Building A Dream 1994 Supra Turbo Targa Top
Discover Steve G. Pewitt's 15+ year journey with his 1994 Toyota Supra Targa, from restoration to street performance. Learn tips, advice, and more about his car passion
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Steve G. Pewitt
1994 Toyota Supra Targa
Instagram: @s_g_p_
Photographer: Nathan Pittman
Instagram: @madtown_visualz
Growing up in Las Vegas, NV, and later relocating to Scottsdale, AZ, Steve G. Pewitt is no stranger to the world of automotive enthusiasts. Now based in Tennessee, Steve has spent over 20 years working in automotive and accounting roles, gaining hands-on experience through various race shops, dealerships, and property management firms. Although he never attended formal trade school, Steve surrounded himself with skilled car enthusiasts who helped him evolve from a novice who couldn’t change the oil to a car show winner with 11 first-place trophies. Today, Steve drives a 1994 Toyota Supra Turbo Targa, a car that’s been with him for over 15 years, and one that has undergone a significant transformation.
Who Inspired Steve’s Automotive Passion?
Steve credits his automotive passion to his grandmother, a Chrysler Corporation executive. Her love for driving and the automotive world was passed on to Steve, planting the seeds of car enthusiasm. However, his entry into the car scene was accelerated by pop culture influences such as the video game Need for Speed: Underground 2 and the original “The Fast and the Furious” movie, both of which inspired him to pursue car modifications seriously.
Why the 1994 Toyota Supra?
Steve’s 1994 Toyota Supra Turbo wasn’t just any car; it was his second project car after owning a fast, heavily modified FWD vehicle. A friend presented an opportunity to purchase the Supra, which was simply too good to pass up. While it started as a rough build, including a catastrophic clutch failure shortly after purchase, this challenge pushed Steve to begin an extensive overhaul of the car, leading to years of upgrades and modifications.
A Long Restoration Journey
The Supra project remained incomplete for over 10 years. Due to various life circumstances, it sat disassembled in Steve’s garage for a decade. In recent years, however, Steve finally completed the powertrain, interior, stereo system, and bodywork. It took years of trial and error, but today, his Supra is a testament to perseverance.
Modifications and Unique Features
Steve’s MKIV Supra remains a special car in today’s market, gaining even more mass appeal and a cult following than when it was first released. What’s unique about Steve’s build is its polished engine bay and the fact that he has kept the body mostly stock, with tasteful modifications that retain the car's original appeal while upgrading performance.
Here are some of the most significant modifications that make Steve’s Supra stand out:
Exterior:
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Stock body with a custom front lip for added flair.
Interior:
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Mostly stock but with custom modifications to the stereo, including a 12-inch subwoofer mounted in the factory subwoofer location.
Engine Bay:
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Polished components and retained many factory parts, albeit modified to support aftermarket performance upgrades.
Tips for Prospective Supra Owners
Steve offers valuable advice for those considering purchasing or modifying an MKIV Toyota Supra. His first tip is to do what makes you happy—don’t get caught up in chasing the ultra-expensive low-mileage, left-hand drive, twin-turbo, manual versions, which are now fetching upwards of $100,000 to $200,000 on the market.
For those on a budget, Steve suggests exploring more affordable options, such as:
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Right-hand drive models
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Non-turbo variants
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5-speed manuals
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Cars with accident histories or salvage titles.
There’s no shame in gradually swapping components over the years as your budget and build goals evolve. Steve emphasizes the importance of not cutting corners with supporting modifications, particularly with tuning. Cutting corners often results in expensive mistakes and regrets.
Performance and Power
While many people associate Supras with extreme horsepower builds, Steve prefers a more manageable 600-800whp setup for the street. This can easily be achieved with a stock 2JZ-GTE long block, making the car fun to drive without compromising reliability.
For Steve, the attention to detail in the engine bay is what makes the biggest impression at car shows. Spectators often comment on how rare it is to see a tastefully modded, factory-turbo 6-speed manual Supra with such a clean build.
