKS Twin Power ignition system keeps the HKS Iridium spark plugs firing. Behind the intercooler sits a Koyo aluminum radiator that keeps the 2JZ from melting down in the Arizona heat.

AEM's EMS stand-alone engine management system commands and monitors the 2JZ-GTE engine. A TiAL 46mm external wastegate and an EMS controlled AEM boost controller regulate boost to a staggering 40 psi. This potent combination of components equate to an incredible 972 wheel horsepower and 771 lb-ft of torque, as measured on a Dynojet 248 dynamometer.

Transferring all those horses from the flywheel to the ground is an RPS Max six-puck clutch and an RPS flywheel. The factory issue Getrag transmission and driveline transmit the power to the 19-inch Iforged Trial wheels and super wide 315/25/R19 Toyo T1R tires. Giving the Supra an aggressive, lowered stance is a set of Ksport Kontrol Pro coilover suspension. To reduce chassis flex and improve handling, a JIC carbon fiber front strut tower bar and a Cusco carbon fiber rear strut bar were installed. Stillen slotted brake rotors help to bring the Supra to a stop.

- Drag Sport Magazine -