February 13, 2009
Welcome to Driftopia.com. If this is your first time here, head over to the forums to get involved in the community.
As some may have noticed the tech blog release cycle has slowed significantly the last few months. Suffice to say, there is a lot of new content on the horizon but I am very busy working on several big projects and I do not want to release anything until I am satisfied with the results. (It will be well worth the wait) But just to give you an idea, look for the unveiling of a full tube chassis 240sx mid 2009 as well as some major mechanical improvements along with a ridiculous power to weight ratio. And the site will also get a fresh new look over the next few months so in the meantime, head over to the forums where we are conversing daily!
January 12, 2009
The roll cage is starting to take shape. I have finished the rear cage and the two main door bars. Next I am replacing the two center sections of the frame rails with structural tubing that will tie into the main roll cage members. Part 1: Chassis
January 2, 2009
Happy New Year! So it is a day late but while most of you guys were enjoying a few days rest, I was enjoying a few days work. And I mean that with all sincerity. I finally had the time to finish (mostly) the rear portion of the new rollcage. Check out more here: Part 1: Chassis
December 18, 2008
After a month long hiatus I am back. And if you want to see what’s kept me so busy look no further than the new project 240sx build journals. You can find the new index here: Project 240sx: Final Build Journal. Right now I am building Part 1: Chassis which covers the whole chassis build, including roll cage from start to finish. Then the suspension, engine, electronics and finishing touches section follow. And as you will see, project 240sx is turning into quite another machine.
(Note: The old build journal has been renamed the development journal and can be found here.
October 29, 2008
Never say never because now we have a fifth installation of the power steering delete install for the MR2 Spyder. This new guide replaces the previous part 4 which has itself been moved to an appendix. But this latest guide brings everything together, answers a lot of questions and details building a complete custom power steering reservoir to serve lubrication and venting duties. MR2 Spyder Power Steering Removal (Part 4: Summary and Final Install)
October 22, 2008
As promised, here is the update to the inline oil cooler install on the CA18DET that explains where to locate the cooler.
CA18DET Inline Oil Cooler (Part 2: Filling in the Blanks)
October 10, 2008
A few more changes have been made to project MR2 Spyder. First up, the permanent install of the ScangaugeII. (MR2 Spyder – Permanently Mounting the ScanGaugeII)
October 7, 2008
Part 4: Electronics of project MR2 Spyder is now online. Check back for the companion install guide as I prepare several gauge solutions to begin monitoring engine changes.
September 8, 2008
September 2, 2008
Project 240sx overhaul journal update: Day 25: Powder Coating and Cylinder Head Venting
August 27, 2008
Project 240sx overhaul journal update: Day 24: Custom Downpipe / Uppipe
August 18, 2008
Day 23 of project 240sx overhaul has been added. Day 23: Radiator Lines, Catch Can Lines, Throttle Cable Mount and Downpipe
August 15, 2008
The fourth and final part of the power steering removal on the MR2 Spyder is now online. (MR2 Spyder Power Steering Removal Part 4)
August 5, 2008
I recently added the dual stage oil oil system to my CA18DET. I am running a thermostatic switch with the inline oil cooler to allow for a dual route setup which will activate the second cooler once the oil rises above 160 degrees. Click the picture above or check the install out here: (CA18DET Dual Stage Oil Cooler
July 30, 2008
I found this rare oil cooler for my CA18DET at a salvage yard. It is a Nissan inline oil cooler that bolts to the CA18DET block. Although these were standard on UK market CA’s, I found this little gem on a 1980’s (year unknown) Nissan Maxima. Check it out: (CA18DET Inline Oil Cooler (UK Factory Oil Cooler))
July 27, 2008
Day 22: Single Stage Oil Cooler, Cold Air Intake and BOV Recirculation
July 23, 2008
Part 3 of the over the top intake manifold is now online. Simply click the link or the image below. (CA18DET Over the Top Intake Manifold (CA16DE) Install (Part 3: Vacuum and Wiring)
July 21, 2008
New Project 240sx Overhaul Update: Day 21: Finalizing the Charge Pipe and Installing the BOV
July 15, 2008
A new entry in the 240sx Overhaul Journal is available.
Day 20: Turbo Manifold Bracing and Charge Pipe Mock Up
July 11, 2008
Part 2 of the over the top intake manifold install on the CA18DET is now online. (CA18DET Over the Top (CA16DE) Intake Manifold (Part 2)) And it looks like this has grown from a 2 part series to 3 so check back for the custom charge pipe install, line routing and throttle cable bracket fabrication.
July 8, 2008
Part 1 of the CA18DET over the top intake manifold install is now available. (CA18DET Over the Top (CA16DE) Intake Manifold Install (Part 1)) It goes into a lot more detail and discusses some of the pros this system will have over the factory hardware.
July 7, 2008
How do you set up a CA18DET with less than 2 feet of boost piping. Install a Nissan Pulsar over the top intake manifold. Project 240sx Overhaul Journal (Day 19: Nissan Pulsar Over the Top Intake Manifold)
