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24 November 2017
Tradie meets hairdresser: this first gen HiLux has the soul of an MX-5
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What do a HiLux and MX-5 have in common? Nothing until now.
Engine swaps are a dime a dozen and are becoming all too similar, but this project is something you probably haven't seen before.
James Robinson and the team from Driftworks have recently ripped the guts out of a 1972 Toyota HiLux and replaced it with the underpinnings of an NB Mazda MX-5.
Known as the Hi-5, the Toyota was originally located in South Africa before James bought the ute and imported it to England.
Under the body you’ll find the suspension, brakes, manual gearbox and engine from an MX-5, while there is a hydraulic handbrake for drifting.
The engine is a 1.8-litre, four cylinder with a Subaru TD04 turbo running at 8psi which has brought power up to 164kW (220hp).
James has plans to increase the boost to 10psi but isn’t aiming for ridiculous power outputs.
On the outside, the team has kept the ute completely original with the only visual differences being the Driftworks decals, slighty wider front fenders, aftermarket alloy wheels and 1800T badges.
Do you like this combination, or do you think this HiLux should be kept original? Let us know in the comments.
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