Let's hear a little bit about the driver - What's your name and where are you from?
Phil Odum and I live in Metro Detroit
Why do you drive a VR6 powered GR86? Were you into drifting then heard a VR6, were you a Toyota and VW enthusiast? Do you not care about Volkswagens at all and just like the engines and/or sounds?? Spill the beans.
The short answer to whether I’m a VW enthusiast is yes—but technically, this is the first VR6 I’ve run. I’ve been a B5 owner for 12 years and have done just about everything you can do with one. I started with a stock 1.8T, all the way to a 2.7 K24 build, and everything in between. Then wrapped up my B5 journey with my first engine swap: dropping in a 07K.
That swap kind of became my forgotten project. I got it running and was finishing up the build when I went to a drift event to help out a buddy. I got my first ride-along and instantly knew I had to build a drift car.
I started thinking about which chassis I wanted to use. I’d always thought the 86 chassis looked great, performed well, and had a ton of support in the drift world. Originally, I wanted to go with another 07K, but I ended up choosing a VR6 12V because it fit the bay better and at the time, it was supported more for performance parts.
My goal was to complete the full swap over the winter and run it the following season. It ended up taking about eight months to go from pulling it into the garage to a running car, plus another month of sorting out small issues before the first event.
As for the B5, I still have it.
Tell us about your ride, what is it?
This is a 2013 FRS powered by a 12V VR6, paired with a CD009 transmission. It uses a custom flywheel along with an adapter plate I developed, which allows it to run a 350Z clutch and starter. The engine itself is completely stock—aside from refreshed timing guides—but it’s boosted by a 6262 PSR turbo and supported by 1000cc injectors, all running on E85. The setup makes around 450whp.
Fitting the VR6 into the FRS required a fabricated baffled oil pan, custom engine mounts, and a transmission mount. I also had to notch the subframe slightly to get the engine to sit exactly where I wanted it. Proper placement was key—not only to keep the weight low and pushed back, but also to maintain the option of running a heater core or even A/C if I choose to. Keeping the car balanced was a top priority throughout the build.
As for the suspension, I’m running Silvers coilovers (10k front / 8k rear), an FDF Mantis angle kit, and Whiteline rear arms and toe links.
Exterior Mods?
The exterior mods are pretty simple for now, mostly just a set of AVI6 wheels. My goal for this winter is to add an Origin widebody kit. I’m still deciding on the color combination, but I’m leaning toward cactus green, to throw it back to my B5 days, with either bronze or white wheels, and I’m still in the process of choosing a wing.
Interior Mods?
The interior is all about safety. I had a cage installed over the winter and went with a pair of halo MOMO seats, along with a matching MOMO steering wheel—it just felt right to complete the setup.
That said, I wanted to keep as many creature comforts as possible since I still street drive the car. It still has a working radio and a fully functioning dash, with a few extra indicator lights for systems that are disconnected for drifting. I also kept the heat for those fall cruises.
Over the winter, I’m planning to add a few more interior finishing touches—mainly the rear quarter panel closeouts and a proper rear seat delete. Right now, the rear area is just open, and closing it out would make everything look much more complete.
What are some things you've done to your car that others might not notice?
The thing that surprises most people is that the engine is completely stock with 265,000 miles on it. I can always spot a true VW enthusiast when they immediately ask where the head spacer is.
Anything else you'd like to add?
If I could add anything, it would be that it’s been amazing meeting so many people who are excited about the swap and eager to share stories about their own VR builds. I wanted to go drifting in style—and only a VW engine could make that happen.
Don't forget to check out irokoindustries.com for niche swap products and developments!
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