Now came the time for “Project Red” to get a clutch upgrade as well. Having had less than optimum success with stock-type clutch upgrades, with full-face kevlar discs not being strong enough and metallic puck type disc not being street-friendly with harsh engagement, we opted to go this time with multi-plate clutch setup from OS Giken, one of the original aftermarket performance clutch manufacturers in Japan. OS Giken multi-plate clutches provide the comfort of the stock clutches pedal feel and the strength of a race ready twin plate.
This kit includes a lightweight flywheel and pressure plate combination that is patented in Japan and it comes with the very unique OS style twin clutch disk system (Pic 1, Pic 2, Pic 3). It replaces a pull-style clutch release mechanism with a push-style setup. The OS Giken clutch setup seems to be the clutch of choice for many high horsepower 2JZ powered mkIV Supras as well as the 7MGTE powered MkIII Supras. It seems like we can’t go wrong with our choice - the future will soon tell.

With Supras growing in desirability for collectors, more owners find themselves searching for car insurance company reviews to get collector’s policies for these beautiful performance sports cars. There are numerous advantages to these policies including:

• Specialized roadside assistance programs.
• Agreed value coverage.
• Flexible coverage for both show activity and leisure driving.
• Lower deductibles.
• Recognition of value appreciation.
• Greater understanding of modifications.

Supra owners would be best served by consulting one of the three top classic insurance brokers:

• Hagerty Insurance Agency - Hagerty has been insuring classics since 1991 and has a reputation for low premiums and flexible usage. They insure a wide range of vehicles and offer agreed value coverage with allowances for leisure driving.
• Grundy Worldwide Insurance Agency - With more than 60 years in the business, Grundy also offers agreed value coverage, unlimited hobby use, spare parts and trip interruption coverage, and 30 day coverage on new collector acquisitions.
• American Collectors Insurance - American has been in the business for 30 years and will write policies on cars as new as 1992. They include a quarterly 2% increase for value appreciation up to 8% total with no added cost. Original vehicles have a zero deductible with 5,000 pleasure miles included.

Working with a company that specializes in collectible and classic insurance will help the Supra owner avoid some of the preconceptions they may encounter from other companies, especially if their Supra has been modified in any way. Regardless of the company, however, remember the things insurance companies like:

• Security devices. Every insurance agent will react well to a car that is securely stored and outfitted with technology to track and locate the vehicle in the event of a theft.
• Limited driving. Even with flexible usage allowances, cars that are driven in a limited manner under verifiable conditions carry the perception of lower risk.
• Club or group membership. Drivers who illustrate their love of and respect for their cars by membership in a driver’s club or organization convey the sense that their car will be loving maintained and protected.

Essentially there are two genres of insurance coverage the Supra owner is apt to encounter:

• “agreed value” or “like for like” - This coverage takes into account the replacement value of the car in the event of a total loss.
• “modifications not covered” - This one is clear. If the Supra has been heavily modified, the coverage will not extend to those modifications.

Of course, the optimal coverage is the agreed value. For drivers of modified Supras, your best bet is to be totally forthcoming about all modifications and to supply extensive documentation to make your case for insurance coverage. Thankfully, however, specialty insurance firms like Hagerty, Grundy, and American will understand what you’re driving and will make sure you have coverage that is both affordable and comprehensive.

One of the most recent upgrades on “Project Black” is the installation of a “Jim King” short shifter. It is a unit closely resembling JDM C’s Short Shifter. Made of stainless steel it is a very good quality piece. With the raised pivot point it shortens the shift throw without shortening the shifter height. The unit is actually height-adjustable and it comes pre-set for a slightly lower height than stock, but it can be easily returned to stock-like height yet providing shorter throws. Installation was very simple, the unit is a direct bolt-on, re-using most of the original rubber insulator and dust-shield pieces (Picture 1)(Picture 2). Even the factory Toyota OEM or TRD shifter knob thread on without problems. As far as the driving impressions the short shifter offers smooth, short shifts, although the feeling is more “crisp” than the original “longer throw” shifter. In our opinion: a very positive upgrade.

Since the most recent engine meltdown on “Project Red” we had decided to perform some upgrading. Blown Cometic MLS head gasket and signs of slight piston melting led us to believe that even though the car had an upgraded Fluidyne aluminum radiator and the air/fuel ratios were monitored with a PLX Wideband Sensor and kept within safe limits, there were still issues with temperatures in the engine. Examination of the block and the head gasket placement again raised questions such as: “Why are the holes misaligned?” (see picture #1). If there are two open coolant passages in the 7M head, why is there only one corresponding passage open in the block? Well, in an attempt to improve the flow of coolant in the water jackets through the block and the head we decided to create additional openings in the block through to existing water jackets (See picture #2). Since the exhaust side of the block has two openings, why not give it two on the intake side as well? (See picture #3). Will it improve the cooling of the 7MGTE? We certainly hope so. Stay tuned for more info on the Supra “Project Red” engine build…