Future Plans for the 1994 Toyota Supra
Steve isn’t done with his build yet. While he’s planning to enjoy his current setup for a couple of years, he has future plans to improve the Supra’s performance even more. Some of his aspirations include:
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Upgrading to slicks and Weld beadlock wheels for drag racing.
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Aiming for a mid-to-low 10-second pass at around 135-140 mph at the dragstrip.
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Participating in a full-mile drag event, with hopes of hitting 200+mph.
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Eventually fully building the long block, upgrading the turbo and intake manifold, and shooting for 1,000+whp.
Community and Club Involvement
While Steve isn’t currently active in any car groups or clubs, he previously founded a car club in his early 20s before being recruited by a more competitive club. He’s also been a part of a few owner groups specific to the Toyota Supra, which have been instrumental in expanding his network and learning from fellow enthusiasts.
Conclusion
Steve G. Pewitt’s 1994 Toyota Supra Turbo is more than just a car; it’s a representation of passion, dedication, and the art of car modification. His story serves as an inspiration to car enthusiasts everywhere, proving that with time, effort, and a little help from your community, you can achieve your automotive dreams.
1994 Supra Turbo Targa Top Build List
LONGBLOCK / ENGINE / COOLING
***Cylinder Head Rebuilt by UMS Tuning***
*[Machine Shop / Cylinder Head Work = Disassemble, Clean Head & Valves, Lap & Adjust Valves,
Cut Exhaust Valve Seats, Replace Valve Stem Seals, Surface Head, Reassemble]
*[Labor = Remove & inspect Cylinder Head, Clean Carbon From Pistons, Clean Deck Surface, Replace
- Front Main Seal, Rear Main Seal, Reseal Upper & Lower Oil Pans, Install Camshafts, Cam Gears,
- Timing Belt & Tensioner, Clean All Parts, Replace Pilot Bearing]
- HKS 264 Intake & Exhaust Cams
- New Unorthodox Racing Adjustable Cam Gears (Polished)
- New ARP Head Stud Kit
- New TRD Engine Mounts (Polished)
- New TRD Oil Cap
- New CG Enterprises Magnetic Oil Drain Plug
- New NGK Copper BKR7E Spark Plugs (Gapped at .028")
- Fluidyne Radiator (Polished)
- New Fluidyne Radiator Cap (16lb)
- New Powerhouse Racing Radiator Overflow Tank (Polished)
- Powerhouse Racing Air Induction Plate Cover (Polished)
- Custom Radiator Show Plate (Polished)
- New Powerhouse Racing Upper Radiator Pipe Kit (Polished)
- New Vibrant Performance Catch Can (Open Loop)
- New -12 AN Male Weld-On Fittings for Valve Covers
- New UMS Tuning Custom -12 AN Crankcase Ventilation Evacuation Hose Kit (Valve Covers to Catch Can)
- New OEM Engine Cooling Fan Clutch Coupling
- New OEM Coil & Spark Plug Cover Trim (Modified to Show Cam Gears)
- New OEM Valve Cover Gaskets
- New OEM Valve Cover Bolts/Nuts/Washers
- New OEM Valve Cover Breather Hoses
- New OEM Rear Cylinder Head Exhaust Gas Recirculation Cover Gasket
- New OEM Cam Seals
- New OEM Valve Seals
- New OEM Head Gasket
