If you’re into drifting here in New Zealand, then you’re no doubt familiar with the name Keisuke Nagashima. Keisuke has become somewhat of a Toyota AE86 legend here in New Zealand, and runs an international blog that goes by the name of 86 Fighters. It’s only right that Keisuke has an AE86 himself, which he does. In fact, he’s had several over the years. Around three years ago,Keisuke was pedalling a notchback, however when he decided to kick it up a few notches, it was going to be more cost-effective to purchase an ex-competition vehicle.
Nick Teeboon is another name you’re most likely familiar with if you’re a drifting enthusiast here in New Zealand — or perhaps it’s his AE86 you’re a fan of. With Nick now judging D1NZ rather than driving, he no longer had the need for a competition-spec Trueno. Instead of caging his own AE86, Keisuke thought it wise to purchase Nick’s instead, as it had already been seam-welded, caged, and homologated.
The newly acquired AE86 was purchased as a rolling body. Soon after the purchase, Keisuke was offered a complete SR20DET conversion — including a Toyota Hilux differential — from a friend down in Christchurch. With both engine and rolling chassis in hand, Keisuke sent the AE86 over to the talented lads at C’s Garage, to get a complete revamp.
The S13 SR20DET engine received a complete overhaul, with a combination very well known to the C’s crew as it’s one commonly built in Japan, and it’s on their own Pro-sport vehicle that Joel Hedges runs.
The turbine of choice is none other than a Trust TD06-20G, which is combined with Franklin 262-degree cams, a Trust 46mm external wastegate, C’s Garage mid-mount manifold, and three-inch exhaust. This combination of turbo, wastegate, and exhaust has produced an extremely angry-sounding SR (see the video at the bottom of the page).
Engine work hasn’t stopped there though. ARP head studs and a Tomei 1.2mm head gasket ensure that the head doesn’t lift on high boost. The combination has been tuned with an A’PEXi Power FC computer, which ties in the Z32 air-flow meter, Sard 850cc injectors, and Sard fuel-pressure regulator. The resulting tune saw the extremely responsive SR20 produce 276kW (370hp) at the wheels, which in a chassis this light is a lethal mix.
Backing the SR20DET is a factory S13 five-speed gearbox, but with the addition of a one-piece driveshaft, Nismo Coppermix clutch, C’s Garage custom gearbox mount, and a locked G-series diff with 4.338:1 ratio final drive. Keisuke’s not too confident on the S13 gearbox lasting too long, but will run it hard until the day it gives.
C’s Garage absolutely went to town with the fabrication on Keisuke’s ’86. They produced the custom oil catch can, radiator overflow tank, swirl port, crossmember spacers, custom radiator with Fenix Radiators core, custom intercooler with Vibrant intercooler core, and Power Mount engine mounts. While the C’s boys were at it, they tube-framed the front end, which allowed for custom mounting points, a weight saving, and added rigidity.
To haul the ’86 up when required, Keisuke had Wilwood Dynapro calipers installed up front, with 278mm Brembo rotors, stainless-steel braided brake lines, and a Wilwood master. Down the back you’ll find Silvia S14 calipers and rotors, and a hydraulic handbrake.
Although the AE86 is a capable handling machine with only entry-level modifications, this vehicle will be used for competition at some stage, so nothing was left factory. In the coilover department, Parts Shop Max coilovers with 8kg springs up front and 6kg springs in the rear were chosen. C’s Garage fabricated a set of their exclusive ‘555’ knuckles for the car, alongside custom T3 adjustable lower control arms and castor arms.
To improve on the AE86’s already impressive agility, an AW11 MR2 steering rack was installed, along with an adjustable 24mm Whiteline front sway bar, and 16mm TRD rear sway bar. C’s Garage also relocated the rack 25mm from the factory location. The AE86 is also running RA60 rack ends, with AJPS super-lock spacers.
When you’re in the cabin of the AE86, as we were lucky enough to be, you’ll notice it’s very much a workhorse built for one thing only.
That didn’t stop Keisuke from adding his own Japanese flair, with the addition of a Bride Vios III seat with Bride seat rails, a Takata four-point harness, A’PEXi RSM, Broadway mirror, Nardi steering wheel, and the complete range of Defi’s finest gauges.
When you’re rocking an angry SR20DET, a suspension package worthy of pro-level driving, and have the balls to drive it as hard as Keisuke did on his first outing in the vehicle, you’d hope the aesthetics were up to scratch. Thankfully Keisuke has done a good job in this department too, with 35mm-wide Run Free overfenders front and rear, a Noby Booth rear wing, East Bear mirrors, and a Goodline bonnet. The combination topped off perfectly with Run Free bumpers front and rear, and Run Free side skirts.
If you’re a wheel hog yourself, or you need copious amounts of spare sets come drift day, you’ll know where Keisuke is coming from with his three sets. Keisuke runs, on any given day, his 15×8.5-inch (-22) and 15×9-inch (-30) Focus Racing 5 wheels, 15-inch Work Equip 01s, or his 15×8.5-inch (-22) SSR XR4 Longchamps — all shod in a combination of tyres, depending on the level of grip required. On test day, Keisuke was running 195/50R15 Achilles 123s up front, and the same size in whatever is lying around down the back.
To check out Keisuke’s angry AE86 in action, check out the in-car video we snapped below: