$400 Abandoned AE86 Corolla to BEAMS Powered $100,000 SEMA Hero

[@LarryChenPhoto]

Make your walls epic! Support AutoFocus and purchase a large wall Photo Print today: www.etsy.com/shop/larrychenphoto

[@sshadyjd5165]

100k? Where?? Stop the cap! 😂😂😂

[@badmontad]

This is one of my greatest fears. Buying a cheap car then sinking 10s of thousands of dollars into it and getting too attached but props to this guy for letting it get out of control.

[@LarryChenPhoto]

Better than paying 100k for a car and having no attachment.

[@Daniel-rb1ig]

*That seems to happen to me all the time lol*

[@thegenerousdegenerate9395]

@@LarryChenPhoto or never finishing it at all? "Cough cough scotto cough"

[@thegenerousdegenerate9395]

@@jeremiahsawyer2123 lmfao!

[@sigmaprojects]

I think that's all serious car builds, lol

[@chrishuyler3580]

$20k in parts $80k in labor.

[@gright2009]

This dude got hustled hard lol the car and parts dont look like 100k at all

[@blastfamusidiot]

gright2009 you saw it in person?

[@nikrbawker]

Aside from the color choice I'd take this over a 80k lambo anyday.

[@3vi10n3]

$18.74 and a tall boy in welding

[@HazardMedia]

thats the same thing i said

[@fadzilcheman4613]

I’m gonna tell my kids this guy is Bruno Mars

[@chaddavis2992]

🤣 I was thinking the same thing

[@Itr-tv7kt]

if it was bruno he would not be rolling in a AE86.. he will be in hypercars

[@fadzilcheman4613]

Itr 1244 dude, supercars are not new to this guy

[@CES-dh4ut]

@@Itr-tv7kt yeah sure, 100k... that's obviously a poor man's car

[@cam135modding6]

im gonna tell my kids bruno mars was this guy

[@georgef1176]

When you have shops do the work for you a 100k happens very fast. That’s why every car guy should wrench themselves

[@jdm_jadon]

George Fales I agree but not e Rey one can do fab and paint but the basic installs and engine swap everyone should do

[@AlphaMachina]

Yep. I'm slowly building my car, myself. It's just an EM2 Civic, but have to start somewhere. Civic is "cheap" and easy to get parts for. Still, can easily spend $30K building a decent track car out of a Civic. But I'm taking my time because I want it to be fast AND reliable, and that costs money whether you're building it yourself or not. I'm learning how to mig and tig, wrenching on all of my own cars and my family's cars for the last couple years to learn as I go. But basically, I just ordered a K24A2 engine and 6-speed manual trans out of an Accord from Japan (TSX here in the states), and have about $3000 worth of components for the engine (forged H-beam rods, stroker crank, dual springs for the head, and a bunch of other goodies) The car already has all of the bushings, end links, rack ends, control arms, wheel bearings, engine mounts, Skunk2 coilovers, strut bracing, etc. replaced with performance-minded parts, all polyurethane bushings. 5-lug/disc brake swap from a 2003 Honda CR-V, and I'm waiting on some custom 2-piece SSR wheels, 15x8 on all four corners. After the swap, I'm gonna drive it N/A (with a tune) and mostly stock engine and interior, shifter, etc. for a while as I save up for all the little odds and ends over the next few years. I'll probably eventually sell it for a fraction of what I put into it, and start on the next car. Something difficult, like a 1st Gen Celica with an LS swap, or a classic Chevy Nova and swap a JDM engine into it.

[@volvo245]

You can also easily sink 100k into a basic garage building, tooling/equipment.

[@AlphaMachina]

@@volvo245 Yes. Absolutely, and very easily if you've got the dough. I've spent probably $6000 just on cheap tools like Tekton, Ares and Stanley over the last few years, but it's enough for me to be able to repair or replace just about anything mechanical on my vehicle.

[@volvo245]

@@AlphaMachina Yeah it gets really expensive if you actually want to fabricate stuff from scratch fast and with good quality.

[@TVtwarn]

100k spent at different workshops and no dyno tune . Mad

[@kaneda33]

look at the welds on those guessets hahahaha. dude pays $400 for the frame, $900 for the long block and then supposedly $92,000 on getting assfucked

[@Matty.Hill_87]

@@kaneda33 🤣🤣🤣

[@wannabecarguy]

@@kaneda33 maybe because everyone knows ae86 owners are fanboys. I might own a few Corollas.....

