Most of us are familiar with the infamous Driftworks 2JZ-GTE powered S15, but some of you may not be aware of the other 'Nisyota' from the Driftworks stable. For 2009, the car will be driven by Ben 'Bon Bon' Broke-Smith, who piloted the Driftworks JZX81 Chaser to EDC glory in 2008. Bon will be competing the R32 in the newly created Prodrift Super Series, with rounds in both the UK & Ireland. The car was imported into the UK by Driftworks co-founder James Robinson in 2004 and has already been seen through several incarnations since it's arrival. It was originally powered by a Nissan RB25 motor but the Driftworks team suffered more than one failure of the motor due to heat issues. One of the main problems drift cars suffer is overheating, as the car is always sideways, the front of the car is never collecting cold air during the run. Inspired by Bon's Chaser in 2007, the Driftworks crew decided to make the swap to the well proven Toyota 1JZ-GTE engine in 2008.
The car was driven throughout 2008 by Phil Morrisson as he put the final touches to the S15. The car was used to help develop Driftworks own brand of Control System 2 coilovers, fast becoming the coilover of choice amongst European drifters. As to be expected, the car features a full Driftworks setup of upper and lower arms.
The DMAX bodykit was provided by EP Racing, with modified fenders and boot spoiler. The wheels are Rota GTR's, powder coated in Driftworks orange and wrapped in Federal 595 RS-R in 245/35/18 front and 265/35/18 rear.
The 1JZ-GTE in the R32 uses standard rods and pistons with HKS 264 camshafts with adjustable pulleys and SARD 800cc injectors. Brian Crower springs and titanium retainers help the 1JZ to an 8,500RPM rev limit.
The boost is provided by an Owen Developments GT3076 turbo, providing a whopping 547bhp and 555ft/lbs of torque.
Like all competition cars, the interior is no frills and all functionality. A Sparco wheel with a hydraulic handbrake along with relocated stalks make sure everything that Bon needs is close to hand.
Bon is held into the car in a Driftworks bucket seat with Driftworks harnesses ...
... which allows him do this, run after run !
The man himself, Ben Broke-Smith ...
You may have noticed in one of the shots that the car has a registration plate, that's because like the Driftworks S15, this car is road legal. Bon drove the car from Driftworks HQ in Birmingham to the Prodrift course at Donington Park. Even though he pretty much smashed the diff to tiny little pieces, he still managed to qualify first with superbly accurate and smokey runs. His first place qualification and top eight finish has put the 2008 EDC Champion on top of the 2009 Prodrift Super Series after the first round.
Interestingly, Driftworks will have one car competing in each championship in 2009,
with Bon in Prodrift, Phil in the Need for Speed European Drift Championship, Dan Chapman in JDM Allstars and
Richard Clarke and Andy Faulkes completing the team line up by
contesting in BDC. Driftworks are curently leading the way in both NFS-EDC and Prodrift, with the rest of the guys edging towards the tops of their respective championships.
When Bon and the car make it to Punchestown in Ireland for the second round of the Superseries, I expect to see the Kildare venue smothered in a cloud of Federal tire smoke !
- Paddy M
www.driftworks.com