From Barra to the GX81: Benny Neal’s latest project
Ben Neal of Benny’s Custom Works has become synonymous with high-performance Toyota builds that defy conventional expectations. After turning heads with a seven-second, Barra-powered Toyota Cresta at drag-and-drive events across the USA and Australia, Neal now shifts focus to a different silhouette and a different engine philosophy. His latest project is a JDM-style GX81 Mark II family cruiser, reimagined with a naturally aspirated 2JZ-GE setup. The goal is clear: deliver a street-friendly, reliable daily driver that can still surprise at the track when called upon.
The choice of power: naturally aspirated 2JZ-GE
Neal’s decision to lean on a naturally aspirated 2JZ-GE (as opposed to turbo or hybrid setups) reflects a desire for linear power delivery and exceptional reliability—key traits for a car that sits in the family cruiser category. The 2JZ-GE, known for its durability and broad torque curve, is tuned to maximize mid-range response while keeping engine stresses manageable for long-term use. In the GX81, the engine is paired with carefully chosen intake, exhaust, and fueling components to extract every bit of usable power without relying on forced induction. The result is a car that remains docile at city speeds but becomes unexpectedly spirited on a back road or the track paddock.
GX81: A platform with character
The Toyota GX81 Mark II is an understated, timeless sedan that resonates with JDM enthusiasts who appreciate clean lines and practical interiors. Neal’s approach preserves the car’s family-man persona—comfortable seating, smooth ride quality, and solid meals of torque when needed—while integrating performance hardware that makes the GX81 a capable weekend warrior. The chassis benefits from careful weight balance tuning, upgraded suspension bushings, and calibrated dampers that maintain ride comfort without sacrificing handling precision.
Engineering details that matter
Key components around the 2JZ-GE setup focus on reliability and drivability. A redesigned intake path improves volumetric efficiency, while a thoughtfully engineered exhaust system reduces backpressure without sounding aggressive in daily drive. The ECU mapping favors a progressive ignition curve and precise fuel delivery, enabling smooth throttle application even at low RPM. Supporting mods include a lightweight flywheel, improved cooling, and a robust cooling fan strategy to maintain steady temperatures under varied driving conditions.
Performance on the street and strip
Neal’s GX81 is tuned for a broad performance envelope. On everyday commutes, the car behaves like a refined family sedan with quiet operation and dependable power. At the strip or during drag-and-drive events, the 2JZ-GE breathes life into the project with a satisfying mid-range surge and a willingness to rev. While the focus remains on reliability and daily usability, the car is designed to be competitive in light to mid-weight classes, where a NA 2JZ-GE can still deliver memorable acceleration, confidence-inspiring braking, and predictable handling characteristics.
Construction philosophy and the driver’s experience
Neal emphasizes a pragmatic build philosophy: maximize efficiency and reliability, without compromising the GX81’s core identity as a family cruiser. The interior retains a familiar layout, with ergonomic improvements that suit longer drives and daily use. The project also prioritizes serviceability—easy access to serviceable parts, straightforward maintenance routines, and clear, repeatable setup steps for tuning and testing. The result is a car that owners can enjoy every day, yet trust when the weekend rolls around.
What’s next for Benny’s Custom Works
As this GX81 project progresses, Benny Neal plans continued refinement of the NA 2JZ-GE package, exploring incremental horsepower gains through efficient breathing and calibrated fueling, all while preserving the car’s liveability. The team will also evaluate suspension and braking upgrades to ensure the GX81 can handle a twisty road as well as a drag strip. The overarching aim is simple: a balanced, dependable platform that honors the GX81’s heritage while showcasing Benny’s dedication to practical, road-ready performance.
Closing thoughts
Benny Neal’s naturally aspirated 2JZ-GE GX81 Mark II represents a thoughtful blend of JDM elegance and modern performance engineering. It’s a project that respects the car’s roots, prioritizes reliability for daily use, and offers the kind of engaging driving experience that turns heads at a meet or a local track. For enthusiasts who value a robust, well-rounded cruiser that can still deliver when the throttle is asked, this GX81 stands as a compelling contender in the evolving world of street-performance Toyotas.
