When Tuners Attack The Peak
From The Circuit To The Mountain

Just a few days ago we brought you a story about a very cool Subaru BRZ street car from the Northeast US, and in that post I mentioned the widespread passion that’s surrounded the Scion/Subaru twins since their respective launches three years ago. Now it’s time to follow up that story with an example that’s been built to do something entirely different.

Larry_Chen_Speedhunters_Pikes_Peak_FRS_01

I’m talking about the Mackin Industries Scion FR-S, which was among the huge variety of vehicles competing in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb this year. But this car wasn’t built to attack the mountain from the beginning.

Larry_Chen_Speedhunters_Pikes_Peak_FRS_27

Being the official importer of RAYS wheels and other high-end Japanese tuning parts to the US, Mackin is a name that most of you will be familiar with. The company has put together numerous demo machines over the years, and for the 2013 SEMA Show it debuted a Scion FR-S time attack car.

Larry_Chen_Speedhunters_Pikes_Peak_FRS_05

It had a Rocket Bunny kit, a 2.1-liter stroker motor with a GReddy turbo kit putting 380 horsepower to the wheels, and a number of other circuit-spec upgrades. After being shown at SEMA, the FR-S quickly made its way to the track where it joined the ranks of the time attackers.

Larry_Chen_Speedhunters_Pikes_Peak_FRS_04

The car was entered in a few different events and it did well, but its weak point became quite apparent. The transmission was just too fragile for the power level, and the Mackin team were blowing one or two gearboxes every time it headed to the track.

Larry_Chen_Speedhunters_Pikes_Peak_FRS_06

While contemplating what could be done to make the drivetrain stronger and the car more reliable, a very special opportunity presented itself. The chance to enter the FR-S in the legendary Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.

Larry_Chen_Speedhunters_Pikes_Peak_FRS_22

It would be an ambitious project for the Mackin team, and by the time everything was approved there were just two months left before the event. Preparing a car for time attack is one thing, but Pikes Peak would be a whole new monster. The guys would have their work cut out for them.

Crunch Time
Larry_Chen_Speedhunters_Pikes_Peak_FRS_11

The first order of business was to figure out the transmission situation. If the old gearbox was blowing up at time attack events, it certainly wouldn’t be up to task on the grueling hill climb. The guys considered budget, durability and availability of parts as they searched for a transmission that would work.

Larry_Chen_Speedhunters_Pikes_Peak_FRS_10

They ended up going with a brand new Z33 6-speed, which can be sourced from any Nissan dealership. The gearbox is mated to the boxer engine with a custom bell-housing adaptor from Aasco, and the gearbox swap was supplemented with a custom flywheel, Tilton clutch and a custom driveshaft. The talented guys at Evasive Motorsports handled the transmission tunnel modifications to fit the new gearbox.

Larry_Chen_Speedhunters_Pikes_Peak_FRS_12

The next thing to address was the car’s safety equipment, specifically to ensure it conformed with the stricter regulations for vehicles competing at Pikes Peak.

Larry_Chen_Speedhunters_Pikes_Peak_FRS_21

One big area that would need to be upgraded was the fuel storage and delivery system. The FR-S was brought up to spec with a 12-gallon ATL Well Cell and three AEM pumps supplying 2,000cc injectors. It might sound like overkill, but with so many hairpin corners and Pikes Peak’s high altitude, the team didn’t want starvation to be an issue.

Larry_Chen_Speedhunters_Pikes_Peak_FRS_16

The thin air of Pikes Peak is also notorious for robbing power, so the guys needed to extract some additional thrust from the turbocharged flat-four. GReddy USA modified the existing turbo kit to accept a larger Garrett GTX3076R turbine, and then it was time to find an engine management system able to stand up to the rigors of the unique event.

Larry_Chen_Speedhunters_Pikes_Peak_FRS_09

Nate Tasukon from TunedbyN8 upgraded the management setup with a MoTeC M150 and C165 dash unit, then hit the dyno at Evasive Motorsports to dial everything in. With the larger turbo and improved electronics, the car put down 479 horsepower and 364 pound feet of torque at 24 pounds of boost.

Larry_Chen_Speedhunters_Pikes_Peak_FRS_18

Cooling would also be massively important during the long run up the mountain, so the guys did a V-mount setup for the GReddy intercooler, fitted a big Koyo aluminum radiator and a Davies Craig electric water pump. They also installed a massive oil cooler, coolers for the transmission and differential, and a water sprayer system for added insurance.

Larry_Chen_Speedhunters_Pikes_Peak_FRS_03

Other final additions before the event included dry carbon doors and Lexan windows, a larger front splitter and custom vented hood to shed additional weight and further improve the aerodynamics.

