“It’s something I have wanted for so long. Finally, the big header, ITB-setup is now complete and driving! Check it out!”
I cannot begin to tell you just how long I have wanted a four-cylinder-powered, rear-wheel-drive, naturally-aspirated, high-revving machine with big headers and individual throttle-bodies. Finally, the dream setup is complete and I am so incredibly happy with how it turned out.
It has been a while since I have updated everyone on my project; Rodney. So, I will go back a few months pre-lockdown and fill you in on the finer details. The setup you will read about is something I have wanted for this car for a long time. The Altezza is heavy; it still has the sound deadening, full interior, and air-conditioning. On the track, it’s still a heap of fun, and the stock Beams engine is satisfying to rev out. However, I was yearning for just that little bit more.
I had always planned to have Brendan Dunker of Niteparts build me a set of headers. His work is second to none, and I was in love with the design of his bespoke headers. I asked for a quote and waited. Beginning the ITB build was no quick process.
I purchased the required Link ECU nearly nine months ago now. Then, I collected parts such as the AE111 OEM throttle bodies, the SQ Engineering 3SGE to AE111 adapter plate through NSTParts, and plenty of other smaller items.
Before the Altezza went to Brendan to have the headers built, I thought it best to have some maintenance work done at the workshop where I work. At first glance, it looked as though it needed a front-main seal to combat a leak I had. Upon closer inspection, it was leaking everywhere. It was at this moment, things spiraled out of control.
“Let’s just pull the engine out,” Joseph Hirst at NSTechnical told me, as he explained it would be much easier to replace all of the seals on the engine. Great advice, it turned out, as when we pulled the sump off to check the bearings, they had definitely seen better days.
With the engine out, it was sent away to be measured. New ACL Race Series main and big-end bearings were then fitted. It also received new crank seals, new Hardrace engine mounts, we had the lightweight flywheel machined and the team cleaned the engine bay. With the engine away, they had some spare time with the car, so I had them install TRD diff and caster bushes, and replace a bent rear toe arm. Oh, and they had the front Supra discs machined too.
With the engine out, it was best to remove the manifolds to save Brendan some time. The engine was put back in the hole, filled up with run-in oil, and loaded onto a trailer bound for Niteparts where it would stay for a few weeks. There were a few hurdles to overcome during this time too, with a couple of sensors failing, slowing the process down.
However, I got the phone call I had been waiting so long for — the car was ready to collect! A friend of mine and I ripped down, and I heard it for the first time. Brendan also fabricated a 2.25-inch steel mandrel-bent exhaust system with two mufflers and a nice low-key stainless tip.
What a noise! I couldn’t say thank you quick enough (sorry Brendan!) and I was off on the maiden voyage. The first time I revved it over 7000RPM, I burst out into hysterical laughter. I simply could not believe the sound coming from this engine. Taking it all the way to the 8000RPM rev-limit is pure nirvana. I will never forget that drive home.
Fast forward a few weeks (sorry I have been super busy!) and I finally had the chance to drop the run-in oil and replace it with some quality Motul oil. And, here we are. I have wanted to get those photos done for a very, very long time. I still want to tidy things up from this point, like the strut-brace mounts that are now redundant. But, for the most part I am one incredibly happy lad.
For the money, I could have doubled this power with a turbocharger. It would have been much better for the street and would have made street-driving a breeze. But, that isn’t what this car is about. I had to complete my ‘touring car’ appearance, feel, and sound — and I am so glad I did.
I just want to give a MASSIVE shout out to everyone involved in this project. Joseph and the team at NSTechnical, Brendan at Niteparts and everyone else — THANK YOU!