My new S2000 Powered AE86 Track Car - F20c Swapped Levin

[@zeshin4331]

I've owned three F20C/F22C swapped AE86's, and I'll share with you some things I've found that have really helped alleviate some of the common problems with this swap, as the swap looks great on paper and in videos, but suffers from issues relating to changes in front suspension geometry and harmonic vibrations from the engine. 1) Like you mentioned, the RCA needs to be twice as thick as a normal one for the AE86. 2) Not really specific to the swap, but Cusco's front spherical tension rod and bracket relocates the tension rod chassis mount location much farther out, and made a noticeable difference for me. Maybe something to consider if you fab your own. 3) The two-piece drive shaft angles will be off unless you can adjust the height of the center carrier. It will likely need to be higher in the tunnel. You can use a Lexus center carrier, and it will place the carrier up high in the tunnel, and then you can shim it down to achieve the correct angles. I've used several custom drive shaft types, one and two-piece, and the OE shaft with a Lexus center carrier mated to the S2k OE front section has been the best I've found to alleviate high speed and on/off throttle vibrations. There have been issues with drive shaft vibrations causing transmission bearing failures on prolonged high speed sections of track, so just something to check out for good measure. 4) A harmonic damper pulley made a huge difference to the harmonic vibrations of the F20C engine. Honda F and K series produce a lot of vibration when not in an OE application, and reducing them makes a world of difference not only to the interior NVH comfort, but also to the shifting feel of the transmission. I've seen people give up on their F or K swapped cars (not even AE86s) due to drivetrain issues caused ultimately by severe harmonics from the engine. I use a Fluidampr pulley and it is highly recommended. 5) Also highly recommended are SARD's chassis vibration dampers for the AE86, which seem very gimmicky, but actually make a huge difference in chassis vibration on a F20C swapped car, especially with a reinforced/caged chassis. I even bought a second set for another application and custom fitted it to my car in addition to the application specific ones. Hope that helps. I've also had various 4AGE 16V, 20V and forced induction AE86's, and the S2k swap is really spectacular if you are willing and able to sort out the vibration and geometry issues, which I know you will. Looking forward to the build series! Oh, I also had Jenvey/Borla ITB's on one car, and had a lot of trouble with the throttle pedal feel, TPS, and getting a good consistent idle - also on an AEM ECU. Was looking at Toda ITB's as a possible alternative. Hope you don't have those same issues with yours.

[@driftworks]

Thanks for commenting. That's a lot of experience with my specific build! 1: Suspension geo I'm looking forward to fixing. 2: Roger that 3: I'll check it out and make sure it's right. Currently the pinion angle is wrong, so I need to look into that anyway. 4: Cool. I'll get a Fluidampr on order. I really don't like the throttle feel / tip in. It's been a problem on all of my aftermarket ITB cars with cable throttle. I doubt the AEM can do DBW, but that's what I'd like to do ultimately. Cheers 👍

[@zeshin4331]

@@driftworks No problem! Can't wait to see what you end up doing with it. Also, you may or may not be aware, but the F20C has issues with the valve retainers cracking, ultimately leading to dropping a valve. Some people replace them with the F22C retainers/keepers, as they are designed to be stronger, but they are also heavier. Some people keep the F20C retainers and keep an eye on the keepers dropping in the seat as an indication of retainer issues, and replace them periodically as maintenance. My current engine is also low mileage, only 13k original miles, and when I replaced the valve seals due to age, I checked all my retainers and they were fine. The cracking is thought to be caused by mechanical overrev on downshifts, so with your engine set to rev past 9k, best to keep an eye on them. I've not seen the ring land issue someone mentioned previously, but I have seen several destroyed engines from dropping a valve.

[@hoonaticbloggs5402]

I’m sure you know , but with itb set ups you can use an eccentric throttle wheel, and scale the tps load input in the ecu . Shouldn’t have any idle issues with itb

[@PUNKF001]

Very nice. Look forward to setting where this “simple just getting it back on the road” project goes 😂

[@AndyPonting]

Well that was strange seeing my old car of about 15 years ago pop up in a DW video (in the project section of the forum 😂 - Saab engine Audi S4) Shame forums are virtually dead now, used to spand hours on just typing updates on threads and replying to questions. ❤

[@AdamMGTF]

Just makes me so nostalgic for Brian Egans car in bdc. That and stiggy at teesside was awesome to watch

[@victormildew1717]

Jay, for welding like that, try using an arm rest .G clamp or vise grip something to rest your torch hand on. Bit of wood, or angle iron, anything that will steady your hand. Maybe a shorter bit of filler wire, easier to control & feed in ? Not saying I am right, but it works for me.

