Yesterday we posted a period-correct vintage Toyota race car. Today we’re going with a thoroughly modern one. Wildly stickered nostalgics usually induce mild indigestion around the JNC office but I suppose we can make an exception when it’s a D1 Grand Prix drift machine. This RA28 Toyota Celica Liftback is the newly liveried 2011 D1GP race horse of Team HDO, a Japanese shop that sells dorifto parts and — for the brave — used drift cars.
Toyotaku pissed about the Scion FR-S will be even more infuriated to discover that it’s running a Nissan SR20DET with a Trust TD06H-25G.
The transmission is an HKS 6-speed dog box, not for the faint of heart.
Sponsor RS-Watanabe has thrown in massive 16×8+0 and 16×9-13 five-lugs that require custom HDO bolt-on flares. Here’s the beast in action, qualifying for Round 1 at Odaiba:
[Images: RS-Watanabe]
“Toyotaku pissed about the Scion FR-S will be even more infuriated to discover that it’s running a Nissan SR20DET with a Trust TD06H-25G.”
FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU…….
so what if it runs a nissan engine? it is still a breath of fresh air to see nostalgics do some sideways action
Much like how even “suggesting” putting a LS engine into a Ford Mustang (or a 351 into a Camaro) will rile up the Chevy and Ford fanboys here in the states, these marquee engine swaps are in a similar stance.
Looks like the White Top Secret machine.
(“Smokey” Nagata’s machine).
While I may not be much of a fan of the engine swap either, I think it’s awesome to see cars like this in D1…. so if they feel it has to be SR20 powered to be competitive then so be it. It’s better than a V8 right? 😉
+1!
+1
Unless its the Lexus 1uz with ITBs. That would be killer.
so awesome seeing this compete-gives me inspiration for my 79 cressida.almost done…motorswap and cage left to do…
I love the idea of a nostalgic drift car in a comp. not so much a fan of the swap either but like said b4 I rather here this SR scream for life then a v8 slapping throttle and no I don’t hate v8s just love the Japan cars
RS wanna sponsor me a set of wheels for my Hilux I need big ones! 14×10-12 wides
Honestly, I was digging on this alot more when it was white and blue. Still a bad ass Celica though.
Sweet car! Too bad about the paint job.
Wish i did this instead of a 2rz swap in my ’80 celica back when i had it, along with an S13 x-member so i’d be able to use an S13 rack and coilovers.
Sweet car, reminds me of the KP61 Starlet that was in D1. I do love seeing people keeping old school chaises competitive.
Anyone notice the camber, I mean caster plates? Very interesting. Anyone know why or how this helps the RA Celica?
Where can I get this kit? I want it?
one word: 18R-GTE. (Y)
this isnt a toyota anymore, this is a nissan wearing the dead skin of a toyota.
as an owner of a SR20DET swapped RA21……..man i love the power of an SR……its a shame it cost so much to build a toyota 4cly of similar power and aftertermarket support…..i wanted to do a 3sgte swap but not for the $4000 it would have costed me and the months of work comppared to the $2500 and a week i spent on my SR20det.
all i can say it TWO THUMBS WAY UP!!!!!! nice motor choice
I was wondering where to get a airdam and front flares plus rear spoiler like the ones on the ’77 Celica drifting?
these 1st gen celica’s will take just about any engine with a little modification.. import fan or domestic fan.. you gotta admit.. these liftbacks look sexy as hell. i know i own a ra29.
I’ve seen this car two years ago when I visited Racing Service HDO. The car is still there but with one rear quarter caved in. I bought my RA28 Celica from them actually. Hideo-San is a really cool guy. Even took us to the Fukuyama Clock and Car museum and then out for some okonomiyaki! JAPAN IS AWESOME.