Adam Davies to debut new car at Puke

He may still be the series’ lone rotary soldier, but, come round two at Pukekohe Park over 8–9 February, Adam Davies will be packing some extra firepower behind the wheel of an allnew 180SX.

We detailed the build a few issues back. It started with a fresh acid-dipped shell and mimics where the development of the old 180SX left off, with long-time supporter Mac’s Mufflers handling all the fabrication.

The biggest change comes by way of switching from the 560kW 13B power plant that Adam’s known for to a Green Brothers Racing dry-sumped 20B semi-peripheral-port (PP) that’s based round a factory 20B block. It offers Adam increased torque off boost, which the little 13B was lacking somewhat and, by Adam’s own admission, is an absolute animal on boost. The package utilizes a 76mm BorgWarner S400 cranking 25psi, with a Pro-Jay intake manifold and 105mm throttle taking care of the cold side while a Link ECU controls the party.

Chassis-wise, the new shell is tubbed front and rear, with tube-frame structures for ease of repair, and, of course, a roll cage. A new tunnel has been fabricated to allow for the new five-speed Samsonas sequential, and the suspension package mirrors what is found in the 13B car, with complete Wisefab front and rear, two-way Feal shocks, Winters Quick Change rear end in modified 180SX subframe, and a pair of Green Brothers own custom axles.

Adam tells us that the testing they’ve managed to squeeze in has highlighted a few minor teething problems, and the team is now investigating the opportunity to run a smaller rear housing on the turbo in the hope of increasing response by 500rpm — something that new sponsor TiAL is helping out with. However, it’s early days, with more testing to be done and the intention to run the car at round two for the first time.

Mimico teammate Dave Steedman has also made a few changes to his RB30-powered S14, switching out the gearswapper for a matching Samsonas unit and upgrading to the slightly bigger BorgWarner EFR8474, which has netted more power through the mid range.