Drift Tengoku — September 2004 · Page 30

The air conditioning was removed and a modified original-equipment intercooler mounted centrally. The oil cooler, formerly behind the intercooler, now sits in front where it receives more airflow. Despite increased heat from the added power, oil temperature appears to remain manageable. The upper tank of the Trust three-row aluminum radiator was modified and fitted with an air-bleed tank. The donor intercooler model is unclear in the OCR.

Garage Mak handled the 2.2-liter conversion and turbo installation. The TD06-25G was chosen because its compressor arrangement was expected to provide stronger torque and good top-end performance compared with other large turbo options. The exhaust manifold is also a Garage Mak original.

Heat-resistant wrap covers not only the exhaust pipe but also heat shields and wiring to prevent heat-related problems. Some comparison details are damaged in the OCR.

From T518Z to TD06 with D1 in his sights! Murayama's Silvia previously had a T518Z and reportedly made about 360 horsepower. It could already link the three uphill drifts on Ebisu South's back straight, which is difficult with a boost-only setup, and was competitive in contests. But when he decided to aim for the D1 Grand Prix, his thinking changed: 'When I went to watch D1, I realized it was another level...'

'Most of the Silvias had more than 400 horsepower. Those outrageous drifts aren't just driver skill—the power makes them possible.' He felt his own driving lacked impact. Even improving his skills with the existing specification would not let him snap the car sideways or pour out smoke continuously like a D1 machine. 'The T518Z could probably get me an entry qualification, but qualifying once I reached D1 would be impossible.

A newcomer needs enough power to feel excessive even to himself. You can learn technique by driving, but without power you'll never close the gap to the leaders.' He built the present specification for the May Advan Drift Meeting at Ebisu, targeting an extra 100...

...horsepower. He selected the TD06-25G for both torque and power and enlarged the engine to 2.2 liters. Entry speed increased dramatically, and he could produce smoke throughout a lap.

Some low-rpm torque was lost, but he compensates through driving technique—even selecting first gear at times. The longer time on the throttle and external-wastegate noise add tremendous impact. An extra 100 horsepower changed the driving more than he expected.

He won ADM as planned. At D1 round three he failed to qualify, but his attempt to connect a deep-angle drift from the final corner impressed the judges: 'He's definitely going to move up—we can feel his determination!' His strategy was a success.