Quote:
Originally Posted by bambuko
No worries. I'm not sure why Toyota went with the V8 (after initially going with a 4 cylinder in the early years of JGTC), I always thought the main reason was simply response. Besides the angle you mentioned, which was more predicable and stable power delivery, I don't know what other advantage a NA V8 would have over a FI 6 - esp one as great as the 2JZ.
Have a nice weekend.
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I have a bit more info on that. Toyota chose to replace the 2jz with a v4 because of JGTC boostXdisplacement restrictions. Running the 2jz with enough boost to overcome its weight difference over a v4 would have been against the rules. Running it with a low enough boost level to comply with the rules would have made it non-competitive. The v4 conversion also allowed the center mass of the engine to move rearward in the chassis (vs. the I6), which had a positive impact on handling.
It's really a shame. As you're well aware, at higher boost levels, the 2jz really shines. On race fuel and a few tweaks, an mkiv tt 6spd with the oem twins is capable of 450rwhp+. At the time, HKS had a prototype sequential twin turbo, with larger-than-oem turbos. For whatever it's worth, I firmly believe a 2jz-equipped jza80 could have done extremely well in JGTC. It was only that series' rulebook that kept the 2jz out of the limelight.
Sincere hopes you have a great weekend too!