The 1998 Toyota Supra: A Dream Build for Performance

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Melvin Lanusa - 1998 Toyota Supra 

Instagram: @2f2f2jz

Photographer: Marvin Recinos 

Instagram: @Mr2mivin

Performance Stats: 700 hp (Street build)

A Journey from El Salvador to Car Enthusiasm

My name is Melvin Lanusa, and I was born in El Salvador. I moved to the Bay Area in 2005, where my passion for cars truly began to flourish. I bought my Toyota Supra in 2015, and it was love at first sight. The car was super clean, had low mileage, and was completely bone stock. My fascination with cars started back in El Salvador, where a few friends and I attended events at Autódromo El Jabalí, a local motor racing circuit. Hearing the roar of modified turbo cars launching down the track ignited my passion for performance vehicles.

When I arrived in Northern California, I worked hard, dreaming of the day I would own a Supra. Like many kids, I was inspired by the "Fast and the Furious" franchise. Fast forward a few years, and I finally saved enough money to buy my dream car—a clean 1998 Supra Twin Turbo automatic. Two years later, I converted it into a full-speed machine with a V160 transmission and a single turbo setup. Now, it runs on E85 and produces an impressive 700hp, all thanks to the expertise of Lawrence Shipman.

Why the Supra?

In my opinion, the Toyota Supra is one of the best platforms available. At the time, I was determined to get one of the top Toyota sports cars. After doing my research, I narrowed my list down to the MR2 Turbo, Supra, and Celica GT-Four (ST205). When the opportunity to buy the Supra arose, I didn’t think twice—I jumped at the chance.

This car has always been a dream for me. When the opportunity presented itself, I couldn’t pass it up. The Supra is iconic; many recognize it from the "Fast and the Furious" movies. However, driving this car with the right amount of horsepower feels like being in a jet. The cockpit has a high-performance feel that enhances the driving experience. This car was designed to compete for many years to come.

Build List

Engine

• GSC Billet S1 camshafts

• Supertech double valve spring kit

• 6266 Next Gen ball-bearing Precision turbo

• SPA cast iron manifold

• 3" mid/down pipe

• TRD Gen2 exhaust

• ID 1000cc injectors

• FIC fuel rail kit

• Fuelab fuel pressure regulator

• Precision 46mm wastegate

• Precision 750hp intercooler

• Tial Q blow-off valve

• Walbro E85 450 fuel pump

Transmission

• Getrag V160 6-speed

• South Bend DXD Stage 3 clutch

• OEM 6-speed differential

• TRD limited-slip differential

• TRD transmission mount

• C's short shifter

Suspension, Wheels, and Tires

• Tein Flex Z coilovers

• TRD sway bars

• White TE37 Volk Racing wheels

• Rays wheel lug nuts

• Toyo Proxes R888R tires

Electronics

• AEM V2 EMS

• BTI 3.5" gauge

Who Did the Work?

The entire build and tuning process was expertly handled by Lawrence Shipman, known in the Supra community for his exceptional skills. You can find him on Instagram at @lsfabrication. I purchased the car with only 38,000 miles on it, and it was originally an automatic TT. After converting it to a fully functional 6-speed with a single turbo setup, it now runs on flex fuel E85, producing 700hp, or 450hp on 91 octane.

Future Plans for the Supra

Looking ahead, I am considering a new wheel setup, most likely another set of Rays TE37 wheels. I believe this will enhance both the aesthetics and performance of my Supra.

Shout Outs

I want to give a special shout-out to Lawrence Shipman (@lsfabrication). He is highly respected in the Supra community and the NorCal Supra family for any car modifications and tuning. Thank you, Lawrence! After almost a decade with the same setup, mods, and tune, the car is still running flawlessly. You're the best!

Dream Car

On my list of dream cars, the next one I aspire to own is the Acura NSX Type R.

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