Nissan Silvia 240SX Drift Truck: The truck conversion Build

A Life Fueled by Cars

From an early age, cars captivated Eugene. In fact, after "mama" and "dada," his first real word was "car." That fascination wasn’t just a passing childhood obsession—it was in his DNA. Back in Russia, his father worked at a car factory and built custom cars in a way the country had never seen before. He even participated in grassroots-style rally competitions. Eugene inherited that same passion, and over time, it became the defining force in his life.

The Early Racing Years

Sixteen years ago, Eugene started racing in autocross, eventually trying his hand at rally and hill climbs. However, drifting always intrigued him the most. A decade ago, he finally bought his first Nissan 240sx. With a welded differential, coilovers, and a passion for sliding sideways, he began his drifting journey. That car consumed his life. Unfortunately, it met an untimely end after countless drift days and battles with broken suspension and body panels. But as any true car enthusiast knows, the end of one build is just the beginning of another.

The 240sx “Truck” – A Unique Build with History

Eight years ago, after his first 240sx was totaled, Eugene stumbled upon something special—a stripped-down 240sx "truck." This car had already been through its share of high-level competition. It was originally built by Daniel Savage, who used it to earn his Formula Drift Pro license. Eventually, it landed in the hands of Matthew Madrigali, who stripped it for parts, leaving behind a bare rolling shell. That’s when Eugene stepped in, purchasing the shell at a great price and beginning his ambitious build.

Building a Competitive Drift Car

Initially, Eugene installed a KA24DET engine with a basic suspension setup. That engine didn’t last long, so he upgraded to a VH45 Infiniti V8 and improved the suspension. After three years of learning and seat time, it was finally time to take things to the next level. The car underwent a full transformation, receiving an LS1 turbo engine, extensive suspension upgrades, and a fully fabricated setup to make it more competitive. Today, this once-bare chassis has become an absolute monster on the track.

Why Drifting?

Drifting isn’t the fastest motorsport. It’s not the most strategic or even the most dangerous. But it’s definitely the most stylish. Eugene’s first exposure to drifting came at the age of 10 when he stumbled upon early online videos—long before Ken Block’s Gymkhana series brought drifting to the mainstream. The smoke, the aggressive angles, and the raw sound of screaming engines hooked him instantly. Years later, after racing in different disciplines, he finally bought his first S13, and from that moment, there was no turning back.

The Drifting Community: A Second Family

Unlike many other motorsport communities, drifting has a unique camaraderie. When Eugene first started, experienced drivers would offer advice, lend tools, and even help him fix his car—expecting nothing in return. The sport’s addictive nature is fueled not just by the driving but by this sense of belonging. Drifting is a battle of man versus machine versus physics, and once you experience that perfect slide, there’s no escaping the addiction.

The 240sx: The King of Drift Cars

The Nissan S-chassis—240sx, S13, S14, S15—has become synonymous with drifting. Affordable, lightweight, easy to modify, and with a strong aftermarket support system, it’s the go-to platform for drifters worldwide. However, with the rise of the "drift tax," these once-affordable cars have skyrocketed in price. Now, finding and maintaining a competitive 240sx requires dedication, resourcefulness, and deep pockets.

A One-of-a-Kind 240sx Truck

You don’t see a 240sx truck every day, especially one with a Kouki front end that was never even offered in those years. When Eugene first started looking for a 240, he came across a picture of a 240 truck from Japan and fell in love. At the time, he was also into BMX, and the idea of having a car-truck hybrid for carrying his bike seemed perfect. Years later, that dream materialized with his current build.

A Car with a Soul

Eugene’s 240sx truck isn’t just a race car—it’s a part of his life. It has taken him through his best and worst moments and has helped him carve out a name for himself in the drifting world. When he earns his Pro license, he’ll have to build a new chassis for competition since this one isn’t legal at the pro level. But one thing’s for sure—he’ll never part with this car. It’s more than just a machine; it’s a reflection of his journey.

