You actually missed the Tommykaira B4 Legacy's / BE5 and BH5 models. I owned a TK built M20b B4 with the full 2.2l engine package - insane car thats now been lost to time and careless owners. Probably one of 10 made in the exact spec it had, with 300 legacy's of that generation being built (including both wagons and sedans)
It’s chronologically after late 1995. Where episode 2 is going to start. So it will be in the next episode. Honestly such an amazing car, really excited to cover it. That’s amazing you had the opportunity to own one. Incredible and I’m so jealous!
@@JDMArchives Awesome to hear! Absolutely love the TK stuff - it's a shame that it's only coming to light now just how sick it all was. Absolutely loved my M20b B4 - unfortunately NZ was far behind the times with these as well. Was laughed at asking $10k for it when they were selling in Japan for about $30k NZD. I sold it to the wrong people eventually and it ended up in an insurance fraud case - all TK parts removed, spread across the country, and the thing being left as just a shell after being "stolen". The engines actually on FB Marketplace advertised as a regular EJ208 when it's a fully forged, stroked motor hahaha - tempted to pick it up for the memories.
@@Leo.B.Photos Wow mate! Sorry to hear the story ended that way. Great to know it was forged and stroked, what a beast! There cant be too many left in good condition, such a shame.
Great chronological overview of Tommykaira's early models. Looking forward to seeing part 2 and also an M30z feature if you get around to it! Regarding the transmission types in the M30z, it appears as though there were about the same amount of autos made versus manuals (50/50 based on around half of the total 43). Although the power figures for the auto were lower, the torque specs were 470Nm compared to 456Nm for the manual. If Tommykaira tuned the auto for 350ps, the torque figures would've been much higher again. Given the significant price increase of these car's compared to a standard 300zx, they weren't purchased by your average boy racer. The customer chose the colour, transmission, body type (2+2 or 2+0 targa roof, or 2+0 slicktop), and choice of tuning options (not all car's received the full mod list). Due to these various choices it makes all of the M30z's rare in some sense. The photo's of the red slicktop you featured is car number 23. It was one of 11 built in red (black being the most popular), it received all of the upgrades including Recaro seats, and is one of very few 2+0 slicktops.
Thanks for the comment, great information to have, especially when going into the full video when I finally get to it. Still focused on episode 2 right now which is nearly finished. Thanks for watching legend!
Guy who lived near me used to have a Red 2 door TommyKaira GC8 Impreza M20B on white rims, had the twin element wing. That thing was cool and intriguing in equal measure to a teenage car enthusiast, he wasn’t likely to pull up next to another one of them at the lights in Plymouth England. Great video, sub earned 🫡
Wow that’s incredible! I would love to see that thing. Great info for me to have when I come back to it in the full video about it being 2 door. Thanks for that… and thanks for the Sub!
T top roof is a targa with a centre longitudinal reinforcing bar going from the roll hoop to the windscreen frame, resulting in a roof made of two removable glass panels. A Z32 with T Top was driven on Top Gear's affordable sportscar challenge and Clarkson threw the driver side glass panel in a ravine
Regarding the gentlemen's agreement, it wasn't disregarded. Tomita told in his blog posts how he had to work with the homologation office and create a car safer to drive with 70 extra PS. That must be why it took two years after the announcement.
One very minor correction, the Nissan Cima was built to compete with the Toyota Crown Majesta, not the Century. It slotted in between the Cedric/Gloria, and President in terms of price. Love the video though! Saw an original R32 M30 at a show when I lived in Okayama and it was the coolest thing there
man i loved your channel, please catalogue as much of these tuned cars as you can because theres so many from so many tuning shops, most of which are completely forgotten like the r32 GTB (which is essentially a 4 door gtr made by autech) and the autech NA RB26s as a example on the r32 autech version (gts-4)
@@JDMArchives yeah, it made 210hp, not much but the intent with that car was to make it to be a more of a heritage type drive experience like in older skylines, that rb26 is clearly not even trying to make power.
Hey man, another cool video. Have you heard of the Juicebox YT channel? He found some Tommy Kaira bits for his March. Look forward to your next episode dude. 🤘
Thanks mate! I used to have a GC8 WRX v6 STI 2 door in JDM spec “Type R” all the JDM spec 4 doors are called “Type RA”… I wonder if RA means “4 door” in the Tommykaira models!? It will be interesting to cover and look more into when I cover the M20b in the full video, I’m looking forward to it. It definitely got me wondering to! Thanks for watching 👌
Interesting seeing their Z32 model offered in slick-top variant, I wonder if it was a naturally aspirated car or if it was one of the few Japanese Z32’s that were slicktop and Twin Turbo. If it was a factory slicktop Twin Turbo car, I would assume that it would probably be one of the rarest Z’s out there.
