Sport compact racers, whether screaming down a quarter mile or smoking rubber in a drifting competition, really are no different than any other racer when it comes to their engine. They want more power, more reliability, and greater availability of hardcore parts. Sound familiar? Brian Crower from Brian Crower Inc., San Diego, California, explained, “Sport compact engines are more than likely forced induction and/or nitrous equipped, so there is more stress on the parts. The one problem has always been: Will the traditional V8 manufacturers produce products for these applications and keep them on the shelf? That’s why I created my new company, to focus solely on this market and give dealers a proven product, backed up with availability. A cam is a cam, regardless of what engine it’s going into, so educating dealers that this market is not a fad, it’s not going away, it’s growing every year…that’s the goal.” |
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While many racers focus on drag racing when thinking of sport compact engines, Crower said it’s important to include the drifting craze in the discussion as well. He noted that drifting events such as D1 and Formula D are packing in 15,000 spectators at some of their events. The sport compact market has gotten broader over the last few years, he said. “The Honda B Series is still the sport compact equivalent |
of the small block Chevy in terms of popularity, however other engines have caught up including the Mitsubishi 4G63, Subaru EJ20/EJ25, Honda K Series and the Toyota 2JZ due to their unlimited power potential,” Crower said. “And then there’s the up-and comers like the Nissan VQ35DE (350Z, G35) and Nissan SR20 and KA24. The trend is going toward rear wheel-drive platforms that cater to the drifting, high-horsepower crowd.” |
Crower advised that racers build their sport compact engine from the bottom up. “As the power increases, the connecting rods and pistons are the first items that must be replaced,” he explained. “As a rod manufacturer, the turbo, supercharger and nitrous vendors are my heroes. It all goes hand in hand. Once the short block is bullet proof, the next item required is the cams which will enhance the rpm range.” Brian Crower, Inc. offers cams for bothnormally aspirated and forced induction engines that are system matched to work with the corresponding valvetrain components. “Higher pressure valve springs and lightweight titanium retainers deliver added valve control and subsequently more rpm potential,” he said. Crower said tuners should be careful not to over cam a sport compact engine. “Just because a Stage 3 cam profile delivers 15–20 more horsepower than a Stage 2 cam, doesn’t mean that the Stage 3 is the right choice for that particular application,” he said.
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“Things to consider when recommending a camshaft are idle quality, fuel and air delivery, compression ratio and appropriate valvetrain. Specifically, can the OEM valve spring that the customer may want to run handle the lift and rpm of the desired camshaft? Other considerations include a realistic horsepower range. Not everyone is going to make 1000 hp, so be honest with your goals and make appropriate choices.” Brian Crower, Inc. was built on the premise that engine builders and end users want system-matched components that deliver advertised horsepower results at a very affordable price, available with one e-mail or phone call, according to Crower. “Keep it simple, but offer a lot. I have worked hard to develop a product line that works well together. |
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Stroker kits for increased displacement, camshafts and related valvetrain components for increased rpm potential. All designed to deliver more reliability and peace of mind that each component will deliver dyno proven results,” he said. “Being that my company is brand new, everything is relatively fresh,” Crower added. “However, Brian Crower, Inc. will evolve as the industry evolves. New products include camshafts, valvetrain and stroker kits for the Honda S2000 and K Series, Nissan VQ35, and the Mitsubishi Mivec engine. That said, there is a cottage industry that revolves around offerings that have been largely overlooked. Engines like the Nissan KA24DE, Toyota 7MGTE and Dodge SRT-4 have vast amounts of potential and customers that have the earning power to build their engines the right way, from the bottom up.” |
"Engine builders should know that, number one, the sport compact market is a viable market,” Crower said. “PRI wouldn’t run an annual issue on the subject if it was a fad or a toy. Number two, you have to be versed on the subject matter. You can’t sell EJ20 parts if you don’t know that it’s a Subaru platform. The customers will sense uncertainty or lack of knowledge and move on to the next builder. It is up to the manufacturer to educate the builders and enthusiasts on their product line. Make it easy to make a purchasing decision. “Which leads to point number three, an Internet presence,” Crower continued. “This generation of tuners wants information now, in an easy-to-read online format. |
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The days of sending a generic, V8-specific catalog via US mail is old school. Customers want detailed product information with the click of a button. They are more comfortable looking over your online offering and sending an e-mail than getting a traditional print catalog in the mail and making a phone call.” |
Click here for Brian Crower Stroker Kits, Camshafts and Valve Spring & Retainer Kits