Diplomacy InCARnate: 2JZ-Powered Corvette Runs 8s

By adpock - October 15, 2015

2jz-corvette

Too often, automotive enthusiasts spill vitriol about other brands, all in the name of dedication to their one true marque. Certainly this next case will cause much spillage.

I, on the other hand, being an elevated soul, can see how swapping a JDM engine into THE most iconic of iconic American sports cars, is merely an act of automotive diplomacy. Especially since the swap in question has led to some rather impressive performance gains to the snarling tune of 1100 WHP.

As you can see in the video and gallery below, what we have here is a C3 Corvette fitted with a turbo-charged 2JZ GTE engine from a Lexus SC300. With such an influx of power, obviously, there are a few more mods that have taken place, including forged engine internals, Powerglide transmission, Strange suspension, and a wheelie bar. And judging from the footage of the car’s squirrelly 8.9 second quarter-mile run at 153 mph, there may need to be a few more done for safety concerns.

Still, despite the obvious power, the swap doesn’t exactly add up. As AutoEvolution points out, “the JDM engine is not necessarily lighter than a good old V8.”

Whatever, in my book, originality counts for a lot. As does diplomacy. And if international relations can lead to faster drag times, then shouldn’t we put nationalism and common sense aside and just embrace hooniganism?