Yeh that’s a really good point. Youd think it would already be turbo as the platform for the 350ps tune. And also when Tommykaira was often using new cars, ordered from Nissan. Really interesting thought you bring up! Thanks for the watch.
@@JDMArchives it's gunna happen, don't worry, I have not seen anyone covering topics like this on TH-cam yet. It's been awhile since I've watched a video like this and found myself googling cars I never knew existed. Fwiw the rare optional parts video made it on my suggested feed, so I'd turn that into a series! Possibly rare manufacture optional wheels? Trends in Japanese customization, and backgrounds of other tuners? Either way, thank you so much for coming out of the gate with such quality videos!
@@cow8697 thanks! I had a lot of fun making the rare parts video as well, so I will have to make that into a series. Great ideas for future content. Noted!
Thanks to everyone who subscribed in my last video! It was great having all the comments come in. If you spot any extra Tommykaira information on these cars I missed, comment it, so I can try include it in the full video!
I think we all came here thinking that only Nissans was used by Tommy Kaira. I just recently discovered that they've done Subarus, since one Impreza Wagon appeared abandoned in the streets of England.
I get that you're mostly into JDM stuff but they dabbled with more German cars than the Merc 190 and E-Class. Japanese built BMW E30 Hartge models could also be optioned with that amazing Robo Wing which makes some sense considering Hartge Japan at the time was based out of the Tomita facilities. Tommykaira also built a BMW E36 called K28 which is a more complete overhaul like many of the other cars on your list. Some early BMW Hartge models built in Japan will have Tommykaira badging as well as Hartge badges. You might mention that in Ep.2 though.
I’ll have to check that out when I do the individual car videos, so I don’t miss it. I wonder if it was so early that it wasn’t engineered with a VIN plate and that’s why I didn’t find it? There’s also just was such an overwhelming amount of information it took me months to collate for those two videos… Thanks for the extra info!
@@JDMArchives The E36/K28? It may have been early. Not sure how Tommykaira did things. But the E36 model itself is 1991-1998. I've only found a few pictures of two or three cars on Japanese IG and very little information otherwise. It might have a lot in common with Hartge models from the same time since TK were building those as well for the Japanese market. It might not even be a regular offering. I can imagine it took months to get all this info. I'm into niche market tuning stuff as well but I've mostly dived into Euro stuff. The Japanese market is relatively unknown to me apart from what was done with Euro cars over there. And Euro tuners doing things with Japanese cars (Such as the AMG Mitsubishi Galant). The Hartge/Tommykaira connection is very interesting nonetheless. Thanks for two very interesting videos either way!
@@JDMArchives After trying again and finally being able to find a site that let me translate the text I found that the E36 K28 was a one-off demo car and was pretty heavily modified with a stroker kit, cams and aero. It also appears to use many of the same tuning parts as the Hartge E36 H26SP but with more performance mods.
![[ENG CC] Two seater battle - Integra R, Tommy Kaira ZZ, Boxter, BMW Z3, MX-5 Tsukuba 1997](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/GrP5dv9k7MU/mqdefault.jpg)
Wow I had no idea Tommy Kaira had so many models!
Yeh not many people do. Such an underrated brand. Thanks for watching!
Imagine buying a brand new top Spec’d Tommykaira S13 Silvia for just over 20k… I need a time machine.
If only… I’m sure there’s a few cars we’d all buy
The R31 looks gorgeous with the tommykaira touch
Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed the R31 as much as me!
Owner of an R33 M25, brill vid man, its hard to information for these
Thanks for the comment legend. It took along time to get it all together for the video. Episode 2 Tommykaira in the pipeline.
You actually missed the Tommykaira B4 Legacy's / BE5 and BH5 models. I owned a TK built M20b B4 with the full 2.2l engine package - insane car thats now been lost to time and careless owners. Probably one of 10 made in the exact spec it had, with 300 legacy's of that generation being built (including both wagons and sedans)
It’s chronologically after late 1995. Where episode 2 is going to start. So it will be in the next episode. Honestly such an amazing car, really excited to cover it. That’s amazing you had the opportunity to own one. Incredible and I’m so jealous!
@@JDMArchives Awesome to hear! Absolutely love the TK stuff - it's a shame that it's only coming to light now just how sick it all was. Absolutely loved my M20b B4 - unfortunately NZ was far behind the times with these as well. Was laughed at asking $10k for it when they were selling in Japan for about $30k NZD. I sold it to the wrong people eventually and it ended up in an insurance fraud case - all TK parts removed, spread across the country, and the thing being left as just a shell after being "stolen".
The engines actually on FB Marketplace advertised as a regular EJ208 when it's a fully forged, stroked motor hahaha - tempted to pick it up for the memories.
