In progress, HKS DRAG 180SX

I know I haven't posted any completed builds in a while, but here is my new project. As the post says it's the HKS Drag 180SX.
Kits used:
Fujimi Initial D "Kenji" 180SX
Revell Summitt Racing Pontiac Firebird Pro Stock
Fujimi HKS Group A R32 Skyline (for the decals)
Tamiya RB26DETT supplied by nis.k.a.
and many spare parts as well as styrene rods.

So far I have built the front half completely out of styrene rods and spare parts. The rest of the chassis/interior is modified from the Firebird since it has a lift back just like the 180. These photos show the completed chassis and the modified body. Everything fits together and looks like an actual kit, so far. My biggest fear is the decals, since they were intended for the R32 and will make or break this build. Enough already, here's the pics.
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/58104drag180sx3.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/58104HKS_Drag_180SX_003-med.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/58104HKS_Drag_180SX_004-med.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/58104HKS_Drag_180SX_014-med.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/58104HKS_Drag_180SX_005-med.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/58104HKS_Drag_180SX_006-med.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/58104HKS_Drag_180SX_012-med.jpg

I'll update as the weekend goes by.
As always :feedback:

Wow, this is going to a cool project. Your progress so far looks great. Can't wait to see more.

Going to be PIMP!!!!

The hks decals are from the R32, huh? Finally, a Pro stock drag car we all can be proud of, this and P-mans volvo.

Looking nice, Keep up the good work. :smile:

This is so cool!!!

VERY VERY COOL project.

Its different. I LIKE IT!!!! this will be an interesting build up, will follow this closely.

wow as always!

Cant wait to see more! :)

wow, it's so cool

Definately looking forward to more!

This won't be a five minute build, something tells me that! Good luck :D

I still don't like foreign cars(foreign to the States) as drag cars, especially the front wheel drive ones, but I like your work and it's a cool project.

This looks like an awesome project. Keep up the good work.

HKS C:sunglasse:sunglasselness!!

Pretty wild, will look good next to the nsx ;)

Vey don't know if you know this, but the 180sx/240sx are rwd. You probably do know.

BTW, Spoonman, Technically, the real car is a 240sx. It's LHD. And that pic isn't mirrored.

Can't wait to see how this one turn's out.

BTW, Spoonman, Technically, the real car is a 240sx. It's LHD. And that pic isn't mirrored.

It's LHD in the cockpit, but it's a 180SX in every other aspect, this car is only LHD for drag racing purposes

wow! I will keep an eye on this thread!
I found some pics.....you maybe already have them..hope it helps....

http://netcity1.web.hinet.net/userdata/wang1970/r_hks180.htm

looking forward to se its progress

nice project very nice

Thanks for the replys so far. HKS Booster, I have those pics thanx. They are what I'm using as a refrence. I also have a DVD with limited coverage if this car inside and out.
Well, here's more progress. I have modified both the intake and exhaust side of the RB26. I took the turbos from the Tamiya R33 Calsonic Skyline and added a custom piece from an ink pen clicker (you know, the top). The Calsonic's intercooler and radiator are modified to fit the chassis, and all of the piping (not shown) was made from styrene. If there are any questions feel free to ask.
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/500/58104drag180sx9.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/500/58104HKS_Drag_180SX_015-med.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/500/58104HKS_Drag_180SX_016-med.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/500/58104HKS_Drag_180SX_017.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/500/58104HKS_Drag_180SX_018.jpg

I took the turbos from the Tamiya R33 Calsonic Skyline and added a custom piece from an ink pen clicker (you know, the top).

Cool! I like those a lot! Great idea.

Nice turbos! But, technically, doesn't 1 large turbo benefit more than 2 smaller ones? I realise youre replicating a real car, and that's how the real one is, but I just wanted to know. BTW, are the pen top clickers open on top, or just dished?

Nice turbos! But, technically, doesn't 1 large turbo benefit more than 2 smaller ones? I realise youre replicating a real car, and that's how the real one is, but I just wanted to know. BTW, are the pen top clickers open on top, or just dished?
I'm not a turbo expert, but to my knowledge with a twin turbo setup, one is for the lower RPM range and the other is for mid to high RPMs.

The ink pen is closed at the top, and the ink tube is inserted into the bottom of the clicker. Just like a regular old BIC pen. The ones I have at work have a chrome top.

oooo. that explains alot. thanks! Keep up the good work. Trying my hand at some TT projects aswell now :D

I'm not a turbo expert, but to my knowledge with a twin turbo setup, one is for the lower RPM range and the other is for mid to high RPMs.


I think this is wrong. As you can see how the turbos are placed at the engine, you notice that only three exhaust pipes goes to each turbo.
So each turbo is "powered" by three cylinders.

Loving the pen idea, You have some real skill.

Keep it up! :)

the turbos on the RB26 work together not sequentially like some other cars

Here's more progress. The body has been painted, clear coated, and polished. The chassis is drying and should be ready for it's final coat of paint within the next few days.
Now the fun part begins. Decals :evillol: This part of the build up will determine the fate of my HKS Drag 180SX. Wish me luck.

Here's the body before putty and paint.
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/500/58104HKS_Drag_180SX_007.jpg

After
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/500/58104HKS_Drag_180SX_020.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/500/58104HKS_Drag_180SX_021.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/500/58104HKS_Drag_180SX_023.jpg

Come on folks, I need some feedback or decal suggestions.

cant help ya with the decals but damn that looks sweet.

