Intro
The Toyota 86, launched globally in 2012, represents a return to Toyota’s storied sports car heritage that includes legends like the 2000GT, Celica, and AE86 Corolla. Developed in partnership with Subaru (sold as the BRZ), the 86 was designed as a pure driver’s car with a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout and a focus on handling over raw power.
In JDM culture, the 86 holds special significance as a spiritual successor to the iconic AE86 Corolla made famous by Initial D manga and drifting competitions. It embodies the Japanese philosophy of “waku-doki” (heart-racing excitement) and revived the affordable sports car segment when most manufacturers were abandoning it for practical crossovers.
This particular build stands out for its tasteful balance of performance modifications and aesthetic enhancements while maintaining the car’s inherent driving character. Rather than pursuing maximum horsepower like many builds, this example showcases how thoughtful, complementary modifications can enhance the 86’s already impressive chassis dynamics while adding distinctive personality.
Builder Profile
A 36-year-old electrical engineer by day and legendary grassroots drifter by night, Hiroshi Tanaka has been modifying Japanese sports cars since his teenage years in Osaka. After relocating to Southern California in 2012, he quickly established himself in the local drift scene, earning the nickname “Drift King” for his precise control and smooth shifts.
Tanaka approaches car building with a philosophy that balances performance and aesthetics. “The 86 chassis is nearly perfect from the factory,” he explains. “My modifications aim to enhance its natural character rather than transform it into something it’s not.”
His 2009 Toyota 86 project began as a bone-stock example with just 42,000 kilometers. Over three years, he methodically upgraded each system while maintaining daily drivability. Tanaka is an active member of the SoCal86 club and regularly competes in local time attack events, sharing his knowledge through technical workshops for newcomers to the scene.
Why We Love It
The 2009 Toyota 86 represents a philosophical reset button for Toyota—a deliberate return to the purity of driver engagement that made icons like the AE86 Corolla legendary in motorsport circles. What captivates enthusiasts isn’t outright power, but the chassis communication that flows through the minimalist cabin with telegraphic precision.
The boxer-four heart, developed in collaboration with Subaru, sits remarkably low in the engine bay, creating a center of gravity that rivals dedicated sports cars costing three times as much. This placement transforms everyday mountain passes into technical exercises in weight transfer and throttle modulation. The 53:47 weight distribution becomes apparent in those pivotal moments when the rear wheels break traction—predictable, controllable, exploitable.
Its design language speaks in restrained tones—the greenhouse silhouette and subtle haunches referencing Toyota’s sports car bloodline without resorting to retro pastiche. The proportions remain resolutely pure: long hood, cabin set back, minimal overhangs. This is functional sculpture, where every surface inflection serves aerodynamic purpose.
In an era when electronic intervention was becoming ubiquitous, the 86 offered a rare proposition: adjustable stability control that could be fully defeated, leaving driver skill as the sole arbiter of cornering limits. The hydraulic steering rack‘s feedback—increasingly rare even in 2009—delivers nuanced road texture impossible to synthesize through electronic assistance.
What makes the 86 significant isn’t statistical dominance but its preservationist spirit—a mechanical analog experience in an increasingly digital automotive landscape.
Mods
Engine & Drivetrain
- HKS GT Supercharger Kit for FA20 engine
- Trust/GReddy titanium exhaust system
- Cusco oil catch can
- ACT performance clutch kit
- Mishimoto aluminum radiator
- Perrin cold air intake
- Tomei equal-length headers
- AVO turbo kit (alternative to supercharging)
- Koyo aluminum radiator
- HKS transmission cooler
Suspension & Brakes
- Tein Flex Z coilovers
- Cusco front and rear sway bars
- Cusco strut tower bar
- Project μ brake pads
- Endless brake rotors
- Spoon rigid collars
- HKS Hipermax IV GT suspension kit
- Cusco lower arm bar
- Whiteline roll center adjuster kit
- Brembo GT brake kit
Wheels & Tires
- Volk Racing TE37 17″ forged wheels
- Work Emotion CR Kiwami 18″ wheels
- Yokohama Advan Neova AD08R tires
- Bridgestone Potenza RE-71R tires
- Rays Gram Lights 57DR wheels
- Enkei RPF1 17″ lightweight wheels
- Project Kics R40 lug nuts
- Yokohama ADVAN A052 high-performance tires
- SSR GTX01 wheels
Exterior / Aero
- C-West front lip spoiler
- Voltex Type 2V rear wing
- J’s Racing side skirts
- Rocket Bunny wide body kit
- TRD rear diffuser
- APR carbon fiber mirrors
- Ganador side mirrors
- Seibon carbon fiber hood
- Valenti LED taillights
- Cusco tow hook
Interior
- Bride Zeta III bucket seats
- Takata harnesses
- Personal Neo Grinta steering wheel
- HKS shift knob
- Defi gauges (boost, oil temp, water temp)
- Cusco roll cage
- Nardi Classic steering wheel
- Alcantara dashboard cover
- Recaro SR-7 seats
- Works Bell quick release hub
Electronics / ECU
- HKS F-CON iS ECU
- GReddy Profec electronic boost controller
- Blitz dual turbo timer
- AiM MXL2 digital dash display
- Defi control unit
- Pivot 3-drive throttle controller
- HKS EVC-S boost controller
- A’PEXi Power FC engine management
- Innovate wideband O2 sensor kit
- Blitz touch screen boost controller
Driving Impression / Build Philosophy
The modifications on this 2009 Toyota 86 coalesce into a cohesive package that maintains the car’s fundamental balance while enhancing its performance capabilities. The suspension upgrades, including coilovers and sway bars, work in harmony with the modest power enhancements to preserve the chassis’ renowned handling characteristics while reducing body roll and improving corner exit speed.
