Dai Yoshihara Debuts Z-Swapped Nissan Frontier at 2022 SEMA Show

R/T TUNING has built the ultimate off-road Frontier for Dai Yoshihara. And now the ENEOS ambassador and Formula DRIFT Champion will be adding the Dai Yoshihara / Turn 14 Distribution / ENEOS / MBRP VR30DDTT 2006 Nissan Frontier Pre-Runner to his fleet of cars.

Vince Hafner, owner of R/T Tuning in Philadelphia, PA, is no stranger to building high-powered street and competition cars for a variety of motorsports. He was approached by Turn 14 Distribution after they discovered he was building a unique “NISMO-spec” Nissan Frontier fitted with the VR30DDTT motor from the newest generation Nissan Z (RZ34). The aim was to make it appear that it left the assembly line that way.

Originally 400hp, the Z engine now generates 600hp and 650 lb-ft after being rebuilt with JE pistons, Manley Turbo Tuff rods, an R/T Tuning V2 turbo kit, MBRP Armor Pro exhaust, and AMS Performance downpipes. It also has custom ECUTEK RaceRom ECU calibration to ensure proper fueling.

The high-performance VR30DDTT is lubricated with ENEOS 5W-40 motor oil to provide the optimum combination of wear and performance. Additionally, ENEOS Import Series ATF is used in the transmission, while ENEOS Gear Oil LSD 75W-90 is utilized for the Frontier’s custom rear-end.

Once the motor was dialed-in, the Frontier was shipped to Eimer Engineering. Chris Eimer worked with Dai as his Formula DRIFT crew chief and his expertise in creating race-winning suspension played an important role. Designed by CJD Racing, the pre-runner uses Bilstein M 9200 coilovers, Eibach springs, a CJD long-travel kit and custom 9” locker axle assembly. Yokohama Geolandar M/T tires are mounted to Weld Racing Cinch beadlock wheels. Braking has been upgraded with Nissan Titan front calipers, DBA rotors and Power Stop pads.

The distinctive livery was designed by renowned illustrator Jon Sibal to incorporate the FiberWerx Nissan Titan carbon fiber front-end conversion complete with AnzoUSA lights and KC HiLites accessory lighting.

Inside, Dai has Sparco racing seats and harnesses for safety and weight reduction, plus a Sparco steering wheel with a quick-release for motorsport functionality.

“Dai’s going to have a lot of fun in the Frontier,” Hafner told us. “It’s designed to let him do what he does best; go sideways in the dirt or on asphalt! The Frontier evolved much further than the ”NISMO” version I envisioned. You can’t tell by looking at it, but it’s hardcore. And knowing Dai was involved, I had to step it up.”

“Ever since attending my first King of the Hammers event, I’ve wanted to get behind the wheel of a capable off-roader,” Yoshihara said. “So, when we heard about the Z-swapped Frontier, we couldn’t resist. And with Eimer’s suspension expertise, we had the perfect team to build this awesome vehicle for the 2022 SEMA Show. Nobody will expect this from me but SEMA isn’t the goal; it’s only the beginning. I’m excited to see where I can go in off-road racing and hopefully fans will be too!”

TECH SPEC

Dai Yoshihara / Turn 14 Distribution / ENEOS / MBRP 2006 Nissan Frontier VR30DDTT Pre-Runner

Builder: Vince Hafner, R/T Tuning

Contact: @rttuning, rttuning.com

Engine: 2023 Nissan Z VR30DDTT engine with JE Pistons, Manley Turbo Tuff rods, R/T Tuning V2 turbo kit, Custom ECUTEK RaceRom ECU Calibration, AMS Performance downpipes, MBRP Armor Pro exhaust, Mishimoto cooling, ENEOS 5W-40 motor oil

Power: 600hp, 650 lb-ft of torque

Transmission: seven-speed Nissan automatic

Suspension/Chassis: Bilstein M 9200 coilovers, Eibach springs, CJD Racing long-travel kit and custom 9″ locker axle assembly with ENEOS Gear Oil LSD GL-5 75W-90

Braking: Nissan Titan calipers, DBA Street Series rotors, Power Stop Z36 brake pads

Wheels & Tires: 17×9” -12 Weld Off-Road Cinch Beadlock wheels; 37×12.5R17LT Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003 tires

Exterior: FiberWerx carbon fiber Nissan Titan conversion, AnzoUSA exterior lights, KC HiLites accessory lighting

Interior: Sparco racing seats, harnesses, steering wheel and quick-release hub

Thanks/Sponsors: R/T Tuning, Eimer Engineering, CJD Racing, Jon Sibal, FiberWerx, Sparco, Wolf Metalworks, West Chester Infiniti