Uzz32
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Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 315
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From: LA
Uzz32
Thinking about selling my quite-track-dedicated SC in a few months, and using those funds and some more to import a 4 or higher-score UZZ32 active suspension Soarer. Anyone have experience with these technological marvels?
You'll find service parts for the UZZ32 suspension and 4WS hard to get. The parts aren't stocked in the US inventory. Closest match might be air suspension parts for a couple of years of the LS400 which had a RARE air suspension option (someone correct me if I'm wrong on that point) and I have NO IDEA if any of them are cross-compatible. Checking any info you can on Australian Soarer sites might be a good bet to see what, if anything, is and is not cross-compatible between the UZZ32 suspension and other Toyotas.
Also, you'd have to make sure the engine conforms to US-spec 1992-94 (last year of the JDM UZZ32 Active) 1UZ-FE engine with EGR for emissions if that applies to your area.
More than that, you may still be subject to the "25-year importation rule" depending on the year of manufacture. Currently the oldest RHD JDM Soarer (1991) is 23 years old so you'd have a couple of years to wait before you can avoid the draconian US Customs and US-DOT nonsense. The EPA doesn't care about the engine emissions (Federal) after 21 years from the date of manufacture but in a state like California they probably still require testing.
A buddy of mine imported a much older vehicle a couple of years ago and I sat with him through the process of getting his legal paperwork in order-- somewhat daunting. He even had a conversation with Sean Morris (famous for importing Skylines) about it and there is no greater authority on JDM importation than that guy. You might want to contact his importing company if you really want to do this. It's going to be a long process.
Also, you'd have to make sure the engine conforms to US-spec 1992-94 (last year of the JDM UZZ32 Active) 1UZ-FE engine with EGR for emissions if that applies to your area.
More than that, you may still be subject to the "25-year importation rule" depending on the year of manufacture. Currently the oldest RHD JDM Soarer (1991) is 23 years old so you'd have a couple of years to wait before you can avoid the draconian US Customs and US-DOT nonsense. The EPA doesn't care about the engine emissions (Federal) after 21 years from the date of manufacture but in a state like California they probably still require testing.
A buddy of mine imported a much older vehicle a couple of years ago and I sat with him through the process of getting his legal paperwork in order-- somewhat daunting. He even had a conversation with Sean Morris (famous for importing Skylines) about it and there is no greater authority on JDM importation than that guy. You might want to contact his importing company if you really want to do this. It's going to be a long process.
Last edited by KahnBB6; Apr 15, 2014 at 10:43 AM.
Pole Position
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 277
Likes: 0
From: Manitoba
Id love a uzz32 - autocross it and be like YO no body roll from factory.. make them s2000s and miatas jealous.
So what it does it matter being a couple hundred lbs heavier.
But as pointed out, there are other places to ask/check for information on the uzz32 - UK and AUS websites come to mind. What more are you wanting to know about the car's technological marvels?
So what it does it matter being a couple hundred lbs heavier.
But as pointed out, there are other places to ask/check for information on the uzz32 - UK and AUS websites come to mind. What more are you wanting to know about the car's technological marvels?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 315
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From: LA
I plan on doing it through an importation company I have become familiar with (International Vehicle Importers), and do it via 25 year. So, yes, it will be a few years.
I really was just wondering if there was any expertise on them on this forum, or if I was going to be one of (hopefully) a few brave souls leading the charge.
I do prefer US sites but I imagine I will have to "interpret" (lol) for a lot of maintenance.
I really was just wondering if there was any expertise on them on this forum, or if I was going to be one of (hopefully) a few brave souls leading the charge.
I do prefer US sites but I imagine I will have to "interpret" (lol) for a lot of maintenance.
Last edited by ArkLaTexSC; Apr 15, 2014 at 12:08 PM.
what matters that its heavier? only that its heavier.. I didn't say it wasn't worth it but I do like the way you say just a few hundred pounds =)
Sounds like you guys haven't been to the Soarer central? They have everything you would need to know posted there including how to tear down and rebuild those special shocks. Also it is in English which is very handy.
http://soarercentral.com/cgi-bin/sc-forum/discus.cgi
Sounds like you guys haven't been to the Soarer central? They have everything you would need to know posted there including how to tear down and rebuild those special shocks. Also it is in English which is very handy.
http://soarercentral.com/cgi-bin/sc-forum/discus.cgi
Pole Position
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 277
Likes: 0
From: Manitoba
as well -- http://www.soarerworld.com/forum/
There are a few UZZ32s in Canada - but most stay in Europe Australia and japan.
There are a few UZZ32s in Canada - but most stay in Europe Australia and japan.
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Lead Lap
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 550
Likes: 1
From: Western Australia
There are a couple of people in Aus who work with the active suspension, so that shouldnt be a HUGE issue. Just be aware that depending on the state of the suspension it could cost $5k+ just refurbishing that.
I think your biggest problem will be finding one. Not a lot of them around in Aus or UK and hardly any in Japan come up for sale.
Good luck
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My mistake. I had read somewhere a few years ago that the V8 Soarers and Active V8's were only sold through MY1994. In that case, when did the Soarer 3.0GT (2JZ-GE) show up for sale? 1994 or 1997? It was my understanding that the Soarer V8 was dropped from the Soarer line at some point and I more or less assumed (erroneously?) that both the Soarer V8 (UZZ30) and Soarer V8 Active (UZZ32) were cancelled at the same time.
Lead Lap
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 550
Likes: 1
From: Western Australia
My mistake. I had read somewhere a few years ago that the V8 Soarers and Active V8's were only sold through MY1994. In that case, when did the Soarer 3.0GT (2JZ-GE) show up for sale? 1994 or 1997? It was my understanding that the Soarer V8 was dropped from the Soarer line at some point and I more or less assumed (erroneously?) that both the Soarer V8 (UZZ30) and Soarer V8 Active (UZZ32) were cancelled at the same time.
That explains it all perfectly, thank you! What exactly is the difference between a UZZ30 and UZZ31, then? Just the air suspension vs conventional suspension? I'd thought the US received the UZZ31 version but we never had any air suspension options here. Interesting that they didn't exactly kill off the V8 models right away but in stages.
Last edited by KahnBB6; Apr 16, 2014 at 11:12 PM. Reason: clarification
From wikipedia.......
Importing a 32 may be worth all the trouble, but turning an sc400 into one would likely be overwhelming. In the countries where they are available they usually get scooped up by collectors pretty quick.
The UZZ31 featured a driver-adjustable air suspension system that had two settings for both ride height and damper stiffness. The air 'bag' pressure was controlled by an electric pump mounted at the front of the car. Also featured on the UZZ31 series were a host of electronic goodies including automatic headlights, speed-sensitive wipers, electric controlled and heated seats with two-position memory, electronic collapsible steering column with memory, reversing camera, cabin air purifying system, touch screen TV with 12 stack CD player, touch screen SatNav, and a full on board computer diagnostic system which would output to the TV display unit.
The UZZ32 was the top of the line 30 series featuring all of the options available on the UZZ31 but with the added feature of four-wheel steering and a complex hydro-pneumatic, computer-controlled active suspension system. This did away with conventional springs and anti-roll (stabiliser) bars in favour of hydraulic struts controlled by an array of sensors (such as yaw velocity sensors, vertical G sensors, height sensors, wheel speed sensors, longitudinal and lateral G sensors) that detected cornering, acceleration and braking forces. The system worked well and gave an unusually controlled yet smooth ride with no body roll. However, the additional weight of the system affected straight-line performance somewhat, so a re-mapped ECU was introduced to allow better 'off line' performance.[citation needed] The car was costly to produce and at close to 8million Yen in 1995,[2] expensive to buy. As a result, only 873 UZZ32's were made and are now collectors items in the UK and Australia. The UZZ32 Soarer became the second shortest production run model for Toyota following the 2000GT in the late 60's.
The UZZ32 was the top of the line 30 series featuring all of the options available on the UZZ31 but with the added feature of four-wheel steering and a complex hydro-pneumatic, computer-controlled active suspension system. This did away with conventional springs and anti-roll (stabiliser) bars in favour of hydraulic struts controlled by an array of sensors (such as yaw velocity sensors, vertical G sensors, height sensors, wheel speed sensors, longitudinal and lateral G sensors) that detected cornering, acceleration and braking forces. The system worked well and gave an unusually controlled yet smooth ride with no body roll. However, the additional weight of the system affected straight-line performance somewhat, so a re-mapped ECU was introduced to allow better 'off line' performance.[citation needed] The car was costly to produce and at close to 8million Yen in 1995,[2] expensive to buy. As a result, only 873 UZZ32's were made and are now collectors items in the UK and Australia. The UZZ32 Soarer became the second shortest production run model for Toyota following the 2000GT in the late 60's.
Driver
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 75
Likes: 28
From: FL
So you are not far off assuming that the car is in good condition that it would make s2K or miata jealous. My Uzz30 regularly beat s2K's and miata's right now with the right tire setup. I got 2nd fastest time of the day regularly when I raced my sc400. The car that beat me was a Evo X on slicks. UZZ32 would obliterate my UZZ30 especially in the slower auto x with that suspension working properly and 4 wheel steering.
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