Kaleb’s 86
 

Hey everyone, just wanted to start a car journal for my FRS since I enjoy reading everyone else’s so much! I am a huge lover of Japanese cars, in particular Toyota. I went to work for them in 2012 and moved over to Lexus mid 2014. Lexus is an incredible company and is meticulous with the details of their cars they produce. They use a term “Kaizen” which is a Japanese word meaning “continuous improvement” as they are always looking to make the cars better and put an emphasis on fine craftsmanship. I wanted to to apply this same type of idea to my car, be meticulous and use quality parts, and take the time to do it the right way. The goal is to build a fun car for twisty roads that occasionally gets to see the track. I’m really trusting of Toyota’s (TRD) factory engineering, and plan to use a lot of their parts.

My 86 is a black 2015 FRS that I bought as a CPO from a Toyota dealer. This is actually my 2nd FRS, I was working for Toyota when the car launched in ‘13 and I leased one, but after the lease was up I toyed around with buy a bunch of different cars, but everything I drove made me miss the feeling of the 86! So I just picked up this black one up August 2018, it was all stock aside from an MXP Comp RS catback that was installed at the original dealership.

So far the mods on my FRS are currently:

Engine:
-Motul engine/trans/diff fluids
-TRD Intake
-Greddy Intake Snorkel
-Openflash V4 tune
-Braille lightweight battery
-MTEC shifter springs
-MTEC clutch spring

Exhaust:
-Tomei UEL catless header
-Tomei overpipe
-HKS duel resonated front pipe
-TRD (usa) catback

Suspension:
-KW V1 coilovers
-TRD front strut mounts
-Cusco rear LCAs
-Whiteline adjustable endlinks
-TRD strut tower bar

Wheels/Tires:
-BBS LM F1 Championship Edition 17x8 17x9
-Hankook Ventus V12 225/45 245/40

Exterior:
-OEM RS1.0 Headlights
-OEM Toyota clear sidemarkers
-Valenti sequential taillights (red edition)
-Valenti 4th brake light (black edition)
-TRD aero stabilizing cover
-OEM fog light kit
-Verus rear diffuser

Interior:
-TRD ball shift knob
-TRD suede dash trim
-TRD RS1.0 steering wheel
-Verus throttle peddle spacer
-Cusco wide throttle peddle
-BRZ ts suede gauge hood
-BRZ ts suede upper door trim
-OEM Toyota red door grips

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...a6d1a9e60c.jpg
This was 2 days after I purchased, took a short road trip to some proper roads and just enjoyed having the FRS back, such a fun balanced car! I put like 3k miles the first week I had it!
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...b02fe6802e.jpg
And here is a current picture!

Kaleb’s 86
 

So for the first mod I didn’t want to do something cosmetic, I wanted to start off right by doing something small but purposeful. So I ordered the Verus throttle peddle spacer kit and Cusco throttle peddle to help with heel-toe.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...c70c666a90.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...d8bcb29aae.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...42be2cea0f.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...4c361f11bd.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...6a2861ebc6.jpg

The install was really easy, and I tried to get some photos to show the new location of the throttle peddle, the pictures don’t really show too much of a difference but you notice a HUGE difference when you are driving the car! The instructions from Verus said to make sure to drive the car for a couple weeks for your muscle memory to get used to the new peddle location, and I can see why. At first I thought it was terrible, it felt super weird to drive, but now that I’m used to it i’m liking it. Having the brake and gas peddles basically level with each other really does help.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Kaleb’s 86 (kaizen project)
 

The next mod on my list was to do something with the exhaust. It was nice to have the MXP Comp RS on the car when I bought it because the stock exhaust does not sound very nice and the MXP has a great deep sound. While I was happy to hear my car as I drive, I didn’t like how loud the MXP was around town, I don’t like the “big can” look of the tips/mufflers, and that system is super heavy, heavier than the stock set up. So I traded it locally for a used TRD catback that was in great shape and then ordered the HKS dual resonated front pipe to ditch some weight and gain a deeper tone without it being too loud.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...33d20ec2eb.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...e05da0ccab.jpg

I didn’t take many photos of the install, if you have done any exhaust work you know there isn’t much to it, super easy job, especially on these cars. The build quality on both the TRD system and the HKS pipe is top notch, everything I have ever bought from HKS has been exceptional quality and this no different! I couldn’t be happier with the exhaust note now, nice full deep tone without being too loud when I’m driving around at low speeds in town. I’m going to get a header/overpipe in the future, so with this front pipe and the fairly large TRD muffler I think it will sound good but not be over kill on volume.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Kaleb’s 86 (kaizen project)
 

So there hasn’t been much progress since it’s winter here in Indiana, but I’m really excited that my wheels just showed up! This is a set of BBS LM F1 Championship Editionshttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...4873abd13a.jpg
always loved LMs and I’m super excited to run these! They are 17x7 +35, but I plan on widening them down the road, but I’m going to swap my stock tires over and wear them out first!

