Hold on to 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 for over 25 years in a world where trends change faster than you can say '2JZ'! Mark Psaila has done just that with his 1966 HR Premier, a car that’s seen more engine swaps than most of us have had hot dinners. But here's where it gets controversial: in an era dominated by V8s and modern muscle, Mark’s decision to drop a turbocharged Toyota 2JZ into this Aussie icon is either genius or heresy—depending on who you ask.
First featured in the January 2026 issue of Street Machine, this HR Premier has been a labor of love since Mark bought it as a stock two-owner car in the late '90s. Initially, he kept it original, but the temptation to modify was too great. A hot 208ci red six with triple carbs kicked things off, followed by a mild Chevy 350 small-block, and eventually a monstrous 434ci small-block from Trick & Mansweto that churned out nearly 1000hp on nitrous. But this car was more than just a powerhouse—Mark transformed it into a head-turning streeter with custom paint and trim, including a stunning House of Kolor Sunset Pearl orange finish.
And this is the part most people miss: after sitting idle for 15 years, the HR could have easily become a forgotten relic. Instead, Mark’s determination to revive it led to a bold new direction. Inspired by his other project, the RAT-HR with an RB25 Nissan engine, he decided to bring this classic back to life—but with a twist. Out went the V8, and in came the legendary 2JZ, a move that’s sure to spark debates among purists and enthusiasts alike.
To handle the new setup, Mark opted for big radials and a rear clip, giving the HR a pro street look that’s both aggressive and functional. The four-door was converted into a two-seater, with a custom rollcage by Drag Car Fabrications adding rigidity. Jeff Briffa, a name synonymous with Street Machine feature cars, repainted the body in the original Landale Gold with a black roof—a nod to its heritage while embracing its modern upgrades.
But why the 2JZ? Mark explains, ‘I’ve done the V8 thing, and I like doing different things.’ The 2JZ’s reputation for reliability and power made it a perfect fit, though its height initially posed a challenge. With a Garrett G42 turbo, a custom Pro Mod-style manifold, and a Haltech R5 Nexus ECU, this engine is ready to unleash serious horsepower. Running on E85, it’s already putting down 529rwhp on just 21psi—and that’s before Mark drops in the planned Dart-block 3.2-litre stroker.
Here’s the real question: Can a turbocharged 2JZ-powered HR Premier hold its own against the big-power GT-R Skylines in roll racing? Mark’s aiming for seven-second ETs, and with this build, he’s not just preserving history—he’s rewriting it. But is this a tribute to innovation or a betrayal of the HR’s Aussie roots? Let us know in the comments—we’re eager to hear your take!
MARK PSAILA’S 1966 HOLDEN HR PREMIER
Paint: Landale Gold with black roof
ENGINE
- Brand: Toyota 2JZ-GTE 3.0L six-cylinder
- Induction: Plazmaman Pro Series 12-injector setup, 84mm Bosch throttlebody, NX EFI nitrous
- ECU: Haltech Nexus R5 with PD16 PDM
- Turbo: Garrett G42-1450
- Head: Ported by Rams Head Service, solid lifters, oversized Ferrea valves, upgraded springs
- Camshafts: Kelford 290/290, Brian Crower cam wheels
- Fuel System: Aeromotive mechanical pump, twin DeatschWerks 265L/h lift pumps, Bosch injectors (six 2200cc, six 1000cc)
- Exhaust: Custom six-into-one manifold, 4in dump, Racecraft muffler, Turbosmart 60mm wastegate
TRANSMISSION
- Gearbox: BTE Powerglide
- Converter: Dominator 5000rpm
- Diff: 9in Truetrac LSD with Race Products full-floater hubs, 300M 35-spline axles, 3.7:1 gears
SUSPENSION & BRAKES
- Front: Viking adjustable struts, custom 27mm sway-bar
- Rear: Custom rear clip, Gazzard Brothers mono-leaf springs, adjustable shocks and anti-roll bar
- Brakes: Wilwood 320mm discs (front), 290mm discs (rear) with six-pot and four-pot calipers respectively
WHEELS & TYRES
- Rims: Weld RTS S71 (17×6 front, 15×15 rear)
- Tyres: Outlaw Drag 175/70R17 (front), Mickey Thompson Sportsman 29×18.00R15 (rear)
Special Thanks: Dave at Killer Customs, Jeff Briffa, Alan, Sonny at TURBO1, Dale Heiler, Rob at Race Bolts, 247 Hose & Fittings, Eric, Drag Car Fabrications, B.Y Performance, Paul at Proflow, and Nick at VPW.