[@baxwell3540]

@@kaneda33 lmao

@@kaneda33 Sadly, Performance car shops are some of the BIGGEST ripoffs there is(not all of them thankfully).. They just throw numbers our of their asses. I remember back when K-swaps werent as common back in the mid 2000's and I got prices from $2K all the way up to $10K just for a Honda motor swap. And that was just labor. Meanwhile, I did it in day in my garage, spent about $200 in misc parts, and $15 on a case of beer and she was done. lol

[@ndb466]

What a fun guy! He seems like the kind of guy that could talk all day about his car collection and the car’s history.

[@deezy9595]

I didn't know Bruno Mars was into Hachi's.

[@Japerador]

$100k on a 94 antiqued it’s ridiculous the attention to detail and how passionate the dude is... real OG respect homie...

[@Jonathan_Doe_]

$100,000 and it’s not even dyno tuned yet? Also... the welds on the cage and strut towers look fine functionally, but for $100,000 I’d want them dimes stacked to perfection.

[@cccEngineer]

Most people don't even know what to look for in a cage, welds, points of attachment, bends, placement, door bars, etc. I wouldn't be surprised if he paid $6K and was happy with it.

[@bisforbroke4233]

100k is just a thumbnail grab

[@RYFABGarage]

mig welded .. I agree for that price point should be Tig and pro. the Rossion q1 chassis is fully Tig . I did welded several chassis while there.

[@pepsi4991]

I love the side step to avoid the answer about no dyno numbers.

[@XBullitt16X]

Agreed.

[@patrickmccrimedog9844]

"Where did all the money go?"....it ran away like his answer. Lol

[@joeycbn]

Patrick McCrime Dog best comment award 🏆

[@rikosway]

I want to first thank Illest and ToyoTires for making sema possible for me. And my team for making this build happen. If the car was not in the show. This video would not have happened. So it was a great feeling and excitement for Larry to want to film and shoot my 86. Thank you. So much for taking the time. I have more cars and we can film again soon . Peace. The car is my passion on display

[@askoe]

The car is trash

[@askoe]

The car is trash, modern day Corolla aids

[@chadibaytamouni3503]

this guy really knows how to explain his build! really nice to hear all of these details!

[@joshuaszeto]

He literally built the ae86 in my mind for the last 20 years. I had the exact same plan on putting the filler behind the rear plate. I'm still torn about using a beams or a formula atlantic motor or a 2zzge from a lotus. One day I will get off my lazy ass and start my build. I will feel guilty for not using so many of the OEM GTS parts since I do have a proper GTS

[@peteymane1616]

I can see where this guy can get alot of hate, he might not look the part but to me that is the best part. He is so knowledgeable and is very detailed with his speaking. A super enthusiastic car builder 💯💯💯🔥🔥🔥

[@MindDezign]

This guys passion,chocked himself up.....that alone is cool. Rich guys with car passion is Respectable . And Larry Chen a true Automotive culture ,Master of the EDIT !!!

[@jspecae86]

$100k and a GTS rearend is too expensive 🤔

[@ShadowtheRotarygod]

Same thing I was thinking.

[@joeycbn]

Thinking the same thing about everything he considered and didn’t spend top dollar for.

[@revox7860]

Gts rear end is usually 1200$ now a days, plus you’re going to spend another 1 or 2 k on lsd plus the 4.77 r and p plus bigger axles bearings seals, it’s cheaper to get the ford 8.8 when compared

[@H0tDawgWater911]

its too expensive and its made out of glass. Ford is way better

[@ToreDL87]

@@revox7860 Yeah the bigger weir axles are a joke, they still snap at the splines. I totally agree, the 8.8 ford is a better choice, or a Dana out of a Volvo 240, or a Full Floating Atlas.

[@7eamGhast]

This interviewer always does a good job of highlighting the most proud points of the enthusiasts build.

[@fourtwentynine42]

Hes gonna be so sad when it does 170whp

[@oldschoolj510]

Hey guys no one has yet to start head work or bottom end build these motors. Like hotrodders do. It's just a start. But it will make the power you want it to.

[@Legend-lc9bv]

@Eclipse538 I know 3sge not brand though that make 300hp na

[@MiikeyLawless]

lol was just thinking that. Everyone thinks ITBs add some kind of crazy hp, the stock manifold for this engine is really good. Yamaha knows their shit in regards to engine tuning.