This build follows a “less is more” philosophy, prioritizing driver engagement and mechanical grip over raw power. Each modification serves a defined purpose within a street-focused setup that remains track-capable. The upgraded braking system complements the power and suspension changes, ensuring the car maintains its balanced character under heavy deceleration.
The aesthetic modifications subtly enhance the car’s appearance without compromising functionality. Interior upgrades focus on improving the driving position and feedback, reinforcing the car’s driver-centric nature.
This build represents a thoughtful approach to street performance that respects the 86’s original design intent while addressing its few shortcomings. The result is a car that remains approachable for daily driving but offers enhanced feedback and capability when pushed on canyon roads or during occasional track days.
FAQ
How reliable is the 2009 Toyota 86?
The 2009 Toyota 86 (also known as GT86, FRS, or BRZ) wasn’t actually released until 2012. The nameplate draws inspiration from the AE86 of the 1980s. When properly maintained, the Toyota 86 platform demonstrates excellent reliability with the FA20 boxer engine commonly exceeding 100,000 miles without major issues. Regular oil changes and following the maintenance schedule are essential for longevity.
What is the tuning potential of the Toyota 86?
The Toyota 86 offers significant tuning potential. The naturally aspirated FA20 engine responds well to intake and exhaust modifications, while forced induction (turbocharging or supercharging) can increase power output from the stock 200hp to 300-400hp depending on setup. The chassis is also highly receptive to suspension upgrades, making it an excellent platform for both street and track modifications.
What are the most common issues with the Toyota 86?
Common issues include valve spring recalls on early models, carbon buildup in the intake valves, crickets/chirping from the fuel pump, TOB (throw-out bearing) noise, and occasional RTV sealant clogging oil pickup tubes. Early models may also experience issues with the direct injection system and some owners report clutch pedal squeaking.
What are the best first modifications for a Toyota 86?
The most effective first modifications include:
- Headers and a tune (significant power gain)
- Stickier tires (immediate handling improvement)
- Coilovers or quality lowering springs with proper dampers
- Intake and exhaust for sound enhancement
- Forced induction for those seeking substantial power increases
What’s the ownership experience like for the Toyota 86?
Owners consistently praise the 86’s balanced handling, engaging driving experience, and relatively affordable operating costs. The car delivers an authentic sports car feel with practical elements like usable rear seats (though tight), decent fuel economy (25-30 MPG), and reasonable maintenance costs. Many owners note the passionate community and extensive aftermarket support as significant ownership benefits, though some cite the modest stock power and road noise as drawbacks.
Conclusion
The 2009 Toyota 86 stands as a modern classic that continues to captivate drivers in today’s automotive landscape. Its perfectly balanced chassis, responsive naturally-aspirated engine, and accessible performance make it increasingly rare in an era dominated by turbocharged engines and electronic driving aids. As manufacturers trend toward heavier, more complex vehicles, the 86’s lightweight, driver-focused philosophy becomes more distinctive and valuable with each passing year.
Within JDM culture, the 86 occupies a special place as a spiritual successor to Toyota’s legendary AE86, carrying forward the pure driving experience that enthusiasts celebrate. Its affordability and tunability have made it a cornerstone of modern car culture, appearing extensively in motorsports, drifting competitions, and car meets worldwide. The thriving aftermarket support and tight-knit owner community guarantee that the 86 remains not just a vehicle but a cultural touchstone that bridges traditional Japanese performance heritage with contemporary enthusiast demands.