MK4 Supra Gets an Odd German Engine Swap
This Supra eschews its 2JZ-GTE powerplant for an M113 Mercedes 5.0-liter V8, but why?
Puzzling Swap
The MK4 Toyota Supra, as every car nut on the planet is well aware of, came equipped with the legendary 2JZ-GTE - an engine revered for its reliability and power potential. The 2JZ is so good, in fact, that it has wound up being swapped in a number of other vehicles over the years. So why would anyone remove that iconic mill from their MK4 in favor of a Mercedes-Benz M113 5.0-liter V8?
No Answers
Unfortunately, we can't really answer that "why" question, but we can say that this Isokorpi Drift Team Supra is, if nothing else, interesting. And more than capable of kicking its tail out and winning drift competitions. The car is driven by Teemu Järvenpää in the Finnish National Drifting Championship and was recently the subject of a video by YouTuber Grumblo.
Making Power
The Mercedes-swapped Toyota (how strange does that sound?) makes prodigious amounts of power thanks to its highly modified 5.0-liter V8. That powerplant has been treated to a Holset HX55 turbo, 1,000cc injectors, and a MegaSquirt MS3X V3.0 ECU. Total output is 549 horsepower and 642 pound-feet of torque - more than enough to get sideways.
Drivetrain Goodies
The M-B engine sends power back to the rear wheels via a BMW-sourced ZF 5-speed transmission equipped with a modified bell housing, a Gearmotive dogbox gearset, a Tenaci 3-disc clutch, and a custom flywheel. The rear differential is stock, albeit welded for strength, while the brakes are also original but equipped with a hydraulic handbrake for drifting.
Additional Mods
The suspension has been upgraded in a variety of ways as well, with goodies from ICS supplemented by a FAT front lock kit. The radiator has been moved to the rear of the car, while the interior features a host of race car modifications including a full roll cage and a tablet in the dash that controls everything.
Attention Grabber
On the outside, this MK4 certainly looks the part as well, mostly thanks to a set of wide fiberglass fenders that add an additional 40mm (1.57 inches) to the width of the car. It also rolls (slides?) on a set of 18-inch wheels. Throw on a giant wing and a cool livery, and you've got a car designed to grab attention in more ways than one.
Head Scratcher
Isokorpi's decision to install a Mercedes V8 in this classic Supra is no doubt head-scratching, but we're sure they have their reasons for doing so. Regardless, it's an interesting machine and one that we're certain draws in more than a few curious onlookers as it competes in the Finnish Drifting Championship.
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