[@GoVIT4L]

Not really.. the guy has a sound car! One of a kind! I’m sure if he wanted more power he could but as said he isn’t a race car driver 👍

[@dr.dylansgame5583]

@@MiikeyLawless see know one mentions the yamaha head from the 4a all the way to the beams was a god send it would only make around half if it was a toyota head it is considered so well built its to good for the engine

[@skyhigh90210]

$100k? I'm over here trying to keep my SR5 build under $10k, but this is amazing.

[@ignaciobecerra1301]

I'm building my ae86 with a beams for under 10k holy shit this guy is crazy and same wheels

[@77lewisclarke]

I like how you said "he built it with his own money"

[@carloborromeo5595]

That is a tricked-out heim joint type shifter design. Love the work. Pure, clean work inside and out. Its like a swiss watch, JDM-style infused with Americana. Pure bliss.🤩

[@thecarguychannel]

Any AE86 deserves a like!

[@RJPan]

NorCal native myself! Rico is such a cool/nice person to be around, and so passionate about his cars and the community! I've been able to rub shoulders with him at the NorCal AE86 meets numerous times, and I can't wait to see this car in person again!

[@chapzer6686]

such a clean build, completely in love with it.

[@xX_DrgnSlyr69_Xx]

I feel like $100k isn't that special since (I believe) he didn't build it himself. Remove the man hours that he would have saved by doing it himself and it's more of a $40k car. I not complaining about the fact that he paid someone to do it it's just much easier to say "this is a $100k E80" or "this is a $150k Skyline" and etc. when only %30 is on parts and the rest is man hour.

[@NickKautz]

Having each element of the car built by experts in their respective field, being superior to anything that 1 person can do, I think that makes the value go up versus joe dirt in his mom's garage.

[@xX_DrgnSlyr69_Xx]

@@NickKautz It's also true, I just personally don't think it's as impressive.

[@NickKautz]

@@xX_DrgnSlyr69_Xx I agree , I'd rather have built my own even if it's worth less

[@praveenwannabe1620]

He really has love and passion for his cars 👌👌👌👌

[@M3iscool]

His passion and energy is incredible.

[@CJAEY]

100k seems crazy even with all the fab work. I think Billy Edmonds Formula Atlantic AE86 is more of a "$100k build"

[@joellugo7030]

Favorite AutoFocus so far! The owner loves the car and knows everything about it.

[@shavanirving7403]

I love this guy's passion, always smiling

[@machina_spirit]

When I grow up I want to be like Rico and have all these crazy builds. Really curious of his background, never heard of him before seeing this video. How did he get his start in these builds, they’re all super baller and wonder how he was able to bankroll all them!

[@riversidekaligroup1530]

At 7:02 this Cat says , “remaculously”!🤔🤓🤣 I love the car! This guy’s hat is ALL SWAG! And he’s making up post doctoral verbiage! MASTERFUL!!!!

[@muigaulwurf]

This is an absolute beauty, i love that! And the guy is so genuinely happy and passionate.

[@chillywilly883]

I dunno man, this guys acting like a goofy salesman.

[@howardahhon7600]

What an awesome build!!! =) Love meeting people who are so PASSIONATE about their cars!!!...

[@jamiebeltran68]

Knowing Riko in real life it shows how much he appreciates old cars and likes to talk about them this all being cities away I stay in San Francisco But whenever riko is around I know it’s worth talking/hanging around with. Shoutout to the NORCALRX7 group 🤙🏽🤙🏽

[@rikosway]

Jamie Beltran thank you bro skiii

[@ruzainirahim8929]

I love how he express what he feel and his speech. you have such a nice build. good job brother. much love from Malaysia! Do he have a instagram?

[@sketchmcgraw848]

I'm curious as to what insurance is like on a 100,000 dollar corolla

[@khayreeh]

What you put into it aftermarket means nothing

[@sketchmcgraw848]

I assume he's not using standard auto insurance, depending on what state he has it insured in it could be old enough for a classic/antique/collector car insurance. It is supposed to be a race car, so it could have some other type of insurance. I could be wrong though, he may have spent 100,000 dollars on his car and just insured it as an 80 s corolla daily driver gieco shit.

[@dbi1036]

400 bucks

[@dbi1036]

Lol

[@furhadnasserjah123]

@@khayreeh that’s false. For custom built cars you set your own evaluation on price, they’ll review it to make sure it’s in the right ballpark, and your premium is based on that evaluation price

[@danielhaynes1642]

Let's talk about that beautiful civic in the background

[@yanuardhana6457]

it's all about craftmanship about taste and build, this is cool.

[@andrewlee88]

This guy is quite the salesperson. Whats ricos day gig other than shoppin for cars? Ive been ae86n since 1997.. wouldnt imagine this for yrs.

