Texas Tuner Shop to offer Manual Swaps for MKV Supra
The Supra has returned after a two-decade hiatus and tuners are already getting their hands dirty with new mods.
It’s been 21 long years, and a stressful time for us automotive enthusiasts and tuners. A world devoid of the Toyota Supra was never one we hoped to see. The A80 Supra took tuner culture by storm. And as soon as a few gearheads found out they could tweak the 2JZ-GTE and get upwards of 500HP without fear of engine failure, we knew that Japan had once again given us something exceptional. Sadly, it wasn’t meant to last. The US saw its last Supra in 1998.
In July 2018, Toyota officially announced that the Supra was returning. It was the worst kept secret in the auto industry, but the announcement made waves regardless. Reactions were a bit mixed though. Many of us were absolutely thrilled that the Supra was back in the Toyota lineup while others were much less enthusiastic. Especially upon hearing that there would not be a manual transmission option for the Toyota legend. But those fears can rest for now, because Texas-based tuning shop European Auto Group shared in an interview with Car Buzz that it has come to save the day!
European Auto Group (EAG) owner Art Bartosik shared that the business is now in the process of its first MKV Supra manual swap. Bartosik states that EAG is currently taking deposits for owners hoping to take a bit more control over their driving experience. The swaps are expected to take anywhere between 30-45 days and cost “around $12,000 in parts and labor.” Pre-orders are available for $6,000. And with a quick call, you can arrange to have your A90 shipped to Texas for a full transformation.
In regards to the contents of the swap, EAG plans to utilize only OEM BMW parts, which should ensure a perfect mating to the German-bred B58 engine the Supra houses. EAG also intends to increase the power output of the vehicle in the process as well with help from Canadian BMW tuners ProTuning Freaks. Bartosik hopes to reach somewhere between 420-430 wheel horsepower; an increase of at least 85hp. Which, if able to maintain the 50/50 weight distribution, would make for an exhilarating ride.
As for the gear shifter, Bartosik really enjoys the idea of adding a flip-up shifter similar the one found in the GR HV Sports concept from Toyota. If done properly, this small but unique feature may be a selling point for potential buyers. “We want the shifter to have a flip-up design, just like the concept, with the button underneath programmed to activate Sport Mode.”
EAG will be displaying their finished product at this years SEMA show in Las Vegas, NV, taking place in November. More information can be found on EAG’s manual Supra swap and ordering process on their website. If you are one of the lucky few to have acquired this beautiful machine, the addition of a stick may be just the cherry on top you were looking for.