The Original RWD 16 Valve Corolla / Sprinter is affectionately termed as the "Hachi Rokku" in Japan - meaning "86". The AE86 has the enviable acolade of having been successfully used from the humble beginnings of the drift scene in Japan and is still used with strong success in the D1 Professional Grand Prix of Japan by some of the most successful teams - No other car of this generation is still as used in competition, a true testament to how special these cars are!
The sound of an AE86 in battle is unmistakable at full throttle. Nothing sounds nearly as good as this normally aspirated high reving engine when tuned. Being lightweight with very little weight over the rear wheels, these cars don't need huge amounts of power to drift. A combination of a live rear axle and McPhersonstrut front suspension make this a naturally slidable car. The Hachi Rokku is the true "Old Skool" drift classic!!
On this example, complete drift preparation has been carried out as follows:
Engine: This is an AE92 model's 4AGE engine (1989-1991). Essentially the same block and head as used on the earlier models, but featuring stronger internals via larger diameter piston pins as well as stronger con rods and re-enforced block assembly. The pistons feature a higher compression rating giving greater torque and peak power output than the earlier engines. Compression ratio was 10.4:1 on the AE92 model's engine compared to 9.4:1 on the first generation engine. This extra strength means this engine is capable of reving safely to 8,500 rpm. Uprated engine and gearbox mounts are also fitted.
To allow greater breathing at higher revs and to make a glorious roar Twin 44 Mikuni Carburettors are fitted using a short and straight inlet manifold from Toda Racing. This system is completed with the use of an uprated fuel pump and fuel pressure regulator. A set of throttle bell mouths have also been added. With the short inlet manifold's design, it means the bell mouth of no. 4 clears the brake servo too. Camshafts appear to be uprated as the car pulls strongly from around 4,000 rpm to beyond the 8,500 rpm rev limit. Although there is no information on sizes or make - from experience with our own AE86 drift car - it's likely the camshafts are of 272 inlet 272 exhaust duration, as this is the most common setup for drifting. Also fitted is an uprated distributor and amplifier from Tec Arts with TRD ignition leads and NGK 8 grade racing spark plugs. An uprated 4 - 2 - 1 exhaust manifold has replaced the original, combined with a Trust Power Extreme II exhaust system. Note that the radiator is also listed as having been replaced on the original auction sheet (Copy available). Being a GT Apex this example is equipped for power steering, although this isn't working - as the belt is not fitted to run the pump, in order to make the engine as responsive as possible. . The engine is in strong rude health - with no oil leaks, or signs of wear. With this setup, power is approximately 160 bhp - although more is available with fine tuning and resetting of the camshaft and ignition timing.
Driveline: Wheels are 14" Racing Service Watanabe items. Tyres are of size 195/60-R14 of quality Falken Azenis on each corner. Clutch is an uprated heavy duty paddle type - combined with a lightweight flywheel. A 2 way TRD Limited slip differential is fitted. Final drive ratio has been reduced to 4.7:1 meaning that in effect the gearbox has become a close ratio unit, at the expense of top speed. The car is easily capable of cruising at legal speeds.
Suspension, Brakes Stability: On the rear are Tokiko HTS shock absorbers and lowered short travel springs of approx 6 kg/mm stiffness. An uprated Techno Pro Spirit latteral support bar is also fitted to allow adjustment as the car's been lowered. Front struts are "Big Corner" items with shortened springs and Cusco adjustable top mounts. These allow negative camber to be easily set for maximum front end bite on faster corners.There are lower roll centre adaptors (Blue anodised) to set bump steer to a minimum. Uprated steering tie rods allow greater steering angle, for finer drift control on the limit. To give the shell rigidity a 5 point rear roll cage is fitted. There is also a Cusco front strut brace. Front discs have evidently been recently replaced, with uprated pads front rear. A quick release fly-off drift handbrake is also employed.
