Ready to Race: The Formula S GR86 Takes on Global Time Attack Finals

Updated: Jan 16

The Formula S Toyota GR86 preparing for Global Time Attack. — The Shop86 getting ready for a massive overhaul.

While the weather is getting colder, racing environments are getting better. The shop is crunching in work to prep the Shop86 in time for this year's Global Time Attack Finals in November. The shop wanted to use this event as an opportunity to push the GR86's limits even further beyond. With the help of our friends at A'PEXi, we were able to have the car in a competitive state in time for the weekend.

The easiest way to prep for any upcoming installs was to completely gut the interior of the GR86. Not only would reaching around and making room for installs be a lot easier, we would be cutting out a large sum of unnecessary weight from the vehicle. Richard at A'PEXi was able to make a custom harness bar for the GR86 to meet Son's harness needs as well as Global Time Attack regulations for Street Class. We coupled the bar with a matching red Sparco Harness

However, with less weight, we would need additional downforce in order to maintain proper grip. With the event closing in swiftly, the shop had to improvise on various aero components since our Voltex order would not make it to the shop on time. A'PEXi was kind enough to supply a Max Orido lip, wing stands, and brackets to complete our aero. To accompany the new lip, Son was also able to make a splitter in house.

To add a little bit of extra power to the car, we upgraded our headers and opted for a single exit exhaust. Our new system is now completely catless and will have an updated tune done by Delicious Tuning. We went with Delicious Tuning due to their extensive portfolio with Subarus in the professional automotive industry.

There was still some gap to fill in the wheel well, so we opted to bump up the size of our wheel setup. Our original setup consisted of a squared set of Titan 7 TS-5's in 18x9 with +47 offset. This was accompanied by a 245/40/18 tire. With our new setup, we had to ensure that our next wheel would still clear our Brembo Kit and maintain a strong design. We found that the CE28's fit the bill at 18x9.5 +45. We wanted the stickiest class legal tire we can get and chose Yokohama A052's in 255/35/18.

With everything buttoned up and ready to go, the car measured in at about 2750lbs with Son in the seat. That's 120lbs shaved off from the stock weight of 2868lbs without a driver. Before the actual event, Son was able to give the car a proper shakedown to ensure everything will be ready for the following morning.