Option — Shōwa Car Tuning & Buyers Guide (2000 Edition)

The A31 Cefiro sparked a boom in four-door drift cars. Its excellent controllability and stylish body remain appealing, and it is still active at drift spots around the country. Its only real weakness may be a lack of power. Big One specializes in drift-car modifications and solved that shortcoming with an engine swap, choosing the RB25DET, an upper-tier RB-series engine… [copy continues].

Transferred from an , it produces about 300 hp with increased boost. Why choose an engine swap for more power? Tajima’s answer: “To secure low- and mid-range torque and durability.” The RB20 lacks punch, and fitting a larger turbo makes it an abrupt, peaky setup. The 500 cc larger RB25DET delivers torque throughout the range, is easier to drive, and is less prone to failure. It also costs about half as much as an RB26DETT, making it well suited to a drift build. On the road, abundant low-speed torque makes tight corners easy. Its power also lets the driver hold a deep drift angle and cover distance with ease. Worth a look for anyone who wants their Cefiro to stand out!

The Cefiro is a four-door sedan that shares its engine and drivetrain with the Laurel. Its front-strut and rear multi-link suspension layout is the same as the Silvia’s. Main engines included the RB20DE, a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated inline-six rated at 155 PS, and the turbo RB20DET rated at 205 PS. The turbo model’s peak output was lower than the Skyline Type M’s because it was tuned for everyday usability and response. A 2.5-liter RB25DE joined the range in the 1992 facelift, but no turbo version was offered. The 1994 full model change switched the car to front-wheel drive.