Tim86

Provisionally sold but update when transaction is completed

I received the aluminum covers for the air vents and the AC knobs too. Very good fit and easy to install. I have seen them on ft86speedfactory first but found them much cheaper on aliexpress. Gives the interior a bit of color IMO.
 

Hi all, i've just gone through 100 pages of taobao search and compiled a mega list of items on taobao. Expect considerable savings and some bits you can't find in the west. If you haven't heard of taobao, it's basically one of the largest asian market websites. There are plenty of guides online explaining how to order from them, but i'll give you the lowdown.
The most common way to order is to open an account with a third-party taobao agent, i use basetao.com. What they will do is purchase from the sellers, then hold your items in storage for as long as you like. When it arrives in their warehouse they will send you multiple images for quality control/confirmation, at this stage you can then decide whether to keep or return the product(s) to the seller (beware: usually within 7 days). This is all done via your account login/online interface. 
Once you've bought a nice selection of things, they will then consolidate it all into one package, and you can ship via Air Economy, EMS or DHL. Make sure to add a note to your order with your desired deceleration value once you have 'sent to ship', because otherwise they will declare it as a gift under $25, which is obviously risky with customs.
Money can be transferred into your basetao account via credit/debit card, there is a 3% fee, lower for various other payment methods (WU etc). They will also charge a very small handling fee on items, to be expected as this is how they make their money.
Obviously there is an element of risk involved when buying Chinese products, some of this stuff is pretty funny imo. Best to be sensible and avoid any performance parts listed, as mileage will vary (literally) . 
PARTS LIST
Metal AC knobs (Chrome,black,red,blue) £24: http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=537008960739
Colored interior vent rings £23: http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=537008960739
Same again, but £6.50(!): http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=525663313679
'Fuel Force' Turbo Kit  £2922: http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=521082976753
LIGHTS:
Genuine Toms £345: http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=41858996701
Some led tail lights that i've never seen before £515: http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=546867386418
BRAKES
Brembo big brake kit - GT6, GT4, 18z, F50, F40 kits - 2x18z £759, GT6 £818, F50 £642, F40 £584:  http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=540297197134
Brembo big brake kit - Another seller, slightly more expensive - various size/price, £819 for 2x 18z 6-piston: http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=539589579683
Front/rear HAWK 5.0 pads, set of four? £100: http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=527786870588
Some generic rotors £54: http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=536235059855
CARBON INTERIOR:
COMPLETE carbon fiber interior set £503: http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=35976026172
Carbon fiber AT Trans flappy paddle extensions £47: http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=546474317725
Same from another vendor £46.50: http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=546822975447
Carbon fiber passenger side 3-gauge mount/surround: http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=544784493822
More carbon interior parts: http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=534022905383
CARBON EXTERIOR:
Carbon fiber vented bonnet (check listing for unpainted) £316: http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=41821031828
Vented carbon fiber bonnet 2 (check listing for unpainted) £325: http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=544272754579
Carbon fiber wing mirror covers £46.60: http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=544559060022
Carbon fiber wing mirror covers & side fenders £50 for both, also priced individually: http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=537197490706
Same again: https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=36648681561
Carbon fiber front splitter £173: http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=36654107660
VIS AMS Style Carbon Fiber Trunk/Spoiler £244, theres also a cheaper unpainted option: https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=541307379021
Carbon fiber trunk £328: https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=523363357522
WALD Spoiler £314 - Carbon. £197 - Resin: http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=546159725506
MORE CARBON VIA THIS SELLER (GT86 store)
https://shop115290840.taobao.com/p/toyota.htm?spm=a1z10.1-c.w5001-12647286082.11.QX6zxG&scene=taobao_shop
WHEELS
At your own risk!
Replica 17" RPF1's Silver/Black £64 each : http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=39467473240
1:1 Replica Work Emotion Kiwami Replica , various size/finish, priced up to £90 per wheel: http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=39447646626
MISC
BRZ / STI / 86 lower door interior trim £11.50: http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=524677820306
Door mounted floor emblem projectors '86/Scion/BRZ £9: http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=540038237788
Same again from another vendor £6: http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=535955228586
Black gt86 piston fender emblems, gloss/matt £8: http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=535963890013
JDM tow bar - blue red & black: http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=537153857237
'D1 Spec' wheel lug nuts (pack of 20??) £7: http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=533044871841
GT86 hanging mirror mascot £2.50: http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=523091270208
GT86/AE86 hanging mirror mascot £2: http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=544480420189
Tyre valve caps GT86/TRD etc £3.30: http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=39234356354
Some GT86/TRD Emblems 60p: http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=542668274457
More GT86 TRD Emblems: http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=531592180554
MODELS/COLLECTIBLES
GT86 model car (Team UP) £42: http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=42199317393
GT86 model car (Hachiroku style) £115: http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=545844163428 
GT86 model car (YOKOMO Racing) £39: http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=535915741884
GT86 model car (TRUST) £29: http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=524169654528
GT 86 model car (1:18) £51: http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=525069738284
GT 86 model car (Rocket Bunny v2) £44: http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=530845116596
LAST UPDATED: 20/3/17

