200SXs

[Robmarriott]

Popular in the drifting world, but do they handle well? Would one make a good basis for a track car?

I don't think I've ever seen one on track without being on the lockstops....

[PGD5]

There are a few which are used as handling machines, not many though is it.

Take a look over on sxoc.com for plenty more info inc Bren's V8 powered s14a which ran in the Time Attack series, then drove home!!

[Robmarriott]

Exactly, I've seen a couple in the US and Australia being used in the World Time Attack Championship but they seem very thin ground over here.

Don't suppose you have a link to Bren's one do you?

[PGD5]

Bren's monster 14a project here

Bren's V8 14a here

There are loads more build threads and general info about them over on sxoc though, not just these two threads that are worth a look

[BoostLee]

Having just got an S13 200sx i'd say there's potential ,
They feel like a good handling car but a bit soft as standard then they were built as gt cruzers .
However there's nothing that a few suspension mod's wouldn't sort :-)

[sparkyhx]

Robmarriott said:

Popular in the drifting world, but do they handle well? Would one make a good basis for a track car?

I don't think I've ever seen one on track without being on the lockstops....

They are fine as a track car but bear in mind

Out of the box - not really a huge handler. They are old and were originally a grand tourer so the suspension is 'softish'.
Balance is relatively neutral - it tends to understear as a rule (until you add power then will oversteer like a bh).

- Easilly tunable from 200bhp to 290bhpish - after that it gets expensive
- Pretty reliable
- start sorting out the suspension with KYB+Eibachs combination or coilovers and handling gets better - bigger ARB's handling gets better, replacement or solid suspension bushes and handling gets better. etc
- Brakes benefit from pad or disc/caliper upgrade - need better pads for track
- lots of bits n bobs available either new or second hand

The forum www.SXOC.com\vbb is second to none - helpful, and very very very knowledgeable. Also Driftworks, but the main body of tech knowledge is SXOC forum unless you want drifting advice.
SXOC has the best 'track' knowledge, plenty of people track, many track days will have several club members attending. Annual organised trips to Nurburgring, annual events, local monthly meets etc.

I've had mine over 7 years now.

[sparkyhx]

PGD5 said:

There are a few which are used as handling machines, not many though is it.

Take a look over on sxoc.com for plenty more info inc Bren's V8 powered s14a which ran in the Time Attack series, then drove home!!

SM (Kev Duckworth) and YAK (Steve Hawkes) also ran time attack in S13's, I think one of then won a group race against 600hp 4wd evo/imprezza monsters as well. then drove them home. I think both were circa 450bhp from a 1.8 CA18DET.

[PGD5]

I remember them well Kev even took me round Elvington in his, my god it was quick!!