Over-Engineered Simplicity: A KE74 Corolla Drift Wagon

With regards to drift automobiles, there’s nothing a lot less complicated than an previous rear-wheel drive Toyota Corolla powered by a 4A-GE. Takuya-san, nevertheless, determined to show this idea on its head, constructing probably the most eyebrow-raising Corollas I’ve ever come throughout.

Should you’ve caught any of my earlier tales, you’ll in all probability know that I’m comparatively straightforward to persuade in relation to taking pictures automobiles in Japan. Particularly when it’s a Toyota, and particularly when there’s a chance to go out into extra rural areas.

For these not accustomed to the Low Mind Drift Crew, they’re a small crew with an enthusiasm for automobiles, meals and basic tomfoolery. In addition they placed on an important annual occasion at Sportsland Yamanashi.

The place am I going with this? Nicely, Takuya-san – the proprietor of this loopy Corolla wagon – began Low Mind in 2007, and ever since, the group has been a staple of contemporary Japanese automobile tradition. As I reveal the main points of Takuya-san’s KE74, you’ll begin to perceive why.

Now, Takuya-san’s Toyota will in all probability confuse a couple of of you, because it’s a variation of the Corolla not many people are accustomed to. Should you stare lengthy sufficient although, you begin to see elements shared with the extra widespread sedan variant.

From the surface, there’s loads to have a look at on this drift-spec wagon. From the RS Watanabe wheels to the Moze over-fenders, there’s not an entire lot you possibly can critique. Persevering with the Corolla theme, elements from different variants appear to combine seamlessly, specifically the AE86 Levin entrance lip and Goodline carbon below panel.

Don’t let this Corolla’s kyusha styling and carburettors idiot you although – its innards boast loads of fashionable developments, most notably the rear S14 multi-link suspension conversion with a ‘Low Mind Unique’ pushrod system. The type of setup that might look proper residence in an open-wheel race automobile. Nuts, proper?

With regards to the rest of the footwork, Takuya has spared no expense or effort. Largus entrance coilovers, T3 knuckles and Beatrush bracing preserve the entrance of the wagon planted and agile, normally considerably of a difficult job as Corolla aficionados would know.

Previous Corollas aren’t identified for his or her structural rigidity, so Takuya has comprehensively strengthened the wagon with a customized 11-point roll cage that ties into the rear suspension. To maintain everybody secure, a pair of OMP seats and Crow 6-point harnesses have been fitted as effectively.

On the coronary heart of the KE74 is Toyota’s venerable 16-valve 4A-GE. Save for Toda 288-degree camshafts, the engine’s internals are comparatively normal, however nearly the whole lot else has been touched. A set of Mikuni HSR42 bike carburettors and a Okay-Works headers make for a harmonious auditory expertise, each inside and outdoors the automobile.

Because it sits, the 4A-GE is placing down round 130PS, which does properly within the sub-tonne Corolla. Appearing because the proverbial ‘cherry on prime’ to this completely balanced setup, an AE86 T50 5-speed gearbox, ORC clutch and Nismo LSD assist get energy to the bottom – or at the least preserve the rear wheels spinning.

It was an actual pleasure to spend the day taking pictures with Takuya-san – it undoubtedly added to my need of wanting to construct a Corolla in Japan in the future. Till then, anticipate a couple of extra from me featured right here.

Alec Pender
Instagram: noplansco