How do Mk IV and Mk V Supras respond to tuning? 

Before you make adjustments to your Toyota Supra, it’s important to know the long-term impact these tunings will have on the vehicle. 

When tuning your Supra’s engine, suspension, or upgrading the tires, these mods will impact the Supra’s chassis. Some modifications can add more wear and tear to the vehicle, so it’s important to know what the limits of your Supra are and how you can adjust your tuning to get the most out of your vehicle. 

We’ll break down how the Supra Mk IV (1993-2002) and Mk V (2019-Present) compare when it comes to tuning, how the chassis responds to these mods, and what you can do to customize your ride for the best driving experience. 

Engine Tuning Supra Mk IV and Mk V

Tuning your engine can increase your Supra’s horsepower significantly. Thrillseekers love to boost their ride’s acceleration, but tuning your engine also impacts how your chassis transfers weight and manages traction. 

The Mk IV is equipped with the 2JZ engine that produces 212 horsepower with the stock GE model and with 320 horsepower on the GTE Twin-Turbo variant. With proper engine tuning, drivers can expect a 100-200 horsepower improvement. The chassis can handle this improvement but other steps may be needed if other modifications are implemented. Securing a more rigid rear suspension can support a reduction in drivetrain lash, minimizing jolts when accelerating. Poly bushes in the rear suspension arms can give you a more streamlined drive when you tune the engine, otherwise stiffer engine mounts are a welcome addition. 

For the Mk V, the Supra’s 3.0-liter twin-scroll turbocharged engine packs a punch with 380 horsepower. After tuning the engine, drivers can expect an 80-120 horsepower increase for even more powerful acceleration. With this tuning, recalibrating the dampers may be required to smooth out the ride. With this added power, drivers may experience more throttle lift, resulting in more drifting, but not in a fun way. 

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Toyota Supra Suspension Tuning

The Mk V Supra has an updated suspension that gives the Mk V and its predecessor two slightly different driving experiences. The Mk IV has a double-wishbone design in the front and rear for balanced handling. The Mk V has a BMW-inspired strut-front suspension that is stiffer but lightweight, making it more adaptable to the road. We’ll show you how coilovers, swaybars, and poly bushes impact each Supra’s chassis and what you can expect from a modified suspension. 

Coilovers

A big upgrade in the Mk V Supra is its Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) System. Drivers can choose between Normal, Sport, and Track modes to adjust their suspension to their driving needs. The lightweight suspension of the Mk V also makes it easier to turn the vehicle for tight cornering and allows for better overall maneuverability, giving it an edge over its predecessor. 

When it comes to aftermarket coilovers, the Mk V Supra is tuned well already, but adding coilovers can sharpen the vehicle’s responsive performance but may diminish the capabilities of the AVS system. 

For the Mk IV, coilovers can give the Supra a bonus in terms of rollover avoidance. Steering precision can also improve with the drawback of harsher wear and tear on the suspension if the damping is mismatched with the chassis’ stiffness. Make sure your Supra has a balanced damper-chassis ratio, otherwise the vehicle may lose its grip, reach excessive tire load variation, and wear down suspension components, resulting in a shorter lifespan of key performance parts. 

Swaybars

Adding swaybars to your Supra can reduce rollover risk and improve maneuverability where precision matters. For the Mk IV, a swaybar will improve how the vehicle responds to quick turns but too stiff of a swaybar can cause the Supra to understeer. To avoid this, see your OEM swaybar and choose an aftermarket upgrade that is only slightly stiffer than the manufacturer’s. This will give you more steering control while reducing rollover like you intended. 

For the Mk V Supra, swaybars are a great upgrade for their additional balance. The Mk V benefits from a stiffer rear swaybar as well to make the tire rotate more naturally. A rear swaybar will also support cornering with a reduction in front suspension compression and understeering. Balancing the swaybars’ stiffness equalizes how the chassis transfers the load, leading to a more comfortable, manageable ride. 

Polyurethane Bushing

For tighter handling, Supra drivers can upgrade the bushing in their vehicle’s suspension arms from a rubber to a polyurethane insert. This less flexible material allows for sharper cornering at the expense of a less comfortable drive. If you’re saving your Supra for the track, this is a great option because of its enhanced adaptability, but can offer a less enjoyable ride for more casual driving.

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How Tires Impact Supra Chassis

Wider Tires

Choosing wider tires allow Supras to have better control when taking corners. When selecting a wider tire, Mk IV drivers can enjoy additional grip on the road, but there is a drawback. Tramlining can increase and may need camber adjustments for an ideal driving experience. 

For Mk V Supras, going up a size in tires can be a benefit, adding better traction without the side effects. Drivers can also expect more front grip, balancing turn in for a safer more manageable drive when cornering.  

Lightweight/Forged Wheels

Swapping out the stock wheel for a lighter set impacts Supras differently. For Mk IV Supras, replacing the wheels can produce a sharper chassis response and suspension tracking. 

Because of the active damping in the Supra Mk V, this effect is more impactful. Your driving experience can improve thanks to the wheels’ lower weight, making them bounce less. Installing lighter wheels also offer a faster suspension response, ideal for track conditions and general handling. 

Shop Toyota Supra Performance Parts

Now that you know how your Supra will react to tuning, you can make more informed decisions on what your next mod will be. Check out our online store to find the right wheels, tuning kits, and coilovers for your Supra. Have performance part questions? Contact our sales team to learn more. Check out our blog for more reviews and comparisons today!