[@everydaygolf1473]

Sick build. This guys passion showed out in his build.

[@sailormike3324]

Why do I get the sniffles when I look at this dude?

[@smokenrowboy]

It's definitely snowing where he is

[@donerae8682]

😳🗞🍚

[@sladeb6036]

Cool I wasn't the only one thinking that

[@averygibson3280]

This guys enthusiasm is AWESOME, it was like a t.v interview lol. I love Gooold Toyotas

[@MitchC-vr8nw]

I remember when Larry shot the 32 mile Levin on Speedhunters years ago. That was one of the posts I recall best.

[@Wantedl]

Knifehand TV where I can find that video?

[@_cboi]

@@Wantedl Here's the link to the post: www.speedhunters.com/2011/08/toyota_corolla_ae86_with_48_original_kms_found_time_capsule_/

[@beepbeepboy]

I love this guy's passion for it.

[@alpineskiman]

Not a jdm guy, but I LOVE this thing. That shift lever 😍

[@toddaulner5393]

The clean engine Compartment Riko, it is well done and beautiful!!! Excellent!!!!

[@meggalavk3ktt]

epic build .and attention to detail also the fact he admits he prefers grip rather than drift is fine as well. ae86 with a beams is the dream :D

[@courtneyshim3480]

It’s a beautiful car and he built it with the different styles for the 80s

[@jimdolan9585]

i'd like to know more about that 86 Civic Si in the background

[@Alirezahope]

Riko knows whats good👌🏻👌🏻

[@xlr8sigump]

Seen it in person at SEMA. Good looking car, but attention to detail just wasn't there for a 100K build. Also heard he was throwing a hissy fit for not winning some engine bay award.

[@danielzychniewicz2633]

Dee L. LOL

[@nathanmoore2946]

Bring that thing back to the Santa Cruz mountains and hit the touge 9🌲💕

[@thevsualsmedia3285]

Beam's Powered but didn't even get to hear those iTB's speak.

[@fmx623]

he reminds me of bisi lol. i appreciate those type of builders. great car!

[@abelmendozaa3829]

This is one of the best car video I've ever seen great job Riko and great job larry 👏 👍🏻

[@TheJulez91]

Damn, this guys enthusiasm and passion is amazing! I hope someday someone interviews me about my car so I can be this passionate. Love it!

[@FuryJDM]

The almost AE86. Garage/Trailer queen

[@JoseRamos-ql1gv]

This guy is a real car guy, I wanna be like him when I grow up..😂😭🤧 #realherosdontwearcapes

[@saavaa]

I could listen to this guy for days. Super interesting.

[@Imrightyourewrong1]

Wow. That's pure carporn!

[@4acae86]

As someone who owns an 84 SR5 I always hated when people tore an apart clean GTS and put another engine in it with a stripped interior. The SR5 is the same exact chassis in the US, except for minor details, so there’s no need to tear up a rare car if you are going to replace everything. This guy did it right. Kept the GTS as a street car made the SR5 the track beast.

[@fredsternada2970]

I like how happy and happy he is of. How the car is props

[@aaronm.3398]

That’s a clean Hatch in the background

[@mikehunt8375]

That's ry wires hatch

[@chaseteter]

Can't take my eyes off it....that paint those wheels those headlights cotttdamnnnnnn Makes my 99 DB8 look so boring

[@paycee17]

You guys are stepping up the game on the TUNES !! Makes everything even better (:

[@f0rumrr]

I driven a 96 corolla my entire life. It just keeps going and going. Hard to beat an old toyota thats taken care of.

[@samsonian]

With such an aggressive body kit, that Corolla looks like a Starion from the rear quarter iso view!

[@atomicorang]

You two men are exactly alike. Enthusiastic!!

[@matthewbartlett8381]

8:41 oof that really should have been a TIG

[@curtisbadua8151]

m bob lol all the welds are trash 🤣

[@parkerthefloridian817]

I was never big on tuners or imports. But if I ever wanted to try souping up a import it would be this car.

[@Berto042095]

Yet another car I fell in love with at sema

[@Not2day-Satan]

EPA officer spits out coffee*** where?!

[@emmanuelrojas8520]

KingSteezRIP I was about to say that. WHERE AND HOW DO YOU SMOG A CAR LIKE THIS AND PASS?

