Why the Toyota 86 is a Great Car.

[Optimus Prime]

Originally Posted by Gilwith1l

I was trying to go to fifth. Probably the worst shifter next to a three on the tree setup

Yeah, but it confuses the hell outta people who have never seen one('46 CJ-2A with a 3 on the tree has been in my family for ~50+ years)!

[rice_classic]

Originally Posted by Superhatch

Or more specifically the amount of mods I have haven't increased my level of enjoyment as much as I thought they would...because the car is a TON of fun to drive stock.

but I have just as much fun on my snow tires as I do on my sticky summer tires. It makes me realize that the inherent fun of the car isn't based in power, and power will likely not make it any more fun for me. Aside from talking numbers at a car meet, my increases in power haven't actually made the car that much more fun to drive.

I think you and I might be coming to the same conclusion, however I haven't done any modifying at all, only contemplated it and done my assessing from others experiences. Like you, I manage a territory and do a lot of driving between accounts so increasing NVH or reducing MPG's is off the table.

At this stage in my life I like comfort and efficiency as much as I like sporty and fun. Anytime we change one side of that equation it is often at the cost of the other side. More sporty = less comfortable or efficient and visa versa.

So I came to this question: How can I increase fun without decreasing efficiency or comfort?

So far my two answers are: 1) Leave it stock and love it and 2) replace OEM tires with even less expensive, lower grip tires so I can slide around at even lower speeds in the dry. Like treadwear 300-340.

[Superhatch]

Originally Posted by rice_classic

2) replace OEM tires with even less expensive, lower grip tires so I can slide around at even lower speeds in the dry. Like treadwear 300-340.

I think you'll enjoy this video. :P

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPh90yNX-mY"]The Mercedes C63 AMG Experiment - /CHRIS HARRIS ON CARS - YouTube[/ame]

[FRSupra]

Originally Posted by Wilso

Awesome post man! Love it

Thanks.

Originally Posted by Superhatch

I had a mod path that was focusing on staying NA, adding a tune (have an OFT E85 stg 2 currently), I/H/E (Perrin Intake currently), new rear end, keeping the 245/40 ZII's I have on, adding a crap load of suspension mods (some of which are already on) but this thread has really made me take a step back and ask if the mods I have done so far have made the car any more fun to drive. I don't think they have. Or more specifically the amount of mods I have haven't increased my level of enjoyment as much as I thought they would...because the car is a TON of fun to drive stock.

The E85 tune is nice, and some noticeable power, but it won't blow anyone away. The intake noise is nice, but likely doesn't add much noticeable power at all. The suspension mods did change the feel of the car in a good and noticeable way, and I like the look much more, so those will likely stay...but I have just as much fun on my snow tires as I do on my sticky summer tires. It makes me realize that the inherent fun of the car isn't based in power, and power will likely not make it any more fun for me. Aside from talking numbers at a car meet, my increases in power haven't actually made the car that much more fun to drive.

Gotta think some more.

This. I sort of have this feeling that this is one of those cars that will only require a few tasteful, respected mods throughout the mature owners community. Simple tweaks here or there to just improve upon what's already good.

[mweidner311]

Originally Posted by FRSupra

Thanks.



This. I sort of have this feeling that this is one of those cars that will only require a few tasteful, respected mods throughout the mature owners community. Simple tweaks here or there to just improve upon what's already good.

I couldn't agree with this statement more. I just purchased mine and really only thought it needs new wheels, to be a bit lower, and an exhaust. The car is already an absolute blast to drive a few more horsepower here or there isnt going to make me grin anymore than I already am.
Nice original write up as well very well done
Everyone have a good weekend!

[FRSupra]

A little off spotlight, but I wanted to share this video featuring the MX-5 in it's 25 year celebration. The philosophy here is similar to the passion that went into the 86.

http://www.mazda.com/stories/craftma...x-5/mx-5_25th/

[HI]

I believe while heartedly that this car is 100% about the driver and their knowledge of the vehicle. If used right this vehicle is a beast. I'm on full exhaust and stage 2 tune and most of the time, people think my car is boosted, but it's all in the handling and powder to weight ratio. I've owned four subaru's (Wrx/sti) and none of them have been as much fun as my frs.

