My Supra Journey

[Supra2jze]

Hi Guys,

First of all I just want to say thanks to everyone on this forum.

This forums been great, from advice & gaining knowledge to helping me buy my 4 Supras over the years.

Thought I'd take some time out today to document my build, so here goes, this is my Supra journey to date:

1st Supra - 94 UK TT Auto - Storm Blue

So after buying my first UK Spec TT Auto off Jenny (AngryBird /CrazyBird off the forum) in 2015 & owning it for 4 years, the opportunity to buy Simons @simbasupra stock UK TT6 Manual came by via the forum. 

Selling my UK Auto was a very hard decision, a lot of money was spent inc a glass out respray & a bodykit ft a Trial rear bumper, Riddox side skirts, Rmm front lip etc. I even considered dong a manual conversion as I was adamant I'd never sell it! 

Long story short, it ended up selling to an American via eBay & was subsequently exported to Atlanta, USA.

The day I collected my very first Supra. 

The Car was badly in need of a Full Respray

Private Reg goes on

I get a bit of a throwback, playing with this 'RC Model Supra' as a kid inspires me to respray my Supra in white. 

My brother designed the shell of this model car (sprayed it white)

I decide to do a Paul Walker Tribute, as it was way back in 2001 when I watched the movie ' The Fast and the Furious' that I fell in love with the Supra. 

For me, you can't beat originals & out of The Fast & Furious 'franchise' this one is still & will always be my favourite movie. 

Back to the Supra, my brother who sprayed the Supra model shell car takes lead in the Plasti dip. 

1st Step: Have the car masked & prepped ready for Plasti Dip

Step 2: Base coat in Gunmetal Grey (2 coats)

Step 3: 5 Coats in Matte White

Paul Walker Tribute complete -  Supra is fully Plastidipped in Matte White with Gold BBS LMs

The Gold LM's compliment the Matte White really well

#For Paul

Car is tucked away

Quite surreal, as It all started with a dream as a 7 year old watching the Movie 'The Fast and the Furious'

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At the age of 20, I struggled to get insured (not surprising) & having the car parked up I didn't want the car rusting away. The plasti dip would protect the paint even though it needed a respray. I soon got insured & was excited to attend my 1st event in the Supra at Japfest 2016. I did however do something stupid, I decided to strip the plasti dip 4 days before the event.

Unfortunately, I didn't realise that it was so hard to remove Plastidip. After a year of having the dip on the car I realised that I cheaped out on the amount of coats I used (10 coats would have been far better) which ultimately proved to be my achilles heel, and so the lack of coats meant it was hard to remove as it was just so thin! I tried to remove it myself, but gave up in fear of burning the paint with the heat gun.

So I sent it to a few garages but most either refused to do the work, or simply quoted extortionate figures, just to remove the dip. 

In the end I found a local garage who promised he would have it all removed in time for Japfest for a reasonable price. 

But sadly he let me down & he didn't meet the deadline, so I ended up taking the car to the show, despite the car 1/2 dipped in matte white & the rest scattered with what looks like 20 years of crappy, fading blue paint. 

I did inevitably receive some back lash at the event, as the car looked like it had some sort of rash LMAO.

The comment that most notably stood out was by Jake Cousins via Facebook, who was shocked that a car, let alone UK Spec was in such poor condition! 

Everyone has a work in project eh, this was just mine.... I was just excited at the time to drive the thing, regardless of how it looked

I took the Supra to Japfest! Few pics at Silverstone with some lads from Uni

Now at 26, I look back and laugh at this, I was having fun & didn't care HA HA

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So 6 months after Japafest 2016. I eventually pulled the trigger & the real Supra project named BALTIC BEAST started. 

The original Supra rear bumper would look too skinny with the plans I had for this car.  I was going for a whole new look - Trial Rear Bumper was soon decided.

Trial Rear Bumper with Gloss Black Diffuser 

Riddox Side Skirts fitted to compliment the now beefy Supra

At home, my brother Harry whose handy in the kitchen puts the UK Glass headlights in the oven, opens the glass & masks the rings & begins to respray the chrome inserts in gloss black.

