A Passion for Drifting Brings this 240SX to the Mainland

Have you ever wanted something so much that you would do next to anything to get it? With Forrest Wang, his "something" was to be able to compete in as many drifting competitions as possible. As far as doing anything, Forrest financed the build himself and even relocated away from Paradise to make it happen. Originally from the North Shore of Oahu in Hawaii, Forrest honed his skills at the local drifting events held at Hawaii Raceway Park. These local events allowed Forrest to improve his driving skills while also learning about dialing in a drift car for maximum performance. On news that Oahu's only racetrack (Hawaii Raceway Park) would be closing down, Forrest decided to relocate to the mainland. Since relocating to Arizona, Forrest and his 240SX have received some support from the Full-Race Motorsports crew. At every possible opportunity, Forrest has taken this 240SX into competition. To date, they have already amassed a number of podium finishes while also earning Forrest a D1-series competition license.

240SX + SR20DET Performance

There's something to be said about why something becomes popular. In the world of drifting, S13, S14 and S15 (240SX) platforms are easily the most popular in competition. The powerplant of choice for almost all of these Nissans is the SR20DET engine. The combination of this vehicle with this engine has proven time and time again to be competitive.

Being "as competitive as possible" and being "as competitive as you can afford" are usually two different things. When you are backed by sponsors that are covering all of your transportation, maintenance and development costs, money isn't a big factor. However, when you are a privateer financing your racing program from your pocket and your credit cards, money can be the primary factor. Without sponsor backing, Forrest has had to make every dollar count.

A performance combination that maximized power while minimizing costs was in order. Due to budget constraints, the SR20DET shortblock and the cylinder head would have to remain untouched. However, a laundry list of bolt-on performance parts would be in order to develop over 440 horsepower at the wheels.

Bolt-on Performance

To survive the rigors of high-boost operation, a Cometic MLS metal head gasket was installed along with ARP high-performance head studs. Once torqued in place, attention turned to the valvetrain. To maximize the flow through the unported head, TOMEI 256-degree PonCam bumpsticks were chosen to orchestrate valve events. A set of TOMEI rocker-arm stoppers, CROWER retainers and Peak Performance buckets and shims were also installed to improve the high-rpm survivability of the valvetrain.

The bulk of the investment on the engine combination focused on the forced induction system, fuel system and engine management systems. To provide a powerband optimized for drifting, a Full-Race Twin Scroll T3 exhaust manifold was selected. Labeled as the Gen-2 SR RWD Prostreet version, this stainless manifold uses a divided inlet design to feed the turbine. In doing so, response is improved over conventional single-entry turbines. Response is also maximized due to the three-inch Full-Race downpipe and 44mm TiAL Sport external wastegate. As for the turbocharger, a Garrett GT3071R was chosen. This GT30R derivative is one of the most powerful and responsive turbochargers available in a divided-inlet T3 frame. The compressed flow from the turbo is routed to a Full-Race V-mount intercooler system. By using a V-mount design, both the intercooler and the radiator receive a healthy stream of cooling air. From the intercooler, the charge air is then regulated by a Ku Engineering 90mm throttle body and intake manifold.

With the air side of the equation handled, a capable fuel system was in order. On the supply side, a Power Enterprise fuel pump, Aeromotive fuel filter and Sard fuel pressure regulator control the fuel supply and pressure. To deliver the fuel, a set of RC Engineering 750cc/min injectors take cues from an Autronic SMC engine management system tuned by Justin Izumi. The Autronic unit also sends the ignition signals to an MSD DIS-4 amplifier before the coils energize the NGK spark plugs. To date, this combination has been able to generate 440whp with an even more impressive 385lb-ft of torque.