That color on the wheels look so nice!




If you ever do plan on widening the wheels, I actually have a set of CCW LM20s that's just collecting dust....

Thanks! Normally I like polished lips on wheels, but I’m really digging the solid color on these! Those CCWs are great wheels, what size are they?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Dude where did you even get those wheels? They are gorgeous!

Thanks I’m super excited about them! I bought them from a company I found on Instagram threepiece.us, this is the 2nd set I’ve bought from them and have had good service. I was saving for coilovers but when these 5x100 LMs came up for sale I had to jump on them!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I love those, what size are they?

They are 17x7 +35 square, I plan up switching to 8” or 9” barrels though down the road, that’s part of beauty of multi piece wheels! But I’m going to get some use out of the stock tires this summer before the upgrade


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Sweet

18x9.5 +30


Polished lip

Now that you've had the Cusco pedal for a bit, how do you feel about it? I'm looking at possibly getting one for my self.

Im more interested in feedback from the pedal spacer. I got big feet but the difference in height would help with "heel toe" vs left side of foot and right side.

The Cusco pedal by itself is not sufficient. The "height" difference between the brake and gas pedal is the major issue, which is resolved with the Verus spacer, or similar product.

So the biggest difference in the new pedal set up is for sure the height difference from the Verus spacer, not the next width from the Cusco pedal.I love the wider pedal, everyone should buy that, but I honestly would like if the spacer was maybe 3/4 the height. It does for sure make heel-toe easier having the pedals flush, but does have an odd feel, at least for now. I don't think i have fully adjusted to it yet, mainly from it being winter here, so from the time I did the install until now I have maybe only driven the car 5-7 times unfortunately. Im going to keep it on this entire year and see how if I ever adjust! I dont have the widest feet, so I really like that spacer moves the peddle closer to the brake, but it almost seems like under really hard braking the brake ends up being lower than the throttle peddle which feels strange to me, but again it does make blipping the throttle really easy....almost too easy lol

Got to work disassembling my wheels tonight just to be able to clean them up easily, super easy process just time consuming. I was happy to find that all the hardware was all BBS and not aftermarket, they should clean up pretty good! Also my clear side markers finally showed up, but now I kinda wish I bought the Verus carbon replacements.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...b518d2e97c.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...4411bbb2a4.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...c0a7f2d5d9.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Not to hijack the thread, but i ordered my own pedal spacer :happyanim:

That’s awesome, it will be weird at first but it helps for sure!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Cleaned up the faces on the LMs today. I used some fine steel wool get all old caked on brake dust off and then ran them for a few cycles in the dish washer. Worked pretty well! Next up are the barrels and hardware...https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...f2281a207b.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...fec8d6515f.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...f40afa04ca.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Hahah the ol' wheel disks in the dish washer trick. Classic.

Kaleb’s 86 (kaizen project)
 

Ordered an ultrasonic cleaner to clean up the wheel hardware and it just showed up today! I just used water the first round and then made a strong Simple Green mix and ran them all again. The cleaner did a good job on everything, although it did reveal that the bolts aren’t just dirty but do have a bit of corrosion. I’ll probably just reuse these bolts while I keep the 7” barrels. It kinda bothers me but it’s not like the used wheel faces and barrels are in mint condition anyways so no big deal. I am happy to have this little cleaner though, I’ll use it for any bolts I ever take off now, especially on my daily, which has spent it’s whole life outside in Indiana winters.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...2905fabb02.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...699f249594.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...55b1fc3783.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Kaleb’s 86 (kaizen project)
 

I’ve been a fan of the Valenti taillights since I had my first FRS but never bought a set, so I went ahead and pulled the trigger on a set of red editions and a black edition 4th brake light from ft86speedfactory. I also ordered a soldering iron and used a YouTube video to rewire the 4th brake light to separate the “V” from the brake triangle, but left it so it would still pulse before staying solid when applying the brakes. I’m super happy with the set up and it really brings the rear together well, the black edition 4th blends right into the rear when it’s off and red lens tails are my favorite on any car. I’m also about ready to put the LMs back together, I need to decide on coilovers...
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...930e618e26.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...10d3cf2be0.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...836dc27f1c.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Kaleb’s 86 (kaizen project)
 

