Formula Drift with GM Power
While it’s still considered the realm of import vehicles, GM and the LS-based V8 still dominate within Formula Drift. Many vehicles you’ll see are powered by some form of LS V8; from the LS1 to the LQ4, you can’t beat the easy and inexpensive power you’ll get with far better reliability. Well, engine wise.
While no Corvettes have entered this year, it’s still a popular vehicle with the vendors at any Formula Drift event. There is just no denying the amazing looks of the Stingray or the performance of the ZO6 out of the box versus the more expensive imports. We’ll probably see the return of the HGK Corvette later in the year in Pro2.
One of the interesting changes to many of the LS-powered drift cars was the rise of supercharged examples still pushing over 850-horsepower. Alec Hohnadell’s Nissan 240SX still sports his Magnuson supercharger but now pushes out an astounding 910-horsepower and 880-lb/ft of torque his car is prepared by Get Nuts Lab.
It’s obviously not the only one, but Alec wears his proudly out of the hood with a K&N filter with a carbon fiber cap.
However, this is a big change for Patrick Goodin. Last year, Pat was using a turbocharged LQ4 but has converted to a centrifugal supercharger from ProCharger. He was pushing some pretty big numbers last year but has now increased the displacement to 408-cubic inches and is also making over 900-horsepower.
It sounds insane to hear that and it is crazy. However, these guys are also now pushing 80 MPH plus entry speeds and don’t slow down much. Tire grip is limited by the tire width and vehicle weight and a treadwear rating of 200, but there is still so much grip in modern tires. Though, rain did put a damper on that this year.