1 of 1 1986 AE86 Corolla GT-S with 1.9 Liter 4A-GE

Billy Edmonds was lucky enough to work in the right place to get an exclusively built engine from Hasselgren.

By Tyler Linn - October 11, 2021
Billy Edmonds' 1986 AE86
1.9L Hasselgren 4A-GE
Edmonds 86 Rear Profile
Rear Profile of Edmonds' AE86
AE86 Interior
Edmonds Custom Toyota Corolla AE86

The Almighty 8-6

Billy Edmonds is the proud owner of a one-of-a-kind build on a legendary platform. Edmonds, who resides in Northern California, utilized his connections at the Lamborghini and Pagani dealership he works for to build the car of his dreams. Super Street brought this amazing build to the world after writer Jofel Tolosa relayed his chance encounter at a local car meet.

Photo: Super Street

Only One in the World

Edmonds first got his build started by adding a bolt-on exhaust, coilover suspension, wheels, and tires all himself. But he wanted more than just the regular bits. "After seeing them [AE86s] run the rally stages in Ireland years ago, I always wanted a higher-performing version." shared Edmonds "This is my interpretation of what TRD would do if they cut loose without any restriction," Now, Edmonds' 86 is truly unique. It features an AE86 Corolla Levin front-end conversion, Compomotive wheels, tons of carbon fiber, and perhaps most interestingly, a one-off engine from a premier engine building shop. Under the hood lies a 1.9L Hasselgren 4A-GE.

Photo: Super Street

>>Join the conversation about this custom Corolla AE86 right here in the Club Lexus Forum!

Different Strokes

Working as a service writer, Edmonds was occasionally in contact with Hasselgren for engine machining needs. Edmonds was eventually able to work those connections for a fully custom engine build. The 4A-GE features a shortened block, custom crankshaft, upgraded rods and pistons, and a small spacer to allow for a longer stroke. All of which resulted in 0.3-liters of added displacement and a 12:1 compression ratio.

Photo: Super Street

>>Join the conversation about this custom Corolla AE86 right here in the Club Lexus Forum!

Rev it Up

The new engine situation resulted in a frightening 10,200 rpm redline necessitating a beefier IS200 transmission and NASCAR shifter to give Edmonds the rally-like feel he was looking for. The build also got a custom ECU and engine harness from Cosworth. After the dyno-ing was done, the hachiroku was making a ferocious 266 hp at the wheel and 180 lb-ft of torque.

Photo: Super Street

>>Join the conversation about this custom Corolla AE86 right here in the Club Lexus Forum!

Carbon Fiber Everything

Inside the build bears a lot of modern touches for an '80s Toyota. "One of my favorite parts of the build is the interior," says Edmonds "I'm a huge carbon-fiber nut, so seeing all of it every time I get in the car makes all of the late nights worthwhile," The interior also features an Alcantara dash and Trillet seat.

Photo: Super Street

>>Join the conversation about this custom Corolla AE86 right here in the Club Lexus Forum!

More to Come

Future plans for the build include fine-tuning the suspension, a stronger rear axle, wider wheels and tires, and further development of his one-of-one Hasselgren engine. 

Photo: Super Street

>>Join the conversation about this custom Corolla AE86 right here in the Club Lexus Forum!

Check out the how-to sections of ClubLexus.com for help keeping your car in great shape. 

NEXT
BACK
NEXT
BACK