I’ve personally known Brandon since the 7th grade. We actually went to high school together for that matter. But as many have experienced in their lifetime, things happen, people move away and sometimes you just lose contact with your friends and family. My stark memory of Brandon was that he was a Rugby League player and had very little interest in cars if any at all.
After a half decade without speaking we finally crossed paths early in 2011 at a Circuit Club track day at Eastern Creek Raceway. I was quite surprised to see him strapped into a K24 powered DC2R at his first track day and even more surprised when he had told me he had just learnt how to drive manual. He wasn’t breaking any records that day but it was great to see him out there having a go.
Eventually he had caught the track bug and the modifications began to flow. Basic modifications such as upgraded coilovers, suspension bushings, lightweight wheels, tyres and brakes were thrown at the car in very little time. As Brandon began to build up on his track experience and develop his driving technique he felt the need for something more, something different and for a street car it was something very different.
Forced induction via a Rotrex C38-61 supercharger was Brandon’s preferred option for the standard K20/K24 Frankenstein. In the words of Brandon himself “I prefer the power delivery of the supercharged setup coming from a N/A background, over a turbo setup, and believe its more suitable for time attack racing especially after seeing great results in the USA and BYP Racing & Developments right here in Sydney.”
As the 2011 season progressed the car became more serious with additions to aero and gearing and by the end of the season the standard engine finally let go. “Looking at the car that day with its flared guards, 17×10” rims, custom front splitter and an APR wing, it hit me how far its come from the DC2R I once drove to work every day with. I decided to cancel the rego and strip the car down and begin the rebuild for the 2012 season,” Brandon said. Before being stripped down the car stopped the clocks at 1.03.2 at Wakefield Park and 1.40.2 at Eastern Creek and was the winner of the 2011 Honda Nationals. Rocket fast times.
Sponsors of the car, BYP Racing & Developments have carried out most of the modifications to it to this point and will continue to back the car until it’s completion. A recent visit to the workshop revealed the progress of the build thus far, and a dramatic change could be seen upon first glance.
Without the front bumper on it is easy to see how aggressive the set of 17×10″ Enkei RPF1’s wrapped in 255/40/17 Advan A050’s were, which stunned the Honda scene as it rolled off the trailer at the 2011 Honda Nationals.
A closer look at what it takes to fit 17×10″ rims on a Honda Integra reveals the excessive amount of flaring and custom fabrication that is required. Also note the drilled holes on the door hinges to save those important grams.
Taken from the J’s Racing Australia DC5R which raced only once at the 2010 World Time Attack Challenge are these huge 6 pot calipers which will surely help Brandon pull up his DC2R.
While the final engine is being pieced together a dummy K24A was dropped in to acquire the correct measurements of piping for the intercooler and supercharger. Pictured is the Xcessive intake manifold, popular in the US for high boost and nitrous applications which will be bolted onto the final engine. It features much larger runners in comparison to OEM intake manifolds and increased plenum volume.
The Rotrex C38-61 is set to be replaced with a C38-91 supercharger. The Rotrex C38-91 is the “big boy” C38 with an impeller wheel designed for better overall efficiency. Rotrex believes the unit is capable of producing up to 650hp on a 2.4L engine.
A huge custom intercooler whipped up by ALL IN Fabrication will hopefully overcome the previous overheating issues the car experienced at Eastern Creek Raceway.
These gold Hasport EGK1 solid mounts will hold the Frankenstein motor in place and will guarantee Brandon a free back massage when driving.
A look at the undercarriage of the DC2R shows that it means serious business. Jimmy at BYP fabricated a custom 3.5” mild steel exhaust running straight down the centre and through the boot where the spare tyre would usually be positioned. This increases the amount of flow as well as reduces weight, but also allows enough room to run an effective rear diffuser. To complement the high output engine in the suspension department are a set of top of the line Tein Super Racing Spec coilovers paired with an ASR 32mm sway bar and spherical bearing Function 7 lower control arms.
Here you can see that the interior has been resprayed grey and the exhaust running through the boot. The two holes on the right behind the fuel pump are where the rear seatbelts used to be mounted. This is one of many parts of the interior which have been cut out to save further weight.
The guys at BYP believe weight reduction will play a big part in the success of the car, however in terms of safety a 6 point chromoly roll cage was fabricated by Mr Enforcer to keep weight down to a minimum but also to ensure the car will pass CAMS regulations.
A suede NRG steering wheel replaces the bulky OEM Momo wheel fitted with airbags.
Being transformed into a full blown time attack racer the car only requires just enough fuel for a few warm up laps and a flying lap. A 10L JAZ fuel tank is mounted at the front passenger side to save weight but also to transfer weight to the front of the car which will increase traction for a FWD vehicle.
This is how the car currently sits. The guys at BYP are working around the clock to complete the car as soon as possible. We’ll be visiting them soon to give you a further updates on the build.