[@driftworks]

Cheers 👍

[@joemoorehead1954]

Ae86 what a legend I love it that this wee car low power / ( well kPowered now)little comfort but loved by pretty much anyone that is lucky enough to own one

[@88Frank]

Bet there are so many driftworks forum stories from back in the day. I was OBSESSED by that yellow ps13 and unfortunately it came up for sale 6 months too early for me. The one that got away 😂

[@PuntsAff]

I like how "bwackets" doesn't even get an explanation any more 😂

[@shakiejake]

Watching your videos makes me wanna get back into my workshop and get my car done 😢

[@tomscustomshop]

Fair play for going straight in with the tig on body work!! With your level of perfectionism , is that even a word?, it’s going to be fun to watch the tig welding coming on, I am hard on myself with things I make but have to be realistic on my skill level and try to get better each time, for me it will never be PERFECT as I always think it can be better 🤣 I’ve recently tried tig welding some rear tubs in the drag race car I am building, it went quite well for a first attempt, the shrinking of the metal got me a bit, I didn’t get much warp but a little panel beating on the weld put the metal right back to where it should be, something I don’t know much about, had to ask the question and learn. Keep on going with the tig! Try and guess what settings will be auto filled before you do it Incase you ever get thrown in on a machine without that function! Fupa 12 for the stainless will get you some insta welds 😆 The purging does help the weld in my opinion I do it with and withoutout gas gets expensive 😄 Definitely get comfy!

[@LuckyFruitRacing]

Always try to weld uphill with TIG where possible, it's a lot easier as gravity helps to pull the weld pool down away from the tungsten

[@driftworks]

Thanks, will do 👍

[@southney7211]

Interesting results that auto setup produced. I never use pulse, so can’t really comment on how far off it might be. I tend to find butt welding 0.9mm car sheet you’re around 25 amps. For butt welding stainless tube in 1.5mm wall back purged I’m somewhere around 35 amps. Probably better off practising welding mild steel tube if you’re not going to purge it as the lack of argon behind the weld really affects the amperage. Basically the argon helps keeps the weld stable and effectively cooler as it’s not drawing oxygen in, allowing you to use more amps as a result. As a rule the better the gas coverage the better the weld. Overheating the material will also cause it to go grey and oxidised. You find you have to weld exhausts about and inch at a time and allow it to cool; unless you’re doing small sections on a rotary table. Then you can use speed to your advantage to keep the heat down. Invest in some furick cups with diffusers up to number 12 for stainless tube 👌 Once you get more confident on stainless make sure you have plenty of slope out and post flow. In fact use a good amount of slope out anyway to reduce pinholes. Loads of great videos online. Jodi’s tips and tricks is a great channel. Great work and content guys 👍

[@driftworks]

Thanks man. Good info!

[@tomscustomshop]

Sound advice!

[@hi9658]

Impulse in Japan make pretty much Carbon everything for the AE86 if you are still looking for a roof. They had one of the first carbon roofs I remember seeing back in the day.

[@danielvaughan2062]

Phil I remember going to Belgium with Abbey motorsport and meeting you as you came with us all. So happy how you continued with your dreams and where you have got to now. Think it was about 2002 2003.

[@driftworks]

Good times man! Cheers 👍

[@Automotiverecoveryuk]

Very intresting watching and learning and enjoying at the same time love the passion & cars

[@endeavour2127]

Great video! Looking forward to seeing this progress. Im sure Phil is going to spoil her rotten and quite rightly so! ☺️

[@ChristopherHallett]

Regarding Jay's back - I was having issues with soreness and stiffness and always pulling a muscle somewhere up or down my spine, so I went to a physio. She said "you're 40 years old, why aren't you spending a good 10 minutes stretching every morning when you get out of bed?" and gave me a list of stretches to do every morning, and I tell you it only took about a week before I felt better than I had in years, and after a couple of months I couldn't tell the difference between how I am now at 40 and how I was when I was 25 (except for the extra 20 kilograms of blubber I've somehow magically gained...) Swear on my life lads, get yourself to a physio, tell 'em what ails you, and they'll set you right again. 3 appointments total (the introductory session, the follow-up session a fortnight later, and another one 3 months later) and about four hundred dollars total and my quality of life has SIGNIFICANTLY improved.

[@theholty]

I love how 5 mins into talking about AE86's suddenly everyone starts getting referred to 'brother' again 😂 I fondly remember following this build on the forum back in the day and being blown away by the quality of the workmanship compared to the student budget bodging I was doing to my car out on the street! It seemed so professional and high spec compared to everyone else's AE86's at the time. Jay needs one now. His old white one and Paz's cars back in the day were a big influence on me becoming an AE86 tragic. I'm just glad I got my current one back when they were still relatively cheap.

[@driftworks]

😄.. No chance getting Jay back in one. He thinks they're scrap 😂

[@theholty]

@@driftworks I mean, he’s not wrong, especially compared to what you could get for the same money as one nowadays 😅

[@neilstewart1208]

Love it, sounds mint and worthy of the other noise makers in the stable😍

[@maxymillion7480]

As others have mentioned, Tec Art's for carbon work.

[@martinjones4776]

6:52 Jay, because I've met you 🤣

[@driftworks]

😂

[@BakedKipling]

It's very sad that this and many other jdm conversions were once affordable, now it's just insane to even think about doing a project like this

[@zeroyon4562]

Yeah. I picked up a tidy stock ae86 levin coupe for $3500NZ (£1700) back in the day. Could easily multiply that by 10 now and some.

[@driftworks]

Yep, it's nuts. I felt like this was my last chance to own one. If it wasn't such a special car to me personally it wouldn't have happened as prices are just off the scale.

[@adematthewsracing]

Happens to us all as we get older unfortunately. Back in the early 80's I had a Mk2 Capri (£30) a Mk1 Escort (£50) and a Mk2 Cortina 1600GT (£50). All three together would be high five figures these days.

[@olivercooney6645]

Just so they can sit in collections being loaned against again & again then sold to another up & coming collection fast money

[@ApexwithDavin]

I just moved onto early 2000s cars because the 80s and 90s cars I wanted are unobtainimum now

[@spazda_mx5]

Toyota need to start making heritage panels for these. The tooling might be sitting in a warehouse somewhere.

[@davidfreeman4407]

The majestic hair lol, I swear that long ago I passed you guys wile you were driving one of these 86’s going down the m6 possibly the m5 many many years ago. The hair and cap in the one pic triggers the memory lol.

[@driftworks]

😄

[@JayDontGotThis]

I was passed by everyone the thing was unbearable on the motorway at 60 or above.

[@davidfreeman4407]

@@JayDontGotThis haha I was just happy to see one because I’ve always had a soft spot for them.

[@manx1641]

Rust converter! You need a magic wand!! That’s coming from a classic VW owner. 😂 good luck guys

[@1jzfc999]

I really enjoy the suspension and geometry tech talks along the way. I'd be keen to hear about sway bars as far as mounting and joint angle etc. I need to make a front one work on my jz fc

[@colinsmith7385]

Only 6 and a bit minutes into this episode, and it's a lovely thing.

[@PC-fo8ld]

Wow awesome bit of kit.. But as you say, few headscratchers (header collector setup and stuff). Can't wait to see what you do with it

[@stephenshone1955]

Be interesting to see this and the dw86 side by side to appreciate how wide the dw86 is

[@driftworks]

Yep, and how low it is. On 18" rear wheels it's probably 2" lower than the white one.

[@gregory81588]

You might try Workshop Takumi / Carbon Junkie for a prepreg carbon roof, bonnet, etc.

[@ganners09]

Looking forward to the updates on this! Try not go down the rabbit hole too much!

[@Jamesashleycoyle]

The plastic bag face shield had me dying 😂😅

[@driftworks]

And me when I found it in the archives 😂

[@gregvanwho2868]

Not sure if it was mentioned but the guy from the street banditos KZbin channel makes really nice pre preg carbon panels. Might be worth reaching out

[@markwalton8644]

Another addi(c)tion to Phils Collection😅 Love it may you never change 😅 I'm guessing a Carbon inlet is what is required for the throttle bodies.

[@jamesford3549]

Nice ducted airbox will help reduce intake temps and volume. Doesn’t look as “raw” under the bonnet as the open stacks or filter but more functional.

[@driftworks]

Yeah it's really the only way to go.

[@PETROS747]

can wait to se more of new ae86 in driftworks 🙂😉

[@theenglishtrucker1849]

Phil - "Can you just" adjust my Bilstein coilovers for me. 5 min job for you and Jay...😁 Love watching you guys, its a shame you only work on your own stuff, but it does make great youtube vids also you'd be rammed if you took customer cars. Keep teasing us with you mad problems and solutions. 👍👍

[@ThEtEcHnOsAm]

Can’t wait to see more of this, dream combo!

[@ClassicSam.]

“Escalation No.1, you will go on my 1st whistle. Escalation No.2, you will go on my 2nd whistle. 3,2,1 Escalate!!!”

[@driftworks]

😄

[@philhodgson4752]

Would love to come and give you a hand with your tig welding. Been welding thin sheet steel for nearly 24 years and would love to help you guys progress

[@TheRZBM]

As a Subaru chav I can confirm Spec C/Type RA roof vents are getting pricey now. As they are no longer widely available new people are now listing full kits with all the brackets and trim etc for £1k and even seen them up for £2.5k. Seen someone on FB has recently begun making reproductions though so that might make a bit of a dent in the insane prices people asking for them.

[@driftworks]

Thanks man.

[@richardtiernan1236]

I watched Initial D for the first time last week. Cool car

[@driftworks]

It's a good watch! 😎

[@smellygruby]

Impulse in Japan make the best carbon bits for 86s

[@betr8er896]

Hachiroku! nice car/engine combo^^

[@Pharaoh_The_Great]

The only s2000 that can actually drift.

[@chrisg4rr377]

I was getting worried about Phil. It's been like a whole season without buying a new car. I'm glad he's spending money again

[@unavailable8681]

There was that extra Murcielago he bought a couple of months ago too.... And the OG s15.. 😅

[@chrisg4rr377]

@@unavailable8681 haha forgot about those. His wife must be absolutely chill AF. My wife kicks off if I buy branded loafs of bread

[@REDLINEBECKONZ]

Tec-arts is probably your best bet for that carbon roof and/or anything ae86.

[@stefanboyne1770]

Just sold my k swap turbo 86 was so good and I'm sure I will regret it very soon 😂

[@jamesford3549]

Nice new car! Cool to have a mental one and a more traditional 4cyl NA one. I love the 86, I’ll have to get one myself one day. Do those engines rotate backwards? And if so does that mean you have an aux gearbox to spin the output of the gearbox back the right way for the Toyota diff? Apart from the engine and steering these are really similar set up to the SA/FB RX7s I have. Shame about the rust but you guys will get that sorted with your welder! I’m also pretty particular about seat positions, I cut half my floor out and re made it to get my seat mounted solidly. Definitely important. Guessing as you have access to a mill you’ll be making some RCAs thick as possible to get the most roll centre correction and camber gain. On the front of my RX-7 it’s like the 86, I’m making roll centre adjusters to sort out roll centre and camber gain, I am thinking of adding some lead to the strut, the opposite of a drifting trail type knuckle with the spindle behind the king pin axis. Have you guys ever played with that stuff for grip or only ever the other way round for drift cars? You can also change Ackerman angle and bump steer with clever RCAs, but you guys have bump steer adjustable tie rod ends so no point correcting that on the RCAs. Your dw86 has 3 link and it looks like the new 86 has a 4 link. Are you planning on leaving the rear alone or would you consider a 3 link or even an offset 3 link that counters axle twist with engine torque. I set my rx7 up with a 3 link. I followed this a bit forum.britishv8.org/read.php?7,66785

[@driftworks]

Cheers. No, I've not heard of that being a thing before.

[@IanGratton]

B series Hondas span the opposite direction I think ?- F, H and K motors don’t so no whacky transfer box sir

[@jamesford3549]

@@IanGratton ah right that makes sense

[@sknomzti3586]

Jesus the 2005 look form the thumbnail alone ❤ Edit: 2006 just watched the video😂

[@simonname7530]

Looks mint ontop, shame the rust is so bad underneath 😢

[@driftworks]

It's not too bad really. Like we said, it's nothing compared to what we've seen before.

[@ohnoyoyo]

schoolboy dreams this!

[@jamesf2656]

Looks like the memory was better than reality

[@jasongleave355]

At least this one won't try and kill you, but dw86 is still my all time dream car

[@driftworks]

I'm sure it will still be a bit of a handfull, but not on the level of the DW86.

[@TheJDMPhil]

Was this once a bronze colour? I’ve seen this or similar at driftland. Sounds insane 👌🏼

[@driftworks]

No, Super white II since birth I believe.

[@anyau]

Great buy

[@OBSESSED1954]

When do you move the Impala ?

[@niallgrew2920]

Beautiful car...these are gone mad expensive again in Ireland... and most are the same recipe........not a bad recipe tho...

[@YootubeUK]

Driftworks getting into the tofu delivery business!

[@hobotechMASTER]

use it as a mold and make every thing carbon now. haha. or will it end up a tube chassis with carbon skin. im kidding. love all these videos. i been following that orange ae86 for so long....i cant even remember

[@cheesepizza87]

You've completed your full evolution of youtuber Phil, But you've the know how to get them all running (eventually)

[@yzgibbo307]

the K a big advantage over the F. afterall the F was more or less the development for the K in terms of the engine packaging. even under boost the K series has a much more linear power graph compared to an F. the F is like a high tech B series.