[@oldschoolj510]

I'm with this dude enthusiasm and dedication to the culture the car culture the import car culture the old school import car culture. Let this be word to everybody out there. If we want to get to where the big dogs are this is what we have to do. I totally get that our culture isn't about what the Americana muscle car culture does but we are getting older and we want the fruits of our labor to show to the World! Just like that Americana culture we also worked our damnedest spent a lot of hard earned money on these cars more for people to see this is what America is about. So take pride keep building and we'll see you at Sema. Or Maybe Pebble Beach. Oldschoolj510

[@chasebrunner]

Loved Listing To Him He Was Exactly Right Great Video

[@Roller_ae86]

looks like the cage was built with a stick welder and a broken level. lol

[@gordythecreator]

Nice! Well said sir. Gilded. Nobody else should have that color.

[@fuhcough7020]

That illest x the hundreds steering wheel is so damn nice

[@nismox6460]

Thanks for the 6'2" love I have been trying to get my floor cut down on my 180 , gonna do it yhanks

[@atomicorang]

Larry.. This was the best sir.

[@dylanenricholeroux7163]

In South Africa the beams are quite common among tuners this side. Mostly gets swapped into everything even FWD

[@LarryChenPhoto]

Best sounding JDM engine of all time?! GO!

[@wool__]

hell yeah

[@wool__]

i know it aint a proper answer but hell yeah

[@LarryChenPhoto]

Lol!

[@Francis_Castiglione]

20b 3 rotor or RB26.

[@100BeastMike]

2JZGTE 2URGSE

[@Sophocles13]

This guy is an enigma. He seems like an interior designer not a car guy but hey he knows his shit. I don't think he drives much though

[@GoVIT4L]

This is a true car enthusiast and I fucking love it!

[@Dashyyya]

You need to take a look at some of the Corolla rally car builds in Ireland, They’ll make this look like an average track car!

[@josi9321]

Amazing. Thank you for this amazing content!

[@turtlefactory]

Any way you look at it, I still can't find 100k in this.

[@ALT3REDB3AST]

Cleanest engine bay I've seen in my LYFE!!!👀

[@maxmendizabal2296]

Can we get a garage tour of his collection

[@noturaverageTRD]

This dude is lying to us. He is a sales person for a company that focuses on pure car cult and N2 formula atlantic racing. This guy seriously cant be the owner. He speaks so well about the way he thought of putting everything together and making it unique. I admire him. Well done and thanks for making an SR5 as famous as a GTS is. I also like how you compared 3 best engines to suit this type of Toyota chassis. I would love a TRD atlantic motor but as you mentioned, $$$. F20C is just as great but also a bit expensive. Great choice of motor and for staying true to the roots of Toyota. Keep it up man and thanks for the video as well.

[@Journeyman.Jordan]

“Purchasing a gts rear end is just too expensive” but claims to have put 100k into the car.

[@XBullitt16X]

Right ? Sounds like BS to me.

[@H0tDawgWater911]

Cuz they’re 2 grand and made of glass.

[@_altruistic_6869]

Thats the cleanest engine bay I've seen in my life

[@HotBoiRicer]

Just for everyone “LoOkS lIkE 2K bUiLd At MoSt” That wire tuck job is an extremely clean job, so you have to figure how many hours and the price of labor for it. Fuses/Fuse Box Relocation, Battery Relocation, and all of the additional wiring for all the additional electronics has added onto the car as well. Re-Routing the cooling system and all of the troubles they’d run into with that, all of the painting that had to be done, etc... I’m by no means justifying the build nor saying this was over 100K, but do you believe this guy took it to some backyard shop that charges next to nothing? I highly doubt it. This guy more than likely took this to a very reputable shop that charges a decent chunk of change in labor. Not to mention he more than likely had this car in more than one shop; as he probably had to go to specialty shops for the wiring and electrical work in the car, the cooling system, painting, welding, suspension, etc... Once again not saying by any means this is over $100K Build, just saying that this for sure isn’t a cheap build by any means.

[@retrocny5625]

Forget the F20C. Keep the 4AG imo. That motor can make plenty of power for that chassis. If you're gonna swap it, go full on crazy and throw a 2JZ in the damn thing. At least that way you keep it in the family. Better beef up the welds on that chassis though with something like that lol.

[@the86life]

BTW, I have 3 brand new sets of those limited edition Work caps in my possession...

[@dennisvuong6508]

So perfect, I thought it was from Cyberpunk

[@endeavour2127]

Beautiful car and build! Respect to this gentleman!

[@andresaguilar2475]

Makes me miss the ae86 I used to own

[@EMNemesis]

A solid like for this one!