Very happy with the finish Harry!

Back at the Paintshop, the car is ready to be transformed

Initially, I was going to go for a totally different colour. But after many hours on the net looking up other Supras in various colours...

I decided to go with the original Storm Blue 752 or as the Yanks say it Baltic Blue. 

This pic I found on the net gave me hope, really loved the colour, seemed so different to the paint on my car. 20 years makes a huge difference. But seeing a fresh respray from the pic above gave me reassurance that mine too, once resprayed would look just as good.  I also coincidentally wanted these Forgestar F14 Alloy wheels before seeing this pic. 

Very excited, car is coming along nicely.

Out she comes 

Glass has been put back in

So the Forgestar F14 Alloys imported from the US are finally on! I also imported the Toxic Rear Tail lights from the US & I didn't realise how well the grey wheels compliment the lights.

This defineitly exceeded my expectations! Over the moon with the whole look 

Very different to the car I bought from Jenny in Essex, 2015.

Cas is totally transformed

Love the Single LED Cob conversion on the rears, obviously V-Power only

My M3 e46 gets a chance to to say "Hi, new car who dis"

M5 e39 lurking away

When the Sun hits the Storm Blue, the colour goes even lighter - almost like a jewel green

One of my favourite shots of the Supra!

And eventually it made the headlines for the right reasons:(Please see link below)

https://www.futuremotoring.com/photo-day-love-supra-edition/

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2nd Supra - 96 UK TT6 - Storm Blue

Purchased off @simbasupra

With the big debate of Auto vs Manual, I wanted to see which one was for me. After viewing Simons Supra, I was impressed with how tidy the car was, especially the engine bay. The car had a rich history - Full Toyota Main Dealer service history (Serviced every year) & rumours that Martin Brundle (Former F1 Driver, now Sky Pundit) had once owned it, as the car was originally supplied by 'Brundle Toyota' in Norfolk, Kings Lynn. 

The paperwork that came with the car was endless, everything was well documented from 1996 inc all MOT's etc to present. It therefore seemed like a no brainer to buy it.

Now that I could finally experience the turbo manual experience, driving it back from Southampton to Manchester, I have to say my gut instincts was telling me I much preferred my BPU Auto with the kickdowns.

The TT6 felt flat, perhaps I was expecting too much, too soon. As my expectations of a 'Manual Twin Turbo' was very high BUT then again the car was stock so I have to accept that it wasn't BPU (Stage 1)

It took me a long time to get my head around the agricultural sound, the whines etc which was off putting to say the least. Despite manuals being very noisy, I refused to accept it & even asked Greg @Sheefa at the national 'Goblin Supra meet' to come have a listen & he said the sound of the Supra was "absolutely normal".

After contemplating on modifying & going single my guilty conscious kicked in - The car has remained  90% stock throughout the duration of its life, I'd rather not chop & change.

Apart from the FMIC, Tein coilovers, Alloys & exhaust this car was totally stock

So after 8 months of debating of what to do I ended up P/X my Supra for an RS4 & it was sold to a Motor Trader called Sedgley Group in Manchester, the car has since been SOLD & now exported to Malta: 

(Link to ad below) 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1996-Toyota-Supra-3-0-3dr-Coupe-Petrol-Manual/124425484750?hash=item1cf85639ce:g:UO4AAOSw9TRfo7MJ

3rd Supra! - 98 Facelift 6 Speed Single Aerotop! RSP 

Now without a Supra for the first time in 4 or so years I tried to convince myself my e39 M5 Supercharged & RS4 would fill the void. But how wrong was I! The RS4 B7 is & sounds amazing but doesn't feel that fast. The M5 sounds like a Lemans/Nas Car but not the most enjoyable to drive BUT then again it's heavily modified. 

A Sunday stroll at the Peak District in my e39 M5 Supercharged

My B7 Audi RS4 Avant 

Remarkably, to date this RS4 marks as the newsest car I've ever currently owned (2006 on a 56) which can only tell you one thing....., I'm old skool! 

