Bonneville World Of Speed Part II: 200 MPH or Bust!

Again, at precisely the same speed (193 MPH) the Project 240SX LSR would veer off course and enter a spin. There’s a certain sensation of weightlessness that comes at that moment. Recognizing it, I was able to activate the chute faster this time around.

MotoIQ Project 240sx after the spin. The force of air from underneath was so strong it bent the hood.

While reaching for the chute, a string of profanities so vulgar it would have made a sailor blush spewed from my mouth. I was grateful to be alive but absolutely disgusted. I walked away frustrated and helpless. We’d struggled for months to get here and found Project 240SX LSR’s terminal velocity. We had literally built a car so fast, we couldn’t keep it on the ground anymore. Without being reckless, there was nothing more we could do.

MotoIQ Project 240sx timing slip

We had qualified for a new record with our last trap speed of 185.9 MPH. By this point though, the storm had caught up with us and getting the car to impound was the least of our concerns.

Storm rolling in at the 2014 Bonneville Salt Flats World of Speed

Storm rolling in at the 2014 Bonneville Salt Flats World of Speed

With wind gusts over 25 MPH, rain traveled sideways and pelted us in the face. EZ Ups and tarps were flying everywhere. The pits were complete chaos. With lighting now striking in the distance, the crew frantically tour down the pit and hastily loaded up the truck. With one record in the bag, we decided to throw in the towel and head for home.

The video above examines the aerodynamics of a second generation Mazda RX-7 using a scale model. Having a similar silhouette to that of our S13 Nissan 240SX, one is left to wonder if the two chassis share the same problems.

After examining the videos and consulting with the nerd herd, we hypothesize that the shape of Project 240SX LSR makes it prone rear end lift at speed. Since we must maintain a factory silhouette in the production class, we are left with only a few options to test in hopes of keeping Project 240SX LSR on the ground. On the list of modifications to test are the USDM waffle spoiler and the complete JDM 180SX type X kit. In addition, we’ll be experimenting with the rake of the car as well as the addition of several hundred pounds of weight. To validate our testing we’ll be measuring and logging shock travel using our AEM Infinity EMS.

So did we reach 200 MPH? Unfortunately, we did not this time around. But as the old saying goes, if it were easy, everyone would be doing it.

Stay tuned.