@@Leo.B.Photos Wow mate! Sorry to hear the story ended that way. Great to know it was forged and stroked, what a beast! There cant be too many left in good condition, such a shame.
Great chronological overview of Tommykaira's early models. Looking forward to seeing part 2 and also an M30z feature if you get around to it!
Regarding the transmission types in the M30z, it appears as though there were about the same amount of autos made versus manuals (50/50 based on around half of the total 43). Although the power figures for the auto were lower, the torque specs were 470Nm compared to 456Nm for the manual. If Tommykaira tuned the auto for 350ps, the torque figures would've been much higher again.
Given the significant price increase of these car's compared to a standard 300zx, they weren't purchased by your average boy racer. The customer chose the colour, transmission, body type (2+2 or 2+0 targa roof, or 2+0 slicktop), and choice of tuning options (not all car's received the full mod list).
Due to these various choices it makes all of the M30z's rare in some sense. The photo's of the red slicktop you featured is car number 23. It was one of 11 built in red (black being the most popular), it received all of the upgrades including Recaro seats, and is one of very few 2+0 slicktops.
Thanks for the comment, great information to have, especially when going into the full video when I finally get to it. Still focused on episode 2 right now which is nearly finished. Thanks for watching legend!
I love the Matiz it's such a goober
Same! 🤣 it’s wild that there is a JDM Daewoo
Guy who lived near me used to have a Red 2 door TommyKaira GC8 Impreza M20B on white rims, had the twin element wing. That thing was cool and intriguing in equal measure to a teenage car enthusiast, he wasn’t likely to pull up next to another one of them at the lights in Plymouth England.
Great video, sub earned 🫡
Wow that’s incredible! I would love to see that thing. Great info for me to have when I come back to it in the full video about it being 2 door. Thanks for that… and thanks for the Sub!
T top roof is a targa with a centre longitudinal reinforcing bar going from the roll hoop to the windscreen frame, resulting in a roof made of two removable glass panels. A Z32 with T Top was driven on Top Gear's affordable sportscar challenge and Clarkson threw the driver side glass panel in a ravine
That’s classic! I haven’t seen that episode, I’ll look it up. Thanks for the info!
Regarding the gentlemen's agreement, it wasn't disregarded. Tomita told in his blog posts how he had to work with the homologation office and create a car safer to drive with 70 extra PS. That must be why it took two years after the announcement.
Nice pick up. Yeh that would explain the delay. Great comment! Thanks
One very minor correction, the Nissan Cima was built to compete with the Toyota Crown Majesta, not the Century. It slotted in between the Cedric/Gloria, and President in terms of price. Love the video though! Saw an original R32 M30 at a show when I lived in Okayama and it was the coolest thing there
Honestly, thanks! Comments like this help me line up the history correctly. Thanks for watching.
man i loved your channel, please catalogue as much of these tuned cars as you can because theres so many from so many tuning shops, most of which are completely forgotten like the r32 GTB (which is essentially a 4 door gtr made by autech) and the autech NA RB26s as a example on the r32 autech version (gts-4)
Thank you so much. I love reading the comments. I didn’t even know there was a NA RB26, that’s crazy!
@@JDMArchives yeah, it made 210hp, not much but the intent with that car was to make it to be a more of a heritage type drive experience like in older skylines, that rb26 is clearly not even trying to make power.
I was lucky enough to see a R33 Tommykaira! It was amazing. Also thank you for the videos, I recently found your channel. Super happy, subbed!
Incredible… and fantastic comment! Thank you so much 🙏
Hey man, another cool video. Have you heard of the Juicebox YT channel? He found some Tommy Kaira bits for his March. Look forward to your next episode dude. 🤘
Perfect 👌 I’ll have to check it out. Such a cool hot hatch. Thanks again for watching!
Holy poopoo, Tommy Kaira merc would be so cool
Can you imagine cruising around in that! Thanks for watching
@@JDMArchives definitely would build a replica if I had a 190E, I don´t think I can find a real one x3
Very good video, hoping part two is coming soon
It’s in the pipeline now! Thanks for the feedback.
Great video. Looking forward to the next!
Thanks legend! It’s on its way 👌
Congrats on 1k subs!!!!
Thanks bro, very happy about it!
what an amazing video!
Thank you!
Nice video man.
I assume WRX RA is a factory lightened / rally spec model?
Thanks mate!
I used to have a GC8 WRX v6 STI 2 door in JDM spec “Type R” all the JDM spec 4 doors are called “Type RA”… I wonder if RA means “4 door” in the Tommykaira models!?
It will be interesting to cover and look more into when I cover the M20b in the full video, I’m looking forward to it. It definitely got me wondering to! Thanks for watching 👌
Can't wait for you to cover the beast that was the Tommykaira M08.
What a monster 🤣 I’m also pretty keen to cover the turbo charged stage 3 Suzuki swift… the m14. Thanks for the watch!
Was lucky to see one in person recently, the R33 model at AdamC Fest
It’s amazing isn’t it! The rear spoiler is a work of art.
Shit was it a white one with red lettering, next to an r32 gtr?
@joe403s3 It's a silver r33 in the tent, yh it got the red lettering on the side 👍
Oh yeah I've seen that, that was a gtr, was beautiful. For a second I thought you seen mine lol, mine as adamc 2022
@@joe403s3 I probably did, took so many photos that day 📸
Interesting seeing their Z32 model offered in slick-top variant, I wonder if it was a naturally aspirated car or if it was one of the few Japanese Z32’s that were slicktop and Twin Turbo. If it was a factory slicktop Twin Turbo car, I would assume that it would probably be one of the rarest Z’s out there.
Yeh that’s a really good point. Youd think it would already be turbo as the platform for the 350ps tune. And also when Tommykaira was often using new cars, ordered from Nissan. Really interesting thought you bring up! Thanks for the watch.
Amazing video. Shared it everywhere I could. Great research and I can't wait to see more from you!
Thanks legend! It took ALOT of time to get together haha I really appreciate it.
@@JDMArchives it's gunna happen, don't worry, I have not seen anyone covering topics like this on TH-cam yet. It's been awhile since I've watched a video like this and found myself googling cars I never knew existed. Fwiw the rare optional parts video made it on my suggested feed, so I'd turn that into a series! Possibly rare manufacture optional wheels? Trends in Japanese customization, and backgrounds of other tuners? Either way, thank you so much for coming out of the gate with such quality videos!
@@cow8697 thanks! I had a lot of fun making the rare parts video as well, so I will have to make that into a series. Great ideas for future content. Noted!
Amazing jdm history, great work man 😎
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks 🙏
Thanks to everyone who subscribed in my last video! It was great having all the comments come in.
If you spot any extra Tommykaira information on these cars I missed, comment it, so I can try include it in the full video!
I would love to see a lot of these models on Forza and Gran Turismo.
I think we all came here thinking that only Nissans was used by Tommy Kaira. I just recently discovered that they've done Subarus, since one Impreza Wagon appeared abandoned in the streets of England.
Great video, appreciate the quality. 👍
Thanks legend
Good Vid❤
Thanks! ❤️
where has this channel been! I wish I found it sooner
Thank you 🙏
I get that you're mostly into JDM stuff but they dabbled with more German cars than the Merc 190 and E-Class. Japanese built BMW E30 Hartge models could also be optioned with that amazing Robo Wing which makes some sense considering Hartge Japan at the time was based out of the Tomita facilities. Tommykaira also built a BMW E36 called K28 which is a more complete overhaul like many of the other cars on your list. Some early BMW Hartge models built in Japan will have Tommykaira badging as well as Hartge badges. You might mention that in Ep.2 though.
I’ll have to check that out when I do the individual car videos, so I don’t miss it. I wonder if it was so early that it wasn’t engineered with a VIN plate and that’s why I didn’t find it? There’s also just was such an overwhelming amount of information it took me months to collate for those two videos… Thanks for the extra info!
@@JDMArchives The E36/K28? It may have been early. Not sure how Tommykaira did things. But the E36 model itself is 1991-1998. I've only found a few pictures of two or three cars on Japanese IG and very little information otherwise. It might have a lot in common with Hartge models from the same time since TK were building those as well for the Japanese market. It might not even be a regular offering.
I can imagine it took months to get all this info. I'm into niche market tuning stuff as well but I've mostly dived into Euro stuff. The Japanese market is relatively unknown to me apart from what was done with Euro cars over there. And Euro tuners doing things with Japanese cars (Such as the AMG Mitsubishi Galant). The Hartge/Tommykaira connection is very interesting nonetheless.
Thanks for two very interesting videos either way!
@@JDMArchives After trying again and finally being able to find a site that let me translate the text I found that the E36 K28 was a one-off demo car and was pretty heavily modified with a stroker kit, cams and aero. It also appears to use many of the same tuning parts as the Hartge E36 H26SP but with more performance mods.
All dat kislux bags sssssoooooooo gorgeous
Bruuutaaaalll
Amazing cars for their time. 💪
can we have same video about VeilSide pleeeeeeaase
That’s a great idea, I’ll add it to the list of future ideas 💡
I would love to have a zz-s
What a car! I’m really excited to cover the zz in the next episode.
❤ Toyota GR Corolla ❤️
@CaptBradford Alt account?
Did I miss something here? 🤣
Oh nice! Just looked him up. Someone else restoring JDM culture. Love it
👍🤩🇨🇵
Thanks!