Some people have mentioned to me, be it colleagues, friends or family on more then a few occasions, why don't you buy modern cars?

Firstly, as mentioned above I'm 'Old Skool' & find the build quality of cars to be a lot better, especially cars made in the early/late 90's.

Secondly, I find cars of the previous generation to drive better & have more character & presence. 

A pic of my 2001 (51) facelift e38 BMW 740i Sport in Cosmos Black

Featuring Genuine 21" Alpina Classics 

 

Also, with the nature of my job, I'm very much in modern day Sports/Performance/Super cars day to day & all that excitement eventually wears off - Fast, nice but  all too electrical. Ultimately all modern day cars basically feel & look the same just with different badges.

Finally, the cars that I currently own just so happen to be rising in value, the e38 740, e39 M5 & B7 RS4 are prime examples, and thus can be seen as appreciating assets.

I don't intentionally look for cars that appreciate, but rather it's just by chance that my taste in some of the cars from the older generation have a cult following & have now reached close to 'classic status' 

As this pic illustrates, at one point I had two UK Spec Supras, one in the Auto variation & one in the desirable Manual variation, both in Storm Blue! It's fair to say I have a thing for 'Blue Supras' 

I soon realised a Supra is simply a Supra & I needed one again in my life. 

When browsing on the forum last month, I saw a thread where a member put up an ad for a 'Supra Aerotop for sale' on Pistonheads.

I looked at it & thought "I wish"

After attempting to contact Chris (The owner) but to no avail, I tried again the next day, he answered. I was optimistic but didn't think I'd discuss the possibility of buying a Supra so soon. Arrangements, for a viewing were still put on hold as I was still unsure if I'd be able to buy it due to personal reasons & other on going projects. 

I'm always up and down the country for work, the 1st trip down South I couldn't meet Chris as I was pressed for time, 2nd time I informed Chris that I'll be heading towards London that day, Chris wasn't available for a viewing, understandable as I messaged him on the day with no prior notice.

However, as I got into London that evening, just out of curiosity I put in Chris's post code from my 'current location' & it said  "2MINS AWAY"  

I couldn't quite believe it....In fact the person whose house we were currently at even knew of Chris & the Supra............ Some things are just written in life.

So that evening Chris performed a U-turn & was open to a viewing, knowing that I was literally around the corner. I went to see it with a friend, I was happy with the car & knew it needed a bit of work (Full respray, a bit of TLC & a cold map) just knew the car was the one for me. I hadn't even test drove it as it was rainy & dark but that didn't stop me from securing the car by leaving a deposit.

Strangely, Chris's Dad who goes by the cool name 'Dom' (Supra Pilot off the forum for those of you from 2000) was helping me buy the car off his son! Chris is only 20 & I was shocked as he reminded me of myself, as I was 20 when I first got my Supra. Understandably, I could see why Dom wanted his son out of such a powerful, unforgiving car.

I got home at 1am & couldn't quite sleep as the excitement in buying another Supra grew. I think the excitement was equal to that of 2015 when I bought my very 'first Supra'.

The very next morning, I caught a train from Manchester to Stansted Airport. I test drove the car & instantly knew this car was the real deal & bought it! Quite a spontaneous buy tbh.

A Facelift Aerotop, with a Single Turbo featuring a V161 in RSP is like a big Xmas present that's come early for me.

It was almost as if this car was made for me! As the scenario was perfect, car needed a respray & I've always wanted to add my own personal touch by going with a unique colour (This was my excuse)

Now that I have finally bought an aerotop, I'm overwhelmed, hearing the turbo spooling & whistling away with the turbo flutter is very special & something that can only be experienced. 

 

The advert I saw on Pistonheads

I didn't realise what I bought until I read @marc_p build thread . That made me even happier when I realised how much work went into it!

Landed in Manchester #SoonLand

I knew one day I was going to get back into another Supra, so I kept the Forgestar F14 alloys & my rear Toxic Tail Lights.

That day arrived!

Experimenting with the Targa roof, quite easy to fit in the boot & very light #1ManJobUnlikeMyM3e46

Supra parked next to my brothers Honda Integra  @HKPERFORMANCELTD 

@marc_p you have built an amazing car, so hats off to you. Moving forward, I have big plans for this Aerotop; Full Glass out respray in an individual colour, upgrade & fully forge the engine, Syvecs ECU, interior overhaul with Alcantara dash to name a few. I can't wait... 

To conclude:

From driving what was my 1st beginners car, a 2000 X reg, Toyota Yaris 1.0, to a 3.0 Twin Turbo Toyota Supra! It was definitely very rewarding & satisfying to say the least. Almost felt like zero to hero. 

In my eyes, I bought the Supra because it was a lifelong childhood dream car, iconic, the car was way before its time & ultimately the timeless design, coupled with the legendary bulletproof 2JZ engine meant it was the most tuneable car in the world. 

I'm fortunate to have got the cars which I can honestly say are my dream cars. I've had to work for it & sacrifice in order to gain the ultimate dream - 'Owning a Supra' 

Hope you enjoyed the read

Thanks

Oz

 

 

 

Edited August 3, 2021 by Supra2jze
Uploading pics (see edit history)

[Mr2kyle]

Great read. Nice seeing the other motors you have also (Still fighting the m5 and 7 series urge). So overall do you rather the manual over the auto? Lovely looking cars. Your hardly chuwa on whatsapp are you?

[Supra2jze]

9 hours ago, Mr2kyle said:

Great read. Nice seeing the other motors you have also (Still fighting the m5 and 7 series urge). So overall do you rather the manual over the auto? Lovely looking cars. Your hardly chuwa on whatsapp are you?

Thanks! @Mr2kyle

Hard to say overall, it bolds down to the following. If both cars are 'stock' then I'd happily have an Auto Supra over a Manual Supra. Never thought I'd say it - As we're all so judgmental about 'Autos' not being so great in Supras etc but I've experienced both now. 

I enjoyed the kickdowns on my 1st UK Spec Auto. Quite a lot of members on this forum have said the following statement "The auto makes for a perfect GT / Daily car" and I coudn't agree more. 

However, if its a case of a modified Supra, then I'd have a Manual Supra all day.

The sensation you get from shifting on/off boost is incredible in this Aerotop & becomes very addictive! 

Can't wait to get things rolling with this new project. 

And no I'm not him, I know who you're on about as he's in the 'MKIV Supra Global Chat' on WhatsApp. 

I'm Oz/Ozzy

 

Edited November 25, 2020 by Supra2jze (see edit history)

[Supra2jze]

Christmas update 

I decided to buy Christmas presents for the Supra! - Recaro Wingbacks with Genuine Ferrari Leather ft Alcantara suede backs. 

I found these seats in my mates Audi A1 S Line in which he was planning to sell. The previous owner spent a lot on jazzing his Audi A1 up & after weighing everything up I struck a deal with my good friend & bought the A1 just so I could get my hands on these beautiful Wingback seats. 

So I advertised the 'Stock Seats' which originally came with my Supra, I listed them on eBay & surprise surprise Chris @Picoto messages me via eBay (Small world) at daft'O'clock & is desperately in need of my Stock Supra Seats.

Because of the situation Chris was in, I let him come down to my unit from Hull at 10pm despite me coming back on what felt like a 7hr ghost train journey from work

Chris helps himself by removing the seats. 

As you can see Mr @Picoto is happy with his seats

Now to the fun part, myself & younger brother Harry start to remove the Wingbacks from the Audi A1. 

Being an Aerotop Supra the Wingbacks were easy to drop in. 

Seats are now in  

Will be purchasing some Bride RO Seat Subframe brackets for the Wingbacks, most probably from either SRD or Whifbitz. 

Future plans for the interior; Retrim the Dash, Door Cards, Centre Console & Headlining to Alcantara Suede. 

Edited December 26, 2020 by Supra2jze (see edit history)

[Hammer]

Good read that, you've had some nice motors. Good to see this RSP supra still alive and kicking.