Specs
Engine: 611whp 635 wftlb @8psi
- Camaro SS LS1 Turbo
- Holley EFI Terminator ECU
- Tuned by Patterson Performance
- Borg Warner S366 T4 Twinscroll Turbo .91 AR
- CX Racing Turbo Kit
- Turbo Smart Wastegates
- Oil Accusump system
- Canton Racing Oil Pan
- Melling Performance high-pressure oil pump
- Setrab Oil Cooler
- LS6 Intake Manifold
- Ported Throttle Body
- PRC Stage 1 LS6 Cylinder Heads
- Single Beehive .625 Springs
- Texas Speed 228R Camshaft: 228/228, .588/.588, 114 LSA
- Texas Speed 7.40 Chromoly Pushrods
- GM Performance Tall Valve Covers
- MSD Ignition Wires
- Speedway 31" Dual Row Rear Mounted Radiator
- Derale 4000CFM dual fans with aluminum shroud
- Chase Bays power steering conversion kit
- Setrab power steering cooler
- Optima Yellow Top gel Battery

Drivetrain
- T56 Stage 2 Transmission
- Competition Clutch Dual Disc Racing Clutch
- Competition Clutch Lightweight Flywheel
- Single Piece CX Racing Driveshaft
- RS200 welded 240sx manual diff
- Driveshaft Shop 650hp Axles

Wheels/Tires:
- Kansei Corsa Bronze Textured 18x9.5 +22 w/ 235/40/18 Accelera 651 Sport Tires
- Kansei Corsa Bronze Textured 18x9.5 +22 w/ 285/35/18 Accelera 651 Sport Tires

Suspension:
- Yellow Speed Racing Dynamic Pro 3-way Coilovers
- Yellow Speed Racing 356mm 6-pot Brakes
- Wisefab v1.5 240sx angle kit with ackerman adjustment
- Nismo Power Brace
ISR Pro Traction, Camber, Toe Rods in Rear
GKTech Rear Lower Control Arms
Parts Shop Max aluminum subframe bushings

Interior:
- Full 8-point DOM Roll cage with Halo and Nascar Style Doorbars
- NRG Innovations FIA driver's seat
- Cobra racing bucket passenger seat
- DND Interior Performance Carbon Fiber Steering Wheel
- DND Interior Performance Quick Spline Release Hub
- DND Interior Performance Low Profile Steering wheel hub adapter
- DND Interior Performance SFI Racing 5-point harnesses
- DND Interior Performance Hydraulic E-brake
- Simpson Racing Fire Suppression System
- Battery Relocation Kit

• Exterior:
• - Custom Origin 55mm Conversion front fenders
• - JPFiberShop s13 type III side skirts
• - JPFiberShop s13 hatch 30mm rear overfenders
• - Circuit Sport Clear 180sx Tail Lights
• - KBD polyurethane rear bumper
• - S14 Kouki Duraflex Fiberglass Hood
• - Uras S14 Kouki Front Fiberglass bumper
• - AeroCatch Hood pins
• - Clear Kouki Headlight Housings with Custom LED Headlights
• - Duraflex Duckbill Rear Wing

Future Plans and Upgrades

Despite being highly competitive in 2022, Eugene knew his car had room for improvement. One major weak point was reliability. The outdated Wisefab V1 angle kit led to three destroyed steering racks in one season. During the offseason, he modified the subframe to move the steering rack forward properly, requiring a new oil pan. However, upon inspection, metal chunks in the old engine meant it was time for a rebuild.

Now, the car features a fully rebuilt engine, an oil Accusump system, a Setrab oil cooler, a refreshed interior from DND Performance, upgraded brakes from Yellow Speed Racing, and newly fitted Kansei Corsa wheels. The transmission was rebuilt, paired with a new Competition Clutch and flywheel. With a fresh tune from Patterson Performance and improved grip, the car is set to be better than ever.