Riding the Cuff.

[RASPUTINATOR]

Hey Bradas and Sistas,

Finally have my S13 and am researching for the best engine for power and drifting. I want as much reasonable power (450HP+) but keep the balance of the car
in an optimal range. Maximum driftability is paramount. I am willing to buy a used engine and build it slowly from the block up. Does anyone have an understanding of the weight distribution that is best for this chassis. Was thinking VG30E with a turbo or VG30DE with single turbo. Any true knowledge would be most appreciated. The passion is in the process.

[IanS]

You have any number of options. LSx, SR20, RB,VQ, VH, and so on.

Some people will tell you that the RBs are too heavy, or some poppycock. In the end the weight difference is minimal, and with proper suspension tuning it makes no real difference.

Personally I would go with a VG37HR and add a turbo or supercharger. The engines are new, and reletively common, so parts are easy enough to come by, and lots of people have built them. RBs are stout, and can make silly power. The SR or even KA are plenty capable of making enough power for drifting if built right. Just pick an engine and run with it. Everything has is pro's and con's, just choose the one that you think is a good idea, and go with it.

[RASPUTINATOR]

Thank You FlatBlackIan...if that is your real name. Hee Hee. I appreciate the response and the advice. I didn't want to be too front heavy for drifting but from what it sounds like it doesn't matter. This is contrary from the local talk here on the Big Island but that's maybe cause some of the sheer drop offs around Captain Cook and other areas.

Thanks Brada.

[IanS]

Thank You FlatBlackIan...if that is your real name. Hee Hee. I appreciate the response and the advice. I didn't want to be too front heavy for drifting but from what it sounds like it doesn't matter. This is contrary from the local talk here on the Big Island but that's maybe cause some of the sheer drop offs around Captain Cook and other areas.

Thanks Brada.

Nope, its just that, local talk. You will get it nearly everywhere from those who think they know, but they have no real world knowledge to back it up, they just know what they have read on the forums over the years. There has always been this rumor that dropping an RB into an S13 will make it undriveable. The truth is, its all in the suspension setup, and the driver, mostly the later. A great driver can drift most anything. If anyone ever tells you that 20 K of extra weight over the front of thier car makes it bad at drifting, then they have no business driving a car.

[DaniMike]

Soooooo many options

KA-T, SR, LSx, 1UZ-T, RB, VG, VQ, VH/VK, or any other motor you feel like slapping in there short of a jet turbine.

If you have a decent KA already and plan on rebuilding any engine you decide on, just rebuild that and slap a turbo or SC on it.

I'm personally a fan of V8's and am doing a 1UZ at the moment. Instant torque for drifting, about 200tq at only 1k RPM. Not close to 450hp, but could easily hold the power of a turbo set up.

If you don't plan on having to get a turbo set up together, definitely get a V8. Otherwise it'll be near impossible to get those numbers on much else.

It's all up to you anyways, GL!!

[pepesilvia]

Thank You FlatBlackIan...if that is your real name. Hee Hee. I appreciate the response and the advice. I didn't want to be too front heavy for drifting but from what it sounds like it doesn't matter. This is contrary from the local talk here on the Big Island but that's maybe cause some of the sheer drop offs around Captain Cook and other areas.

Thanks Brada.

you live on the big island? is there a 240 scene there?