The Toyota Supra has always been known as one of the all-time sexiest cars to every grease monkey. We have seen some that could be viewed as a joke, and others that deserve the crown of the pavement.
Ken Henderson is one of the few we have had the privilege of working closely with since the beginning and, over the years, the opportunity of watching this Supra mature to where it is now. Henderson’s 1994 Supra has as much history as SP Engineering has, and continues to set the standard. Alex Shen, SP Engineering owner, first began work on Henderson’s black beauty in 1995, installing a C’s short shifter, a GReddy three-row front mount intercooler and an HKS VPC. These initial mods occurred even before the official founding of SPE in 1996 and is one of the reasons why the Boss Man has always referred to Ken as “Customer #1”. Over the ensuing 16-years, Henderson and SP Engineering have collaborated on one of the most thoroughly modified MKIV Supra turbos in the country. Just how thorough you ask? Well, check out the mod list below and you’ll see what we mean.
A lot has definitely changed since Henderson’s last appearance in Turbo Magazine, which landed front cover status back in November of 2004. Even so, the “best of the best” approach employed by Henderson and SP Engineering, including a long series of installations of the highest quality, and unmatched innovation, has made this car one of the top street cars in America regardless of make. Even though the car has, essentially, remained static since 2005, with minor changes here and there, it continues to collect awards years after SPE techs completed the “heavy lifting” on this car. In 2010, in its first appearance at the 15th annual All-Toyotafest, as part of the largest ever contingent of Supras in the history of the event, “Blackie” took first place in the JZA80 Supra category. The car also took third place in the best modified vehicle category, an award that covered all of the 1100 vehicles in attendance. This was an astonishing feat for a quintessential street car competing against many out and out show cars. Also in 2010, Import Tuner magazine published an article on the five most influential USDM Supras. Blackie was selected to be a part of this prestigious group of cars and owners and was the only non-racing car included in this listing of Top 5 Supras.
We were recently graced with Ken’s presence yet again to install HKS’ second-generation, dual bank, AFK Knock/Amplifier. Even though SPE had installed the first-generation AFK Knock/Amp in Henderson’s car back in 2004, as soon as the Boss Man showed Ken the added features of the latest generation AFK, he had to have one. The AFK is a precious addition and necessary when viewing the “two most vital engine conditions; engine knock, and air/fuel ratio. Once the decision was made, the process took our techs only a handful of hours to get everything running perfectly, and Henderson on his way home. As he was leaving, Ken and the Boss Man could be overheard talking about “refreshing” the look of the engine and adding some TiTek bits here and there. Even though this car is about as complete as they come, the modding addiction that is a major aspect of the lives of many of us is as strong in the Boss Man and Henderson as one is likely to observe first hand. Whatever is decided upon, we will certainly report on any new changes to this most definitive of Supras.
Engine
- SP Engineering Custom Aluminum Intercooler Pipe Kit
