Bulbs
The Series 1 (pre-facelift) Supra, which is 93-96 and the type sold in the UK has a different set of bulbs than the 97-02 Series 2. So, i’ve listed the changes below, for anyones information.
The stock headlights will pass an MOT, but essentially look like someone is holding candles on the bumper at night, so I’ve gone and bought some LEDs go in the car, and give me some night time coverage.
- Low Beam Headlight Bulb Size: 9006
- High Beam Headlamp Light Bulb Size: 9005
- Front Turn Signal Light Bulb Size: 7440
- Rear Turn Signal Light Bulb Size: 7440
- Tail Light Bulb Size: 7443
- Stop Light Bulb Size: 7443
- Fog/Driving Light Bulb Size: H3-55W
- License Plate Light Bulb Size: 2825
- Back Up Light Bulb Size: 7440
- Front Side Marker Light Bulb Size: 194
- Rear Sidemarker Light Bulb Size: 194
- Glove Box Light Bulb Size: 37
£295 on AutoBulbsDirect!
Alignment
The stock Supra handling is very good, excellent. But it’s safe and neutral, which means we can always make it a little better. Before we talk alignment, we need to show the important figures.
| Wheelbase | 2,550 mm |
|---|---|
| Length | 4,515–4,520 mm |
| Width | 1,810 mm |
| Height | 1,275 mm |
| Curb weight | 1,570 kg |
| Weight distribution (Front:Rear) | 53:47 |
The table below is the OEM settings for the Supra, based on the standard suspension and wheels.
[Front: 8J – 235/45/17 +50 – Rear: 9.5J – 255/40/17 +50]
| OEM | Front | Rear (total) |
| Camber | -0.5 | -1.5 |
| Toe (total) | 0.00mm | 3.00mm |
| Caster | +3.5 | |
| Pressure (psi) | 36 | 34 |
Then a respected old school forum guy from the US devised his own alignment, known as the Lance setup, this was based off different tyre sizes on the OEM wheel. It was said to make the car feel more stable, more predictable. Just overall much better, and I can attest to this since this is what I can on my old Supra.
[Front: 8J – 255/40/17 +50 – Rear: 9.5J – 275/40/17 +50].
| Lance | Front | Rear (total) |
| Camber | -1.0 | -1.5 |
| Toe (total) | 0.00mm | 1.00mm (in) |
| Caster | +5.0 | |
| Pressure (psi) | 36 | 34 |
But, being the geek, and learning a lot more than I did 12 years ago from now, and running with a different setup of wheel, with 10J front and 11.5J rear
[Front: 10J – 265/35/18 +36 – Rear: 11.5J – 315/30/18 +46]
I ran these figures through a simulation software, accounting for weight, weight distribution, tyre size, wheel base and wheel track, and I came out with these. I want a car on the nose, with good rear traction under acceleration and good straight line stability.
| John | Front | Rear (total) |
| Camber | -1.5 | -1.5 |
| Toe (total) | 0.50mm (out) | 1.50mm (in) |
| Caster | +5.0 | |
| Pressure | 35 | 32 |
I did some (basic) trigonometry, meaning the additional camber will make sure they’re not too outside of flush!
Suspension
After messing with the suspension geometry, I want to play with the ride height. The Supra must remain a relativelty practical car. I don’t want it on the deck, I’ve been there, done that, got the t-shirt and the scraped splitters.
I’m currently very interested in the Fortune Auto range of coilovers, they look like they can do a great job on the car, with the huge adjustability. I can have a comfortable ride for the better half and a firmer ride for me. I just need to think about the stock spring rates and determines what’s best.
It never stops this game, does it!
