The fact that the AE86 is the last sporty rear wheel drive Corolla is known even amongst people who arent interested in Toyotas that much. The number of versions in which it was produced might confuse even people who own an 86 though. This article should help you if youre lost in all those models like most of us were at some point.

Lets start with the “AE86″ code itself and its meaning. Toyota terminology says that the first letter marks the engine type, second letter marks the model code and third marks the generation of that model. The A then stands for the 4A-GE engine, E is the letter used for the Corolla model range and 8 marks the fifth generation of this model (E8). The last number 6 should stand for the sixth revision of the Corolla model. So the “AE86″ can be translated as “sixth revision of the fifth generation of Corolla model range with A series engine.” But we dont really recommend saying it like that in public since you wont get any more girls in your life after that.

Hatchback vs. Coupe

Corolla AE86 came in two body versions: three-door hatchback and two-door coupe. While the coupe was about 10 to 15 kilograms lighter and had a slightly more rigit chassis, the hatchback was more popular and also much more practical. While there are plenty of 86s available in the US and Japan, finding a nice example in the rest of the world is pretty hard. If youre planning to buy an AE86, we recommend picking the one thats in better shape even if its not the body type you want.

Levin vs. Trueno

There are some big differences in the 86s front too. There were two versions of AE86s front made: one with fixed headlights known as “Levin” and one with pup-up headlights known as “Trueno“. However only the Japanese buyers could choose between these two versions, other markets recieved only one model. While the North American buyers had only pop-up Truenos, European markets offered only the fixed Levin version. There are more differences in each region but we will talk about that in a separate article.

GT vs. SR

There are some significant differences under the 86s hood too. Not every AE86 was powered by the legendary 4A-GE twincam engine. A less powerful model with a a single cam and a carburetor 4A-C engine was offered too. This 70bhp model is known as SR in Europe and SR-5 in North America. This model had a different rear axle with drum brakes and an open differential instead of a limited slip unit. The Japanese version was offered with a slightly different 1500cc 3A-U engine and is reffered to as an AE85. While the American and European buyers could only choose between the GT and SR model, the Japanese recieved many more trim versions like GT-Apex or GTV.

The 4A-GE version was equipped with a mechanical LSD from the factory, had disc brakes on all four wheels and a more sporty interior.

Zenki vs. Kouki

The last major difference between AE86s is the one  between models that came before and after the facelift which it recieved in the middle of 1985. Early models are reffered to as “zenki” and late models are known as “kouki” like with most other Japanse cars. Revised models recieved mainly cosmetic changes. The only techincal change that you should be aware of was the slight enlargement of rear driveshafts which make the zenki and kouki LSDs not interchangable. Slight changes were also made to the brake booster.

The easiest way tell apart between zenki and kouki models is by the head and tail lights and front bumper (except the US model which used the same bumpers even after 1985). Facelifted bumpers had larger turn signals that were extended into corners (check out the left photo). Kouki Levins also recieved little headlight eyelids and a lexan mask instead of a regular black plastic grille. Many 86 owners however like to mix things up and its pretty regular to see kouki Levins with zenki radiator masks and so on…

The thing that will really confuse you however are the tailKapitolou samou pro sebe jsou pak zadní světla. Každá modelová variace dostala svůj vlastní design světel a tyto designy se navíc měnili i u regionálních verzí. Proto můžete na evropských kouki Levinech vidět japonská zenki světla a na amerických Truenech zase japonská Levin kouki světla. Více o těchto rozdílech se dočtete ZDE.

To be honest with you we keep saying how bodykits ruin Corollas but sometimes the opposite is simply the truth. This list isn’t obviously complete just like our wheel guide so if you have any brands to add over here then please post them in the comments or mail us!

We would also like to specify that we only picked only Levin parts. Its not that we dont like Truenos but since they weren’t imported into our part of the world there isn’t really any demant for these parts. We know that this list will probably appeal to more people since we switched our blog to English and we will try to add some more Trueno parts over time. We are also focusing only on the front bumpers themselves since all sideskirts and rear bumpers look more or less the same. And the 86 looks better without them anyway…

Most of these manufactures are based in Japan. Some have distributors in the USA and few even in Europe but you will have to browse through japanese auctions to get most of them.

RUNFREE

www.run-free.com

So lets start with the names that need no introduction in the 86 world. One of them is definitely Kanagawa based marek Run Free which started as a Corolla only drift team headed by Yamashita Koichi. RUNFREE offers two bodykits today: Type I and Type II. You can see the first one on the picture below and the other one is different only by a slightly bigger “smile”. You can find more about Run Free on Motormavens.

Our opinion: Its more or less a classic beefed up bodykit and a good choice for people who want a “standard” aero package for their 86. We personally don’t like it that much but were not offended by it either.

URAS

www.uras.co.jp
www.uras-usa.com

URAS needs no introduction as well. Even though Ken Nomuras brand focuses mainly on Nissans he has a very nice lineup for both 86 frontends too.

Our opinion: We think that Nomura-san hit the spot with this one. Even though it reminds of of the CBY bodykit a bit too much…

GOODLINE

www.musclebear.jp/GL

If we were to describe Goodline with one word then we would probably go for “ghetto“. Even though its not a mainstream brand like the others it has a legendary status amongs the die hard 86 fans and its a symbol of the bodykit boom in early 2000s when it was amongst the first ones who started mass producing aero parts for the AE86.

Our opinion: It might not be that interesting at first glance but looking at it from the right angle will give the Levin exactly the look it needs. Narrow lower part like at URAS and CBY works great, don’t you think? This is what we will put on our Levins if we ever save up enough money.

Crystal Body Yokohama

www.cby.jp

If you are at least a little interested in AE86s then you’ve heard the name CBY too. They’re famous especially thanks to their N2 Trueno and huge over fenders that are surpassed only by the almighty TRD N2 fenders.

Our opinion: If we were picking a bumper for a Trueno we would definitely go for the CBY one. They also sell their trademark front lip separately which might appeal to people who want something better then a stock zenki lip but don’t want to order a whole bumper. The lip is also an awesome 80s throwback together with a zenki bumper.

Origin Labo

origin-labo.jp
www.origin-europe.com
www.origin-lab.com

Origin is one of the most distinctive bodykit manufactures in Japan today. You can pick from a wide variety of parts from bumpers to bonnets and and fenders. Their two bodykit lines are called “Stylish” and “Stream” and even though they both look pretty similar, the second one should be a bit more functional with bigger air inlets and other details. One of the biggest advantages of Origin Lab is that it has an official distributor in both US and Europe.

Our rating: While the Stylish line looks a bit to beefed up just like the Run Free kit, the Stream line might be pretty good with the right choice of wheels.

D-Max

www.dmax-cs.com
http://www.carstudio-usa.com/d-max

D-Max might be only few years old but they settled well between the older aero parts makers. Or at least in Japan. Their driver Naoki Nakamura got two D1SL titles in row and you can spot their parts on many D1GP cars too. We found only one bodykit called Type II on their website but we think they might actually offer a lot more parts for the AE86.

Our opinion: We really like the Type II kit on Hibinos Levin but we like the one he installed after even more. But who knows if its made by D-Max too…

J-Blood

www.j-blood.com
www.j-blood-na.com

J-Blood is another classic on the 86. This was one of the first Japanese companies to establish their branch in the USA. That was a very good thing for the company because every American teenager wanted to rip off the USDM bumpers from their brand new 500$ Corollas. Unfourtunetly the company was forced out of US after some time by the huge amount of copies sold on Ebay. J-Blood offer two Levin bumpers, an older and more decent Type I and more agressive Type II. Its worth mentioning that theyre made from a special mix of FRP thats pretty hard to tear apart. They also released a new bodykit called Spec-R for both Levin and Trueno.

Our opinion: Just like with CBY the lineup from J-Blood is primarily focused on Truenos but that doesnt mean they cant make a good Levin bumper too. Type I is definitively the winner in this case.

BN Sports

www.bn-sports.co.jp
bnsports.us

BN Sports is another market leader in Japan. You can find their relatively affordable and more or less crazy bodykits on almost every car in Japan from rusty old Corollas to big 1JZ saloons. Just like Goodline BN Sports were one of the first who started offering bodykits in the 90’s in big scale.

Our opinion: We have to say that BN Sports is exactly the opposite of what we like (Goodline, CBY, Uras…). Their kit makes the Levin look a little bit retarded but on the other hand you probably wont find any lower bodykit then this for your 86.

Techno Pro Spirits

www.tp-spirit.co.jp

Techno Pro Spirits isnt really well known for making bodykits. Theyre usually connected to racing spec 4Ags with insane power and stuff like that. But this regular N2 contender has even some FRP in their menu for the true hardcore 86ers.

Our opinion: This bumper has “90s” written all over it. Thats actually not a bad thing especially when you look at cars like Miguel Varella-Cids AE86. We like the N2 version even more.

TRD

????.co.jp

Thats right, even you can build your own TRD N2 machine just like the one in which Tsuchiya rips up the Tsukuba track. Or at least a similar one. The easiest way to get one is probably through rhdjapan.com.

Our opinion: Well, theres isnt much to say here…

Tec-Arts

www.tecarts.com

Tec-Arts needs no introduction either. This company does everything 86-related that you can think of. They race in D1GP and in N2 races with their Truenos, they renovate cars, they make tons of AE86 parts… Unfourtunetly for us these guys prefer popup lights so theres no Levin bodykit in their menu yet.

Our opinion: This front bumper makes the 86 look quite modern but we would prefer something a little more agressive.

T & E / Vertex

www.t-and-e.co.jp
www.vertex-usa.com
www.vertex-europe.com

Technical & Elegance is one of the premium bodykit producers. Just as with URAS this company is owned by D1GP veteran, namely Takahiro Ueno. T&E and their bodykit line Vertex is especially popular thanks to their quality and good designs.

Our opinion: Even though the Vertex bumper isnt narrowed at the bottom like in the other kits it still doesnt look swelled up like the BN Sports kit. And thats a good thing.

Jubiride

www.jubiride.com

Jubiride isnt that well known but if you pay close attention you can spot their track Levin and Trueno at many 86 meets. This company offers a full service menu like many others beginning with simple repairs and ending with renovations and building full on race cars. It also makes a buck here and there from selling used cars.

Our opinion: If you honestly read this whole guide to this point then you know that we relly like this style. They also make a version without the side inlets which is a real gourmets thing. And we will leave those doors without comments…

Garage ZEAL

www.garage-zeal.com

Garage ZEALs website is designed in a true japanese fashion: it looks like it was made 15 years ago and it doesnt say absolutely anything. Well except a pricetag, which is 45.000 yen for the front bumper and 125.000 for the whole kit.

Our opinion: This one looks pretty badass dont you think? Simplicity is the key in this case and it works pretty well in our opinion…

version:SELECT

www.versionselect.com

Well this is a nice change for once. Even though version:SELECT comes from Japan their website looks pretty decent and it even has some info on it. Their linep is more focused on S-chassis and other high performance japanese machinery but theres even something for the little 86.

Our opinion: We cant say its really our style but it still beats the BN Sports aero.

Garage BB

garagebb.jp

Garage BB is probably better known for their Air Force spec wing but they also offer a full aero package for both Levin and Trueno. Their older designs were a lot more crazy back in the 90s and early 2000s but their current lineup has a pretty distinctive look too.

Our opinion: The clean lip stands out compared to ones like Goodline or J-Blood. We really like it the Trueno!

Chargespeed

www.chargespeed.com
www.chargespeed.com/english

Chargespeed probably has its glory days behind it but that doesnt mean you cant get any of legendary products today. If youre after the early-90s-young-hashiriya look then this will be one of your best picks.

Our opinion: The Chargespeed bumper is exactly what an early 90s bumper should be. Simple and straightforward. Well, maybe too much for todays circumstances… but why should that be a bad thing? This plow looks pretty well on Truenos because it makes it look like it came straight from a comic book.

Chockets

www.gpsports.co.jp

And heres a real cherry for those who scrolled all the way to the end. Theres only one thing to say here: Akira Iida.

