Dirt Action: Gravel-spec Toyota 86 GTS

1st February 2019, 8:30am
by

A Toyota 86 is not everyone’s idea of the ideal rally car, but for Newcastle’s Andrew Chapman, the rear-wheel drive rocket is loads of fun. Running under the 086 Rallying Team banner, Nelson Bay-based Chapman and co-driver Nicole Chapman have over 20 years’ combined experience on gravel and tarmac rallies. They debuted their new Toyota 86 in July 2017, and had immediate success with podium places.

The 86 rally car is loosely based on the Toyota 86 Race Series regulations and uses a standard Toyota 86 engine controlled by a Motec M150 turned computer. It powers a 6-speed close ratio transmission and Kaaz LSD differential.

Suspension has been upgraded to MCA gravel rally specification, and 4-pot brake callipers have been fitted front and rear to get the car to stop well - all controlled via a custom-made pedal box. The car has been under constant development at each event it contested during the 2017 and 2018 seasons.

Chapman says they have now evolved the Toyota 86 from standard running gear to a highly-tuned, faster car ready for a full year of rallying in 2019. While the Toyota 86 is not an outright contender in most events, as far as ‘bang for your buck’ and ‘thrills per minute’ are concerned, you’d be hard pressed to find a more fun car!

Photo: Brad Redfern

TECH SPEC

BODY Toyota 86 GTS, body seam welded and a multi-point roll cage built by Brien Dunbar, but installed at Neal Bates Automotive workshop. The standard wiring loom has been maintained, but with all the unused connectors removed or terminated. Digital AIMS dash, aftermarket heater / de-mister installed.

ENGINE Motec ECU controlled standard FA20 engine with the following accesories: • Oil Cooler & Aluminium Radiator • Sump Baffle • TRD Air Box with Flat Panel (Oiled Filter) • A/C compressor removed • Header/extractors (Neal Bates Automotive)

TRANSMISSION The standard 6-speed ZN6 (Std H pattern) with a close ratio gearset and quick shifter.Differential has a Kaaz LSD with a 4.566 final gear ratio. SUSPENSION MCA Rally Gold front and rear struts with Hardrace front lower arms and adjustable caster arms. BRAKES Floor-mounted pedal box controlling WRX 4-pot front callipers and Mazda RX7 4-pot rears.

WHEELS / TYRES 15" Braid wheels, running on MRF rally tyres SPONSORS / ASSISTANCE Barrie Smith Motorsport, Stewart Wilkins Motorsport, SSS Automotive, Balance Motorsport Australia, Neal Bates Automotive and 086 Rallying.