Toyota Supra A90: Preparing for the UAE Track Season
In the UAE, track season is the most anticipated time of year for enthusiasts. However, even with the relatively manageable temperatures at Dubai Autodrome or Yas Marina, a stock Toyota Supra A90 typically begins to struggle after just three or four hard laps. The primary culprits are intake heat soak, escalating transmission oil temperatures, and inevitable brake fade.
At ATOMIC-SHOP, we developed this project with one specific mission: to ensure the car maintains consistent performance throughout an entire open track session. Our objective wasn't just to hunt for more power, but to build a machine capable of finishing every lap without a drop in efficiency.
Thermal Management & Engine Stability
The B58 engine is a tuner’s dream with massive potential, but during extended track runs, heat builds up rapidly in the intake manifold. To counter this, we swapped the factory unit for a CSF 8200 Charge-Air Cooler Manifold and integrated a CSF 8200S Thermal Rejection Spacer. This configuration boosts coolant volume and shields the intake from the cylinder head's heat. The cooling stack is further reinforced by a CSF 8154 High-Performance Heat Exchanger and a CSF 8179 Auxiliary Radiator.
To safeguard the ZF 8HP transmission, we also installed a CSF 8183 Transmission Oil Cooler. This is a critical upgrade, as high gearbox temperatures can instantly trigger a limp mode during track use.
Power & Exhaust System
To elevate the power ceiling, the factory turbo was replaced with a PURE800 Turbocharger. This unit provides significantly higher airflow than the OEM turbo while retaining the fast spool characteristics required for technical circuits.
To minimize exhaust backpressure, we fitted an ARD B58 Decat Downpipe. This modification allows the turbo to breathe more freely, improving efficiency under heavy load.
The setup features an HKS Super Turbo Muffler, which optimizes flow without making the car overly aggressive for regular use. We also integrated an HKS Super SQV4 Blow-Off Valve to ensure boost stability during rapid throttle transitions and aggressive driving.
Boost Reliability & Intake
The factory plastic chargepipe is a notorious failure point under high load. Over time, it can become brittle and crack under increased boost or heat cycles, causing unexpected boost leaks. To eliminate this risk, we replaced it with a durable ARD PRP-100 Aluminum Chargepipe.
Air intake efficiency was improved via the HKS Cold Air Intake Kit. We also utilized HKS Carbon Engine and ECU covers to provide an extra layer of heat shielding for critical engine bay electronics.
As a final safety measure, we installed an AQUAMIST HFS4-V3.1 Water/Methanol Injection system. This sophisticated kit actively cools intake temperatures and reduces detonation risk during high-stress runs, providing a vital safety net in the UAE's intense heat.
Chassis Precision & Suspension
The OEM rubber bushings allow too much deflection under cornering loads, causing the suspension geometry to shift when the car is pushed hard. We solved this with a comprehensive SPL Parts Monoball setup, featuring caster rods, traction links, toe links, and adjustable sway bar endlinks.
The Supra now utilizes HKS Hipermax R Coilovers paired with CUSCO front and rear sway bars. This combination offers precise adjustability and keeps the car flat in high-speed corners. An HKS Carbon Brace Kit was also added to maximize chassis rigidity.
Aero & Stability
To enhance high-speed aerodynamics, we fitted a full ADRO Carbon Fiber Aero Package. This includes the custom ADRO Front Bumper, Front Lip, Side Skirts, and Rear Winglets.
At the back, we installed the ADRO AT-R2 Swan Neck Wing. The "swan neck" design allows for cleaner airflow under the wing, significantly improving downforce efficiency and rear-end stability under hard braking.
Track Safety & Driver Control
Driver stability is paramount for precision. The car features RECARO Podium CF carbon bucket seats on RECARO steel mounts. These FIA-approved seats provide the lateral support needed to fight high-G cornering forces.
We paired the seats with SCHROTH Profi 2 four-point harnesses to keep the driver secure, making steering inputs more consistent. For on-track recovery needs, the car is equipped with a CUSCO rear tow hook.
Brakes & Final Touches
Reliable stopping power is provided by an AP RACING Front RADICAL Big Brake Kit using PAGID RSL29 pads—a compound renowned for high-temperature stability and consistent pedal feel over long distances.
To reduce unsprung weight, we opted for forged ADVAN GT BEYOND wheels wrapped in ultra-high-performance Michelin Cup 2 tires.
Key Components Used in This Build
Cooling
- CSF 8200 Charge-Air Cooler Manifold
- CSF 8154 Heat Exchanger
- CSF 8179 Auxiliary Radiator
- CSF 8183 Transmission Oil Cooler
Engine/Exhaust
- PURE800 Turbocharger
- ARD B58DECAT Downpipe
- HKS Super Turbo Muffler
- HKS Super SQV4 Blow-Off Valve
- HKS 70026-AT016 Engine Cover
- HKS 70026-AT017 ECU Cover
Intake
- HKS 70026-AT002 Cold Air Intake Kit
- ARD PRP-100 Chargepipe
- CSF 8200S Thermal Rejection Spacer
Suspension
- HKS Hipermax R Coilovers
- SPL Monoball Front Arms
- CUSCO Front Sway Bar
- CUSCO Rear Sway Bar
- HKS Carbon Brace Kit
- SPL Front Swaybar Endlinks
- SPL Rear Swaybar Endlinks
- SPL Rear Traction Links
- SPL Rear Toe Links
Brakes
- AP RACING Radical Big Brake Kit
- PAGID RSL29 Pads (Front)
- PAGID RSL29 Pads (Rear)
- PAGID Racing Brake Fluid
Wheels/Tires
- ADVAN GT BEYOND 19x9.5
- ADVAN GT BEYOND 19x11
- Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 Tires
Aero/Interior
- ADRO Front Lip
- ADRO Rear Winglets
- ADRO Side Skirts
- ADRO AT-R2 Swan Neck Wing
- ADRO A18A20-2101 Front Bumper
- RECARO Podium CF Seat (L)
- RECARO Podium CF Seat (R)
- SCHROTH 4-Point Harness
- CUSCO Rear Tow Hook
- HKS Steering Wheel
- KMP Magnetic Paddles
Protection
- Red Line 5W40 Oil
- HKS V-Belt
- AQUAMIST HFS4-V3.1 Injection Kit
The result is a Supra that tackles the track with total confidence, free from the performance degradation usually caused by extreme heat.
