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When it comes to performance tuning, JDM cars are at the top of the list. With their high-strength engine blocks and overpowered engineering, these old Japanese coupes can be tuned to output 3-4x more than their stock HP. For instance, 600-800 HP for a ’90s Supra MK4 and Nissan Skyline R34 is not a fuss (if tuned properly by a good mechanic).
If you’re a car nerd with an adrenaline overload, JDMs might be just what you need. Here, we’ve brought you the list of all the best old legendary JDM performance cars that are tuner-friendly and can withstand extreme HP’s add-on.
Serious dyno tuning, like the 2nd and 3rd stages that make the car go over 900+ HP, is not cheap, and you need a deep pocket for such big horsepower figures. However, being so old, it’s very rare that you find a genuine stock JDM performance car. Most are pre-owned with 1st and 2nd stage tuned, and you can further mod them to your taste.
Disclaimer: This article is intended solely for enthusiasts and may not be applicable or practical for every individual. The content and references in this article are based on discussions with a tuning garage and reflect the advice and recommendations provided by the garage.
Here’s the list:
Toyota Supra MK4
Supra MK4 is the lord of all tuner cars. Thanks to its overpowered iconic 2JZ-GTE engine. It’s an inline six-cylinder engine, and in Supra, it used to produce 276 HP in stock. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Proper tuning, and you can make it go above 900 HP or at least 400-600 HP is not a fuss for 2JZ. How?
First of all, it’s an in-line 6-cylinder and not a V6, so there’s a lot of room in the engine bay. This allows tuners to add high-pressure bar single-boost turbos, bigger intercoolers, bigger fuel injectors, fuel lines, and a performance air filter kit with bigger exhaust systems.
To withstand these extreme HPs, 2JZ’s engine block is made of cast iron, and the crankshaft is made of reinforced steel, which gives it inherent strength and allows it to withstand extreme tuning levels. That’s why, with an addition of 500-600 horsepower, the engine maintains structural integrity and reliability.
But note that due to it’s popularity, Supra MK4 is not a cheap project!
Nissan R34 Skyline
The R34 Skyline is also associated with Paul Walker, as it was his most loved car in the Fast & Furious 2 movie. The legendary 2.6-liter RB26DETT straight-six twin-turbo engine (2.8 in some regions) was apparently limited to 276 BHP from the factory due to a “gentleman’s agreement.”
However, this technological marvel, if tuned properly on Stage 3 (700 HP), can give fly-by to most of the performance cars being produced today, e.g., Porsche 911 Carrera, Ford Mustang GT, and Chevrolet Camaro ZL1.
Only a simple ECU remap could raise it to around 350 BHP, but with other modifications, it can go much higher than that. The car’s body and frame are designed so that even above 300 km/h, the stability is awe-inspiring; it feels like it’s built for German autobahns.
Overall, 2JZ in Toyota and RB26 in Nissan are two of the most legendary tuner-friendly engines ever built!
Honda Civic
If you’re looking for a low-cost tuning project, the Honda Civic is probably what you need. While you can’t take it to extreme tuning like MK4 and R34, it’s still a good project on budget.
You have two options for this: you can take the Civic 8th generation, also known as Reborn or the 5th or 6th generation. Here’s highlights of how its tunning will be performed to give you the most gains for the least money spent (for Civic’s older than 9th generation):
- Use force induction: This path involves adding forced induction to the engine, typically through a turbocharger or a supercharger. The primary focus here is on maximizing horsepower gains by forcefully increasing the amount of air and fuel mixture entering the engine.
- Install Performance Exhaust: You must install performance exhaust to ensure that the increased exhaust gases flowing out of the engine are not obstructed.
- Upgrade ignition components: These include spark plugs, plug wires, an ignition coil, and a forced induction ignition component.
- Upgrade fuel delivery system: After installing the turbo, you want to ensure that the engine’s performance is not restricted by a fuel delivery system.
- Leave everything on the tuner: These were just essential mod highlights that your tuner might do; the tuner might choose another path based on your taste and preferences.
After these modifications, your Civic can output 250-300 HP on wheels (approx.), which is equal to 400-500 HP in the engine.
Notice: The modification process outlined above is confirmed and written as per the guidance of a reputable tuning garage. Actual modifications may vary depending on individual preferences and vehicle specifications.
Mazda RX7
The RX7 is a legendary JDM sports coupe from the 1990s. A low-profile body design wrapped around a lightweight body powered by a 1.3L 13B engine produced 252 HP in stock; again, this car was also a part of a “gentleman’s agreement.”
Due to its rotary engine, most tuners prefer to swap the engine with LS1 or 2JZ, depending on the individual’s taste. But its stock 13B twin-rotary engine is also great for performance tuning. Being a high-RPM engine, it can go all the way up to 10,000 RPM or even more after stage 2 tunning.
In stock, it uses a sequential turbocharging system—one turbo typically makes a boost from idle. As the revs ride (4K RPM), the second turbo kicks in and goes all the way to the red line.
Performance tunning highlights for RX-7:
- Exhaust: The factory exhaust in the RX-7 is 2.5 inches in diameter, which is small and restrictive for a dyno-tuned car. For Stages 1 and 2, an at least 3-inch-wide system is necessary.
- Intake: In stock, RX-7 takes the air from a single plastic air box. Although it’s a sealed unit, meaning it’s suitable for cold intake, it still may not provide sufficient airflow for optimal performance. Therefore, your tuner will give you two aftermarket options: a freer-flowing air box design or twin cone air filters.
- Customer Air Intake: If your tuner decides to go with a single big-boost turbo, your intake will then be custom. For custom turbos, the Garrett GTX3582R can be a good match for a 13B engine. Depending on your tuner, its boost levels can range from around 1.5 to 2.5 bar (22 to 36 psi).
- Tuner’s Magic: These are just some highlights of how RX-7 is tuned on the Stage 2. Now, your tuner will alter the ECU to change the ignition timings, spark plugs, fuel linings, and other inside engine components.
Notice: The modification process outlined above is confirmed and written as per the guidance of a reputable tuning garage. Actual modifications may vary depending on individual preferences and vehicle specifications.
The list is extensive, featuring the Nissan 350Z, Mazda RX-8, Nissan Silvia (S15), Nissan GTR R35 (Godzilla), Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI, and many others. If this article receives a positive response, we’ll consult with our tuning garage partner and consider creating a second part.