[Grassroots_BRZ]

Great read

[Jegan_V]

Originally Posted by FRSupra

A little off spotlight, but I wanted to share this video featuring the MX-5 in it's 25 year celebration. The philosophy here is similar to the passion that went into the 86.

http://www.mazda.com/stories/craftma...x-5/mx-5_25th/

I respect the MX-5, however I personally think the 86s is a better sports car package for one primary reason. The engineers for the 86 managed to cram all the goodies we expect from sports cars, but add that extra bit of practicality that those other sports cars lack. I use the rear seats, I've stuffed the trunk, being able to fold the rear seats has meant I was able to put far larger items than you'd expect a car like this to accept. Its a big reason why I bought one. Its a full on proper sports car with all the necessities that make it an excellent driver's car...but it can totally function as my primary and only car. I can't say that about many of the other sports cars like the MX-5, S2000 or the 370Z even. Many of them require you to have a 2nd vehicle to compensate for their practical deficiencies. This one on the other hand, is pretty space efficient given the size of car they have to work with. I haven't come to a daily driving task where this car has been defeated, if I do get to that point...my old Impreza sedan wouldn't have helped there either.

[AVodka14]

Originally Posted by dem00n

WOAH.

Who dissed the First Gen Ford Taurus?

The SHO model had a manual transmission by Mazda and one of the greatest V6's ever made, Yamaha made it!



They're a great bargain, you can pick one for dirt cheap.

My mom had a 1995 Ford Taurus SHO is silver. Indeed tranny by Mazda and engine by Yamaha made it unique. We just did not have any luck with it. It was plagued with tranny and engine issues since day 1. Although we just as well may have had the bad apple of the bunch. I still agree with you. Regardless of how much difficulty we had with it. I still drove it for a while when I first got my license. The damn thing would fly. Just needed to be RWD and it would have been spot on.

[AVodka14]

Originally Posted by Sideways&Smiling

The NSX comparison is pretty odd, considering its price, performance, and, most of all, the fact that it was a mid-engined car! Far different than an FR car.

^
This. MR vs FR is incomparable. That's why they are in 2 different categories. Yet I see where the OP is coming from. I did not see the need to put his summary under a microscope. I see his point being NA sports cars that mates the driver to the road with plenty of available power that has to be worked for. Although the NSX is a V6 with more accessible power.

[AVodka14]

Originally Posted by jjaisli

To be fair, in one sentence you've mentioned the ONLY two things that made this car stand out: it's Yamaha developed engine and the fact that it had a manual transmission. Back in the late 80s, having a quick revving, 24V DOHC power plant and manual transmission in a domestic sedan made this car special. It's build quality, F/R balance, dull steering feel, mediocre suspension, average brakes, and hopeless torque steer made it anything but.

Agreed. My family had the auto 95 SHO. The MT would have been more fun. Yet still had plenty of issues with it.

[Sarlacc]

@FRSupra
First post is spot on! Thanks for putting it out there :-)

In my crystal ball, this car will be recognized as a classic of epic proportions in the annals of motoring history. Right there with the E-Type, the Corvette and the 911.

It will not be a turbocharged rocket frankenbunny with silly camber angles they will celebrate; say 20 years from now, it will be the stock 86.
And I have one of those.

When that day comes I will sit back and think yeah, I recognized it for what it was when Toyota called and offered me a test drive back in '12, so I bought it brand new off the line.

Hopefully, I'll still have mine in 20 years. It will probably still be stock engine, tranny, suspension etc. because the car is perfect for the way I drive on the roads I drive on.

[Don Ivey]

I think you've had a bit much of the cool aid. I've got a 911, and the FR-S ain't no 911, not by a long shot. It is a great car, in it's own right, so we're all winners.

Originally Posted by Sarlacc

@FRSupra
First post is spot on! Thanks for putting it out there :-)

In my crystal ball, this car will be recognized as a classic of epic proportions in the annals of motoring history. Right there with the E-Type, the Corvette and the 911.

It will not be a turbocharged rocket frankenbunny with silly camber angles they will celebrate; say 20 years from now, it will be the stock 86.
And I have one of those.

When that day comes I will sit back and think yeah, I recognized it for what it was when Toyota called and offered me a test drive back in '12, so I bought it brand new off the line.

Hopefully, I'll still have mine in 20 years. It will probably still be stock engine, tranny, suspension etc. because the car is perfect for the way I drive on the roads I drive on.