Hold onto your seats, because this story is about to take you on a wild ride through time, turbochargers, and one man's unwavering passion for a car that defies the odds. Imagine owning a classic car for over 25 years in a world where trends change faster than you can say '2JZ'! That's exactly what Mark Psaila has done with his 1966 HR Premier, a vehicle that has evolved from a stock two-owner car into a turbocharged beast, all while staying firmly in his garage since the late '90s.
First featured in the January 2026 issue of Street Machine, Mark's journey with this HR Premier is nothing short of remarkable. He initially purchased it as a stock model but quickly began transforming it. Starting with a 208ci red six-cylinder engine and triple carbs, he eventually upgraded to a mild Chevy 350 small-block, and later, a monstrous 434ci small-block from Trick & Mansweto, pushing out nearly 1000hp on nitrous. But here's where it gets controversial—after years of dormancy, Mark decided to swap the V8 for a turbocharged Toyota 2JZ, a move that might raise eyebrows among traditionalists but showcases his desire to innovate.
And this is the part most people miss: Mark didn't just stop at the engine. He turned the HR into a full-fledged street machine, complete with custom paint, a rear clip for that pro street look, and a two-seater setup with an integrated rollcage. The body, now gun-barrel straight, was repainted in the original Landale Gold with a black roof, courtesy of Jeff Briffa, a legend in the custom paint world. But why the 2JZ? Mark explains, 'I’ve done the V8 thing, and I like doing different things.' Bold move, right? Let us know in the comments if you'd dare to swap a V8 for a turbo six!
The 2JZ, renowned for its durability and power potential, was treated to a Rams Head Service cylinder head upgrade, featuring oversized Ferrea valves, Kelford cams, and solid lifters. Paired with a Garrett G42 turbo, a custom Pro Mod-style manifold, and a Haltech R5 Nexus ECU, this setup delivers a staggering 529rwhp on just 21psi of boost. Running on E85, it’s a fuel-guzzling monster ready to take on the drag strip.
But here's the kicker: Mark isn’t done yet. He plans to drop in a Dart-block 3.2-litre stroker motor, aiming for seven-second ETs and challenging the big-power GT-R Skylines in roll racing. This HR Premier isn’t just a car—it’s a testament to Mark’s relentless pursuit of innovation and performance. So, what do you think? Is the 2JZ swap a stroke of genius or a sacrilege? Let’s debate it below!
