Out of the Box: Michael Laurent’s 1991 Toyota Cressida

Out of the Box: Michael Laurent’s 1991 Toyota Cressida

Photography by Valters Boze, Michael Laurent.


Michael Laurent was stationed in Japan for three years, which is where he originally fell in love with the JZX100 platforms like the Mark2 and Chaser. When he came back to America, a Toyota Cressida was the closest thing he could get to those JDM platforms, so he decided to build one for himself. Inspired by hard driving and Japanese styling, modification to the Cressida often took some out-of-the-box thinking because of the slim aftermarket. A combination of custom fabrication, JZX chassis parts, and some cross-referenced parts that seem to work has led Laurent to build his perfect show and track car all in one.

02 Michael Laurent 1991 Toyota Cressida pasmag

Michael Laurent's 1991 Toyota Cressida is featured in PASMAG Tuning Essentials: Performance Vol. 7. CLICK HERE to order.

ESSENTIALS

Owner: Michael Laurent
Location: Thornton, CO
Vehicle: 1991 Toyota Cressida
Engine: Toyota 1JZ-GTE 2.5L I6
Horsepower: 335 whp
Club: YANKIIZOKU

SOCIAL

Facebook: /michael.laurent.77
Instagram: @itsuki_mike_yankiizoku

ENGINE

  • Toyota 1JZ-GTE VVTI engine swap
  • Garrett GTX3076r turbocharger
  • CX Racing “thick” top-mount manifold
  • Xcessive engine mounts
  • Mishimoto radiator
  • MissileWorks LLC custom triple-pass radiator modification

EXHAUST

  • MissileWorks LLC (custom 4-inch to 3-inch downpipe, custom 3-inch V-band straight-pipe exhaust)

DRIVETRAIN

  • R154 transmission
  • ACT 6-puck unsprung HD clutch kit
  • Xcessive one-piece steel driveshaft
  • Toyota Supra Mk3 LSD
  • Weird stage 2 differential shim kit

WHEELS / TIRES / BRAKES

  • Rays Gram Lights 57DR wheels - 18x9.5 +12 (f/r)
  • Hawk street pads

CHASSIS / SUSPENSION

  • MissileWorks LLC (6-point roll cage, star gussets, reinforced subframe, front wheel wells, modded knuckles, custom tension rods, custom rear subframe bushings, rear arms and knuckle bushings)
  • Stance SSD coilovers (12k/10k spring rates)
  • Xcessive (front LCAs, extended tie rod ends)
  • Serial 9 (rear tension rods, rear LCAs, rear toe arms)

EXTERIOR

  • Custom paint by B-rods Auto Body
  • BN Sports JZX100 Chaser hood
  • JZX100 Mark 2 (headlights, corner lights)
  • Joe’s Aero planet scraper body kit
  • 326 Power rear spoiler

INTERIOR

  • Dyed black interior
  • Flocked dash
  • Gauges (oil pressure, oil temp, boost, water temp, EGT)
  • Bride Zeta III driver seat
  • Memory Fab passenger seat
  • NRG Innovations (steering wheel, quick-release

PHOTO GALLERY

04 Michael Laurent 1991 Toyota Cressida pasmag

03 Michael Laurent 1991 Toyota Cressida pasmag

05 Michael Laurent 1991 Toyota Cressida pasmag

06 Michael Laurent 1991 Toyota Cressida pasmag

07 Michael Laurent 1991 Toyota Cressida pasmag

08 Michael Laurent 1991 Toyota Cressida pasmag

09 Michael Laurent 1991 Toyota Cressida pasmag

10 Michael Laurent 1991 Toyota Cressida pasmag

Related Articles

Throwback: 5 Vehicles from PASMAG in 2005 Throwback: 5 Vehicles from PASMAG in 2005
The times have certainly changed in the automotive world over the lifespan of PASMAG. Trends and styles have come and gone, with some of them sticking...
Throwback: 5 MORE Vehicles from PASMAG in 2004 Throwback: 5 MORE Vehicles from PASMAG in 2004
The year 2004 had such a variety of feature vehicles in early PASMAG, and you guys really seemed to enjoy the previous 5 Vehicles from PASMAG in 2004...
Rating Old Tuner Mag Cars: PASMAG 2000-2008 Rating Old Tuner Mag Cars: PASMAG 2000-2008
As part of our 25th anniversary here at PASMAG, we've been digging into the archives to reminisce, celebrate, and appreciate the history that got us...
Throwback: 5 Vehicles from PASMAG in 2004 Throwback: 5 Vehicles from PASMAG in 2004
The times have certainly changed in the automotive world over the lifespan of PASMAG. Trends and styles have come and gone, with some of them sticking...
A Brief History of Car Modification: From The 1920s to Today A Brief History of Car Modification: From The 1920s to Today
Modifying a car has always been about more than just altering a vehicle’s appearance or performance. It's part cultural movement, part statement of...
5 Mods to Avoid on Your First Car 5 Mods to Avoid on Your First Car
Picture this: You finally got your first car, and you are itching to start modifying it. Sometimes, especially when we're young, that excitement or...