Gents try Aliexpress as it is much easier to buy from there. @Paul I have ordered the AC knobs so should be able to tell how they fit soon enough. 

Fair play for the amount of work you put in here.
I wouldn't hesitate to buy small things (interior trim, model cars, badges etc.) from here, as even if they're cheap knock-offs, it's not like they're major safety critical components.
However, no matter how tempting a £600 set of Brembo brakes, a £300 carbon hood and trunk, or a £250 set of fake RPF1's are, I could never convince myself to take the risk. I'm sure the Asian market has improved drastically over the past few years, but I'm also sure there are still plenty of very convincing, but very poorly made fakes out there. Taking that risk on anything major is like walking a tightrope over the grand canyon with no safety harness. Fine if it works out well, death if it doesn't.

Hi all, i've just gone through 100 pages of taobao search and compiled a mega list of items on taobao. Expect considerable savings and some bits you can't find in the west. If you haven't heard of taobao, it's basically one of the largest asian market websites. There are plenty of guides online explaining how to order from them, but i'll give you the lowdown.
The most common way to order is to open an account with a third-party taobao agent, i use basetao.com. What they will do is purchase from the sellers, then hold your items in storage for as long as you like. When it arrives in their warehouse they will send you multiple images for quality control/confirmation, at this stage you can then decide whether to keep or return the product(s) to the seller (beware: usually within 7 days). This is all done via your account login/online interface. 
Once you've bought a nice selection of things, they will then consolidate it all into one package, and you can ship via Air Economy, EMS or DHL. Make sure to add a note to your order with your desired deceleration value once you have 'sent to ship', because otherwise they will declare it as a gift under $25, which is obviously risky with customs.
Money can be transferred into your basetao account via credit/debit card, there is a 3% fee, lower for various other payment methods (WU etc). They will also charge a very small handling fee on items, to be expected as this is how they make their money.
Obviously there is an element of risk involved when buying Chinese products, some of this stuff is pretty funny imo. Best to be sensible and avoid any performance parts listed, as mileage will vary (literally) . 
PARTS LIST
Metal AC knobs (Chrome,black,red,blue) £24: http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=537008960739
Colored interior vent rings £23: http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=537008960739
Same again, but £6.50(!): http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=525663313679
'Fuel Force' Turbo Kit  £2922: http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=521082976753
LIGHTS:
Genuine Toms £345: http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=41858996701
Some led tail lights that i've never seen before £515: http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=546867386418
BRAKES
Brembo big brake kit - GT6, GT4, 18z, F50, F40 kits - 2x18z £759, GT6 £818, F50 £642, F40 £584:  http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=540297197134
Brembo big brake kit - Another seller, slightly more expensive - various size/price, £819 for 2x 18z 6-piston: http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=539589579683
Front/rear HAWK 5.0 pads, set of four? £100: http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=527786870588
Some generic rotors £54: http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=536235059855
CARBON INTERIOR:
COMPLETE carbon fiber interior set £503: http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=35976026172
Carbon fiber AT Trans flappy paddle extensions £47: http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=546474317725
Same from another vendor £46.50: http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=546822975447
Carbon fiber passenger side 3-gauge mount/surround: http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=544784493822
More carbon interior parts: http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=534022905383
CARBON EXTERIOR:
Carbon fiber vented bonnet (check listing for unpainted) £316: http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=41821031828
Vented carbon fiber bonnet 2 (check listing for unpainted) £325: http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=544272754579
Carbon fiber wing mirror covers £46.60: http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=544559060022
Carbon fiber wing mirror covers & side fenders £50 for both, also priced individually: http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=537197490706
Same again: https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=36648681561
Carbon fiber front splitter £173: http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=36654107660
VIS AMS Style Carbon Fiber Trunk/Spoiler £244, theres also a cheaper unpainted option: https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=541307379021
Carbon fiber trunk £328: https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=523363357522
WALD Spoiler £314 - Carbon. £197 - Resin: http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=546159725506
MORE CARBON VIA THIS SELLER (GT86 store)
https://shop115290840.taobao.com/p/toyota.htm?spm=a1z10.1-c.w5001-12647286082.11.QX6zxG&scene=taobao_shop
WHEELS
At your own risk!
Replica 17" RPF1's Silver/Black £64 each : http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=39467473240
1:1 Replica Work Emotion Kiwami Replica , various size/finish, priced up to £90 per wheel: http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=39447646626
MISC
BRZ / STI / 86 lower door interior trim £11.50: http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=524677820306
Door mounted floor emblem projectors '86/Scion/BRZ £9: http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=540038237788
Same again from another vendor £6: http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=535955228586
Black gt86 piston fender emblems, gloss/matt £8: http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=535963890013
JDM tow bar - blue red & black: http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=537153857237
'D1 Spec' wheel lug nuts (pack of 20??) £7: http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=533044871841
GT86 hanging mirror mascot £2.50: http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=523091270208
GT86/AE86 hanging mirror mascot £2: http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=544480420189
Tyre valve caps GT86/TRD etc £3.30: http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=39234356354
Some GT86/TRD Emblems 60p: http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=542668274457
More GT86 TRD Emblems: http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=531592180554
MODELS/COLLECTIBLES
GT86 model car (Team UP) £42: http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=42199317393
GT86 model car (Hachiroku style) £115: http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=545844163428 
GT86 model car (YOKOMO Racing) £39: http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=535915741884
GT86 model car (TRUST) £29: http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=524169654528
GT 86 model car (1:18) £51: http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=525069738284
GT 86 model car (Rocket Bunny v2) £44: http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=530845116596
LAST UPDATED: 20/3/17

If you're going for the JR oil cooler/radiator solution you'll need to confirm fitment with the lines etc. There's no benefit of the V3 over the V2, I believe it comes with no restrictor but a larger pulley so power outputs are similar. The V2's restrictor can just be bored out for more power if you like, cheaper than a newer pulley. The V3 also comes with the F-Con style tune box but again it's loaded with US based calibrations and not any compatible with our ECU.
You'll prob want a gearbox oil cooling system too for extended track sessions.

Because it means you can control cylinder pressures. By increasing valve overlap you can blow boost out the exhaust ports, reducing the effective boost. A wastegate isn't your only option to reduce pressure, so it's not just a turbo that can "tune boost".

Just curious at what people think is the best BHP per Ton of a Gt86/BRZ. On paper 280bhp does not seem a lot by todays standard but if you look at power to weight is punches with some amazing cars standard. Hot hatches ie focus st produces far less.
I figure 240-250 seems the sweet spot as that is what most Forced inducted kits put out at stage 1. Turbo or s.c
280-290 (crank) to 1250kg car = 241 bhp per ton.
Just to put it in retro spec a

Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X FQ 400 -  is at 258bhp per ton
Porsche Cayman S 3.4l - [2012]  is 242bhp per ton
No end goal here just out of curiosity and to see where people are with their cars or if more power = less or more fun for a daily car : ) 
 

If you want 300WHP on the Abbey Motorsport hub dyno, the cosworth/harrop makes around 270 hup hp with a decent exhaust. If I were you i'd get either of those and be happy. 270 vs 300whps is 11% and will save you a built engine, clutch, injectors, pump  and other things.
If you are feeling lucky you can fit a smaller pulley and take a risk on the rods. 
 

