Keeping it Cool

Since this 240SX is planning to log a good number of miles in drift competitions and road racing, a capable engine cooling system was a must. Jensen worked with Kevin Vancleve of C&R Radiators for direction on the system. The system uses a C&R Radiator that is certain to be cooling fluid (not air) thanks to a custom swirl pot, custom air separator and an aluminum overflow tank. All of the connections are made with Hose Techniques silicone couplings.

For the charge air, a custom air- to-air intercooler was fabricated by Jensen. This intercooler system is built around an A’PEX Integration racing intercooler core, cast- aluminum A’PEX Integration end tanks and Hose Techniques couplers.

Fueling the Fire

The factory in-tank fuel pump was replaced with an A’PEX Integration N1 fuel pump designed for an R33 GT-R. Fuel pressure in the SARD fuel rail is regulated by an A’PEX Integration -6AN fuel pressure regulator. A half-dozen 720 cc/min injectors are triggered by an A’PEX Integration Power FC plug-and-play engine management system. The A’PEX Integration Power FC reads airflow signals from a single Z32 air flow meter placed upstream of the turbo inlet.

Once fresh air and fuel are mixed within the cylinder, the Power FC sparks the A’PEX Integration #8 plugs. These plugs receive a hotter signal thanks to the addition of the XS Engineering Power Pack ignition booster.

Completing the Circle

To regulate power application to the drivetrain, Jensen opted for an ACT Extreme clutch with a 6-puck metallic disk. This clutch has delivered as promised, as it holds the power and allows for smooth and quick shifting. While one might expect a metallic six-puck clutch to be “grabby,” Jensen reports it is quite drivable.

During the buildup of this 240SX, the initial teardown was pretty involved as everything was removed from the chassis. The body was then sent to MOB Works Autobody, where it was outfitted with a B-Magic body kit from Advanced Import Tuning. Once the prep work was complete, MOB Works laid down several coats of the Army Green paint. A color sand and buffing gave the Nissan its smooth and clean appearance.

With the engine and fuel management figured out, the chassis had to be brought up to spec. The footwork came in the form of A’PEXi N1 Type-Pro coilovers. To bring the 18-inch SSR D5R wheels to a stop, a set of factory Nissan Skyline R33 GT- R Brembo brakes put the squeeze on A’PEXi GT-Spec two-piece rotors in the front. Out back, a set of Peak Performance rotors and pads work with the Peak Performance 5-lug conversion kit. Peak Performance also supplied the upper control arms for the front and rear. Progress Group was called upon for the front and rear adjustable sway bars. These sway bars help keep the Nissan flat when hugging the corners. LS Automotive Stage-2 axles transfer power from the rearend to the wheels.

Inside, a Sparco Pro 2000 (driver) and Sparco Monza (passenger) seat work with the Sparco 3-inch 5-point harnesses to keep the driver and passenger in place. Sparco Milano material was used to rewrap the rear seats while a Design Craft 8-point roll cage tightens up the chassis and keeps the driver out of harm’s way.

While many might be tempted to cut corners to finish a project, this 240SX was fortunate enough to get the full treatment. Despite having an entirely different engine, the power steering, A/C and all other accessories still function. The car itself was both restored and upgraded and in the process it not only drives and rides better, it also feels and sounds better too.

“Getting everything to fit and work wasn’t easy. I spent three full days welding up lines to make the A/C function. I also spent a few days converting all of the brake lines to stainless steel because of the position of the turbo in relation to the master cylinder.

Back in the 808

While we had the pleasure of witnessing this build first hand when the vehicle was evolving in Orange, California, we are going to miss seeing it in action. Just two weeks before this issue went to press, the Triple D 240SX was loaded on a container for Hawaii. Just a few days ago, Jensen left to return to his homeland of Hawaii too. While we will miss having one of our favorite friends and fabricators around, we wish him the best as our official DSport ambassador to Hawaii. With plans to get to the dragstrip in the next few weeks, we expect to see some 11-second timeslips in our “Updates” section. Stay tuned.