I was having a hard time deciding on what coilovers to go with and set of HKS Hipermax SP came up for sale local for a great price and since they were on my list I went ahead and picked them up. I want to upgrade down the road, I really like the Ohlins set, but these will do for now, and it’s fun to have the HKS GT set on my daily and the SP on the 86, they feel extremely different and I like comparing the two cars. While I was installing the coilovers I realized I needed new end links, went with the Whiteline set and they seem to be pretty decent quality. I should have snapped some pictures with the wheels off, the colors on the end links and the coilovers are almost the same gold which was a nice surprise, I didn’t even consider the color of the end links when I ordered them. So I got that job all buttoned up and had some help at work swapping the tires off the stock wheels onto my LMs!
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...14e4a874c0.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...ffad8a0fcb.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...8fb57ca0a6.jpg
Also, I ended up getting some black enamel paint and sprayed the bolt heads to cover up the little bit of the original finish that was worn, and ordered new valve stems and lug nuts right from BBS. Pretty happy with the wheels for their age, but really can’t wait to pick up some wider barrels for them and get some proper tires.

My FR-S came with those tires and I hated them! Ahhh, brings back memories!


Looking forward to you getting some nicer tires on those sweet looking wheels in the future!

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...a8e82e4e81.jpg
This is the new car delivery area at our dealership, I love the floors, hopefully I can get a cool set of photos inside after I get the car more complete!

Also, I popped in the JDM clear side markers last night, much cleaner look than the orange, but I still need to switch all the front lighting to LED.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...ca3968155f.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Took the car in for an alignment before I rolled out to TN with my buddy to drive the Tail of the Dragon, I really need to buy LCAs, but the set up was still feeling really good.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...c4e579147d.jpg
We drove about 350-400 miles of mountain roads roads in just a single day and it was great time, I envy anyone who lives around there and gets to drive roads like that all the time! We stopped here and there a snapped a few pictures along the way, but we mainly just drove. No music, windows down, 80 degree sunny day...it was perfect.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...2b032b414d.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...73c6fb913f.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...13e52852aa.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...841e5f0e2f.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...637dcf8731.jpg





Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Made a little more progress this weekend, I bought a Tomei UEL header and overpipe, as well as an Openflash tablet. I got the stock pieces out a few days before my new stuff arrived just to save some time on the install.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...00964d37c4.jpg
I was bored one night and I ended up wrapping the oil pan in some heat reflective tape I had, I figured it might help reflect a tiny amount of heat from the new header. The Tomei kit comes with heat wrap so I figured the 2 combined would help somewhat, and it’s gold so that has to add an extra HP or two...right?? https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...4eb6c06216.jpg
I was really impressed with how complete the Tomei kit is, everything you could need is included, and the welds all looked amazing! The install was very easy, except for the one stud on the inside of the drivers side, I think this might be from the UEL design, but still a very easy job.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...4001c25399.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...075726ff35.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...619f316bd8.jpg
I took the car out for a test drive and the difference is pretty noticeable even without a tune, and I actually didn’t get a CEL which was a surprise. I’m pretty happy with the sound, and cruising at highway speed is way more mellow than I thought it was going to be, I won’t be switching up my exhaust setup anytime soon!
Now I’m ready for the Openflash tune, but I’m having some trouble. I don’t have a windows computer, and I kept getting a “COMM_ERROR” message on my buddy’s computer when trying to load the tune from the Openflash Manager, I’m going to pick up a cheap laptop today and see if I can figure it out.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I got the issues sorted out with the OFT and flashed the V4 stage 2+ tune, threw in an HKS drop in filter, and it’s running pretty good! Nice difference with the tune, cars feels nice and linear, but I might try out the e85 tune soon.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...94b4bb1449.jpg
Also I got to hang out with other 86 people at a local cars and coffee!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

It was 8/6 Day today so I treated the car to an oil change and fresh trans/diff fluid! I went with all Motul fluids and the difference in the transmission is great, buttery smooth. I also replaced a rubber piece in front of the rear wheels that tore a while back and a new splash guard for the transmission because all the eyelets stripped from me over tightening them last time.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...348f6c6f64.jpg

Winter has been in effect in Indiana recently, so the car has just been hanging out in the garage. I ordered a few little pieces on Black Friday just to have something to tinker with. I ordered MTEC clutch and shifter springs, BRZ ts suede gauge hood and upper door trim, the JDM red door grips, and the TRD edition suede dash panel.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...7738d1eade.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...8f5b57f132.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...e673f4b71d.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...fe96e54182.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...1869f25cb1.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...c7a82f0464.jpg
I got the interior bits installed and moved on the clutch spring, which was a big pain in the ass in my one-car garage. However, right after that install we got blessed with some warmer weather so I’ve got to drive the car a bit with the new spring and it feels great, I highly recommend it to anyone looking for better clutch feel! Going to knock out the shifter springs this weekend and I’m excited to feel that change as well.
I’m on the hunt for a set of 17x9 BBS LM barrels, so if you know anyone looking to sell some please PM me. I might end up having to buy a full set of LMs in that size and just swap my 5x100 faces...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I love those red JDM grips. Can you give me the part number please. :drool:

Thanks! The part #s for the red grips are SU003-04426 and SU003-04424, super easy install as well!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...9427e0f852.jpg
Got the MTEC shifter springs installed last night, the space is tight but overall a pretty easy job. I actually had more trouble with the 27mm bolt on the passenger side than the allen bolt on the driver side despite there being slightly more room. I’ve only clocked a few miles this morning with them, so far it’s a nice change, more of a solid feel, you really notice them shifting from 2-3. I think I’m going to buy the STi or TRD quick shift lever and some trans bushings eventually, I think together it would be a nice combo.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Not much progress recently but I do have some awesome parts on the way so I’m excited for that! The only changes since the last update would be the addition of the lightweight battery kit from ft86speedfactory. They Braille battery is a lot smaller and saves a good bit of weight from the front, but what I liked was the included battery tray and tie-down, it makes for a very factory looking install.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...a60070a23d.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...bbde64d039.jpg

I also finally sourced a wider set of OE BBS barrels for my LMs, after the rebuild I’ll have a staggered set of 17x8 and 17x9. Also picked up a set of the Cusco tire ramps since my jack doesnt fit under the front of the car and they’ve been great. I swapped the stock tires back onto the stock wheels and have the LMs disassembled and waited for some powder coating companies to open back up from this crazy COVID-19 situation. (Hopefully everyone is staying safe!)https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...1729fe050d.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...7c30ede339.jpg

I’m still debating what color way I’m going with for the rebuild..or if I want to get the faces machined to run them reverse mount...I’m leaning towards keeping the gold/gold look from the F1 edition...or polished lips/gold faces...or black lips/gold faces...what would you do??
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...32c4b3aea4.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Parts arrival! TRD japan sways, strut bar, and “aero stabilizing cover” piece for the back window, pretty excited!https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...d279ffdb75.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...09758e632b.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...1c1f3bd467.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Went ahead and installed the aero cover tonight, the kit was super complete with cleaning and primer wipes, as well as a bunch of little rubber blocks to get the spacing even all around. The instructions were fully Japanese, but the pictures do a good enough job explaining the spacing. I’ve always liked how this piece looked so I’m happy to have one finally..and plus...I’m sure the car is just SO FAST now with all this aero! (lol)
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...6bbe370feb.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Kaleb’s 86
 

Well I have more parts on the way now, got some GREAT prices on a couple things, including some new Cusco controls arms, I really wanted to get the rear camber sorted before I put some brand new tires on there..speaking of which...I also just got my 9” LM barrels back from a local shop to have some curb rash removed before powder coating!
I went ahead and installed the TRD strut bar last night. Fitment is awesome, the carbon weave is perfect..but no surprises there. It’s a really easy install, but again you really only get to go off the pictures in the instructions. I really liked how neatly packaged everything was, and it was cool to see some of bolts have TRD labels and not Toyota. The torque specs were all in Nm but luckily my wrench is labeled with both.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...be45b27ca3.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...3a36d7f5f9.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...553e6ce0f6.jpg

I did take the car out to my usual roads right after just to see if I noticed a difference, and my immediate impression is that it feels like the car returns to straight more quickly after a corner. Happy with this piece so far!

More parts!! Cusco lower control arms, TRD (USA) quick shift kit, TRD/Momo steering wheel, and a set of headlights from an RS1.0! Really excited about the lights and wheel, got lucky and scored them both for a great price.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...f7b49bc054.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...11ef16d76f.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...7079af1e57.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...fa133d7076.jpg

I went ahead and installed the steering wheel right away, the oem wheel just feels so cheap, I was really happy to replace it. I was getting jealous of the nice leather wheel in the 124 I have, but this one is much thicker and I love the red center line.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...836e8028a5.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...14ee7831f9.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...6e8563040e.jpg

Hopefully I can pick up an 86 airbag sometime...and all the black interior trim pieces. Next up will be the control arms, sway bars, and quick shift kit!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Got the RS1.0 headlights installed and working properly with the adapters from LED86 in AU! Also a new fender liner and clips, mine was damaged a while back from some debris on the interstate.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...1514cba37c.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk