A Look Inside Tanner Foust’s Rockstar Scion Formula D Drift Machine

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 A Look Inside Tanner Foust's Rockstar Scion Formula D Drift Machine
 A five stage dry sump system with 4 scavenge and one pressure stage keeps the engine lubricated under all conditions.  Dry sumps also increase power by reducing windage losses.
A Look Inside Tanner Foust's Rockstar Scion Formula D Drift Machine
The dry sump system’s tank is in the rear to help with weight distribution.

When the car debuted, ripples of dissent started among the many FD Teams over the legality of the car which reached full song once the car shook off the new car development blues and started kicking ass and taking names. Most of the top FD teams signed a petition protesting the car and a compromise was worked out to where the car had to be converted back to a stock Scion TC rear suspension and crossmember for the 2010 season. Papadakis racing took it all in stride and made the conversion very cleanly despite the expense and the car remained just as competitive and as much of a crowd pleaser as it has always been.

 A Look Inside Tanner Foust's Rockstar Scion Formula D Drift Machine
 The custom stainless headers feature merged collectors and stepped primaries.

This story isn’t so much whether or not the car should be allowed to compete or if it is legal or if the politics of Pro Drifting are influenced by corporations and other ridiculous conspiracy theories. We simply think that the Rockstar Scion is an awesome superbly engineered car and we are going to stick with that story.

 A Look Inside Tanner Foust's Rockstar Scion Formula D Drift Machine
 A huge Setrab oil cooler keeps the oil cool.  Drift cars are pounded hard, then must sit idling and heat soaking for as much as 6-7 minutes many times in a row.  Cooling is always an issue.  You can’t have too much cooling in drifting.

All competitive cars are first built around a first rate engine package and the Rockstar Scion TC is no exception. Tanner controls the loud pedal attached to nothing less than a full on Toyota TRD NASCAR Phase 9 V8 engine. This impressive motor has been reworked by Ed Pink to convert it to AEM fuel injection from carburetion and to detune it from nearly 800 hp to 660 flywheel hp out of 5.7 liters, sacrificing top end power for a more tractable wide and torquey powerband more suitable for drifting.

 A Look Inside Tanner Foust's Rockstar Scion Formula D Drift Machine
 The engine was converted by AEM to run individual Chevy LS coils, one per cylinder.  This ensures a hot spark and short primary leads.

The engine’s lofty 8800 rpm redline makes for a screaming sonic signature that is quite distinct. We think this is the best sounding car in drifting, period. The exhaust note is more akin to an IRL car than a rumbly domestic SBC. The note is crisp and intimidating all at once.

 A Look Inside Tanner Foust's Rockstar Scion Formula D Drift Machine
 A swirl pot/ surge tank ensures that the coolant is kept deaireated.  These tanks make a huge difference in cooling and all race cars should have them.

 

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