Larry_Chen_Speedhunters_Pikes_Peak_FRS_36

With no time left to spare, the FR-S underwent a quick test session in Southern California before being shipped off to Colorado for the big event.

Attacking The Hill
Larry_Chen_Speedhunters_Pikes_Peak_FRS_02

Initial testing at Pikes Peak International Raceway brought mixed results. When driver Robert Walker strapped in behind the wheel the car was running well, but soon small problems began to appear. Smoke from the turbo, minor parts failures and other gremlins kept the small crew of mechanics working through the nights to ensure the car was ready for the following day’s action.

Larry_Chen_Speedhunters_Pikes_Peak_FRS_13

The turbo was still having issues blowing oil from the seals when it came time for the car’s run up the mountain, but with no spare parts left there was nothing the team could do but watch and hope that everything held up. Rob jumped in the car, ready to attack the world-famous stretch of road.

Larry_Chen_Speedhunters_Pikes_Peak_FRS_15

Having put in a conservative qualifying run, the team had secured a 21st starting position, which fortunately meant dry weather conditions. With a fresh set of dry-weather Toyo Proxes RRs mounted up, Rob launched the car off the line and headed for the summit.

Larry_Chen_Speedhunters_Pikes_Peak_FRS_23

As Rob made his way up the hill, the rest of the crew watched the monitors closely, waiting for the sector times to pop up. First the FR-S set a new quick time through sector one, and then did the same for sector two which put it in third position in its class.

Larry_Chen_Speedhunters_Pikes_Peak_FRS_31

The third and final sector times from the 12.42-mile course never came though. Given the high danger that comes at Pikes Peak, the guys began to worry.

Larry_Chen_Speedhunters_Pikes_Peak_FRS_26

A few moments later, they heard from the officials that the FR-S had pulled off course safely, news which was met with great relief. Rob then radioed in saying that the car was only a few corners from the finish line when the engine shut down and started smoking.

Larry_Chen_Speedhunters_Pikes_Peak_FRS_28

Although they were disappointed with the result, everyone was happy the car and more importantly Rob were okay. Using the sector times from practice, they figured if they had completed the course they would have come home with a podium finish. But there was no time to dwell on the past.

Larry_Chen_Speedhunters_Pikes_Peak_FRS_32

It turns out something had failed in cylinder number one, but the guys haven’t even bothered tearing the motor down yet. That’s because there’s another plan in store – one that involves a fully-built 800 horsepower 2JZ swap.

Larry_Chen_Speedhunters_Pikes_Peak_FRS_35

We’ve been told the fully revamped FR-S will make its debut in November at the SEMA Show, and soon after that we expect preparations begin to attack Pikes Peak once more.

Stay tuned.

Mike Garrett
Instagram: japanifornia_media
mike@speedhunters.com

Photos by Larry Chen
Instagram: larry_chen_foto
larry@speedhunters.com

Additional photos by Linhbergh

Engine
2.1L GReddy stroker kit, GReddy 4340 Cr-Ni-Mo alloy billet steel crank, 10.5:1 compression CP pistons, Carrillo H-beam rods, WPC treated engine Parts, ARP head studs, ARP main studs, metal head gasket, Fluidamper harmonic damper, GReddy turbo kit modified to V-Band, Garrett GTX3076R V-band .83a/r, GReddy V-Mount intercooler, Koyo aluminum radiator, Davies Craig EWP115 electric water pump, Design Craft custom swirl pot and surge tank, Ignition Projects ignition coils, MoTeC M150 ECU, engine tuning by TunedByN8, Radium dual catch tanks, Radium fuel rails, Injector Dynamics 2,000cc injectors, 2x AEM 380lph inline fuel pump, AEM 320lph inline fuel pump, Radium fuel surge tank, ATL Well Cell 12-gallon fuel cell, ATL in-tank surge tank, Design Craft custom aluminum fuel cell case, Aeromotive fuel pressure regulator, Earls Dominator fuel filter, Setrab oil cooler with Spal fan, water cooling sprayer system, custom GReddy 3-inch race exhaust, Motul 300V 0W40 engine oil, Motul MoCool

Driveline
Z33 6-spd transmission (CD09 Spec), Aasco custom Z33 transmission adapter, OS Giken close ratio gear Set, Tilton triple-plate clutch, AASCO custom flywheel, Tilton hydraulic throw out bearing, custom aluminum driveshaft, Driveshaft Shop axles, GReddy rear differential cover, OS Giken 1.5-way differential, Revolution 4.785 final ring and pinion gears, WPC treated, Tilton transmission pump & Setrab oil cooler, Tilton differential pump & GReddy oil cooler, Motul Gear Competition 75W140 trans & diff fluid