Nice Work. :smile:

looks cool too me. what'd you polish the body with?

This is going to be awesome!

No suggestions for decals, do them HKS! Unless you are asking for technical advice... In that case, take the decal sheet you have down to your copy shop and copy them (alternatively, trace them on tracing paper) and then place them on the body, to see what modifications you will have to make on them to get them to work properly. Unfortunately, you may have to fudge placement a little bit. You might also want to see if you can find some paints that match the decals (or a second sheet) so you can repair tears... and the decals won't lay right because they were made for another car, unless you rock (which you seem to) there will be tears and darts cut in the decals. Good luck! And I can't wait, this is great!

Awesome , Love to see something different now and then

Wo I make the HKS drag supraa me but your is really good

Well fellas and ladies, the hard part of this build-up is out of the way. I spent all evening decaling the body. I was going to stop with the hood, but I likeed the results so I continued until complete. Took about a good 4 hours. Now some of you may notice a slight decal modification from the 1:1 car. The #87 from the Group A stayed. I thought about this decision for quite some time and decided that it would make decal application easier with everything intact. I've added the Autometer decal and the Standard Abrasives decals, and that's all. There is purple within the decal, but it's very hard to see. I'll let the pics do the talking.

86 SR5, I polished the body with a Detail master polishing kit.
First I prepped the body: sanding mold lines, filling in body lines and gas cap ect.
Next I applied flat black, sanded and re-applied flat black.
Then I clearcoated the body, and polished the clearcoat.

I'm through typing for the night, here's what you all have been waiting to see............Be nice, it's not perfect.

http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/500/58104HKS_Drag_180SX_024.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/500/58104HKS_Drag_180SX_031.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/500/58104HKS_Drag_180SX_026.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/500/58104HKS_Drag_180SX_027.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/500/58104HKS_Drag_180SX_025.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/500/58104HKS_Drag_180SX_030.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/500/58104HKS_Drag_180SX_029.jpg

:naughty:
Now the body will be put away until the rest of the car is complete.

that is freaking awesome dude. and people 86_SR5 is right, it is based on an american 240sx shell. not a JDM 180SX. dont ask me why, its just the way it was done. the only reason i know this as it was in an interveiw that some austrailan mag had with the HKS head boss.and the reasons they use twins on the drag car is because it spools up quicker that a big single cause an RB26 only has a short stroke. where as say a supra would spool up a big single pretty quick due to its totally square design.

later all.

p.s. keep goin dude, im loving this model.

Looks like the decals were no problem! Great work. This is gonna be fantastic.

Looks great man! Not perfect? Looks freakin perfect to me. :iceslolan

What more can i say then....BLOODY AWESOME !!

One Word: Whoa!

Man thats gorgous, loving it, Great work man, really great... :evillol:

Wiiiiiiicked!!! :D

Like Lil' Jon would say: YAYESS!!:sunglasse

Totally Fantastic!

Great Project!

Greeeeeeeeaaat Stuff

Like Lil' Jon would say: YAYESS!!:sunglasse
OKAAY! :sunglasse
I'm glad to see so many people interested in this project. I promise to have this car finished before the end of Feb.

Definitely hot.......

Here's a bit more progress. I've slightly detailed the engine bay and interior. I added the driver's side safety net, racing harness, fuel cell, battery, racing gauges, shifter, and wheelie bars. I've also detailed the windows and tail lights. I still have to finish the intercooler, radiator, electric fan, turbo piping, rear spoiler w/supports, steering wheel, tachometer, and electronics. Here's the project @ 75% completion.
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/500/58104HKS_Drag_180SX_032.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/500/58104HKS_Drag_180SX_033.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/500/58104HKS_Drag_180SX_034.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/500/58104HKS_Drag_180SX_035.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/500/58104HKS_Drag_180SX_036.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/500/58104HKS_Drag_180SX_039.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/500/58104HKS_Drag_180SX_043.jpg

:eek: :eek: Whaô! :eek: :eek: (searching for intelligible words, but can't find them...)

wow. awesome. how'd you do the rivets on the window?

DAMN! That is freakin bad a**! Keep up the great work!

BTW is the model heavy since it has so many things on it? Just curious. :smile:

wow. awesome. how'd you do the rivets on the window?
You want to know how I did the rivets huh? :naughty:
I used a sharpie for the black around the windows, after that dried I used my vice pin and drilled each hole/rivet on the inside of the windows. If I messed up I could erase the mistake by going over it with the sharpie again.
I guess I'm sharing all of my modeling secrets in this thread :p

As far as the weight, it's not as heavy as it may seem. It's still plastic you know.

Omg, that is amazing, awesome work, loving your engine, i love the car period :naughty:

beautiful!!! it will go nice with the drag nsx!

You want to know how I did the rivets huh? :naughty:
I used a sharpie for the black around the windows, after that dried I used my vice pin and drilled each hole/rivet on the inside of the windows. If I messed up I could erase the mistake by going over it with the sharpie again.
I guess I'm sharing all of my modeling secrets in this thread :p

As far as the weight, it's not as heavy as it may seem. It's still plastic you know.

Cool method! Never would have thought of it myself...

Have you thought of maybe drilling all the way through and plugging the hole with a piece of styrene rod painted silver?


Beautiful car, btw. I'm very inspired.

simply amazing, great work!!

Coming along very swiftly, great progress!