[Supra2jze]

On 12/29/2020 at 2:07 PM, Hammer said:

Good read that, you've had some nice motors. Good to see this RSP supra still alive and kicking.

Thanks @Hammer

I will however most likely replace the RSP with an individual paint, leaning towards a Lamborghini colour.

[marc_p]

Although I miss this car like a hole in the head, I couldn’t be happier that Ozzy now has it, after a long and great chat tonight whilst everyone else was celebrating the new year, I know the car is in great hands that will actually finish the car with a nigh on identical vision to what I had. 
Having to sell my Supra after 10 years of ownership with a ridiculous amount of money, time, sweat and tears in it was very hard, but I needed to raise as much startup capital for my business as possible, that being said, after tonights conversation with Ozzy, I really know she’s in great hands with some great upgrades and works on the way!

[Supra2jze]

Okay, so I wasn't expecting to buy another Supra so soon, especially another Aerotop 

But the opportunity to buy @scott.wild  'The Worlds First DCT Supra' was too good of an opportunity to turn down. 

Similar to my last purchase (RSP Aerotop) the process of buying this Supra was purely an impulsive buy & one that has left my head spinning even more then I could have possibly imagined. 

Would like to say a massive thanks to @scott.wild for not only sticking to his word by giving me first refusal - As people were literally queuing up to buy this car & even some people over bidding, yet Scott stuck to his word & didn't even take a deposit despite me insisting on leaving a deposit. 

This car is literally amazing in so many ways & has honestly left me & family/mates speechless! Sticks to the ground so good, with minor correction needed (Just to remind you it's a Supra) and puts the power down beautifully. 

Whifbitz have clearly built a monster & the DCT has definitely won me over! 

Also big thanks to the forum, this is now my 4th Supra purchase off here & 2nd Aerotop 

Here's a pic of the JDM family together. 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited March 22, 2021 by Supra2jze (see edit history)

[Supra2jze]

Seats were installed by JDK Autoworx, using M2 Seat Rails. The rails required some minor modifications in order for them to fit.

Whilst that was going on, my brothers Nissan Skyline R34 GTR was getting an annual service.

So when I initially purchased the Supra last year I was fully aware it needed a FULL Respray. I was leaning towards respraying the Supra in what would be a very unique Lamborghini Individual Colour.

I'm fortunate to have driven a few nice cars in my time. Last summer, I had the privilege of driving this beautful Lamborghini Huracan Spyder. More then the car itself, I was in love with the colour! The depth of the blue was so deep & mesmerising I just knew I had to have my next Supra in this colour.

However, after much consideration & with the help of numerous chats with like minded Supra enthusiasts. I went against the Lambo Blue and instead chose to respray her in the Original 8L5 Royal Sapphire Pearl (RSP) 

My reasoning for performing this sudden U turn was:

A) I still hadn't seen what a true Royal Sapphire Pearl looked like. Similar to my very first Supra, a 20 year old Supra with faded paint changes the looks of a car & it's paint colour

B) The biggest reason for me to stick with the RSP was that in fact, the car wasn't resprayed in RSP. It did leave the Factory in Japan in RSP but the previous owner before @marc_phad resprayed the car a different colour & the car was subsequently resprayed/blown over in what was a non-factory Suzuki Ultra Blue colour.

C) Royal Sapphire Pearl is arguably regarded as the best colour for the Toyota Supra. That being said, I could see why that was the case. As this pic below illustrates the true original colour of the RSP is the colour you see on the inside of the Door Sills. The colour is a much darker shade of Purple/Blue, compared to the rest of the car which is sadly in Suzuki Ultra Blue.

Thankfully no one ever messed with respraying the inside of the car. Again, you can see the true RSP on the inside of the boot well & chassis.

That day of driving it to the Garage for it's long overdue respray had arrived.

With all my previous full resprays, a Glass out job was essential in order to get the best finish.

Glass removed 

I decided to delete the rear wipers, as the car would never be driven in the rain... So they got sanded down & removed.

 

Edited August 3, 2021 by Supra2jze (see edit history)

[Celicasaur]

Great thread and lovely car. Looking forward to seeing more updates on this