- New OEM Accessory Belt
- New OEM Timing Belt
- New OEM Timing Belt Idler Pulley
- New OEM Timing Belt Tensioner
- New OEM Oil Pan Reseal
- New OEM Front Main Seal
- New OEM Rear Main Seal
- New OEM Engine Torque Damper
- New OEM Fan
- New OEM Fan Shroud
- New OEM Thermostat
- New OEM Thermostat Gasket
- New OEM Water Pipe to Block Gasket
- New OEM Water Pipe Sensor Gasket
- New OEM Coolant Heater Hoses
- New OEM Oversized V8 Engine Oil Filter
- New OEM Oil Cooler Water Hoses
- New OEM Oil Cooler Gaskets/Seals/Clamps
- New OEM Crank Sensor
- Polished Valve Covers
- Polished Ignition Coil Mount Brackets
- Polished Water Neck Pipe
- Polished Upper Shock Arm
- Polished Pulley Covers
- Polished Oil Cooler
INTAKE / INTERCOOLER / BLOW OFF VALVE / THROTTLE BODY / INTAKE MANIFOLD
- New Vibrant Performance 7" x 8.5" Air Filter
- New Vibrant Performance 4" Inlet Bellmouth Velocity Stack
- New Vibrant Performance 4" T-Bolt Clamps (Polished)
- New UMS Tuning Custom 4" Intake (Polished)
- New UMS Tuning Custom Intercooler Charge Piping (Polished)
- New Powerhouse Racing 5-Row (27.8"W x 12.72"H x 5.10"D) Front Mount Intercooler (Polished)
- New Turbosmart Gen-V Race Port Blow Off Valve (Black w/ Polished Clamp)
- New UMS Tuning Custom ETCS-less Shaved Throttle Body (Polished)
- New K&N IAC Valve Filter
- New Exhaust Gas Recirculation Block-Off Plate
- New OEM Throttle Position Sensor
- New OEM Throttle Body Gasket
- New OEM Idle Air Control Valve Gasket, Washer & Check Valve
- New OEM Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve Gasket
- New OEM Intake Manifold Gaskets
- New OEM Pulsation Damper Air Filter
- Polished Stock Intake Manifold
TURBO KIT / EXHAUST
***Rebuilt & Balanced by Turbos Direct***
- Garrett Port Shrouded T4/T67 P-Trim 1.15 A/R Divided Housing Turbo (Polished & Ceramic Coated)
- Twin Scroll T4 Exhaust Manifold (Ceramic Coated)
- HKS S/S Racing Wastegate
- AGP Turbo Custom 3" Downpipe (Ceramic Coated)
- New UMS Tuning Custom 4" Exhaust (Downpipe to Muffler)
- New Vibrant Performance 4" Bottle Style Resonator (Polished)
- New Moroso EVAC Kit Pipe Fittings (Capped & Rerouted)
- New -12 AN Male Weld-On Fittings for Exhaust (Capped & Rerouted)
- New DIYAutoTune Upstream O2 Sensor Adapter Flange (Polished)
- New OEM Upstream O2 Sensor Gasket
- New Jet Hot Ceramic Coating on All Engine Bay Exhaust Parts
- New OEM Exhaust Manifold Gasket
- New OEM Exhaust Manifold Bolts, Nuts & Studs
- New Powerhouse Racing T4 Oil Drain Flange
- New UMS Tuning Custom Turbo Oil Feed Line Kit
- New UMS Tuning Custom Turbo Oil Drain Line Kit
TRANSMISSION / CLUTCH / FLYWHEEL / DRIVETRAIN
***Rebuilt by UMS Tuning***
- New Centerforce Custom Fitted DFX II Pressure Plate & Clutch Kit {*Sponsored*}
- New RPS Cyn-R-G Billet Aluminum Segmented Flywheel
- New 'Centerforce Spec' ARP Flywheel Bolts
- New Powerhouse Racing 3.5" One Piece Driveshaft
- New Powerhouse Racing Complete Stainless Steel Clutch Line
- New AP Engineering Shifter Bushing Kit
- New CG Enterprises Magnetic Transmission Drain & Fill Plugs
- New TRD Transmission Mount
- New OEM Flex Coupling (Guibo) Disk
