Scion / GReddy Racing FR-S Formula Drift

Part 1:

Over the years we have been very fortunate to have a good working relationship with Scion and the Scion Racing family. Initial talks started when Scion approached us about taking on a big project for 2012. We had a good idea what they had in mind so we sat down and listened. After months of negotiating, a deal had been agreed and in the summer of 2011 we took delivery of the vehicle.




Here you can see (L to R) our President Kenji, Crew Chief Shuji, and Spotter/Lead Mechanic Takeshi consolidating on the build. I’ll be assisting with this program throughout the year along with doing my best to keep you guys updated on this build. Starting from scratch, we knew it was going to be a long and challenging build with no time to waste.


First on the agenda was to reinforce the vehicle. For this procedure, our guys started to spot weld the entire chassis. Any other weak spots were diagnosed and reinforced accordingly. A week later, the car was ready for the next step: the roll cage.


While Takeshi was reinforcing the chassis, Shuji had been busy taking measurements for the cage. He’d been cutting, notching, bending and test fitting for the side hoop design to conform to 2012 Formula Drift spec. This was a very meticulous process as every notch and bend had to be precise. One wrong notch or bend will throw off the whole schematics of the design and will have to be re-done. The design of the cage would be based off the main hoop so it was important to ensure it was in the right spot.


After few weeks of designing the cage, it was finally time to permanently weld them via mounting plates.


In the end, it turned out to be a clean and simple cage with minimal tubing to help reduce the weight of the vehicle.




In a few weeks, I’ll share with you the next segment which will be in regards to subframe and suspension.

Thanks for reading and hope you enjoy it!

Greddy Staff

Source: Scionlife

Upon completion of the cage, we sent it out for paint. We decided to go with white since our past project car, the Time Attack 2011 Scion TC, is also white and is a good base color. Also at the time, this project was very confidential so final livery design with sponsors had not been determined. You can see what the car looked like when it returned from paint


The next step was to work on suspension and related components but Ken was gonna stop by to see the progress on his new ride so we figured to test fit for his seat position.


Throughout this whole process, we were busy researching for parts. You can image how difficult this may by especially working with a vehicle that hasn’t been released yet. At the same time, we’re already thinking about which spare parts we need as well. We looked into just about every vehicle from older Toyota’s to Subaru’s to see if parts would be compatible. In the end, we were finally able to get FR-S specific parts which was a big relief. After weeks of researching, we ordered the parts and they arrived. It was now time for assembly.

Here you can see the OEM rear sub-frame installed awaiting some suspension and wheels. We're also going to tube to front and rear so the trunk space you see now will eventually be gone. More on that later.


Wheel test fitment so we can determine which spec to run. Tire size is now limited by vehicle weight which should level out the competition and give teams that don’t have crazy horsepower a chance.


We reviewed the rule book carefully and determine what components need to remain OEM and what can be modified. Any modifications that was necessary were done according to rules.

Making good progress on the interior.


Ken makes another visit as he gives his feedback and requests. Talk about having a custom car!


At this point the car is about 75% done till it leaves for NAIAS in 6 weeks. We still need the entire drivetrain package and finalize vehicle settings. Still a lot to do with limited time. At least it finally looks like a car!

Source: Scionlife

__________________
Source: Scionlife

Rear cage is near complete! Only thing left to do is fabricate the
container for fuel cell and battery. Ken also stopped by this afternoon
to check the progress and give a little more feedback. Less than 58
days to go till Long Beach!



























source: Scionlife

interview with Ken Gushi at MotoIQ radio:
http://www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/audioPop.jsp?episodeId=587706&cmd=apop

Back in January

 

By GReddy_Staff:

It's a lot of work that's still in the process and will probably be throughout
the season. I can't get too much into details but lots of measuring and
calculating for the new arms, knuckles, tie rods, etc.

Check out the rear
end which is just about complete. Now time to work on the front.

So its coming down to the wire as Rd 1 of FD is approaching quickly but more
importantly are the test days we have scheduled prior to our debut. There's
still a lot on the "to due" list but everything is right on schedule and we'll
be ready for Long Beach.

Many of you have been anticipating details on
the drivetrain and I'll be happy to shed some light on it. Some things will be
finalized soon but here's what I can say. As mentioned in prior posts,
transmission is G-Force GSR 4 speed. Diff is from OS Giken, sorry but I can't
remember the exact spec right now. The suspension is KW prototypes based off
their competition 3A model. ECU we'll be using is the Cosworth ECPro to compliment the Cosworth CS600 series long block along with ECPro Dash. As for cooling set up, we went with approximately
2.5 inch thick radiator and of course a GReddy Spec R type 24 intercooler. We'll also be installing a
GReddy 13 row oil cooler as well. Did I mention the Cosworth dry sump system?
Cosworth CS600 Series
EJ25 long block still in the original box


G-Force GSR 4 Speed
transmission with a modified bellhousing


Preparing to mate the two
before we install onto the vehicle



Here's how the car looked like
last week


This is what the car looks like
right now. Plumbing will be a different set up from when the car ran with in
early testing so it will be re-done and completed this week. Notice the set up
is now a V-Mount!
 

 

Yes. Turbo FR-S
 

If only you guys can hear her scream!

Ken Gushi drifting the early dift setup of his Scion FR-S Furmla D car

Pics by DTA POSSE

testing video:

Ken qualified 14th!!
Now watch the race! http://lv.justin.tv/driftstream#/w/2883401376

A detailed look at the new Scion Racing GReddy FR-S Drift car which will be piloted by Ken Gushi in Formula Drift in 2012.

onboard videos? :)