What’s Better Than A Hayabusa Engine Swap? How About A 345HP Hayabusa V8?
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What’s Better Than A Hayabusa Engine Swap? How About A 345HP Hayabusa V8?

What’s Better Than A Hayabusa Engine Swap? How About A 345HP Hayabusa V8?

No matter the place you sit on the continuum of automotive and motorbike fanatics, likelihood is wonderful that you have seen no less than one Suzuki Hayabusa engine-swapped creation by now. They’re a popular choice, significantly for automotive purposes in search of a compact, comparatively light-weight and highly effective engine. 

Depending in your pursuits, you might also have seen a whole monster of a closely modified Toyota Starlet tearing up worldwide hillclimb competitions for the previous a number of years. It’s the satisfaction and pleasure of Finnish engineer and racer Mikko Kataja and his store, VHT Racing. Although it rose to fame whereas powered by a 4AGE Toyota engine, Kataja determined {that a} change was to ensure that the 2023 racing season.

VHT Racing Toyota Starlet V8 RPE 2.6L Double Hayabusa Engine

The 2.6L Hayabusa V8 by Radical Precision Engineering, which at the moment powers the VHT Racing Toyota Starlet hillclimb racer

VHT Racing Toyota Starlet V8 RPE 2.7L Double Hayabusa Engine with Cosworth Pistons - In Progress

The 2.7L Hayabusa V8 by Radical Precision Engineering, with Cosworth pistons on the aspect, at the moment within the strategy of being perfected by VHT Racing

That’s when he switched to a 2.6-liter Suzuki Hayabusa V8 constructed by Radical Precision Engineering. It’s their Gen One mannequin, although VHT Racing additionally has a second 2.7-liter Gen Two model within the store that is being ready as a future improve swap for the Starlet. That one will function Cosworth high-compression pistons and places out much more energy. Both iterations are and can proceed to be naturally aspirated.

Here’s a more in-depth take a look at the completely swoon-worthy ported Hayabusa heads that VHT Racing has been engaged on for the two.7L upgraded model:

 

How Much Power Are We Talking?

In its present configuration, the VHT Racing Toyota Starlet V8 makes round 345 horsepower at 10,500 rpm. It’s not but clear how a lot energy will probably be gained after they get carried out dialing within the 2.7L Gen Two Hayabusa V8, however Kataja estimates that 440 horsepower is distinctly throughout the realm of risk.

Kataja Didn’t Choose The Starlet Life; The Starlet Life Chose Him

Kataja, whose day job is spent fixing engineering issues for patrons as a venture supervisor with Bosch Motorsport, has had the Toyota Starlet in his life for over twenty years now. Way again within the yr 2000, the then-engineering pupil bought an affordable Toyota Starlet shell for a rally automobile venture he was planning. 

It wasn’t in nice form, however when you might have huge goals and extra time than cash in your palms, you are keen to do no matter it takes to make it work. As the Bosch Motorsport official journal described it, “the car [became] his final thesis in the racecar mechanic studies.” 

He did rallying within the Starlet for a bit, earlier than a rollover crash resulted in his parking it in his father or mother’s storage for a couple of years. Eventually, he fastened it again up and began doing time assault racing. After shifting to Germany for work, he and the Starlet started tackling the hillclimb self-discipline collectively, and the remaining is historical past.

For a a lot deeper dive into the VHT Racing Toyota Starlet (together with its newest Hayabusa V8-powered guise), Bosch ECUs, Finland’s grand historical past of nationwide motorsport ardour, and extra, be sure you take a look at this podcast with Kataja: