ENEOS Brings Trio of Frankenstein Cars to SEMA 2023

ENEOS – Japan’s largest oil company and supplier of motor oil and transmission fluids to the majority of Asian vehicle manufacturers – will be located in booth #24233 in Central Hall at the annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas this week. In addition to supplying the aftermarket with premium vehicle lubricants, ENEOS provides oils to Japanese and Asian manufacturers for factory fill in Japan, Asia, United States, Europe, Central and South Americas, Middle East and Africa.

This year’s booth will again highlight the company’s activities and allow visitors to discover the most advanced ENEOS products, such as the new 0W-8 motor oil for the latest hybrid vehicles. Display vehicles throughout the show will capture the essence of ENEOS and showcase many of the company’s products, including its Racing Series Motor Oils and more.

ENEOS JAGUAR E-TYPE 2JZ

Taking center stage in the ENEOS booth will be a 1969 Jaguar XKE 2+2. Celebrating 75 years of the manufacturer’s sports car heritage, this particular example has been equipped with a modified version of the Toyota 2JZ-GTE inline-6 24v 3.0L engine, swapped directly from the Supra.

Constructed by professional drift racer and car builder Faruk Kugay at DevSpeed Motorsports, the E-Type is the third car in a series of creations that take Europe’s finest vehicles and combines them with Japan’s finest engineering. Previous projects have included an E30 BMW with F20C Honda 2.0L engine swap in 2021, and a 997.1 Porsche 911 GT3 with Subaru Impreza STI EJ25 engine last year.

The Jaguar conversion certainly fits the Frankenstein theme of previous years and takes it up a notch with increased use of modern technology to update the classic British sports car.

To honor its Japanese hosts, the Supra’s 2JZ-GTE engine was selected because it’s representative of the vehicles ENEOS supports since it has supplied factory-fill lubricants to the vast majority of Japan’s auto industry for decades.

Inevitably, a regular 2JZ wouldn’t suffice, so Kugay drew on his Formula DRIFT roots. Using the same engine in his Nissan S14 competition car, a number of key components were thrown into the cauldron, including a new factory head casting with Deatschwerks Injectors, and a full Nuke Performance fuel system. Internally, the engine was reinforced with CP-Carillo pistons and rods, which will be expertly lubricated by ENEOS Racing Street 0W-50 oil. All the work was in preparation for the Borg Warner EFR 8474 turbocharger and Vibrant Performance Intercooler. With a Link G4 Fury ECU providing the spark, Kugay is confident the engine will see 750hp once the final dyno tuning is completed.

Designed as a hot rod for the street and track, Kugay consulted Charlie’s Customs in England. They executed a similar conversion and recommended the E60 BMW rear subframe, suspension and differential. While it’s not quite a bolt-on conversion, it addressed many of the conversion issues and will help put the power to the pavement via an E36 BMW M3 ZF five-speed manual transmission.

The considerable power increase over the original 4.2L straight-six engine meant the Jag required bigger boots. While the generous wheelbase of the 2+2 helped with the engine installation, the XKE’s slender hips weren’t going to accommodate sufficient rubber to get the job done. Initially taking inspiration from the Jaguar factory’s Lightweight racer, fender flares were designed from a 3D scan taken by Adam Bao at Illumasthetic. Once the proportions were confirmed, his team 3D-printed the new pieces. These were delivered to the crew at Vinny’s Autobody in Sonoma, CA where Ken Heilmann laid carbon fiber to strengthen the panels, Matt Thorsson and Jason Mohon prepped the bodywork, before Vinny Thorsson painted it.

The body was then able to swallow 17” Rotiform STL wheels, which were custom-built in two pieces to achieve the desired width and offset; the design reminiscent of the original E-Type Lightweight wheels. Finally, a set of the new high-performance Bridgestone Potenza RE-71 RS tires were fitted to ensure the Jag was equally at home on the road or track.

The car was built by DevSpeed Motorsports, which is based at Sonoma Raceway by a team including Faruk Kugay, Victor Freire, Jose Varguez, Alexander Forsythe, Luke Wright, Sean McLean, Josh Sher, Seth Lewis and Dustin Volkmuth. The livery was applied by John Sharp at Landmark Grafix.

TECH SPEC

DevSpeed / ENEOS 1969 Jaguar E-Type 2+2 2JZ-GTE
Builder: Faruk Kugay, DevSpeed Motorsports, @faruk.kugay

Engine:

Toyota 2JZ-GTE inline-6 24-valve DOHC 3.0-liter with new USDM head casting, Deatschwerks Injectors, CP 10:1 pistons, Carrillo connecting rods, King Engine Bearings, Borg Warner EFR 8474 turbocharger, ENEOS Racing Street 0W-50 motor oil, Vibrant Performance Intercooler, Nuke Performance fuel rail, pressure regulator, fuel lines, fittings and Lightcell fuel cell, Driftmotion throttle body, Link G4 Fury ECU, Wiring Specialties wiring harness

Transmission:

E36 BMW M3 ZF five-speed manual transmission with ENEOS ECO ATF Plus low-viscosity fluid, E60 BMW 535i differential with ENEOS Gear Oil LSD 75W-90

Suspension/Chassis:

Silver’s coilovers, DevSpeed roll-cage, E60 BMW 535i rear subframe assembly, custom front suspension

Brakes:

2003 Corvette front brakes, 2010 BMW 535i rears

Wheels & Tires:

17×8.5” front, 17×10” rear Rotiform STL custom two-piece wheels, 225/45 R17 front and 255/40 R17 Bridgestone Potenza RE-71 RS tires

Exterior:

custom Illumasthetic 3D-printed widebody, prepared and painted by Vinny’s Autobody

Interior:

Tillett seats, OMP steering wheel, Schroth harnesses, OBP pedal box and foot panels

Thanks / Sponsors:

ENEOS, DevSpeed Motorsports, BorgWarner, Bridgestone Tire, Deatschwerks, Illumasthetic, Landmark Grafix, Nuke Performance, Rotiform, Tillett Seats

TWIN-ENGINED NISSAN 350Z

Displayed prominently outside SEMA’s Central Hall in display spot V049, this insane 2003 Nissan 350Z was the winner of the ENEOS / Pit+Paddock 2023 SEMA Show Car Contest hosted by ENEOS ambassador Dai Yoshihara. Powered by TWO turbocharged Honda engines, Ashley Robinson’s wild creation was selected to represent both brands by public vote and a judging panel.

Purchased at auction for $800, Robinson built itthe Nissan with drifting in mind. But the Frankenstein project would later take on a life of its own. Bought with a damaged rear-end, the car was reworked entirely. The damaged area was cut away before Robinson fabricated a roll-cage, which extended to the rear of the vehicle, mimicking the shape as the original body.

After two years shredding tires and an unfortunate roll-over, Robinson was too committed to the project to give up. Determined to move forward, he envisioned the twin-engined concept. The result was a monster mash-up, powered by two turbocharged Honda K24 engines, positioned in the front and middle, lubricated and protected by ENEOS high-performance engine oil.

Having overcome the technical hurdles of installing, turbocharging, and synchronizing the two engines, Robinson created custom aero. He handcrafted fender flares but left the exo-skeleton exposed at the rear to showcase his creation.

The ingenious and inventive fabrication make Robinson’s twin-engined 350Z a spectacle worthy of its contest-winning featured vehicle placement at the 2023 SEMA Show where it will certainly grab plenty of attention.

TECH SPEC

Twin-engined 2003 Nissan 350Z 

Builder: Ashley Robinson, MLZ Garage, @mlz_garage

Engine:

two K24 Honda 2.4-liter four-cylinder 16-valve engines with Hondata K-Pro ECUs, K-Tuned water plates with water pump/thermostat delete, throttle bodies and valve covers, BMW electric water pumps controlled via PWM, Nuke Performance surge tank with dual Walbro 450 lph fuel pumps, Color Fittings AN hardware, eight Alpha Injection Clinic 2200cc injectors

Transmission:

two Honda EP3 five-speed transmissions with 4.3:1 final drive ratios, custom length AKD Performance axles

Suspension/chassis:

full tube chassis with Air Lift Performance air bags, Accuair management

Brakes:

Hyundai Genesis Brembo front calipers with 340mm rotors, dual Nissan 350Z rear calipers with 322mm rotors

Wheels & Tires:

19×12” front, 19×14.5” rear Weds LXZ wheels, 305/30 R19 front and 355/30 R19 rear Kumho tires

Exterior:

Hyperhive carbon fiber doors, custom front and rear fenders, Seibon carbon fiber hood

Interior:

K-Tuned Acura RSX billet shifter modified to accept two shifter cables, Status Racing seats, dual Powertune digital displays

1997 TOYOTA LAND CRUISER PICKUP

The neo-vintage Toyota Land Cruiser 70/80-Series pickup was created by RPM Off-Road Garage in Monrovia, CA. It’s something both Japanese truck and off-road enthusiasts can appreciate, creating a truly unique vehicle that can be enjoyed on and off America’s roads. It will be displayed at SEMA 2023 in featured vehicle spot V053 alongside the Frankenstein twin-engine Nissan 350Z.

RPM owner Steve Lam bought a damaged 1997 Land Cruiser FZJ80 chassis for its off-road capability and durability since it features robust solid axles and coil sprung suspension, which is ideal for dirt. The 2009 HZJ79 pickup body was sourced from the Land Cruiser Heritage Museum in Utah, which was leftover parts imported from the Middle East after it was stripped to become an armored vehicle.

This conversion isn’t for the fainthearted: RPM lengthened the FZJ80 frame 18” and fabricated mounts to attach the HZJ79 body. Interestingly, the same body has essentially been around since the mid ’80s, and can be found all over the world… except in the United States. So, the RPM pickup is a brilliant example of what can be done with the right technical knowledge and determination to create something extraordinary. The vehicle will be utilized for off-road and overland expeditions by Steve and the RPM team.

ENEOS is proud to have partnered with RPM Off-Road Garage since 2020. As a registered member of the ENEOS Garage program, the shop utilizes ENEOS performance lubricants for its in-house projects and to service customer vehicles.

TECH SPEC

RPM Off-Road Garage Toyota Land Cruiser 70/80-Series pickup

Builder: Steve Lam, RPM Off-Road Garage, @rpmoffroadgarage

Engine: 

Toyota 1FZ-FE 4.5-liter DOHC 24-valve Inline-6 lubricated with ENEOS 5W-40 motor oil

Drivetrain: 

5.29:1 differential by Sierra Gears/West Coast Differentials, Eaton Performance e-locker front and rear axle differentials, Driveshaft Pro double carbon fiber front driveshaft, custom length rear driveshaft. The transmission is protected by ENEOS ECO ATF Plus low-viscosity oil and Gear Oil LSD 75W-90

Suspension/Chassis: 

FZJ80 chassis with Ironman4x4 Foam Cell Pro shock absorbers, 6” lift springs, caster correction, Panhard bars, RPM Off-Road Garage three-link suspension

Wheels & Tires: 

17×9” -40 HDR forged beadlock wheels, 37×13.50 R17 Toyo Open Country M/T tires

Exterior: 

HZJ79 body with ENEOS Motor Oil livery, Dissent Offroad front bumper, Warn Industries recovery winch, paint and wrap by Coachcraft Autobody, Inozetek graphic film, Front Runner Outfitters bed and cab racks, Pelican storage boxes, Ironman4x4 roof top tent, 270-degree awning, shower room, powered water tank, Switch Pro SP9100 lighting control unit, Baja Designs LP9 Pro front spot lamps, S8 roof light bar, S2 side lighting, rock light perimeter lighting, S1 rear chase lighting

Interior:

Scheel-Mann USA Vario F seats

EK SIM RACER

ENEOS BOOTH #24233 CENTRAL HALL

ENEOS is excited to feature the recently released EK Sim Racer in its SEMA booth. Providing a unique racing experience matched with unparalleled product design, the simulator will be available to SEMA attendees to show their skills.

“EK’s design language, technology, and innovation flows through all of our product lines and with that, our Sim Racer was inspired by the latest racing and automotive trends and technologies,” said Kat Silberstein, CEO of Americas, EKWB. “After countless hours of hard work with racing experts and professional drivers, EK brings you a finely-tuned setup that will provide enthusiasts with a complete racing experience.”

Starting at $20,000, the EK Sim Racer will be available for purchase in Q1 2024. Visit ekwb.com for more information.

TEAM ENEOS FORMULA DRIFT AUTOGRAPH SESSION

NOVEMBER 1, 2PM ENEOS BOOTH #24233 CENTRAL HALL

All 2023 SEMA Show attendees are invited to join Team ENEOS for an autograph session featuring its Formula DRIFT driver line-up including:

• Three-time FD PRO Champion Fredric Aasbo
• ENEOS ambassador and 2011 FD PRO Champion Dai Yoshihara
• 2023 PROSPEC Champion Ben Hobson
• 2023 FD PRO runner-up Odi Bakchis
• 2023 FD PRO fourth-place Simen Olsen
• FD PROSPEC driver, car builder and ENEOS ambassador Faruk Kugay