Suspension/Brakes
KW 3-way competition coilovers, GT Spec rear lower control arms, GT Spec rear camber control arms, GT Spec rear subframe reinforcement bar, Whiteline 22mm 2-point adjustable front sway bar, Whiteline 18mm 3-point adjustable rear sway bar, Whiteline adjustable end links, Evasive Motorsports corner balance & race spec alignment, Project Mu monoblock front 4-piston calipers, Project Mu 355 mm 2-piece front discs, Project Mu monoblock rear 2-piston calipers, Project Mu rear discs, Project Mu Teflon stainless steel lines, Project Mu G-Four 335 brake fluid, Project Mu H21 front/rear pads

Wheels/Tires
RAYS Volk Racing ZE40 18×10-inch +20 in Matt Blue Gunmetal, Toyo Proxes RR 275/35R18 for dry conditions, Toyo Proxes R888 275/35R18 for dry/wet conditions, Toyo Proxes RA1 275/35R18 for wet conditions, Project Kics Ti64 titanium lug nuts, Project Kics 15mm PCD conversion spacers

Exterior/Chassis
Mexico Blue complete color change by Signature Autobody, Rocket Bunny wide-body kit, APR front bumper, APR front splitter, APR carbon fiber side skirts, APR carbon fiber mirrors, APR wind deflector, Voltex Type 2 1,600mm rear wing, TRD fender wing, TRD rear stabilizing cover, Seibon dry carbon hood, Seibon dry carbon roof, Seibon dry carbon doors, Seibon dry carbon trunk, Plastics 4 Performance Lexan side windows, J-Blood window visors, S&A Design vinyl decals, Evasive Motorsports custom weld-in cage, GT Spec front 4-point brace, GT Spec front fender brace, GT Spec front lower subframe reinforcement, GT Spec rear lower T brace, Evasive Motorsports custom front tow hook, Sparco rear tow hook

Interior
Sparco PRO-ADV seat, Sparco steering wheel, Sparco 6-point HANS-compatible belts, MoTeC C165 display, Evasive Motorsports custom switch panel, custom circuit breaker and relay panel, Cotac Battery, Design Craft custom rear bulk head panel

Cutting Room Floor
Larry_Chen_Speedhunters_Pikes_Peak_FRS_06
Larry_Chen_Speedhunters_Pikes_Peak_FRS_07
Larry_Chen_Speedhunters_Pikes_Peak_FRS_08
Larry_Chen_Speedhunters_Pikes_Peak_FRS_17
Larry_Chen_Speedhunters_Pikes_Peak_FRS_19
Larry_Chen_Speedhunters_Pikes_Peak_FRS_20
Larry_Chen_Speedhunters_Pikes_Peak_FRS_24
Larry_Chen_Speedhunters_Pikes_Peak_FRS_25
Larry_Chen_Speedhunters_Pikes_Peak_FRS_29
Larry_Chen_Speedhunters_Pikes_Peak_FRS_30
Larry_Chen_Speedhunters_Pikes_Peak_FRS_34
Larry_Chen_Speedhunters_Pikes_Peak_FRS_33
ADVERTISEMENT

Comments



Comments are closed.

36 comments

by Oldest
by Best by Newest by Oldest
1

Awesome cars, looks incredible. I find it very strange they want to go with a 2jz swap in a time attack car, yea good power/torque/reliability but so much heavier and longer which will make it a very front heavy car. I'm no engineer mind you but this does seem strange.

2

I need arming cover switches in my car.

Just because.

3

Where is the wallpaper link for the thumbnail photo?

4

Gary89 It really is strange. Most people running time attack GT-R's will switch out the RB motors for V configuration motors for that exact reason.

5

It's only matter of time to purchase one GT86..

6

Really nice looking race car, but I really hope they will change the rules for the safety of these cars before someone gets badly hurt. The cages in time attack cars like this one are totally inadequate for a rally style course. There was even much worse examples than this car with ridiculous bolt in cages.

7

Really nice looking race car, but I really hope they will change the rules for the safety of these cars before someone gets badly hurt. The cages in time attack cars like this one are totally inadequate for a rally style course. There was even much worse examples than this car with ridiculous bolt in cages.

8

Great car, and better pictures thanks to the Dynamic (SH)Duo, Lin and Larry. I'd like to see an article with "Pictures by Linhbergh Nguyen and Larry Chen", but don't label the shots, have a test at the end that us readers can take to guess who took what :) In fact, I'd love to see a monthly head-to-head photo battle!

9

Great car, and better pictures thanks to the Dynamic (SH)Duo, Lin and Larry. I'd like to see an article with "Pictures by Linhbergh Nguyen and Larry Chen", but don't label the shots, have a test at the end that us readers can take to guess who took what :) In fact, I'd love to see a monthly head-to-head photo battle!

10

380hp and it was destroying 1 or 2 gear boxes?
To me that seems like a weak gearbox. I am not saying it should withstand 1,000hp or anything like that but only 380hp?
why not build these cars with STi gearboxes? those things are way stronger.

11

380hp and it was destroying 1 or 2 gear boxes?
To me that seems like a weak gearbox. I am not saying it should withstand 1,000hp or anything like that but only 380hp?
why not build these cars with STi gearboxes? those things are way stronger.

12
Chris 'Haffy' Hafner

Because any Subaru owner will tell you that the boxes in them are made of glass. I have seen many a STI gearbox nuke itself behind not much power (350hp). You might as well put a supra or skyline box in it.

13

Chris 'Haffy' Hafner Definitely a Supra gearbox will survive up to 1500hp, but when you buy a gearbox, why not buy the 2jz that comes attached?

14

Hanma Gary89 
Not sure about the length, and number of bends on the Pikes Peak, but 2Js aren't the most ideal for shorter courses, and battling power surges when the gigantic turbo kicks in the middel of a narrow corner, isn't time saving at all.

15

Because R154s are oooold nowadays. And the Z33 box is as strong if not stronger than the R154 anyway.

16

Hanma Gary89 plus the VQ derivatives are surpassing the RB in terms of sustainable power levels today (and are way cheaper to start with anyway)

17

Hanma Gary89 plus the VQ derivatives are surpassing the RB in terms of sustainable power levels today (and are way cheaper to start with anyway)

18

Vittorio Jano  What's wrong with the cage? It's a multipoint weld-in. Just cos it doesn't have NASCAR sidebars is this your worry? Look at any FIA spec car and they won't have NASCAR bars either...

19

Car looks really good, as do the photos!

I'm hoping to have my car sorted enough soon so that I can start messing around with aero as well - it must be damn good fun to work on a car like this!!

20

Chris 'Haffy' Hafner
Glass gearbox was the nickname of the 5MT , the 6MT is way stronger .

21

CEL400 
R154 (5MT) is old but still one hell of strong gearbox , when treat right ... I'm not sure if Z33 box is any stronger , but definitely easier to get .

22

@tom 
ToyoBaru Coupe use Aisin AZ6 , the very same gearbox in Toyota Altezza , Honda S2k , Mazda RX-8 (6MT of course) or Roadster (MX-5 or Miata for you) ... they're the main choice because lighter .

23

JonathanW Vittorio Jano No it's not about nascar bars. They are a stupid concept anyway as the door should be a crumple zone and not full of tube.. Basically there should just be more cage in there. This cage is a bare minimum for track work. Check out homologated cages for Evos and Subarus or any WRC car and you should get the point. There was one Evo that crashed in Pikes Peak and the cage gave up pretty badly. Track cars are rarely designed to fly off a mountain and land upside down on a rock, but rally cars are.

24

Vittorio Jano The cage was built to the required specs - including material specifications, tube thicknesses to pass PPIHC safety inspections. They were very thorough and considering the inherent danger of the event - Passing their tech means that there is confidence in the safety and performance of the car before it attempts to climb thanks.

25

Gary89 Lots of reasons - 1st is to keep the power upgrades in the Scion / Toyota family - the length we can get around, but the weight will be the challenge - We'll work with some great folks to help us achieve some great performance thanks!

26

Yea sure will be a interesting build with the 2j, I know back in the 90's in jgtc the supra gt500 cars swapped out their 2j's for 3sgte's to better the cars weight distribution and because they could fit it further back in the engine bay making its turn in better. Of course they were restricted to 500hp though so going 800+ I'm sure you would encounter serious lag keeping the fa20. I wonder what the weight difference between a 1uz and 2j would be and weather it's a more viable option for a all out time attack car? Anyways I love the car, I'm sure you guys know exactly what you doing, will look forward to the finished car for sure.

27

Yea sure will be a interesting build with the 2j, I know back in the 90's in jgtc the supra gt500 cars swapped out their 2j's for 3sgte's to better the cars weight distribution and because they could fit it further back in the engine bay making its turn in better. Of course they were restricted to 500hp though so going 800+ I'm sure you would encounter serious lag keeping the fa20. I wonder what the weight difference between a 1uz and 2j would be and weather it's a more viable option for a all out time attack car? Anyways I love the car, I'm sure you guys know exactly what you doing, will look forward to the finished car for sure.