Our opinion: We guess its not the prettiest bumper in the world but who cares, ITS CHOCKETS!

And to be honest, all these bodykits are nothing compared to a simple combination of a zenki on kouki lip. So dont waste your money on FRP parts and save up for a TRD 2way!

This list will most likely never be complete but we will try to update it once in a while. If you know about some cool wheels that fit on AE86s and are not here then please tell us!

Advan
Enkei
Hayashi
Impul Pro
SSR
Volk
Watanabe
Work
Other
Toyota

AE86 Wheel Guide

Advan A3A

Advan A3E

Advan Racing Dish

Advan Oni

Enkei AP Racing

Enkei Apache

Enkei Mesh

Hayashi Street

Hayashi Sakura

Hayashi Bomber

Hayashi Command 500

Hayashi Command 800

Impul Pro Hoshino

Impul Pro Mesh

Impul Pro Spoke

SSR Formula Mesh & Formula Reversed Mesh

SSR Longchamp XR4
Dostupné rozměry:
15″-7.0J ET -1/+11
15″-7.5J ET -7/+5
15″-8.0J ET -14/-2
15″-8.5J ET -20/-3
15″-9.0J ET -27/-15
15″-9.5J ET -33/-21
15″-10.0J ET -40/-28
XR4 jsou dostupné také v průměru 14″, jejich rozměry průběžně doplníme

SSR Mk. I
Dostupné rozměry:
13″-7.0J ET 0/+12
13″-7.5J ET -6/+6
13″-8.0J ET -12/+0
13″-8.5J ET -7
14″-7.0J ET 0/+12/+25
14″-7.5J ET -6/+6/+19
14″-8.0J ET -12/0/+13
14″-8.5J ET -7/+5
14″-9.0J ET 0
15″-7.0J ET -1/+11/+24
15″-7.5J ET -7/+5/+18
15″-8.0J ET -13/-1/+12
15″-8.5J ET -8/+5
15″-9.0J ET -1

SSR Mk. II
Dostupné rozměry:
13″-7.0J ET -1/+11
13″-7.5J ET -7/+5
13″-8.0J ET -13/-1
13″-8.5J ET -8
14″-7.0J ET 0/+12
14″-7.5J ET -6/+6
14″-8.0J ET -12/0
14″-8.5J ET -7
15″-7.0J ET 0/+12/+25
15″-7.5J ET -6/+6/+19
15″-8.0J ET -12/0/+13
15″-8.5J ET -7/+6
15″-9.0J ET 0

SSR Mk. III
Dostupné rozměry:
13″-7.0J ET -2/+10
13″-7.5J ET -8/+4
13″-8.0J ET -14/-2
13″-8.5J ET -9
14″-7.0J ET 0/+12
14″-7.5J ET -6/+6
14″-8.0J ET -12/0
14″-8.5J ET -7
15″-7.0J ET 1/+13/+26
15″-7.5J ET -6/+6/+19
15″-8.0J ET -12/0/+13
15″-8.5J ET -7/+7
15″-9.0J ET 0

SSR Dori Dori

SSR Star Shark

SSR Techno Phantom

SSR Star Formula

SSR Bright Star Racing

SSR Techno Racing

SSR Techno Shadow

SSR Air Stage

SSR Focus Racing

Volk Rays TE37
Dostupné rozměry:
14×7″ ET +15
15×7″ ET +15
15×7″ ET 0

Volk Mesh

Volk Artisan Spirit

Volk Rays TE37V

RS Watanabe RS8 Type A

RS Watanabe 4 Spoke

RS Watanabe Falcon Mesh

Work Equip 01

Work Equip 02

Work Equip 03

Work Meister S1

Buddy Club P1 Racing

Weds Sport MA86

Weds Sport Southern Way

TOM’s Itega

Bilbo 4 Spoke

Compomotive CXR

Compomotive ML

TRD Tosco

Racing Hart Takechi Project

Atiwe “Telephone wheels”

Ronal Turbo

ATS Classic

Jilba Racing

Supra Mk. II

AE86 JDM & USDM “Snowflakes”

AE86 13″ “Pizzacutters”

AE86 14″ “Pizzacutters”