- New OEM Driveshaft Bolts, Nuts & Washers
- New OEM Pilot Bearing
- New OEM Pressure Plate Bolts
- New OEM Throw Out Release Bearing Assembly [Bearing, Sleeve, Snap Rings & Gasket Rings]
- New OEM Clutch Master Cylinder
- New OEM Clutch Slave Cylinder
- New OEM Bell Housing
- New OEM Input Shaft
- New OEM Input Shaft Bearings x 2
- New OEM Clutch Shift Fork
- New OEM Clutch Shift Fork Pivot Point Support
- New OEM Guide Tube Retainer Front Seal
- New OEM Front Transmission Seal
- New OEM Transmission Sealant
- New OEM Inspection Plates & Bolts
- New OEM Lower Shifter Boot
BRAKES
- New R1 Concepts Slotted Rotor Set (Front & Rear)
- New R1 Concepts Sport Brake Pad Set (Front & Rear)
- Polished OEM Brake Calipers
- New OEM Brake Caliper Piston Boots (Front & Rear)
- New R&G "Supra" Brake Caliper High Temp Decal Set (Black)
- New Goodridge Brake Line Kit (Front & Rear)
- New OEM Emergency Brake Shoes
- New OEM Brake Fluid Reservoir Cap
- New OEM Brake Fluid Reservoir Strainer
- New Duralast Emergency Brake Hardware Kit
FUEL SYSTEM
- ***Powerhouse Racing Stage 4 Ethanol E85 Complete Fuel System Kit***
- New MVP Motorsports Triple OEM Denso In-Tank Fuel Pump Hanger Version 2.5
- New OEM Fuel Pump Hanger Gasket
- New OEM Denso 290 lph Fuel Pumps x 3
- New UMS Tuning Custom Triple Fuel Pump Wiring (40amp Relays x 3, 25amp Mini Fuses x 3 & Circuit Breaker)
- New UMS Tuning Custom Fuel Level Sender
- New Injector Dynamics 2000cc Fuel Injectors x 6
- New Weldon Fuel Pressure Regulator
- New Weldon -8 AN 10 Micron Inline Fuel Filters x 2
- New Powerhouse Racing Fuel Rail Kit
- New Powerhouse Racing Fuel Pressure Regulator Bracket
- New Powerhouse Racing -8 AN Fuel Feed Lines x 2
- New Powerhouse Racing -6 AN Fuel Return Line
- New Powerhouse Racing Under Car Fuel Line Hanger Kit
- Spray Paint Fuel Tank Shield With Rubberized Undercoating
- Removed Stock Inline Fuel Filter, Stock Fuel Pulsation Damper & Stock Fuel Lines
ELECTRONICS / EMS / GAUGES
***Tuned by Tony Szirka at UMS Tuning***
- New AEM Infinity 506 6-Series Stand-Alone Programmable Engine Management System
- New Hammer Engineering MKIV ECU Mount
- New AEM Infinity Plug & Play Adapter Harness
- New AEM Infinity O2 Sensor Extension Patch Harness
- New AEM Bosch LSU 4.2 Wideband UEGO "Replacement" Sensor
- New AEM 5-Bar Map Stainless Sensor (75psi)
- New AEM Oil Pressure Stainless Sensor Kit (150 psi)
- New AEM Fuel Pressure Stainless Sensor Kit (100 psi)
- New AEM Coolant Pressure Stainless Sensor Kit (100 psi)
- New AEM Intake Air Temperature Pro Sensor
- New AEM Ethanol Content Flex Fuel Sensor Kit (-6 AN)
- New AEM 12-Position Trim Pot x 2 (Boost Control & Traction Control)
- New UMS Tuning Mac Boost Control Solenoid Valve Kit
- New UMS Tuning Custom Rolling Anti-Lag Button
- New AEM UEGO Wideband Air to Fuel Ratio Gauge {Factory Clock Location}
- New Prosport 60mm Peak & Hold Boost Gauge (30 psi)
- New Prosport 60mm Peak & Hold Oil Pressure Gauge (150 psi)
- New Prosport 60mm Peak & Hold Exhaust Gas Temperature Gauge (2,200*F)
- New Lotec Triple 60mm A-pillar Gauge Pod
- New Optima Yellowtop D35 Battery
- New Powerhouse Racing Battery Box (Polished)
