Project S13K

Stripped, prepped and ready to undergo operation, the '91 S13 convertible will transform from daily driver to drift machine in less than 2 weeks-just enough time to complete the vehicle and debut the Honda-powered beast for Formula D round 6 in New Jersey.

Ben "Big Smoke" Schwartz positions the F22C mock up engine into place.

A Honda engine securely mounted in a Nissan 240 chassis. How awkward is that? Castillo states, "The best thing about this setup is the turbo now sits on the passenger side so it doesn't get in the way of the steering rack-not to mention we have a shitload of room to work within the engine bay."

Here's a worm's eye view of the modified cross member with inches to spare from the S2K oil pan. Notice the tranny mounts sitting perfectly aligned with the factory S13 chassis and ready to bolt up.

Driver-side motor mount using the existing 240 motor mount location on the subframe. The mounts were used as a mockup before the urethane bushings were installed.

A factory RX7 (FD3S) power steering pump and pulley was positioned where the factory air conditioning unit once resided on the S2K. The main reason why the power steering pump from a FD was used is the S2K uses electric power steering rack. The power steering on the FD uses a serpentine belt that happens to be the same as the S2K. Castillo states, "The pulley setup between the factory S2K and the FD is a perfect reduction and doesn't cause severe under drive.

Creating a hybrid driveshaft to work with the 240 rear end and S2K transmission required taking the 240SX eight-bolt CV joint and converting to a four-bolt flange while altering the front to a CV joint.

The factory S13 shifter hole was enlarged and lengthened towards the front section of the tunnel to accept the S2K shifter placement. The S2K shifter location was measured to sit approximately 4 inches shorter than the factory KA location. Along with the modified shift hole, the shifter itself needed to be modified and bent backwards to make the shifter location sit more towards the factory KA location.

No drift car is complete without taking the necessary steps in fortifying the chassis. Schwartz gets to work by stitch welding the chassis.

Castillo makes an honest days pay by laying down the TIG welds on the roll cage.

Comprised of chromoly steel, the eight-point cage will protect Schwartz in two weeks as he plans to barrel down the track.

Here is a shot of Castillo assembling the soon-to-be 350 wheel hp engine before it is nestled into place.