Quote:
Originally Posted by jdmblood
(Post 2509161)
I only found those two pictures. Unless you got the brz chassis for extremely cheap, I dont see why you wouldnt just buy an s2000 or swap an ls instead.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by finch1750
(Post 2509305)
wtf? why not just buy an s2k? I mean its a good motor but damn...
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MisterSheep
(Post 2509317)
Lol because the 86 platform is a much more attractive looking car.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jdmblood
(Post 2509365)
Im sure its going to be a very bare bones swap with no ac, tc, abs, etc etc
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He's building a time attack car. I highly doubt looks are much of a concern, but beyond that...
I've done some serious time attack bench racing in my head concerning this very subject (lol), only I was thinking about putting an F22C into a 240sx or FD RX7. However, the benefits would be similar. Let me break it down:
First, the F20C/F22C is simply a better engine than the SR20DET, FA20, 13B, etc. when you consider all the factors together: reliability, efficiency (fuel enconomy), flow, power capability with forced induction, etc.... It's one of the best 4 cylinder engines you can get. Yes, the 13B can make a lot of power, but it's going to cost you a lot of money to build, a lot of money to fuel, and it's most likely not going to be as reliable. As for the SR20DET, they too can be awesome when you convert them to use the NEO VVL head from the NA FWD SR20VE. It flows much, much better than the DET head and features variable valve lift, similar to Honda's VTEC, while also eliminating the DET's main weakness (breaking rocker arms) by having a better design (rolling rockers). Once you do that, it becomes an incredible engine. The problem? It costs a lot of money to do that. Also, F2xC engines seem to last a lot longer without needing to be sleeved compared to SR20VET setups. Cost effective!
This leaves us with addressing the alternatives: LSx swaps. LSx swaps are very common in drifting because of only 2 things: cost and torque. They are perfect for constantly being able to break traction as easily as possible, but they aren't perfect for small, front-biased Japanese coupes/roadsters competing in time attack. Why? 2 reasons: Weight and torque. They weigh more. Sometimes that weight difference is minimal, but every little bit counts in time attack cars, as it makes a huge difference in handling. As for the torque, it can be difficult to dial in the right balance of traction and power. Smaller engines with a turbo are just a bit easier to get the proper balance when you're trying to maintain as much grip as possible. This is why you don't really see any competitive LSx Silvias/RX7s/S2000s/Miatas/etc. in pro time attack. There are some, but they aren't winning.
So, back to the F20C/F22C. Besides being very good engines that can make a lot of power with boost, you are able to get a 2.2L right out of the box! Most people running SR2xVETs go for at least 2.2L to get just a bit more torque (but not too much like in a big V8).... Some do 2.3L or 2.4L, but there are very, very successful cars running 2.2L..... With the F22C, you get this right out of the box. Again, it's cost effective!
Quote:
Originally Posted by CSG Mike
(Post 2509370)
Because the BRZ chassis is superior.
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Now, to address this..... the BRZ may be a better option, but I don't really think it's because of stiffness. The S2000 is plenty stiff already, and so are the Silvias and RX7s when caged, and those are significantly less stiff than the S2000. I think the real advantage comes comes from 2 things: 1. Weight and 2. Stability. It's a slightly lighter car than the S2000, and it has a significantly longer wheelbase, making it much more stable at high speeds. For as incredibly agile and awesome the S2000 is at low to medium speeds, the short wheelbase and hyper-responsive steering can make it unstable at high speeds compared to these other cars, especially something like an S14/S15 or BRZ/FRS. This is the same reason why Miatas dominate autocross so often, but almost never do well in time attack.
However, suspension design on the S2000 is easily better.... this is why you see most non-double-wishbones-all-around-from-the-factory time attack cars (Evos, WRXs, Silvias, etc.) using custom fabricated double wishbone (or even push-rod) suspension. This is not easy to do and is very expensive because it's not easy to find people to do it right for you. So, again, it's about tradeoffs.... This is one area where the RX7, S2000, and NSX really excel.
Quote:
Originally Posted by CSG Mike
(Post 2510221)
We both know weight distribution means little beyond marketing, and as you drop weight in the S2000, it becomes much more nose heavy...
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I don't believe this is even remotely true. HOWEVER, I will say that when your racecar only weighs 2100 pounds and has a fast steering rack, you don't really care that much anymore due to the handling becoming so much better... but, besides that, these guys often bring the cars down to insanely low weights that are below the rules and then add the weight back in with weight ballasts in the center/rear of the car, giving much, much better weight distributions than any of these cars had from the factories.
Now, keeping all of the things previously mentioned in mind, think about how the longer wheelbase of a car like the S14 (longest wheelbase of the Silvias) or FRS/BRZ (much longer than even the S14) would aid the car's stability at high speeds and you start to understand why the F22C actually makes a lot of sense for a dedicated time attack car, IMO.
I've recently been considering trying to swap one into my S14... much more difficult than dropping in an SR20DET at first, but potentially much more cost effective in the long run if looking for a serious track car project!