Gerald Jay Rose and his 1991 Toyota Supra Turbo

I got into cars at a young age. My first introduction was through hanging out at this skatepark where I heard some of the older kids talking about these “Late Night Drags”. It was exactly how it sounded, racers would check in at 11pm and often times we’d race until 2-3 in the morning. It was actually an attempt at pulling racers off the street. Unfortunately the track is no longer around but I went out to see for myself one weekend and been hooked ever since.

My first project car was a 99 Acura Integra that I turbo’d. A short while after that I ended up with a TT 300zx before moving onto an 89 RX-7 TurboII. The RX-7 made 300whp with a couple modifications such as a large street port and custom V mount. It was actually this car that introduced me to the Supra world.

I had been out doing a couple pulls with Doug Clements and his Mk3 Supra. I lost pretty bad but it really opened my eyes to the 1JZ/2JZ platform. It wasn’t until 4 years ago however that I got into Supra ownership. I found a 1990 white hardtop on KSL and decided to shoot a message. We met up a couple days later and came to find the Supra had a 2JZ-GTE VVTI in it. Apparently the owner never got it to run due to electrical issues including frying ECUs. So I ended up buying it and spent approximately 4 months rewiring and getting everything right. Meanwhile, I took my friend and nephew out to Tacoma, WA to pick up matching rear interior to replace some missing pieces. Really, I was getting the car all put together and ready to go. All in all got the car running in 4 months.

Ironically, around that same time my dream shell popped up on the local Supra community page. A 1991 Turbo Targa with all original shadow grey leather interior (other than a suede wrap done to the dash). I couldn’t let that opportunity pass so bought it the same day. In the matter of a week my buddy and I were able to swap everything over from the 90 Hardtop to the 91 Targa shell. We took the opportunity to button up a few issues and get it tuned before heading over to SIV. Despite making it to the event in time the engine unfortunately blew a headgasket. So I took the engine to get refreshed and the guy found some underlying issues such as a warped block. Luckily they were able to get everything straightened out and decked.

Today, the engine has undergone a few changes. Internal upgrades such as CP-Carrillo Pistons (9:1), Brian Crower Rods, King Racing Bearings, BC 264 Cams, BC HD single springs/retainers and billet keepers. I also made sure to upgrade to ARP hardware for everything including on the stock main caps.

Bolt-ons include a Borg Warner S369SXE pushing 24psi paired to a Turbosmart BOV and wastegate. I also had Matt Gooch over at Boneyard Fabrication weld up a custom Intercooler with piping to match.

***Upgrades include a Borg Warner S369SXE pushing 24psi paired to a Turbosmart BOV and wastegate.***

The fuel system consists of Alpha Injection 1650cc injectors, a Driftmotion fuel rail, Aeromotive FPR and fuel filter. This is all supplied by a dual Walbro 450 fuel pump connected to -8an feed and -6an return lines. The car is also equipped to run flex fuel. The Supra has a custom tune on an EMU black done by JR Crosby and makes approximately 700whp. 800 is currently in the works.

Future goals are to finish up the build, get the body all fixed up, and get around to enjoying the car. Take it to more events and car shows. It will actually be attending Import Spring Showoff in Utah so be sure to check the build out in the garage section.

Thank you Gerald for sharing your story and build with me. I look forward to seeing how it progresses and I hope to see you enjoy the car more!

-Soloman

Owner: Gerald Jay Rose

Year/Make/Model: 1991 Toyota Supra Turbo

Power: ~700+

Photographer: Gerald Jay Rose

Editor: Soloman

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