Land Speed Racing: Nissan 240SX Hits 217+ MPH

Land Speed Racing: Nissan 240SX Hits 217+ MPH

Why Land Speed Racing?

Since 2006, DIYAutoTune founder Jerry Hoffmann has made the pilgrimage to Bonneville Speed Week almost every year, catching a severe case of “salt fever.” Land speed racing is unlike any other motorsport—unprepped concrete, no burnouts, and massive race weights that dwarf drag racing norms. The experience crewing for legends like Gary Hart (241 mph), the Collison brothers (~150 mph), and Lee Sicilio (273 mph) built the foundation for DIYAutoTune’s own program.

In 2010, the team began planning a dedicated project. By comparing drag coefficients and frontal areas, the first-gen Nissan 240SX (S13 fastback) stood out as the ideal platform: small frontal area, low drag, rear-wheel drive, and an engine bay roomy enough for nearly any powerplant. Affordable and available, it was the perfect blank canvas for land speed racing.

Class & Competition

  • Class: F / Blown Gas Coupe (F/BGC)

    • F Motor: 2.0 – 3.0 liters (DIYAutoTune’s car is 2997cc—right at the top)

    • Blown: Turbocharged

    • Gas: Event-spec race gasoline, no nitrous

    • Coupe: Production 4-seat body with minimal aero tweaks allowed

The Nissan 240SX has proven versatile, running and holding records in multiple SCTA and ECTA classes including BGC, BGALT, and BFALT.

Current Car Specifications

Chassis:

  • 1991 Nissan 240SX fastback

  • Custom 4-link rear suspension

  • Extensive roll cage (“how many points? All of them.”)

  • Race weight with driver: 4100 lbs

Engine:

  • Toyota 2JZ (GE head on GTE block with oil squirters)

  • Ported head, GSC S2 cams, Swift Racing intake, Manley TurboTuff rods, Mahle pistons

  • Turbonetics 79mm ball-bearing turbo (30–32 psi boost)

  • Powerhouse Racing/Dailey Engineering dry sump

Fuel System:

  • Aeromotive Eliminator pump & Pro Series regulator

  • 6 × 1200 cc/min injectors

Engine Management & Electronics:

Transmission & Driveline:

  • GForce GF4A dogbox transmission

  • Chevy 10-bolt rear with spool, 2.73:1 gears

Brakes:

  • Wilwood Dynalites (rear only)

  • DJ Safety land speed parachute

Records Held (as of Sept. 2015, Ohio Mile)

  • AA/BGC: 217.39 mph

  • A/BGC: 217.07 mph

  • B/BGC: 215.41 mph

  • C/BGC: 214.18 mph | C/BFALT: 214.69 mph

  • D/BGC: 215.20 mph | D/BGALT: 214.59 mph

  • E/BGC: 216.97 mph | E/BGALT: 210.97 mph | E/BFALT: 211.76 mph

  • F/BGC: 210.57 mph | F/BGALT: 215.82 mph | F/BFALT: 213.98 mph

Even in unlimited AA/BGC, the 3.0-liter 2JZ holds strong—proof of the car’s efficiency, tuning, and MS3Pro control.

Why It Matters

Bonneville and Ohio Mile land speed racing test cars at the absolute edge of durability, traction, and aerodynamics. For DIYAutoTune, it’s the ultimate proving ground for the MS3Pro engine management system and supporting hardware. The results speak for themselves: reliable 200+ mph passes, multiple records across classes, and the ability to compete against far larger displacement cars.