Clinton’s Supra Saga

Clinton’s 1994 original 6 Speed TT Targa Top Supra sits next to his newest addition, a Burgundy Pearl 1991 Turbo Targa Top MKIII.

In the Autumn of 2001, as the cinematic streets echoed with the roar of “The Fast and the Furious,” a young enthusiast by the name of Clinton was introduced to a world of racing machines. A third gen Camaro and mighty GTR were dream cars of the time. But little did he know, he was about to embark on a journey that would intertwine his destiny with the Toyota Supra.

Clinton’s tale began with a chance encounter with a 1987 Toyota Supra, a modest Non-Turbo automatic that, despite its weary condition, sparked a relentless pursuit for the iconic machine. His first acquisition, a 1989 Non-Turbo Hardtop painted in a lackluster burgundy hue, underwent a transformation back to its vibrant Super Red II glory, marking the start of an automotive odyssey.

Clinton’s 1989 Non-Turbo Hardtop in Super Red II

Immersing himself in the AZ Supras community, Clinton’s garage soon welcomed a series of Supras, each with its own story. In the summer of 2003, his 89 N/A was upgraded to a silver 1989 Turbo Targa Top. Later on a series of other purchases and upgrades lead to a 1JZ-swapped MKIII and a Black Mica 1989 Turbo five-speed, his collection grew, as did his involvement in the Supra community. He became a focal point for AZ Supras, organizing meets and annual barbecues, and fostering a sense of camaraderie.

In 2009, Clinton faced a setback when the Black Mica’s 7M failed. Determined to push the limits, he embarked on a 1JZ swap with a big single T66 Turbonetics Turbo, aiming for 600hp. Financial constraints, however, forced him to part ways with it, along with his ties to the Supra community.

Using the proceeds, Clinton sold his house and moved, stepping away from the Supra world. Fate, however, had other plans. A friend offered him a 1985 MKII 7MGTE swapped Celica Supra, reigniting his passion briefly. Another friend then offered him a 1994 original 6 Speed TT Targa Top Supra in 202 Black Onyx on Black Interior. An opportunity too good to pass up.

After a brief break from the community, a friend offers Clinton a 1985 7MGTE swapped Celica Supra. Later, Clinton is presented with a 1994 original 6 Speed TT Targa Top Supra in 202 Black Onyx on Black Interior—an opportunity too good to pass up.

Despite enjoying the MKIV in stock condition for two years, the urge to modify returned. Entrusting his car to the wrong hands led to a complete engine rebuild while he was deployed to Afghanistan. Upon his return, his Supra roared back to life, boasting 981hp and a new lease on life.

In 2021, Clinton upgraded to a GTX4202R Garrett turbo, pushing the power to 1130hp.

As his love for Supras remained steadfast, he yearned for a MKIII once more. In August 2023, he found his current Burgundy Pearl 1991 Turbo with a Targa Top and auto transmission on Bring a Trailer, marking his tenth Supra and eighth MKIII.

In August of 2023, Clinton acquires his eighth MKIII; A 1991 Turbo in Burgundy Pearl.

Today, Clinton continues to be an active part of the Supra community, managing the AZ Supras Facebook group and taking part in the annual meets. His MKIV, named Betty, is built to the moon and makes 1130rwhp, while his MKIII, named Demona, is “stockish.”

Clinton’s narrative is not just about cars; it’s about the memories created, the friendships forged, and the legacy built within the pulsing heart of the Supra community. It’s a chronicle of horsepower and human connection, where every rev of the engine and shimmer of pearlescent paint tells a story of personal triumph and collective joy.

For those interested in the details of this impressive build. Here’s a comprehensive list for Clinton’s MK4:

Engine:

Engine: Bert Built High Compression 3.0L

Stock OEM 2JZGTE Block

Stock OEM Crank

Real Street Wiseco 10.5:1 Compression Pistons

HD BC Rods

Wiseco Heavy Duty Wrist Pins

ARP CA625+ Head Studs

Upgraded OEM Oil Pump

Calico Coated Bearings

ACL HX Race Main Bearing

ACL Thrust Washer

ARP hardware

Titan ATI Super Damper Crank Pulley

PHR Timing Belt Tensioner

Bert Built Modified 2JZ Timing Belt Gear Drive

TRD Engine Mounts

Torco TR-1R 20w-50 Oil

Head:

OEM 2JZGTE Head

Mild Head Work

GSC Power Division Exhaust Valve Guides

GSC Power Division Intake Valves Guides

GSC Power Division Conical HP Valve Spring w/ TI Retainer

GSC Valve Locks/ keepers

GSC S1 269* Cams

Greddy Timing Belt

Greddy Adjustable Locking Cam Gear

Greddy Clear Timing Cover

Polished Valve Covers

Greddy Oil Cap

Modified 2jz Engine Coil Cover

Turbo:

Polished Garrett GTX4202R 1.12 a/r

BPA Gen II Turbo Manifold

44mm Tial Wastegates x2

2” Dump Tubes x2

Custom Made 4” Down Pipe

HKS Ti 4in Exhaust

ETS 5” Intercooler

Polished 5” Intake Pipe w/Filter

Intake:

Sleepers Design Intake Manifold

90mm GM DBW TB

Polished Custom 3.5” Intercooler Piping W/ Vibrant Clamps

Real Street Baffled Catch Can

Tial 50mm BOV x2

Drivetrain:

Factory V-160 w/163k miles

Upgraded Toyota Land Cruiser Master cylinder

McLeod RXT 1200HD Twin Disc

Tilton Release Bearing

Suprasport Aluminum input flange for Big diff 220mm

Factory LSD, 3.133:1 Ratio In The 'Big' Diff With The 220mm Ring Gear

PHR 3.5" Driveshaft

ARP Flywheel Bolts

Fuel:

BKS1001 in Tank x2

ID2000cc Injectors

Sleepers Design -8 Polished Fuel Rail

Aeromotive Fuel Pressure Regulator

Custom Hammer Engineering fuel filter kit

Engine Management:

Pro EFI 128 v4 ECU Tuned By Chris Delgado

PRO-EFI Color Can Display/Logger

Tweekd 2JZ ProEFI 128 Harness

GM Flex Fuel Sending Unit

I-boost Controller

Ignition:

Toyota 1ZZ Coils

Cooling:

Koyo Aluminum Race Radiator

PHR Coolant Overflow

Greddy Radiator Cap

Chase Bay Power Steering Cooler

Derale 54010 40 Row Oil Cooler

PHR Power Steering Pump Resevoir Kit

Dress UP Bolts Blue Titanium Bold Kit

Polished Greddy Radiator Tube Pipe

Polished Water Neck

Wheels/Tires/Brakes:

WORK Meisters WRKS13P Matte Black Face w/ Polished Lip and Standard Hardware

19 x 9.5 +37 Rdisk Front

19 x 11 +42 Odisk Rear

PRO Spec Import Meister Supra center caps

Toyo R888R Front Tire 265/30 ZR 19

Toyo R888R Rear Tire 305/30 ZR 19

Wilwood 6 Piston FSL6R Calipers

Wilwood 13.06in Rotors

Suspension:

Powered By Max Coilovers

Mugen Taction Bars

Interior:

Recaro SR3 Confetti Seats

Wedge Seat Brackets

TRD Steering Wheel

Custom Battery relocation kit

Pro Spec Import Ring kit

Exterior:

RMM Wing

RMM Front Lip

Bomex Side Skirts

98 Tail Lights

98 Turn Signal Lamps

98 Headlights

HIC Rear Hatch Spoiler

Huge shoutout to the following community members:

Builder of MKIV Engine and help through the years with other Supras:

Albert Meade

IG: Armturbotuning

Business: Armturbo.com

Continued Support throughout the years:

Steven Reedholm

IG: SRFAB

Business: SR-Fab.com/ State48-performance.com

Justin Phelps

IG: Justin_hammer_87

Business: HammerEng.com

Tyler Conlin

IG: Tyler_hammer_engineering

Business: HammerEng.com

Billy Docherty

IG: AZ_Billy_D

Tuner:

Tony Szirka

IG: UMSTuning

Business:UMSTuning.com

Owner: Clinton Griffin

Year/Make/Model: 1994 TT Supra and 1991 Turbo Supra

Drivetrain: Bert Built 2JZGTE

Power: 1130rwhp & 791tq

Turbo: Garrett GTX4202R (36psi)

Photographers: Alex Badoon (Bueller)

Editor: Emily Soloman