Project Supra-cross

I adored my Mkiv supra but in many ways it could have been improved upon. The interior was a bit dated and although cockpit like and comfy it was terribly lacking in the rear seat department (the front seats touched the rears). When stock, the weight distribution is close to 50/50 but when weight was reduced by gutting interior and replacing every bit that I could fabricate from more exotic materials the bias moved heavily to the front and handling balance was more than slightly upset. The things about the platform that I liked were largely available in a close relative, the IS300. The IS shares the supras ancestry and driveline, but adds a ton of functionality, a modern feel, and more subdued image that allows people (who are not me) to continue habitually speeding around the planet in a way that would be quite obvious in a supra. So the ultimate expression of that sentiment would be an IS300 wagon, or as lexus calls it, a sportcross. Also, I have a daughter on the way (named Evora) so a wagon will be a nice thing to have.

So here she is…. the sportcross that is, you guys have to wait till july for my Evora to arrive!

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So lets get started making it more sporting:

First and foremost, although I found a really nice example, it did have an open diff, this will not do at all. Step 1 lsd swap. (note M030 hanging in the background)

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Step 2 a little more low, a lot more control and stiff by way of second hand illuminas and some GF210 tanabe racing medallions.

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Step 3 more stick, by way of some perelli p-zero rossos in staggered fitment (225/45/17 front, 235/45/17 rear) for the time being on stock wheels.

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An i pod interface finishes off the first round of mods and she now has a bit more personality. Next comes some power in the form of some BC cams and a timing belt service with maybe some springs and retainers for a bit more rpm potential. The big news is that although the sportcross was never offered with a manual transmission, I have a donor car and m planning to do the swap. Here's how she looks as she awaits spring time and lots of weirding people out as she slides past up in smoke!

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Cool project looking forward to seeing what you end up doing with this one. Not swapping a supra motor? I've got two little ones so I understand the impetus :) I keep thinking about a super wagon myself

Should already be a 2jz iirc....

mndsm wrote: Should already be a 2jz iirc....

2jz? No E36 M3.

You had my interest at wagon, with a 2jz, lsd, and M/T swap you now have my full attention.

I freaking love those cars. NEEDS MOAR TURBO.

So pardon my lack of knowledge of Toyota motors its the same motor but not turbo?

what trans are you going to swap in? the W55 that was in the 02+ sedan doesn't like more power. W58 our of the SC 300 from back in the day fits, and is slightly more robust. But really, the V161 six speed supra trans is where its at.

Nice! I am a big fan of these, but they really need a manual box. This will be great!

Love this build!

Was I the only one expecting to find a Supra Rally Cross project in here?

Cool car though, one of the few modern Toyota's I like.

Had one when it was too valuable to screw with... I like much of what you are doing... BUT to do the engine mods you MAY need to get different management. The Lexus management isn't a fan of change......

As to transmission choices... you want to find the trans from the MkIV Supra. The mass of the SportCross, and the added power, along with spirited driving is not going to toll well on the W series gearboxes.

Be careful of front end damage... the IS lower control arm locating arm mounts behind the wheel, it isn't a track rod that mounts in front. this 2nd lower control arm can, and does bend rather easily, and screws alignment up. I'm pretty sure they now developed an adjustable arm so small tweaks can just be adjusted away

Oh... interesting little tidbit... this car was available in Japan... AWD

Jaynen wrote:

So pardon my lack of knowledge of Toyota motors its the same motor but not turbo?

mndsm wrote:

Jaynen wrote: So pardon my lack of knowledge of Toyota motors its the same motor but not turbo?

Exactly

Mostly, but not exactly. GE has weaker rods, no oil sprayers for the pistons, different intake mani. and if I remember right, a different head. Stock bottom end should be good for 400hp or so with a thicker head gasket. After that its time to upgrade to GTE rods or aftermarket.

TGMF wrote: what trans are you going to swap in? the W55 that was in the 02+ sedan doesn't like more power. W58 our of the SC 300 from back in the day fits, and is slightly more robust. But really, the V161 six speed supra trans is where its at.

The plan is to use the is300 donor car for the pedal assembly, gauge cluster, plumbing, etc. then do a spankin new v160 getrag transmission. the 161 is jdm and has different gear ratios but these trannies are so spend on the used market that it's worth it to me to spend the extra grand and get a new one from the dealer using my discount.

oldeskewltoy wrote: Had one when it was too valuable to screw with... I like much of what you are doing... BUT to do the engine mods you MAY need to get different management. The Lexus management isn't a fan of change...... As to transmission choices... you want to find the trans from the MkIV Supra. The mass of the SportCross, and the added power, along with spirited driving is not going to toll well on the W series gearboxes. Be careful of front end damage... the IS lower control arm locating arm mounts behind the wheel, it isn't a track rod that mounts in front. this 2nd lower control arm can, and does bend rather easily, and screws alignment up. I'm pretty sure they now developed an adjustable arm so small tweaks can just be adjusted away Oh... interesting little tidbit... this car was available in Japan... AWD

The plan in terms of management is an e manage ultimate due to the need to remain obd2 compliant.

She's straight and damage free but will be getting rose jointed arms from FIGS. AWD is cool, but adding weight is not my style Maybe I'll build another with a center diff someday too.

TGMF wrote:

mndsm wrote:

Jaynen wrote: So pardon my lack of knowledge of Toyota motors its the same motor but not turbo?

Exactly

Mostly, but not exactly. GE has weaker rods, no oil sprayers for the pistons, different intake mani. and if I remember right, a different head. Stock bottom end should be good for 400hp or so with a thicker head gasket. After that its time to upgrade to GTE rods or aftermarket.

This is all accurate, but I may just squeeze it a little harder than that and go nuts on a build if it pops, honestly kinda looking for an excuse lol, there are some na 2jzs making 450 wheel on stock bottom ends that have held together, we'll see.

I fully approve of this project! Not disappointed at all to find that there is no Supra rally cross build here.

carbon wrote:

TGMF wrote:

mndsm wrote:

Jaynen wrote: So pardon my lack of knowledge of Toyota motors its the same motor but not turbo?

Exactly

Mostly, but not exactly. GE has weaker rods, no oil sprayers for the pistons, different intake mani. and if I remember right, a different head. Stock bottom end should be good for 400hp or so with a thicker head gasket. After that its time to upgrade to GTE rods or aftermarket.

This is all accurate, but I may just squeeze it a little harder than that and go nuts on a build if it pops, honestly kinda looking for an excuse lol, there are some na 2jzs making 450 wheel on stock bottom ends that have held together, we'll see.

Will you still be saying that after the kid comes along?

God I hope so! The idea behind this is to pick away over a long term ownership experience so I've got time.

I'm pretty excited to meet her though

I have the recaro bebbe seats. I like them very much.