From Street to Circuit: The Impressive Transformation of an AE86 Drift Car

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- Published on
- Published on
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- By Dushyant
- (@dishs)
I stumbled upon a car that left me utterly dumbfounded. It was an AE86, but not just any AE86. This thing had been transformed from a street car drift machine into a full-blown circuit car for time attack. And let me tell you, it was a sight to behold.
The name on the car read "Bo Yates," and if you're a fan of Option DVD like me, you'll understand the significance. Bo Yates is like a god in the world of AE86s. He's the reason many of us fell in love with these cars in the first place. And now, here I was, standing in front of his masterpiece.
This AE86 was perfection in every sense of the word. The fitment, the finish, the attention to detail - it was all on another level. This was more than just a car; it was a work of art. And as an AE86 owner myself, I knew I could never reach this level of greatness. It takes years of dedication, passion, and, of course, a lot of money to create something like this.
My connection to this car came through my work at Mtron, an engine management company. Bo Yates and I grew up together, drifting on the streets of Sydney. We shared a love for cars, and that bond has remained strong over the years. I had the privilege of witnessing the transformation of this car, working on the engine management side of things.
The engine bay was a sight to behold. It housed a 3S turbo beam engine, and every electronic component you could imagine. The attention to detail was mind-blowing. The craftsmanship was impeccable. This car had been through years of hard competition drifting before being converted for time attack, and yet, it still performed like a beast.
But it wasn't just the engine bay that impressed me. The entire car was a work of art. The custom hood, the filled-in grille, the aerodynamic features - everything was designed with precision and purpose. It was clear that no expense was spared in creating this masterpiece.
This AE86 was not just a showpiece; it was a performer. Bo Yates had driven it to impressive lap times, proving that it wasn't just about looks. The rear end had been modified for better traction, and the car had all the necessary components for a successful time attack run.
As I stood there, taking in every detail, I couldn't help but feel a pang of envy. I wished I could own this car, to have it in my living room as a testament to the beauty of automotive engineering. This AE86 was the epitome of perfection, the Singer Porsche of the AE86 world.
But alas, this car was not for me. Bo Yates had decided to part ways with it, as he embarked on a new chapter in his life. His daughter, an incredible motocross rider, had captured his attention, and he wanted to focus on supporting her journey.
So, for now, I could only admire this AE86 from afar. It represented everything I loved about cars - the passion, the craftsmanship, the pursuit of perfection. It was a true masterpiece, and I felt privileged to have witnessed it in person.

Image copyright Youtube

Image copyright Youtube

Image copyright Youtube

Image copyright Youtube
Watch Ex-Drift Car Turned Race Car: Drift King's Australian Time Attack AE86 on Youtube
Viewer Reactions for Ex-Drift Car Turned Race Car: Drift King's Australian Time Attack AE86
Rear end camber and how it was achieved
Fit and finish of the car
Impressive high-end quality
Desire to do a similar build
Appreciation for Larry and Option D Films
Comparison to a factory-run Touring Car
The affordability of a Nissan 370z compared to a Trueno AE86
Admiration for the car's beauty and awesomeness
Mention of Tsuchiya, the king
Speculation about Larry adding the car to his collection
Referring to the car as the Holy Grail of project cars
Comment about the carbon hood and doors possibly being from Japan
Link to a video of Tsuchiya driving the AE86.
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