- SP Engineering/ADF Custom Aluminum Intercooler Cover
- SP Engineering Custom Aluminum Intake Piping
- SP Engineering Custom Power Steering Cooler
- ARC JZA80 High Performance Aluminum Radiator
- Mishimoto 10-Inch Auxiliary Fan
- Toyota Racing Development 160-Degree Thermostat
- TiTek Magnetic Oil Drain Plug
- Trust 16-Row Thermostatically-Controlled Oil Cooler with Oil Filter Relocation Kit
- HKS Type DLI Ignition Amplifier
– Blitz Racing SUS Air Filters x 2
- Earl’s Dual-Layer, Steel Braided Oil/Water Lines
- Earl’s Steel Braided/Teflon Fuel Lines
- Earl’s Accessories, Flame Guard, Fittings and Stainless Steel Hose Clamps
- Greddy JDM Five-Row Intercooler (25” x 13” x 6”)
- HKS GT3240 Dual Ball-Bearing Turbo x 2 (.87 A/R)
- HKS GT Tubular Equal-Length Exhaust Manifold x 2 (JetHot 2000 Ceramic Coated)
- HKS 50 mm GT Wastegate x 2 (1.6 Bar W/G Springs)
- GReddy Underdrive Pulley Kit
- GReddy Extreme Timing Belt
- Sound Performance Billet Timing Belt Tensioner
- ATI Crank Dampener/Pulley (SFI Approved)
- VeilSide Intake Manifold with Fuel Rail and 100 mm Throttle Body (Ceramic Coated Intake Runners)
- JUN/Toyota Adjustable Cam Gear
- HKS/SP Engineering Dual Downpipes/Custom Midpipes (JetHot 2000 Ceramic Coated)
- HKS 102mm Racing Titanium Exhaust
- Blitz Racing Dual-Drive Blow-Off Valve x 2
- Ferrea Stainless Steel Valves (Stock Size)
- Ferrea Dual Valve Springs
- Ferrea Titanium Retainers
- Ferrea Valve Seals, Guides, Locaters and Locks
- HKS 272-Degree Intake Cam
- HKS 272-Degree Exhaust Cam
- HKS 3.4L Stroker Kit (94 mm x 87 mm), including HKS Forged, Balanced, Polished, Nickel-Plated, Long-Throw, Billet Crankshaft, HKS/Carrillo “H” Beam Forged Connecting Rods, HKS Forged, Nickel-Plated, Ceramic Coated (piston skirts) 87 mm Pistons, HKS Piston Rings and Heavy Duty Wrist Pins, and HKS 1.6 mm “Stopper” Metal Head Gasket.
- ARP Head Studs
- ARP Main Studs
Fuel/Engine Management:
- VeilSide High Performance Billet Fuel Rail (6 injectors)
- HKS Mini Fuel Rail (2 injectors)
- SP Engineering Custom Fuel System
- Denso 1000 cc Fuel Injectors x 8
- Toyota Racing Development Fuel Pressure Regulator
- HKS/Denso Fuel Pump x 2
- HKS F-CON V-Pro Engine Management System, V3.1
- HKS Dual-Bank, A/F Knock Amplifier
- HKS Mixture Controller
Interior/Electronics/In-car Entertainment:
- C’s Short Shift Kit
- SP Engineering Custom A-Pillar Gauge Holder
- HKS Turbo Timer/Harness
– HKS EVC-Pro Boost Controller
- HKS F-CON V-Pro Engine Management System, V3.1
- HKS Dual-Bank, A/F Knock Amplifier
- GReddy 52 mm Boost Meter
- GReddy 52 mm EGT Meter
- TiTek Wet Carbon Fiber Custom Gauge Pod
- GReddy 60 mm Peak/Hold Oil Temperature Gauge
- GReddy 60 mm Peak/Hold Oil Pressure Gauge
- GReddy 60 mm Peak/Hold Fuel Pressure Gauge
- GReddy 60 mm Peak/Hold Water Temperature Gauge
- Toyota Racing Development 10,000 RPM Tachometer
- SP Engineering Intercooler Temperature Meter
- SP Engineering/ADF Custom Aluminum Glove Box Plate
- Valentine One Radar/Laser Detector with Concealed Display Unit
- Sparco Milano I Black Leather Seats
- Leatherseats.com Black Leather Rear Seat Covers
- MOMO “Race” Steering Wheel
- Top Secret Quick Release Steering Wheel Hub
- SP Engineering Custom Battery Relocation Kit (Rear Hatch)
- Clarion VX709 Double-Din DVD Multimedia Station with CeNET, 7-inch Touch Panel Control, Integrated Blue-Tooth Technology, MP3 and USB Direct-Connect IPod, Including Movie-viewing Capability
- Clarion NAX980HD GPS Navigation System
- Clarion CK625E Rear Vision Camera Kit
