Hot Rod Bio: Ole’s LS Powered 240SX Built for Competition Drifting

Drifting is hard on cars. Ole’s 1992 Nissan 240SX was built with that reality in mind.

This isn’t a show car or a casual weekend build. It’s a purpose built competition drift car that’s been refined over years of driving, fixing, breaking, and improving. Every part on this car exists for a reason, and reliability is the top priority.

The Car

The chassis is a 1992 Nissan 240SX S13, a platform that helped define drifting in Japan and later became the backbone of grassroots drifting in the US. When Ole got into drifting, these cars were cheap, available, and easy to modify. That accessibility is what made the platform explode in popularity.

After eight years of ownership, this chassis has evolved far beyond its factory form, shaped by track time and competition experience.

Built for Drifting

Drifting is judged, not timed. Drivers are evaluated on line, angle, speed, proximity, and style, both leading and chasing another car. That means the car has to be predictable, responsive, and consistent run after run.

Ole built this 240SX with that exact goal. Everything from suspension geometry to tire selection is chosen to make the car controllable at extreme steering angles and sustained lateral G forces.

LS Power with Reliability First

Under the hood sits an aluminum block LS based engine, chosen specifically to reduce front end weight and improve balance. Rather than experimenting, Ole followed proven formulas used by other competitive drift builds.

A Texas Speed cam, upgraded valvetrain components, and most importantly, a dry sump oiling system keep the engine alive during long, aggressive drift runs. Oil control is critical in drifting, where sustained sideways motion can quickly starve a traditional wet sump setup.

NASCAR Inspired Drivetrain

Power is sent through a GForce GSR four speed dog box, a transmission originally designed for NASCAR use. Unlike synchronized street transmissions, the dog box allows fast, clutchless shifts under load, which is crucial mid drift.

Out back, the factory differential is welded for consistency, with upgraded axles to handle the abuse. Gear ratios are swapped as needed for different tracks, keeping the setup flexible without the cost of a full quick change rear.

Suspension, Steering, and Tires

Steering angle is handled by a steering angle kit, allowing the car to rotate aggressively without binding or interference. Suspension geometry, wheel sizing, and tire selection are all tuned to avoid understeer while maintaining consistent grip through an entire run.

Safety and Simplicity

Inside, the car is stripped to essentials. A full cage, racing seats, harnesses, fire suppression, and emergency shut offs meet competition requirements and keep the driver safe during contact.

Gauges are minimal. Oil pressure, coolant temperature and oil temperature are all Ole monitors while driving. The philosophy is simple. Fewer distractions, fewer failures.

Why We Love This Build

Ole’s 240SX is a perfect example of what Hot Rod Bio is about. It’s not flashy for the sake of being flashy. It’s built with intent, refined through experience, and proven on track.

It shows what’s possible when reliability and function come first, and it highlights the mindset required to compete consistently in drifting.

Watch the full episode to hear Ole walk through the build and see the car in action.