If you guys wondering why I am so deeply into second generation Corolla Coupe (Mango), so this is the answer. This was the car that made me fall in love at first sight, and eventually this was one of the car that influenced drag scene in Miri few years back.
With a huge fully functional intercooler, it was not an ordinary Mango that you may tailgate during midnight run. The owner, Johnny Yong had put much effort to make his zenki Levin balanced for daily ride and weekend fun.
Bearing the T-series chassis code, this Mango was before powered by a 2T-C engine. The stock engine was retired and Johnny swapped a 16-valves 4A-GE with 20psi forced induction system for the sake of speed. The tuning progress did not ends there, the block was changed with a higher capacity 7A and the whole complicated system was then managed by a MicroTech ECU. Based on the setup, I believe a few hundred of horsies were ready to wet gentleman's pants; once the boost triggers.
Since this car was prepared for 400m run, Johnny decided to customize the traction bar for better launching. This ‘recipe’ was also adapted on his drag-mate's car, Johnny Voon’s B110.
Moving to the interior, it was full stripped to remove the unnecessary weight. The bars were also extended at the rear seat area for extra rigidity. Since then, this Mango was officially no longer a legal daily ride since Johnny was seriously involved in local drag event.
For those who follows up annual Borneocup Drag Championship in Miri, you know how monstrous this car could be. The only oldskool participant from Miri who entered Open Turbo 2WD Class and managed to get a place on podium.
With all the effort that have been put on this project, Johnny did a great job by exposing to the local drag scene that a 38-year-old chassis can clock a surprising number for 400m run. Hats off man! It takes a lot of courage to achieve this stage.
Photo courtesy of Steven Pui
Few years later, the latest progress reveals this Mango on Hoosier slicks, before it was permanently terminated due to some circumstances.
Recalling the yesteryear moments before this Mango was repainted to special effect chameleon purple color, this car was in solid 2k red when I first saw her. With mango fruit shaped design element and aerodynamic rear portion, I can not resist to like its character. Since then, I committed to myself that one day I am gonna get myself a Mango too.
May you rest in peace Mango. You may not be the most powerful or fastest ever built, but you're nonetheless a legendary oldskool creation!
*All photos are courtesy of Johnny Yong, else mentioned.
