Classic Toyota Builds

Classic Toyota Builds

This is our archive of Toyota build stories — from trail-tuned Land Cruisers to restored MKIV Supras. New content is being added soon, so check back regularly!

Want to share your build? Reach out — we’re always looking for legendary Yotas to feature.

1996 Land Cruiser 80 Series – Overland-Ready Beast

Owner: Jake from Colorado

Platform: 1996 Toyota Land Cruiser FZJ80 (factory lockers, 4.5L I6)

Jake picked up this ’96 Land Cruiser 80 Series bone-stock with 210,000 miles and a dream to build a self-reliant overland rig. What started as a weekend trail truck quickly turned into a full-blown expedition vehicle built to handle the Rockies, Moab, and everything in between.

🔧 Mods & Upgrades

  • Suspension: Old Man Emu 2.5” lift with heavy-duty springs and Nitrocharger shocks
  • Wheels & Tires: 285/75R16 BFGoodrich KO2s on 16” steelies
  • Bumpers: ARB front bumper with winch mount + rear swing-out tire carrier
  • Armor: BudBuilt skid plates + sliders
  • Roof Setup: Front Runner full-length rack with RTT, Maxtrax, and shovel mount
  • Interior: Drawer system, 12V fridge, dual battery with Redarc isolator

🛣️ Trail-Tested

This build has tackled everything from shelf roads in Telluride to deep sand in Utah without breaking a sweat. Jake says the lockers and gearing made it unstoppable even when fully loaded.

💬 Owner Quote

“It’s heavy, it’s slow, and it’ll go absolutely anywhere. Wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

📸 Build Gallery

[Images coming soon – rooftop camp setup, trail shots, underbody detail]

1996 MKIV Supra NA-T – From Automatic Cruiser to 5-Speed Flex-Fuel Beast

Owner: Alex from Oregon

Platform: 1996 Toyota Supra MKIV (2JZ-GE, originally automatic)

Alex bought this naturally aspirated ’96 Supra as a high-mileage auto — clean, stock, and overlooked. Now? It’s a turbocharged 5-speed sleeper with a flex-fuel setup that adjusts seamlessly between 91 and full E85. Built to pull hard and drive daily.

🔧 NA-T Conversion & Drivetrain

  • Engine: 2JZ-GE stock long block, T4 single turbo kit, 44mm wastegate, 3” downpipe, front-mount intercooler
  • Transmission: W58 5-speed swap using OEM pedals, clutch master, and driveshaft
  • Fuel System: Triple Walbro Hellcat pumps on a Radium triple hanger, FIC 1000cc injectors, ethanol sensor, return-style conversion
  • Management: AEM Infinity with flex-fuel integration — single tune that auto-adjusts based on ethanol content
  • Tuning: ~480whp on 91, ~630whp on full E85 with seamless transition

🛞 Suspension & Styling

  • Suspension: Tein Flex Z coilovers – tuned for daily driveability with weekend grip
  • Enkei RPF1 18×9.5 + 18×10.5 with Michelin PS4S
  • TRD-style lip, spoiler delete, custom side skirts
  • Interior: OEM black plastics, MOMO wheel, AEM digital cluster

💬 Owner Quote

“It started as an NA auto and turned into a flex-fuel demon that pulls clean past 7k. Still drives to work like nothing’s changed.”

📸 Build Gallery

[Photos coming soon — bay detail, trunk fuel setup, rolling shots]

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