Drivetrain:
- OS Giken Quadruple-Disc Clutch
- SP Engineering-Spec Custom Flywheel Bolts
- ACPT 3.25-Inch, 11,000 RPM, Carbon Fiber Driveshaft
- Toyota Racing Development Motor Mounts
- Toyota Racing Development Heavy Duty Transmission Mount
Suspension/Brakes:
- Tein RA Circuit Master, 16-Way Adjustable, All-Aluminum Coil/Overs
- Toyota Racing Development Tower Brace (Front)
- Cusco Carbon Fiber Tower Brace (Rear)
- Do-Luck Rear Cross Brace
- Do-Luck Aluminum Floor Assist Bars
- Toyota Racing Development Anti-Roll Bars
- Brembo 6-Piston Monobloc Calipers, Front
- Brembo 4-Piston F50 Calipers, Rear
- Brembo 14-Inch x 1.3-Inch Vented and Cross-Drilled Two-Piece Rotors, Front and Rear
- Ferodo DS 2500 Brake Pads, Front and Rear
- Wilwood Brake Proportioning Valve
- Race Logic Adjustable Traction Control
- “Lance” Alignment
- Corner Balanced
Wheels/Tires:
- Custom, Forged, Two-Piece Work Meister S2Rs (18×9 F; 18×10 R)
- Bridgestone S-O2 Potenzas, 265/35/18 F; 295/35/18 R
- Custom, Three-Piece Work VS-TXs (19×10 F; 19×12 R)
- Michelin PS2s, 275/30/19 F; Michelin Pilot Sport Cups, 325/30/19 R
Exterior:
- Do-Luck “Late Model” Body Kit, Including Front Bumper Cover/Under Diffuser, Hood, Front Blister Fenders, Side Skirts, Rear Side Skirts, Rear Spoiler, Rear Under Diffuser and “Early Model” Body Kit Rear Overfenders
- Do-Luck Aluminum Grille Mesh Inserts
- 1997/1998 OEM Headlamps and Turn Signals
- Philips High Intensity Discharge (HID) 6000K Lighting
“Firsts”:
- First MKIV Supra in America with Custom, GReddy, Big Twin-Turbo Upgrade (1998)
- First MKIV Supra in America with Custom, Brembo, 4-Wheel, 4-Piston, 14-Inch, Big Brake Upgrade (1997)
- First MKIV Supra in America with Fluidyne High Performance Aluminum Radiator (Prototype; 1998)
- First MKIV in America with HKS F-CON V Pro EMS (2003)
- First MKIV Supra in America with Do-Luck “Late Model” Body Kit (2003)
- First MKIV Supra in America with HKS 3.4L Stroker Kit (2004)
- First MKIV Supra in America with Twin HKS GT3240 Turbochargers (2004)
- First MKIV Supra in America with OS Giken Quadruple-Disc Multi-Plate Clutch (2004)
Media:
– Import Tuner Magazine, October 2010
– Japanese Performance Magazine, July 2007
– Street Turbocharging: Design, Fabrication, Installation and Tuning of High-
Performance Street Turbocharging Systems (Paperback) – HP Trade
(Publisher) – Author: Mark Warner – Available: June 6, 2006 from
Amazon.com
- AutoSalon Magazine (Australia) – Issue #33, 2005
- AutoWeek Magazine, March 28, 2005
- Turbo Magazine (Cover), November, 2004
- Sport Compact Car Magazine, December, 2001
- Turbo Magazine, December, 2001
- Turbo Magazine, December, 2000
- Street Power Magazine (Cover), February, 1997
Miscellaneous:
- Winner, Dyno Challenge, Supras Invade Las Vegas–1997, 405 whp at 1.25 kg/cm^2 (92-octane)
- Winner, Crazy 8 Dyno Invitational, Supras Invade Las Vegas–2004, 1110 whp/839 lb-ft at 2.6 kg/cm^2 (C16)
- Highest Dyno: 1115 whp/840 lb-ft (C16); Location: SP Engineering
- Winner, Best MKIV Exterior, Modified, Supras Invade Las Vegas–2005
- Winner, Best MKIV Exterior, Modified, Supras Invade Las Vegas–2006
- Winner, Best MKIV Interior, Supras Invade Las Vegas–2006
- Winner, Best MKIV Engine, Supras Invade Las Vegas–2006
- Winner, Best MKIV Exterior, Modified, Supras Invade Las Vegas–2008
- Winner, Best Supra, JZA Series, 15th Annual All ToyotaFest—2010
- Rated 1 of 5 Greatest U.S.-Built Supras of All Time, October 2010 Edition of Import Tuner Magazine (only non-race car)
