One of the best things about Flyrat is that they dont sell only overpriced vintage cars like old GT-Rs and 240Zs but many reasonably priced and not-that-old-but-already-cool-as-hell models like this awesome KE70.

Here are some basic facts about this 1983 kouki Corolla DX: it has an obligatory 4AGE swap with 65.000 Km on the odometer, TRD 6/5,1 kg/mm coilovers made by Revolver with Tokico HTS inserts, 15×8 SSR XR4 Longchamp wheels with pretty agressive -14 offset. All yours for only 750k Yen or 7k Euros.

Ok, thats a bit more then you would pay for a rusty KE from some old guy from countryside but dont forget whats included in this package. Just take a look how much XR4s in this offset sell for…

Another thing that makes us love this 70 so much is that the owner didnt swap the headlights for the more popular 4 eye ones. We know why everyone loves them so much but you have to admit that this setup looks way smoother.

境様、お忙しい中でのご回答誠に有難う御座います。

Sakai-san: My name is Sakai and I run the auto shop motorFIX in Japan. Thank you very much for taking a look at our website and approaching us.

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86ers.org: Thank you for your time. First question that comes to most peoples mind is how you got into modifying old Corollas and what is it that most attracts you to them? Japan is full of powerful turbocharged cars and finding these days someone who still drives cars like the 86 on race tracks is more and more difficult.

Sakai-san: Theres still a lot of AE86s around us. But there are less and less cars with chassis in good condition. MotorFIX is an ordinary auto shop and I like the KE70 so naturally a group of people who like the same things gathered around this place over time.

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86ers.org: The AE86 is considered one of the biggest japanese drifting legends but you like the KE70 more. Why do you prefer this Corolla generation?

Sakai-san: The 70 appeals to me because its unique and you can use most of the AE86 parts. The chassis is completely identical.

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86ers.org: A lot of people around us asks why are your cars so rusty at first glance. Is there a special reason to that?

Sakai-san: Unfourtunetly humidity is very high in Japan and cars rust in this enviroment very easily. Exterior parts are very hard to find for the 70 and repairs are more expensive then with the AE86. Even though its boro these 70s have a lot of milage ahead of them… and I also like the typical atmosphere which the rusty chassis evokes. I think that there is a lot of young people these days who cannot afford tires or gas because they buy exterior mods or pointless crashes. “Even though its boro the ride is cool!”… Thats one of motorFIXs motto.

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86ers.org: We can find the Blacktop 4AGE under the bonnet of many of your cars, what is the reason why you prefer this engine?

Sakai-san: Since the 70 has more or less the same chassis as the AE86 then swaping any kind of 4AG is very simple. However an engine that has more then 20 years of work behind it requires many repairs and a lot of money. Thats the reason why we choose the 5 valve Blacktop which is also a 4A but newer and less problematic. Even in stock form it produces 165hp which used to be the power oh modified 4 valve 4AGs and thats enough power for the light 70.

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86ers.org: We heard that the Japanese police has become very strict these days and modifications are more limited then before. Does it happen to you that you recieve fines for illegal mods? Or do the police officers say stuff like “Oh hey look, its an old Corolla, I remember having one back in the days”?

Sakai-san: Modified cars with road registration have an authorization technical check so modifications are without problems. AE86s are being pulled over often because they are something as a symbol of modified cars but the 70 was never pulled over.

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86ers.org: How is the AE86 being seen today in Japan in your opinion? Do the people still see it as the same car it was 15 years ago when drifting was just becoming popular and when it was cheap and affordable? Its been more then 25 years now and a well preserved piece is more expensive then an avarage S13 or R32 and so many beginners in drifting tend to choose these newer turbo platforms over the Corolla…

Sakai-san: Corollas in good condition are expensive but  you can buy acceptable pieces cheap. But as you say todays young generation tends to buy turbocharged cars that are cheaper and more powerful then the AE86.

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86ers.org: This is a more general question but how do you Japanese who showed the world professional drifting see drifting in the rest of the world? What do you think about the evolution of drifting in the US and in Europe?

Sakai-san: I think that just like with Judo and other sports the rules will change and the form and directions will be set by America and Europe. I personally think that the ideal state is when normal people can enjoy drifting as a normal, simple hobby.

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86ers.org: When it comes to professional drifting, everyone immediately thinks of D1GP. What do you think about this racing series? Cars are becomming faster every year and it all cost more and more money.

Sakai-san: Tracks like Fuji and Suzuka dominate in the series and there you need power under the hood at all costs. The speed and dynamics of this drifting is logicaly redeemed with huge money. But I guess you cant do anything about this growing level when you as a professional recieve money from your customers (sponsors).

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86ers.org: We are from the exact opposite end of the world but is there still something you would like to tell our readers at the end?

Sakai-san: I still remember the amazing feeling when I first drifted my car and I got blown by the “drift wind”. Ever since then I am poisoned with drifting! LOL

motorFIX
堺　望
〒501-1106
岐阜県岐阜市石谷429-14
TEL&FAX – 058-235-7776
http://www.motorfix.jp
info (at) motorfix.jp

ｍ（．＿．）ｍ アリガト