Encounter: Friends Power Silvia S15

Friends Racing and their re-purposed drift Silvia have made quite the comeback over the past year or so.  Making the transformation from the GReddy backed D1 Grand Prix competitor, to a record chasing time attack build was no easy task for the small Tochigi-based outfit.  It took the company a few years to get the car to where it’s at now; a journey that is paying off in blindingly fast lap times.

Like most Japanese tuners, Toru Inose founded Friends as a one-stop shop for all tuning needs.  A place to drop your car off with a vision, and return to have your visions a tangible reality.  Employing expert engine builders, they’ve come to be known for a specialization in Nissans.  Their demo cars have always been very comprehensive, taking a completely stripped shell and rebuilding it for it’s intended medium; be it drift, drag, or time attack.  This particular S15 is no different.

img_4285

Since most competitive motor sports require a good amount of power, Friends needn’t address the engine setup as much as a build from scratch.  The VE head equipped SR20 already boasted a massive 700ps thanks to careful tuning and a load of boost from the single Trust T88 turbine.

img_4288

The exterior has been given a makeover to increase downforce and ensure the car stays flat throughout the turns; the massive Voltex wing sharing the majority of duties.  The combination of T&E and original Friends aero gives the S15 a very unique, and aggressive look.  With the decals and old livery removed, it develops somewhat of a mysterious air to the build.

img_4520

295 series Advan A050 tires are tasked to keep the car on course; a standard choice for anyone trying to set records.  I’m glad they kept the metallic grey headlight covers; looks incredibly cool.  Here, Inose-san himself gets ready to pilot the Silvia around TC2000.

img_4525

img_4547

The new settings have done the rebuild justice by setting personal best after personal best this past month.  The fastest to date around Tsukuba being a 53’821.  A front runner in it’s own right now.

img_4564

Can’t wait to see what 2017 brings for the team as they travel to different courses throughout Japan.

 

One Comment

  1. Pingback:Encounter: Friendly Fire – Testing The New Friends Silvia

Leave a Reply