I've driven the Sprintex, HKS and two or three AVO turbos one of them which was an auto. Of the two AVO turbos one was a 280bhp the other one was a 'stage 3' with over 300bhp (though without a rolling road it's anyone's guess) , which was guesstimated at 330bhp, though I suspect it was less. I found the delivery of the 280bhp stage one car far preferable over the stage 3. It just became all about the power which just dominated the experience. If you're a straight line junkie it's great I guess. 
Of the SC options the Sprintex seems to offer a load of low down torque but run out of enthusiasm at the top end. The HKS was far, far better for me at least as it really flies at the top end. This is where the fun is. 
So I wouldn't be too worried about getting over 300bhp, 280bhp is plenty IME. 

280 is crank BHP if your looking for 300 WHP there is no way on Auto and stock internals. 

I've read a lot around this recently, and the accepted rule is 280bhp is safe with stock internals, any more than that and you need to open the engine up, or cross your fingers.
So the best route would be to aim for that, as your stage one, and then save up for rods etc. - most superchargers and turbos are capable of much more, so a re-tune would then give you what you wanted easily.
You might find some people saying more than 280bhp is fine - but I'd trust Cosworth, and their testing/experience, over random posts online.
Can't comment on the auto box though ::shudder::

To answer your questions 2 and 3:
2) I'm almost certain that level of power is attainable with a 2.5" exhaust. Plenty of tests revolving around this subject on the internet, not just in GT86's. Most test seem to conclude that a 3" exhaust only really makes a big difference when you get into 500bhp+ territory. Sure, you'll probably see a few extra hp even around 300, but if you already have 2.5" system, there's little point in upgrading.
3) Supporting mods for a safe 300whp and a HKS charger would almost certainly include uprated internals (pistons and rods as a minimum). An uprated clutch, brakes, minimum 255 wide rear tyres (most recommend 265's for this power) and an oil cooler would be the starting point. Factor in £4.8k for HKS kit and fitting (Fensport prices), £3.5-4k for the uprated internals plus labour, £500-1k for clutch and labour and even if you ignore the parts not related to the engine, you're in for close to £10k already.
I also completely forgot you have the auto box, instead of manual, in which case, you're going to really struggle going anywhere above the norm. Learn from Keith's mistakes, as he spent a hell of a lot of time and money finding out what you can now know for free. In the end, I think your best bet would be to pick the kit you want (I would recommend TD's turbo for obvious reasons), install a 4.67FD to more closely match the manual box, then if you want some extra speed, add lightness rather than power.
As a final side note, don't necessarily pay attention to those who say a supercharger is "kinder to the engine" than a turbo. That's all to do with the map. I would actually argue that a turbo application can be tuned to be even kinder than a supercharger, as you have full control over boost pressure by adjusting the wastegate. A supercharger makes boost as the engine builds revs, and you adjust boost by fitting smaller pulleys/belts, so the boost is much less flexible than with a turbo. Just something to think about.

Might be worth having a read of this:
For road use you're probably fine putting the power through it, but going near track it's going to cook the box.
 

This thread might give you some useful  information.
 

If Cosworth is out of your budget, so is a safe 300whp.
You can achieve 300whp with the items you've mentioned, but without upgrading internals, you're at huge risk of blowing the engine, in which case, you're talking about doubling your investment.
I'm interested in why you think 300whp is necessary. Mike's stage 2 tune on his demo car is running 340 at the fly, and it's on the limit of what's safe on the stock engine thanks to his tuning, but to me, it's maybe a little too much for the road.
I would suggest 300hp at the crank is all you'd ever need on the road. Sure, on the track you can go higher still, but for 2-3 track days a year, it's not really a track car. 
There's a good reason most FI owners stay at around 280hp. It's safe on the engine, requires no supporting mods beyond off the shelf kits, and puts the car into Cayman S/M3 territory anyway.

Wouldn't want to be putting more than 280bhp at the crank through the autobox, it's made of cheese. The Cosworth kit mapped to 2.3 is what they have tested is safe for the engine without it becoming a lottery on the rods, the gearbox will not handle any more power. Speak to Fensport about the autobox because they have a lot of experience trying to put power through it for one customer with the Avo turbo kit.

Just get a good old fashioned crook lock/stop lock. Alternatively, if you have keyless entry, simply swallow your keys.