The Lexus SC430 is a platform that is not well loved by tuners. Despite the fact that it is used as Super GT machine, there are very few examples of tuned SC430’s in Japan or elsewhere. The few SC’s that are modified are usually done in mild VIP-like fashion. Back in January, there was an interesting-looking SC430 parked in the Ray’s Engineering booth. The car was painted flat black and had an interesting look to it. Word was that this SC430 would be the new competiion car for D1 driver Toshiki “Toshi-king” Yoshioka who had long been seen in the cockpit of an AE86.
At the time there were very few details given on the new car and I assumed that it would be powered by the factory 4.3L V8 with a supercharger or turbocharger. It turns out I was totally wrong.
Nearly half a year later, the finished car finally debuted at last weekend’s D1GP exhibition match in Odaiba. Most people probably wouldn’t know it was the same car from TAS as the finish product ended up looking totally different. The first thing that grabs you about the car is its striking red paint and graphics work, which I think look great.
On the exterior, the car is equipped with a complete Tom’s aero kit. While the kit itself is fairly subtle, in combination with the graphics and paint it has very aggressive look without being too over the top. I also find the car’s lack of a GT wing very interesting, especially given the power this thing is putting out (we’ll get to that in a moment).
Under the hood, you won’t find a worked over V8 or even a 2JZ swap…
…but you will find a fire-breathing turbo 3SGE built by Prime Garage (who also did the engine work on Toshi-king’s 86). The engine is fed by an HKS 3240 turbine and cooled by a custom ARC V-mount intercooler. The piping and exhaust are also from Prime Garage. Power output ranges from 480-600hp depending on the boost level and whether the nitrous is being used or not. I guess Yoshioka really likes the gas since he used it in his old AE86. The engine is mated to a Super GT-spec 6-speed sequential transmission and power reaches the wheels through an ATS carbon LSD. The transmission makes a very distinct whining sound that I think might be louder than the exhaust itself!
Here we see one of the mechanics working under the car between practice runs. Like most D1 cars, the suspension consists of DG-5 coilovers, and custom Espelir springs are also being used. The wheels are 18″x9.5″ (+12?) Gram Lights 57D painted in retina-burning “luminous yellow” finish. If the wheels haven’t blinded you, you can also see the Project Mu brake set up.
Interestingly, the car is still equipped with the factory convertible roof. Luckily, Yoshioka is protected by a full roll cage and held in place by a Recaro bucket seat.
The Odaiba event was a shakedown run for the new car and the team is still working to get it dialed in. It looked like it had all the power it needs, but it could use a little more drift angle. It will take a little while for Yoshioka to adjust to the bigger, more powerful Lexus after driving AE86’s for so long, but I’m sure we will be seeing big things from him in this new car. Thanks to Aspec/OG-made Logan for the low down on the car’s specs.
-Mike Garrett