1990 Nissan 240SX (RPS13) – Expendable Equipment

CARPHOTO-3678

1990 Nissan 240SX (RPS13) – Expendable Equipment

So here’s an interesting fact: Drifting originated in Japan. Sure, we are able to argue this until our company is both blue in the face. Somebody will swear that the little town his grandfather grew up in used to organize contests for who could swing the rear end in their tractor out your furthest and longest, or somebody will chime in with movie references involving a certain orange Charger. At the end of the time, however, the competitive drifting that we see here in America is a derivative of what dudes in Japan did in the early ’90s to showcase their car control skills. One of the most fascinating reasons for having America is its ability to take something foreign and put a distinct spin on it, sometimes making it far more suitable for the regional population. Consider the burrito as an illustration-it’s considerably different in ingredients and size in america compared to precisely what is commonly seen in Mexico. Drifting has also evolved into something different here in the states than what is often found in Japan. What was originally born from the desire to demonstrate both the driving skill and the automotive styling of oneself in Japan has become something much crazier here in the States. Cars with chassis engineering and fabrication work more extensive than even D1 level cars are becoming abundant at amateur level events. The amount of power these cars are creating is likewise astounding-not to mention the torque. At this point, drifting in the states has adapted and become something almost completely different than Japan. The alterations make sense naturally. Local parts availability and cost play a large part in how cars are now beingseems to have a much larger emphasis on machine preparation, from partially tube-frame chassis becoming the norm for the widespread usage of fuel cells and the nature of the engines, which are becoming total powerhouses, boasting huge numbers that dwarf even dedicated race cars. Most of the cars here seem to be built as tools or equipment used in the game, whereas in Japan, even going to this day, performance often takes a back seat to aesthetics. Perhaps this really is a by-product from the difference in culture in between the two countries. In many cases when a Japanese drift car is suffers and wrecked major damage the vehicle is repaired irrespective of the cost. In numerous parts of the United States, where rust and strict inspection laws are not a challenge, the damaged car is oftentimes re-shelled, swapping over anything salvageable from the crashed car to a new chassis. Differences such as this highlight the inclination of a combined mind-set to adhere to the most efficient and effectivethe owner of this ’90 Nissan 240SX is a drifting aficionado, and possesses built this car to the sole intent behind partaking with this activity. The automobile you see before you is actually his second 240SX, purchased to consider over the job of his first S13 after the abuse he had put it through became greater than the tired old chassis could handle. This car is a great demonstration of an American-built drift machine put together with Japanese influences. Probably the most important aspects of Japanese drifting is the sound that the participating cars emit. Who can honestly say that they are doing not enjoy the horrific yet beautiful sounds that an uncorked turbo engine creates? Yes, in nowadays of torque drifting, Mike has chosen the tried-and-true SR20DET engine to power his 240SX-the engine that Nissan had designed to power this highly sought after platform. The engine was built, however, with parts sourced from manufacturers depending on both sides of the Pacific Ocean. An AEM pump sends fuel through a SARD fuel rail and pressure regulator before entering the intake manifold through 1,000cc Smart Fire injectors, where it is actually converted into exhaust gases and sent from the Streetorstrip exhaust manifold before becoming the force that spins the 57 trim turbocharger or being expelled by the Tial wastegate, depending on the intake manifold pressure level at that moment. Once past the turbo, the exhaust gases are sent by way of a custom 3-inch elbow, downpipe, and ISIS cat-back. From the suction generated by the aforementioned turbo, air is pulled into and pressurized prior to being forced with the intercooler and ultimately in to the engine. Drifting places an especially large amount of strain for your cooling system because of the lack of direct frontal airflow. To remedy this, Mike chose not to take any chances. An aluminum Koyo radiator replaces the frail and old original part. Due to the limited fuel choices available in the United States this car runs on E85, a popular alternative to race fuel with similar properties to high-octane gasoline-another distinctly American element of this car.

1990 nissan 240SX koyo radiator 26

1990 nissan 240SX pro comp fuel pressure gauge 25

1990 nissan 240SX turbocharger 24

American innovation becomes even further apparent when taking a closer inspection at the drivetrain. The main reason for interest may be the six-speed transmission originally coming from a 350Z adapted to work with the SR20 engine, the strength of the transmission as well as the added capability to keep the engine within its powerband proves the conversion’s worth. Well-thought-out modifications like this transmission play a large part in giving Mike the ability to tandem with V-8-powered cars, which don’t really need to worry about being in their powerband because of the endless level of torque available. A Spec clutch and flywheel were installed involving the engine and transmission, a Maverick Motorsports transmission mount supports the gearbox into positionstyles and parts, blending them in to a unique look. The BN Sports Type II aero kit is actually Japanese, and is a very nice touch on the list of hoards of stock body drift cars found in the states. The aggressive style that BN sports is known for effectively eliminating virtually any gap between the ground and the car, that is a huge plus for the aesthetic appeal on this car. A custom rear spoiler was created, as were the flares on the Origin Lab over-fenders, by Mike himself. As soon as the full aero rear, kit and front over-fenders were installed, the automobile was in dire need of a full respray. The paintwork was performed by Elite Automotive Finishes, who mixed up a batch of custom teal for this car, complete with pink flake mixed into the clear and, of course, the wild lace pattern roof. The gutted interior, engine bay, and doorjambs were also painted. Mike chose a metallic pink for these areas, which provides an eye-popping contrast in the blue exterior. Of course, the earth-scraping aero will not have nearly exactly the same visual impact on the car at stock height or with any wheel-to-fender gap present. This was addressed with the addition of KSport adjustable coilovers replacing the tired old shocks and struts, stiffening the ride and bringing the whole chassis down a significant amount. The noteworthy ride height change threw any chance of getting the car anywhere near reasonable or usable alignment specs straight out the window. To remedy this, a complete set of adjustable Intense Power control arms were installed, replacing that old worn-out bushings in the process too. While Mike was under the car, he chose to modify the steering rack mounting position, moving it forward on the crossmember to get better feel and eliminate binding at full lock-a drifting-specific modification that is growing in popularity. The rear subframe on these old Nissans is known for the very first bushings having loads of movement, contributing to sloppy and unpredictable rearend feel. To remedy this, Mike solid-mounted the subframe to the chassis, raising it in the process to give the control arm angles back down as far as possible without affecting ride height.

As we say, Mike has created a machine that functions just as he planned, allowing him to pursue excellence in the art of drifting, by combining the better of both worlds. He has caused it to be very clear that he or she plans to absolutely destroy the auto in time-and that there is not any avoiding it. There is no potential for regret, simply the knowledge which he pushed his skills on the limit together with the catalyst which he created with his two hands, and that he will keep finding that limit faster and deeper than the before he encountered it, by doing so.