Photos by Toni Arakaki and TehBoogyman
Previously, we’ve featured Japanese-Pinoy Drifter Toni Arakaki’s Toyota Mark II (Toni Tsuyoshi’s Suicidal Toyota Mark II). But now, it’s official. Toni has traded in his Mark II for this awesome Nissan S14 Silvia!
When asked why he did the trade, Toni says: “To compete at the highest level, I have more chances with the S14.”
Want to find out why? Then read on to find out just what this S14 has, as well as its arsenal of modifications. We’ll also show you more killer photos and videos. Check it out!
That was then, this is now. Toni’s former ride, the Toyota Mark II, side by side with his current ride, the Nissan S14 Silvia.
Whilst we know that both the Mark II and S14 are both very potent vehicles on the drifting scene, we were really curious as to why Toni Arakaki actually made the switch. So we interviewed Toni to get to know what went down.
CPR: What does the Nissan S14 Silvia have that the Mark II doesn’t, in that it allows you to be more competitive in the drifting scene?
Toni: “The S14 is lighter than the Mark II and the parts are cheaper, thus making more room for money, tuning-wise. There are a lot of limitations on the Mark II. But this is only my opinion. And the fact that I have to keep using the engine to its full potential is a factor for a private tuner like me.”
CPR: What limitations are there in the Mark II that makes the S14 better in your opinion, and how does weight play a factor in drifting?
Toni: “The weight of the Mark II is insanity compared to the S14. I admit that the Mark II has more angle when drifting, but weight factor in drifting is crucial. Since the laws of physics apply, the heavier it gets, the more power is needed.
Plus the another negative side is, since the Mark II is heavy, it chews on tires like it was candy…. All my of my new sets of tires only lasted me a couple of laps… Compared to the S14 where it lasts me up to two day runs on the track, that’s of course with the right tire pressure and stuff.
Plus gas-wise, the 1J is a killer compared to the SR20. Don’t get me wrong though, I’m not a hater of 1J’s. In fact, I consider them as one of the strongest engines! But its just costs too much to maintain.”
CPR: What do you like most about the S14?
Toni: “The sound of drifting, from the inside of the car. Since the body and chassis of the S14 is a lot thinner than the Mark II, you can feel every single thing the S14 does while drifting, while hearing it at the same time! Sometimes, it just feels like the car is ready to break any moment from the inside hahaha!”
So to see just how mad things could get from the inside of Toni’s S14, we’re showing you a video taken onboard, with the camera man sitting shotgun with Toni.
Did you enjoy the ride? Cool huh? Now that that’s done, let’s get down and dirty and take you through the nitty-gritty stuff about this awesome ride.
Toni’s ride actually started as a 1997 Nissa S14 Zenki Q’s (Naturally Aspirated Engine), which was then converted to a K’s version through an SR20DET Kouki Engine with the turbine from the later model S15.
Pop the hood and you’ll see that the engine that propels this ride on its epic sideways journey around the track. Engine and power mods on the SR20DET include an S15 turbine, Koyo 2-core radiator, GReddy 2-core intercooler, Kakimoto Racing Front Pipe, Kakimoto Racing Staight Pipe, Fujitsubo Power Getter Muffler, and then some. A Battery Relocator kit has also been installed for better weight distribution.
Drifting is made possible by the Kaaz 2-way LSD and made better by the URAS Pineapple Rear Subframe Spacers. Greater steering angle is courtesy of Uras Pillow Tension Rods, Uras Tie Rods, and Kazama Tie Rod Ends.
The stance and handling duties are managed by the Cusco Zero-1 Adjustable Coilovers, and Cusco Stabilizer. The gorgeous wheels are 18-inch CST Hyper Zero-1’s. Stopping power is via Type M brake calipers.
Inside, it’s all business. We have a GReddy boost gauge, GReddy water temperature gauge, and a Nardi steering wheel. The custom rollcage is not only for safety, but additional chassis stiffening as well. Also note the drift handbrake button. Pinoy Pride hanging on the rear view mirror!
And of course you have to tell and feel how the car is doing through your bum. Hence, the Bride seat with Sabelt 4-point harness.
Specifications
1997 Nissan S14 Zenki “Q’s converted to K’s”
Engine: SR20DET Kouki engine with S15 Turbine
Kaaz 2way LSD
Cusco Zero-1 Adjustable Coilovers
Koyo 2-core radiator
GReddy 2-core intercooler
URAS pillow tension rods
URAS tie rods
Kazama tie rod ends
Fujitsubo power getter muffler
Cusco Stabilizer
URAS Pineapple
Bride Diego Type R
Sabelt 4point seatbelt
KTS oil pan
CST Hyper Zero One 18’s 9.5J +15
Front Pinso 235/45/18 Rear ATR Sport 235/45/18
Battery relocator kit
GReddy boost gauge
GReddy water temp gauge
Kakimoto Racing front pipe
Kakimoto Racing straight pipe
Type M brake calipers
7-Point Roll Cage
As promised, ladies and gentlemen, I am proud to present to you, Japanese-Pinoy Drifter Toni Tsuyoshi in action right here at CustomPinoyRides.com. Enjoy the video!
Watch out for Toni Tsuyoshi as he shows us what he’s capable of in an upcoming event right here in the Philippines! Wait and see!