Saw an FX-16 today

While traveling over the Golden Gate Bridge, an awesome sight unto itself, I passed a nice clean, silver 1987 Toyota FX-16. I had forgotten about that car, but we had one that color, back in 1987, that Toyota lent us and we took to a Pro Solo National championship with some unknown kid as the driver... a guy named Randy Pobst.

Damn, that brought back memories and now I want another one of those cars. Wonder if the power steering got any better over the years and that 1.6 liter engine has gotten any more torque?

I looked at one for sale about a year ago. Retired aeronautical engineer had mid-mounted a Camry V6 and automatic transmission in it. (Why anyone would bother doing all that fab work, then saddling the creation with an automatic is beyond me).

Some days I wish I still had mine, especially since I fixed the torque issue with a turbo.

1987! I was just being born back then.

There is one that I see running around the Dayton mall area every now and then, always makes me wonder if they really appreciate that car... or just drive it?

I've wanted one of those for years... was very close to having one as my DD/pizza delivery car some years back....

a more modern 4ag would be a nice start for the tourer problem (smallport, gze, 20v whatever) or just a snail hung off the front would help wit that torque problem :)

I saw one today too! From the inside. I am partial to silver ones though. I also have those Auto-X issues with the silver GT-S.

Here's a picture of my stable.

Tim, I ran this silver GT-S in the Chimney Rock Hillclimb finale in '95.

Maroon92 wrote: 1987! I was just being born back then.

I got to compete against that car in that year. Thanks for reminding me of my impending middle-aged-ness.

Gotta love FX16 GTS', though; the darn things came with factory-installed, triangulated front strut bars. Makes one think back to a time when Toyota actually catered to the performance-oriented customers.

I'm quite fond of my non GT-S. all the go and grip without the added weight of the body and comfort bits.

There is one at a local pick-n-pull that is complete minus the engine, wheels and a few interior bits.

Every time I walk by it I have to invoke and act of willpower not to ask them if they'd sell the whole car.

Thanks for the ego boost, Tim. As we speak, I'm preparing to get this bad boy out for an HPDE day. It's been sitting in my driveway since I bought it. It's been torture. Can't wait! Only thing I'm missing is some GRM stickers. Hoping to be on track next month.

Schumacher Taxi Service runs one in Lemons, and does quite well with it when they're not on their roof or blowing up. It was way, way faster than our Civic Wagovan at NJMP .. until it blew up.

A friend has one sitting behind his shop. It was his driver until a kid that worked there through a rod out of the side of the block. Now it just sits. Very sad. 4AGE's have no torque, but they're still one of the best engines ever made in my opinion!

I got to change oil in one a couple times...big deal, you might say, but it belonged to my friend's college girlfriend. I got her to wear a tank top during each oil change. Worth the price of admission.

Still have the filter wrench, BTW...

racerdave600 wrote: A friend has one sitting behind his shop. It was his driver until a kid that worked there through a rod out of the side of the block. Now it just sits. Very sad. 4AGE's have no torque, but they're still one of the best engines ever made in my opinion!

just keep your foot planted

racerdave600 wrote: A friend has one sitting behind his shop. It was his driver until a kid that worked there through a rod out of the side of the block. Now it just sits. Very sad. 4AGE's have no torque, but they're still one of the best engines ever made in my opinion!

I owned one for a short time... sold it - I prefer rwd, but the fwd FX is a beasty

video of FX vs AE86 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cAZFrg45Zlo&feature=share

I have always wanted to shove a 4agze in one of these. Goes on the list of projects. I actually searched for the these a while back and they are not easy to come by.

sanman wrote: I have always wanted to shove a 4agze in one of these. Goes on the list of projects. I actually searched for the these a while back and they are not easy to come by.

Here is a build thread for a FX16 SC. Not for sale though!

http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/showthread.php?t=355255&page=11

Hey Tim,

I just saw this post today....

I know all about the silver FX that you guys and TRD put together.... Beacuse I have it And it is in Northern California.

Still runs good, it doesn't see much action. Maybe I should start taking it out some more!!! --Eric

big_E wrote: Hey Tim, I just saw this post today.... I know all about the silver FX that you guys and TRD put together.... Beacuse I have it And it is in Northern California. Still runs good, it doesn't see much action. Maybe I should start taking it out some more!!! --Eric

Pics!

You know, it would be an interesting story to hear about what happened to all the past GRM projects.

Neat car, one of the first I ever saw autocross. (along with a Geo Prism GSi. Remember those?)

I'll work on getting some more pics.... that's all I have here at work..

I really hate it when you guys do this!

Pop up with an interesting yet obscure little car and I suddenly see them EVERYWHERE!!!

Spotted one at the local Juans used tires store with tires stacked all over and then actually stopped at one I spotted at 50 mph with the taillight peaking between the barn and an Escalade.

Dang..$500 could get both and I am intrigued. But I already, due to your influence, got a Miata, Escort Station wagon (missed the pink one by a few minutes), Capri XR2, B4t swapped Ford Aspire, Ranger, a p71 or 5 and an Austin Healey Bugeye!! Don't even get me started on pit bikes and my goofy odd tool collection.

I blame you guys...

some old pics