- New UMS Tuning Custom Battery Re-Location To Trunk Kit
- New OEM Engine Harness Connectors x 7
- ***(Cam Position Sensor x 2, Crank Angle Sensor, Throttle Position Sensor, Alternator, ECU Temperature Sensor & Coolant Temperature Sensor)***
- New Injector Dynamics Fuel Injector Connectors x 6
- New Wheel Speed Sensor & Vehicle Speed Sensor
- New Shift Lights in OEM Tachometer Bezel to AEM EMS
SUSPENSION
- New Ksport USA Custom Version DR Drag Damper System Coilovers (Built to Match HKS Drag Specs)
- TRD Front Sway Bar
- Cusco Front Strut Tower Bar (Polished)
- Cusco Rear Strut Tower Bar (Polished)
- Set Adjustable Suspension
- New Four Wheel Alignment
WHEELS / TIRES
- RAYS Volk GTU 3-Piece Wheels (Front = 18" x 9" ; Rear = 18" x 10") {*Discontinued*}
- Mickey Thompson Street Comp Tires (Front = 245/40R/18 ; Rear = 295/35R/18)
- New KICS R40 REVO Racing Lug Nuts (Neo Chrome w/ Black Caps)
- New ARP Extended Wheel Studs (Front & Rear)
- New Custom Powdercoated Center Section of Wheels (Matte Black)
- New Chrome Plated Outer Wheel Bolts
STEREO SYSTEM
- New Kenwood Excelon Reference DMX958XR 6.8" Double Din Digital Mutlimedia Receiver
- New Kenwood Excelon Reference XR-1701P 6.5" High Resolution Component Front Speakers
- New Kenwood Excelon Reference XR-1701 6.5" High Resolution 2-Way Rear Speakers
- New Kenwood Excelon Reference XR901-5 Class D 900 Watt 5-Channel Power Amplifier (RMS 75Wx4 + 600W at 2ohmns)
- New Kenwood Excelon Reference P-XRW1202WB 12" Oversized Subwoofer with Sealed Wedge Enclosure
- New Kenwood CA-12G 12” Subwoofer Grille
- New Kenwood DRV-N520 Multimedia Compatible Dashboard Camera
- New Kenwood CMOS-740HD High Definition Rear Camera
- New Hammer Engineering Custom Tweeter Mounts
- New Hammer Engineering Custom Amplifier Mounting Brackets
- New Car Speaker Adapters 6 1/2" Front Door Spacer Rings
- New Metra 70-1761 Receiver Wiring Harness
- New Metra 72-8104 Speaker Wiring Harnesses
- New Crutchfield ReadyHarness Service
- New Crutchfield CK4 4-Gauge Amplifier Wiring Kit
- New Crutchfield Reference 4-Channel RCA Patch Cables (12-Foot)
- New Crutchfield Reference 2-Channel RCA Patch Cables (12-Foot)
- New Crutchfield Speaker Wire (16-Gauge)
- New Stinger PRO Series Speaker Wire (12-Gauge)
BODY / PAINT
- New Exterior Alpine Silver Metallic Paint Coat
- New MVP Motorsports Front Lip
- New Hammer Engineering MKIV Undertray
- New OEM Complete "Turbo" Emblems Kit
- New OEM Trunk Strut Stay Assembly's
- New OEM Cowl Hardware
- OEM Euro Spec Glass Headlights
- New Sylvania SilverStar Ultra Headlight Bulbs (Hi Beam & Low Beam)
- OEM 1998 Spec Taillights
- New Smoked Turn Signals, 3rd Brake Light and Front & Rear Side Markers
- New OEM Front Fender Liner Splash Shield
INTERIOR
- New Full Vehicle Ceramic Window Tint
- OEM 1998 Spec Dash
- TRD 10K RPM Dash Replacement Tachometer
- New iOttie Easy One Touch 5 Dashboard & Windshield Universal Car Mount Phone Holder
- New Anker 36W Metal Dual USB Car Charger Adapter
- New TRD Keychain
- New Supra HardTuned Lanyard
- New OEM Master Key x 2
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