Our very own Shane O’Sullivan has dominated the Super Pro class in this year’s Maxxis British Drift Championship taking two victories, two top qualifying spots and four podium finishes at the six rounds. Sully is a monumentally talented driver but we thought we’d take a moment to show his workhouse in a bit more detail: the Japspeed RB25 powered S15.
This particular S15 has been with us for many years – some of you may remember it being piloted by Danny Eyles in BDC and EDC back in 2009 and 2010. While it may have been a trendsetter on the grid back then, times have since changed and, compared to the majority of cars competing in the Super Pro class this season, it’s actually pretty basic.
These pictures were taken with the car having been untouched since its last outing at the final round of the Maxxis BDC.
However, the tried and tested combination of a Nissan S-body platform, a Skyline RB25 engine and relatively simple, off-the-shelf suspension mods has provided Sully with a platform that is both familiar and consistent – two key traits you want in a drift car that you plan on throwing into corners at the top end of fourth or fifth gear.
Starting with the engine and the RB25 was treated to a fresh rebuild prior to the first round of the season. Robbie at TDP installed a fresh set of forged rods and pistons, along with a Cosworth 1.5mm head gasket and own of TDP’s own intake plenums. The Japspeed RB25 manifold, Owen Developments GTX3076 turbo and Samco silicone hoses have both provided us with 100% reliability throughout the season – there’s nothing better than a reliable and trustworthy power plant.
