Why Factory Options Matter
The Toyota Altezza. JDM legend. Affordable sports sedan that punched well above its weight class.
But not all Altezzas rolled off the line equal. Factory options separated the standard models from the truly desirable builds. These OEM parts are getting harder to find. Prices are climbing. Collectors are paying attention.
Here are 5 factory options worth hunting down.
1. Factory Torsen LSD (Limited Slip Differential)
What It Is
The Torsen (Torque-Sensing) limited slip differential. A factory option on the RS200 models. Not standard equipment on all variants.
Why It Matters
- Improved traction during spirited driving
- Better power distribution through corners
- Essential for track use or canyon runs
- Factory-engineered integration with the drivetrain
How to Spot One
Check the rear differential housing. Look for the Torsen unit markings. Alternatively, jack up the rear and spin one wheel. If the opposite wheel spins the same direction, you've got an LSD.
Current Market Status
Factory Torsen units are increasingly scarce. Many Altezzas came with open diffs. Owners often upgrade to aftermarket options from brands like Kaaz or Cusco. But the OEM Torsen remains a collector's item for purists wanting factory-correct builds.
2. Factory Recaro Seats
What It Is
Optional factory-fitted Recaro sport seats. Available on higher-spec RS200 models in the Japanese domestic market.
Why It Matters
- Superior bolstering compared to standard seats
- Factory rails and mounting points included
- Period-correct aesthetics
- Weight savings over standard chairs
How to Spot Them
Look for the Recaro branding on the headrest and seat base. Factory units feature Toyota-specific rail mounts. Aftermarket Recaros require adapters.
Current Market Status
Genuine factory Recaros command premium prices. Condition matters significantly. Check for:
- Bolster wear
- Fabric tears
- Functioning recline mechanisms
- Original rails intact
Pairs in good condition are rare. Single seats appear more frequently on auction sites.
3. 6-Speed Manual Transmission (J160)
What It Is
The J160 six-speed manual gearbox. Factory option on later RS200 models. Replaced the earlier 5-speed unit.
Why It Matters
- Closer gear ratios for better acceleration
- Improved top-end performance
- More engaging driving experience
- Desirable for enthusiast builds
Specifications
| Feature | J160 6-Speed |
|---|---|
| Gears | 6 forward, 1 reverse |
| Case Material | Aluminium |
| Synchros | Double-cone on 1st-2nd |
| Weight | Approximately 35kg |
How to Spot One
Count the gear positions on the shifter. Check build plates and chassis codes. Late-model RS200s (post-2001) more likely to have the 6-speed as standard.
Current Market Status
Complete J160 units with matching bellhousing fetch strong prices. Ensure the gearbox includes:
- Shifter assembly
- Crossmember mounts
- Correct flywheel
- Clutch fork and slave cylinder
Many get swapped into 5-speed cars. Original matching-numbers examples are collector-grade.
4. Factory TRD Components
What They Are
Toyota Racing Development offered factory-backed performance parts. Available through Japanese Toyota dealers. Not aftermarket. Factory catalogue items.
Key TRD Options
Aero Parts:
- Front lip spoiler
- Side skirts
- Rear valance
- Rear wing/spoiler
Performance Parts:
- TRD exhaust systems
- TRD strut tower bars
- TRD short shifter
- TRD oil caps and dress-up items
Why They Matter
- Factory quality and fitment
- Genuine Toyota part numbers
- Period-correct modification path
- Increasing collector value
How to Spot Genuine TRD
Look for TRD branding with Toyota part numbers. Genuine items have specific casting marks and labels. Beware of replicas. Common fakes include:
- Poor fitment
- Incorrect font on branding
- Missing part numbers
- Substandard materials
Current Market Status
Genuine TRD aero kits are difficult to source. Individual pieces appear on Yahoo Japan Auctions periodically. Full kits are rare. Pricing has increased significantly over the past five years.
Need help sourcing from Japan? Check the Yahoo Japan Auctions import service.
5. Super Strut Front Suspension
What It Is
Toyota's advanced front suspension design. Featured on early Altezza models (1998-2001). A factory engineering showcase.
Why It Matters
- Reduced torque steer
- Improved steering feel
- Better front-end grip
- Factory-engineered geometry
Technical Details
The Super Strut system uses a separate hub carrier and strut arrangement. This isolates steering forces from suspension movement. Result: cleaner feedback through the wheel.
How to Spot It
Inspect the front suspension. Super Strut equipped cars have visibly different geometry. The strut mounts separately from the hub carrier. Standard MacPherson strut cars have a single combined unit.
Current Market Status
Super Strut components are model-specific. Parts are not interchangeable with standard suspension Altezzas. This creates challenges:
- Limited parts availability
- Higher replacement costs
- Specialist knowledge required for rebuilds
Many owners swap to conventional suspension. Original Super Strut cars in unmolested condition are becoming collector pieces.
Where to Find These Parts
Primary Sources
- Yahoo Japan Auctions - Largest source for genuine JDM parts
- Japanese breakers/wreckers - Part-out specialists
- Altezza owner communities - Private sales
- JDM importers - Curated inventory
What to Verify
Before purchasing:
- Confirm part numbers match your chassis
- Request detailed photos
- Check for damage or wear
- Verify authenticity on branded items
Import Considerations
Shipping from Japan requires:
- Reliable forwarding service
- Proper packaging for fragile items
- Customs documentation
- Realistic delivery timeframes
Impact on Vehicle Value
Factory options directly affect Altezza valuations.
High-Value Configurations
| Option | Value Impact |
|---|---|
| Factory LSD | +15-20% |
| Recaro seats | +10-15% |
| 6-speed manual | +10-15% |
| TRD aero (complete) | +20-25% |
| Super Strut suspension | +5-10% |
Documentation Matters
Keep records of:
- Original window stickers
- Build sheets
- Service history
- Part number verification
Provenance increases value significantly for collector-grade examples.
Final Notes
The Altezza market is maturing. What was affordable JDM entry point ten years ago is now recognised collector territory. Factory options that were overlooked are becoming the differentiators.
Hunt smart. Verify authenticity. Pay fair prices for genuine parts.
These factory options made the Altezza special from the factory. They're worth preserving.
Looking for parts for your Altezza build? Browse the Toyota collection or get in touch for sourcing assistance.