Ray Ramaglia - 1986 Toyota Corolla GT-s

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Printed Magazine

Ray Ramaglia

1986 Toyota corolla gt-s

Instagram: @Initialdream86

Photographers: @Blowntirephotography, @legendaryphotography, @chinzophoto, @suaveautomotive, @liverybydesign,

I am a 16-year power line tree trimmer, co-owner to Livery by design, voice actor and a huge nerd at heart and builder of my 1986 corolla. I've owned a few video game stores and a comic shop and always had a love for anime. When I'm not at work I'm either tinkering with my 86 or 91 skylines. Cars have always been a huge part of my life and I can't imagine what my life would have been like without them. I also do voice acting on the side. Nothing is more satisfying than showing someone your hard work and them enjoying it as much as you did while creating it. 

What or who got into the car scene?

It started when I was 15 years old. Like any other kid that draws, I wanted nothing more than to be an artist. But that all changed when a friend of mine introduced me to anime. It wasn't just any anime, it was the iconic show Initial d. When I started watching it, only 4 episodes of season one were out in japan. The way the show was designed intrigued me and I couldn't get enough of this world. The more I watched, the more I wanted to build cars. When I finally got my drivers license and car, the only thing I could think of was what can I modify first. From there my passion grew.

Why this Car?

As stated prior, the show initial d. Over the years I've owned many cars but nothing was satisfying my urge to live out a childhood fantasy. I’ve always loved the reliability of Toyota and the ease of customization and aftermarket support

Why did you build this Car?

I built this car because not many are still alive. Yes, I get some hate for the livery but that's what makes it so cool. I vowed as a child to one day own my 2 dream cars. They weren't a Lambo or a Ferrari, I wanted nothing more than to relive my childhood memories by driving that same ae86 I grew up watching. The other was any Nissan skyline, which I also own lol. But the final decision to build this car was, how cool would it be to bring a cartoon to life? So over the course of 5 years, I spent a lot of money and time to make that dream become reality.

What does it feel like owning this Car?

Nothing makes me feel more accomplished than driving this car. The people who I drive by that know and love the show always catch up to and take pictures and there is no greater feeling in the world seeing the joy and happiness from these people just by simply seeing a car. If my car brightens one person's day, I know I made the car right.

Advice/Tips

As much as I love this car, I would advise people to make sure they have some money stashed away first and foremost. Also, find every maintenance part prior to buying one. Parts for these cars are hard to find especially if you own a gt-s. Parts are also expensive and so is the upkeep. Sometimes you'll wait a month or so for replacement parts. But if you are passionate about one of these, don't let this advice stop you. The one thing I can say in confidence is, they are very easy to work on. 

Aftermarket support for these cars is everywhere. T3 and battle garage are 2 great places to buy parts. Join groups and don't be afraid to ask for help. For the most part, the ae86 community is incredible. 

What makes your car Unique?

The type of car it is first and foremost. These are getting rarer and rarer by the day. Usually, I'm the only or one of a couple of 86s at a meet. The black and white paint next. Mostly everyone knows what kind of car it is just by the paint. Even though I have the initial d livery, I have my own touches to the car that separate it from the rest. 

Spec List

Engine:

• Fully rebuilt 4age 16 valve
• Obx 4-1 header
• Maximizer hp full exhaust
• Exedy clutch
• Exedy flywheel
• Mishimoto radiator
• Msd Blaster coil

Body:

• Duraflex body kit
• Trueno zenki tail lights
• Trueno kouki eyebrows
• Trueno zenki mirrors
• Trueno badging
• Rear marker light delete 

Interior:

• Bride digo seats
• Takata 3" harnesses

Sound:

• Kicker 350watt rear 6" speakers
• Kicker 250-watt ⁶" front speakers
• Rockford Fosgate punch p3002 amp
• Rockford Fosgate p2 dual voice coil 12" sub

Wheels suspension:

• Ssr speed star 2 piece wheels
• Rsr springs
• Energy full bushing kit

Car is restored 75%

Have you done the work yourself?

This car was built by a few people. The first I'd like to mention is Ken Rissmiller. He one of my closest friends and a car mentor to me. When I thought all hope was lost, he stepped in and fixed all the errors. If it wasn't for him and his guidance, this car wouldn't have been completed. I was building it at the time and the amount of work became so overwhelming. Also, EFspeedwork and Erich Helmick keep the car up to date with maintenance.

Future Plans

Finish the restoration. The interior is the only thing left. There are some worn-out panels and other minor interior bits that need to be attended to. 

Groups/Clubs

I am the co-owner of a company/team called Livery by design. Our business is designing anime wraps, slaps, peepers and clothes but, we also have a display team as well. Our cars have been on display at large anime conventions (@animenext, @otakon, @animenyc and others).

What have you got from the car scene?

The car scene has changed over the years, some for good and some for bad. The positive is, you are always meeting like-minded people. It’s fun to hear what other people's car passions are. The scene has also helped our business and name grow. 

Dream Car

Already own both. Haha. The ae86 and a Nissan skyline. My skyline is a hcr32 4 door (I love the 4 doors), with a rb25det and other various mods.

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