Where have all the true automotive enthusiasts gone? Nowadays, the average tuner seems to be a kid whose parents bought them their ride, lacking the genuine appreciation for the value of hard-earned money. While acknowledging the fortunate few, I believe the most admirable builds are those born out of personal sacrifice, where something tangible is invested beyond just a portion of a paycheck. It’s about creating a build that commands respect for the journey, a testament to the dedication and effort poured into realizing a dream or goal.
For Westley Workman, Toyotas have been an integral part of his life for the past 24 years. His automotive journey began in 1989 with a 1987 MKIII Supra, the first car he owned post-college. Since then, he’s curated an impressive collection of Yotas, including his wife’s 07 Lexus LX470, an ’08 IS-F for daily use, and the star of our feature – a 1998 Quicksilver MKIV Supra Turbo.
The Turbo Supra wasn’t Westley’s initial foray into the MKIV series. After parting ways with his first love, the MKIII, he leased a 1995 NA. Although enjoyable for a time, the desire to run with the “big dogs” pushed him towards the coveted turbo. Fortune smiled upon him when a family friend working at Toyota located a 1998 silver TT – not in the preferred color order of black, silver, and green, but an irresistible opportunity nonetheless.
The silver shade turned out different from Wes’s initial vision, but it grew on him, especially since the black option was absent. Later that year, the news of Toyota discontinuing the Supra’s import to the United States added an extra layer of sweetness to his purchase – a rare color, and among the last Supras available in the US, with only 24 in existence with the same color, transmission, and turbo combination.
Starting with basic BPU mods, Westley’s journey led him to a true HKS VPC/GCC combo, propelling the Supra to 450 crank horsepower. Unsatisfied, the pursuit for more power led him through four different turbo setups until he settled on a twin HKS GT2835 turbo arrangement, HKS 264 intake and exhaust cams, 780cc injectors, and a plethora of additional enhancements, all controlled by an HKS F-Con V Pro engine management system.
Yet, Westley’s modifications weren’t confined to performance. Elevating the Supra’s aesthetics, he added IForged Sprint Polished 3-Piece Wheels (18×9.5 F, 18×11 R) wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport PS2s. This attention to detail extended to the interior, where even Recaro car seats found a place, approved by both his son, whose first word was “Vroom!”, and his supportive wife.
In the world of automotive enthusiasts, Westley Workman stands as a testament to dedication and passion. His journey, marked by hard work and meticulous upgrades, has earned our utmost respect. We eagerly anticipate what he will pursue next.
1998 Toyota Twin Turbo Supra
- Color: Quicksilver FX
- 1 of 24 Produced (Color, Trans, and Turbo Combination – source: mkiv.com)
Modifications
Engine:
- HKS F-CON V Pro Engine Management System
- HKS “Big Twin” GT2835 Turbo Kit with modified y-downpipe to 3.5” and all polished piping and compressor housings
- HKS A/F – Knock Amp O2 Wideband (wired to engine management system)
- HKS 264 Int/Exh Cams
- HKS Adjustable Cam Gears
- HKS Type R Front Mount Intercooler
- HKS EVC EZ II Boost Controller
- HKS Super Drager Exhaust
- HKS Circle Earth Grounding System
- HKS Racing Blow Off Valve Type II
- Carbon Fiber Spark Plug Cover
- Carbon Fiber Radiator Cooling Plate
- Carbon Fiber Fuse Box Covers
- Powerhouse Racing Street Intake Manifold
- Powerhouse Racing Fuel Rail
- 780CC Fuel Injectors
- Aeromotive Fuel Pressure Regulator
- Twin Toyota Supra OEM In-tank Fuel Pumps
- South Bend OFE Clutch
- Fluidyne Aluminum Radiator with Billet Radiator Holder Brackets
- Custom Titanium Bolts replacing most engine bay bolts (hex heads, polished, anodized black or anodized purple)
- Custom Billet Battery Holder and Coolant Overflow Tank
- Carbon Fiber Lightweight Braille Battery
- Custom Inconel Heat Shielding for Turbo Exhaust Housings and Downpipes
- Custom Power Steering Cooler
- Chrome Cam covers
- Billet “Supra” Script Engraved Fluid Reservoir Caps
- TRD Oil Cap
Interior:
- Recaro Sportster CS Leather Seats with Custom Carbon Fiber Seat Backs, Bases, and Harness Hole Rings
- Carbon Fiber/Leather Steering Wheel – OEM JDM Accessory
- Carbon Fiber Door Sills with Silver “Supra” Script
- Custom Billet Pedals and Footrest with Engraved “TRD” in each
- Billet Aluminum Trim Rings for Gauges, Vents, and Shifter Surround
- Defi Advance CR Gauges with Defi-Link system Custom Mounted in Dash (Boost, EGT, Fuel P, and Oil P)
- TRD 10,000 RPM Tach
- Custom Molded Dash to incorporate Single DIN Fold-Out Screen, Gauges, Valentine One Remote Display, and HKS A/F Knock Amp Display
Audio/Electronics:
- Alpine Touchscreen Flip-Out Head Unit with Navigation, HKS CAMP, and iPod Integration (Center Console custom mount)
- Alpine 6 ½” 3-way Speakers – Front and Rear
- Alpine 5-Channel Digital Amp (Undersea Mount)
- JL Audio 10” Subwoofer in Custom Carbon Fiber Enclosure (Allows Targa to Still Fit)
- HKS CAMP unit – OBD II integration, Auxiliary Gauges, F-Con-V Integration
- Blinder Radar Jammer Integrated into Front Grill with Indicator in Stock Warning Light Location
Exterior:
- Toyota OEM Quicksilver FX (Only produced in 1998)
- TRD (Authentic) Hood
- Front Lip, Lower Side Sills, and Plastic Wheel Well Trim Color-Matched to OEM Color
- IForged Sprint Polished 3-Piece Wheels (18×9.5 F, 18×11 R)
- Michelin Pilot Sport PS2s (265/35-18 F, 295/30-18 R)
- HID Headlights
Suspension & Brakes:
- KW Variant 3 Coilover Suspension
- Rotora Cross-Drilled and Slotted Rotors (Front and Rear)
- TRD Sway Bars
- TRD Stainless Steel Brake Lines
- Custom Painted Brake Calipers
- HKS Kansai Carbon Fiber Strut Tower Brace
Primary Installations/Build: Chris Anderson, ARD (Formerly AAP)
Tuning: Ben Phillips (Obiwan)