28

Gary89 Yes you're right - the really old JGTC Supras were running 3SG motors back in the day (1990's) now GT cars are running all kinds of motors - V8's, Inline, etc... We have to keep in mind alot of issues - Budget, transmission Gearing, tuning, etc.. to name a few things - Stay tuned - we'll do our best and hopefully we can bring a trophy home soon! Thank you!

29

Gary89 Yes you're right - the really old JGTC Supras were running 3SG motors back in the day (1990's) now GT cars are running all kinds of motors - V8's, Inline, etc... We have to keep in mind alot of issues - Budget, transmission Gearing, tuning, etc.. to name a few things - Stay tuned - we'll do our best and hopefully we can bring a trophy home soon! Thank you!

30

What happened that a rebuild just isn't in order?  It looks like a compressive build to throw the idea away and start again with a 2jz, or do you have a buyer for this motor and a built 2jz laying around?
What fuel do you use to run 24psi and 11.5:1 comp?

31

What happened that a rebuild just isn't in order?  It looks like a compressive build to throw the idea away and start again with a 2jz, or do you have a buyer for this motor and a built 2jz laying around?
What fuel do you use to run 24psi and 11.5:1 comp?

32

The motor was fully built - using E85 and we think ran on the ragged edge of reliability - and Yes we have a fully built 2J that we will try
Out - thanks!

33

2JZ must be a good deal heavier and taller than this engine.

34

6-speed & JZ combo probably weigh more than the entire car now. Ever weighed such a box? I would not even consider them for racing

35

wish someone would try doing an sw20 mr2 like this, that car deserves some love.

36

the car was very good 
really really like to see the car that shiny new car fits like made ​​for walking trailsthe car was very good http://utamadomino.com/app/img/peraturan.html" rel="dofollow" target="_blank">http://utamadomino.com/app/img/peraturan.html and very fast http://utamadomino.com/app/img/jadwal.html" rel="dofollow" target="_blank">http://utamadomino.com/app/img/jadwal.html mix of colors http://utamadomino.com/app/img/promo.html" rel="dofollow" target="_blank">http://utamadomino.com/app/img/promo.html from which to http://utamadomino.com/app/img/panduan.html" rel="dofollow" target="_blank">http://utamadomino.com/app/img/panduan.html make want pobud http://utamadomino.com/ see hatnya http://dokterpoker.org/app/img/peraturan.html" rel="dofollow" target="_blank">http://dokterpoker.org/app/img/peraturan.html kecepatanya http://dokterpoker.org/app/img/jadwal.html" rel="dofollow" target="_blank">http://dokterpoker.org/app/img/jadwal.html was very nice ,http://dokterpoker.org/app/img/promo.html" rel="dofollow" target="_blank">http://dokterpoker.org/app/img/promo.html  suitable for a "http://dokterpoker.org/app/img/panduan.html" rel="dofollow" target="_blank">http://dokterpoker.org/app/img/panduan.html sharp bend http://dokterpoker.org or not sharp I guess motorists http://633cash.com/Games like this is http://633cash.com/Pengaturan" very skilled in the speed I hope I can membilinya someday will whether http://633cash.com/Daftar http://633cash.com/Promo there are http://633cash.com/Berita new cars http://633cash.com/Livescore are better I http://raksasapoker.com/app/img/peraturan.html" rel="dofollow" target="_blank">http://raksasapoker.com/app/img/peraturan.html 'll wait for it , with a stylish car classic http://raksasapoker.com/app/img/jadwal.html" rel="dofollow" target="_blank">http://raksasapoker.com/app/img/jadwal.html style I http://raksasapoker.com/app/img/promo.html" rel="dofollow" target="_blank">http://raksasapoker.com/app/img/promo.html also like http://raksasapoker.com/app/img/panduan.html" rel="dofollow" target="_blank">http://raksasapoker.com/app/img/panduan.html to see would be http://raksasapoker.com/ whether there is a http://yakuza4d.com/peraturan" rel="dofollow" target="_blank">http://yakuza4d.com/peraturan car that is http://yakuza4d.com as fast and forius http://yakuza4d.com/home like in the "http://yakuza4d.com/daftar movie , the car very http://yakuza4d.com/cara_main good car http://yakuza4d.com/hasil designed a way apparently hopefully http://yakuza4d.com/buku_mimpi there will be new cars more good and the price is quite pantastis then chances are I can membilinya the same as you have at this time

OFFICIAL SPEEDHUNTERS SUPPLIERS