Drift Styling: A full BN Sports original aero kit is fitted, which includes lower sections which attach to the bottom of each door, side skirts, front and rear bumpers. The rear lights and centre trim are of the most sought after design which came originally on this particular model. Multi reflector headlights have replaced the originals. Note also the rare fitted wind deflectors.
Interior: The original digital instrument cluster has been removed and in it's place, a neat custom built dash fitted instead. The centre cluster houses Omori gauges to display: Revs(With user settable warning light), Volts Oil Pressure Fuel Level. Using an Ultra mechanical > electrical signal converter at the gearbox, the Ultra digital speedometer can be used. Indicator lights are also integrated in this neat and unusual setup. Note there is no odometer, so there's no record of mileage, although judging by the condition of the interior trim, etc. we would expect this car to have covered no more than 75,000 miles from new. On the left side of the instrument panel, located where the air vent used to be is an oil temp gauge and on the right a water temp gauge. From Omori too, of course. This is a rare spec'd car, with an electric tilt slide sunroof, electric windows and remote controlled door mirrors - Luxuries, when this model was brand new!
Bodywork, Chassis Interior: Auction grade of this car is R1 due to modifications and a previous front repair (Copy of auction sheet is available). The front wings have been replaced as has the bonnet at some point. Nothing at all to worry about - wasn't a large accident and the car's straight. There is a dent on the centre of the front panel, but this looks to have been caused by a jack - presumably made during a drift day's maintenance. Considering this car is now over 20 years old, it's in excellent condition! There is virtually no rust at all, not even to the underside of the chassis (Note there are some mild dents on the underside - nothing of any consequence at all). The usual areas that AE86's suffer from rust are original and corrosion free including door bottoms, arches, sills, rear panel, etc. We found just 2 areas with some surface rust: The electric sunroof and the o/s corner of the boot lid. Note that we still have the original boot lid from our own AE86 Levin, which is of the same colour. It doesn't have the same problem, so can be substituted before shipping if preferred. The front bumper has some minor scratches. There's also minor scratches / dents to: o/s headlight cover, o/s quarter, n/s arch leading edge.
Interior is in good condition also. Front seats have been replaced with sports reclinable items, complete with seat runners to match. The original door cards could use some shampooing, or alternatively, why not replace with Bride material! We can also supply foam to trim the rear mounted cage, plus a huge range of tuning parts with experienced advice for these, all through www.neweraparts.com Having completed our own 4th AE86 project car, these are cars we have strong enthusiasm and a deep understanding of.
With the many poor quality examples available, we rarely find an AE86 before that we want to stock. This example's an exception. Having test driven it, we noted it's got excellent throttle response, good strong normally aspirated 4AGE power, drama free brakes, good clutch and most importantly - excellent handling, with easy, slow driftability. Needless to say, it sounds like a racecar - with the engine modifications fitted!
Examples as good as this are very, very rare - even in Japan! This is also the most sought after shape, as featured on Initial-D Japanese drift cartoons! Condition is excellent - this is the best Hachi Rokku you're likely to come across hence the reason we bought it. Condition and spec is excellent, with modifications already fitted, that most people would want for their AE86. As this is an older car, it doesn't require an SVA test - all it needs is a simple MOT to prepare. Available for £5,650 as is - with full advice and information on easy completion of UK registration.Alternatively we can supply at £6,975 ew MOT, minor paintwork repairs to areas detailed above, 6 month's road tax and full UK registration. Hachi Rokku's are tough cars and this one's been built to take abuse, but we will supply with a 12 month warranty for either choice on pricing.
Please Contact us for full details of how to reserve this unique AE86 for yourself. A deposit of £1,000 secures for prompt shipment.
Hurry though - it took 4 months to find this example! Another anywhere near as good as this is realistically very unlikely!
Newera - Consistently recommended for supplying the best Imports in the UK by magazines, tuners and Performance Car club members. For further information on these fast appreciating classics, see: http://www.eight-six.co.uk/