[@turbotastic]

I've sent you an email Phil about carbon bits.

[@mazarellipurelli6772]

Off subject,,,, but I've spotted another mercie 🤟🏻🤑🤟🏻

[@driftworks]

Yep, everything comes in two's nowadays.

[@luke1k]

Whats the plan with the white murcielago?

[@peterjeavons8476]

Yes hmmmmmm interesting

[@jamesford3549]

Get carried away as usual

[@driftworks]

It has a smashed front end. It'll just be repaired and probably sold on.

[@Tomfoulkes1]

Did I miss the episode about the white Lamborghini?

[@djcomeup]

Have a question I have a 83 Corolla wagon what transmission can I use with the 20 valve motor

[@driftworks]

Standard is fine. That's what I ran on mine when it was 20v.

[@TVtwarn]

Rust holes being filled in and quickly sprayed over …. In Birmingham …. I am shocked

[@driftworks]

😂

[@farturinn]

Needs more D&B!

[@Pan_Gotti]

Impulse Japan makes just about every body panel for an ae86 in carbon fiber.

[@UnexplainedHoveringSpheroid]

Plenty of room for an 88mm turbo in there 😝

[@driftworks]

The last thing this thing needs is more power 😄

[@schoona90]

How’s the white murci in the background…

[@p0intdk]

If that was all the rust that was it didn't seem that bad, I have never seen a AE86 for sale in the last 5 years that wasn't full of rust or that could run or drive

[@driftworks]

No deffo not bad at all. It's just badish considering the car has had very little use and has been garaged it's whole life.

[@Ricky-cl5bu]

Nice nice nice 👍

[@RTSRAZORBACK]

Lapel mics! Finally 😁

[@driftworks]

Don't get used to it. It was an experiment and has proven it's loads more work and makes absolutely zero difference 😂

[@Lipemsa]

Nice video... blablabla... What is the situation of that white lambo?

[@krullibull123]

Doesn't Impulse have Carbon parts?

[@driftworks]

They do. They are a billionty pounds by the time it's landed.

[@ylee5354]

That white car on the ramp in the background

[@driftworks]

Jays E30. Lots of vids on the channel about it.

[@ylee5354]

@@driftworks and the other one with 12 cylinders

[@driftworks]

Ahh the white car under the ramp. It's a relatively new addition. Needs some major front end repairs.

[@kikiichiban4584]

What are you doing with the old Bride seat? 🤔

[@driftworks]

They're already reserved by Alex that works for us 👍

[@kikiichiban4584]

@@driftworks let me know if he changes his mind. Want to pick your brains about 86 suspension, I’ll email or DM you.

[@PeaceDotExe]

how long till it gets a fully custom tubular front subframe?

[@jamesford3549]

Not long I’d have thought

[@driftworks]

It's a pretty sure thing.

[@SB-vb8ch]

Wasn't there a comment in a DW vid fairly recently about how terrible Honda VTEC 4 cylinders sound?

[@driftworks]

It was specifically about turbocharged K series.

[@ChristopherHallett]

Excuse the fuck out of me, but what's that slightly ratty white Murcielago doing on the rack under the orange S15?

[@MrJwwhasabetterchannel]

Why is there another murci on the ramps ??

[@driftworks]

I own another LP640 now. It's in need of some repair work.

[@MrJwwhasabetterchannel]

@@driftworks legend !

[@richardgoodge7666]

Speak with brother Jimmy Oakes

[@BlandNutz]

juicebox boys could help you out with standard bumpers etc, theyve got a guy called mr x thats got tons of 86 spares.

[@driftworks]

👍

[@Ziesingracing]

eyy im early for once 46 views uploaded 2 mins ago and FIRST .....

[@vallevaan]

Hoonigan has the carcaine thing. Pretty sure phil has crackcarcaine.

[@mur.e]

😂 8:00

[@kakphung]

AE 2000

[@ZeroHero-33]

Honda engines that don't make boost make me sad in the pants

[@driftworks]

Honda engines that make boost and the bad noises that come with that make me sad in the ears.

[@harjunLFS]

Hondalyfe

[@vtc5961]

K wins

[@stevevandervorst6641]

The one car i refuse to drive... For the sole reason, i want them to be as good as the 15year old initial D watching me imagined they are, wich they are probably not 😃 makes no sense, i know

[@boroboroae86]

It drives like an old corolla.

[@michaelkadoo9712]

Yow too much chat show builds not chat and stroking egos boring

[@driftworks]

Go somewhere else. This channel is not for you 👍