In the world of automotive customization, there’s an unspoken rule – “If you can dream it, you can build it.” And it’s individuals like Jake Almario who breathe life into this beauty. What you’re about to uncover is a story that shines with the brilliance that only a 2JZ-GTE Powered Rocket Bunny 240SX can offer.
The Rocket Bunny Revolution
Picture this: The iconic S14 chassis, adorned with Rocket Bunny’s unmistakable aero kit. While Rocket Bunny is a well-known name, Jake Almario decided to elevate his project to a whole new level. Eight years ago, Rocket Bunny introduced its V2 S14 chassis update, and it was nothing short of revolutionary. Beyond the signature fender flare treatment, this kit featured a front-end conversion that drew inspiration from unexpected sources. The muscular stance of the Dodge Challenger and the vintage charm of a ’70s Barracuda. This transformation required the removal of the factory front end, making way for a daring visual overhaul.
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Crafting the Bold Aesthetics
Jake’s project is not just about pushing boundaries; it’s about meticulous craftsmanship. The Rocket Bunny kit boasts a flat bumper that gracefully tapers towards the bottom, reminiscent of ’70s Mazda and Toyota models. The factory hood bows to the might of the Rocket Bunny version, with an aggressively raised center section that pays homage to the muscle car genre. But this project is more than skin deep. The “love ’em or hate ’em” fender flares, adorned with exposed hardware, create ample space for formidable 18×11.5 TE37 wheels at the rear and 10-inch-wide wheels with 235/40s in the front. Underneath, bright green coated GReddy calipers and larger slotted rotors ensure performance matches the aesthetics, while new polyurethane bushings and Tein coil overs replace factory springs and shocks.
The Controversial Void – Missing Rear Bumper
In a move that challenges convention and sparks conversation, Jake’s 2JZ-GTE Powered Rocket Bunny 240SX proudly omits its rear bumper. In its place lies a captivating void, partially filled with strategically positioned brackets that support an imposing rear diffuser. The audacity of this design choice is as potent as the visual statement it makes. Every onlooker is left with questions, and controversy follows in the wake of this daring decision. But Jake’s unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries is evident in every curve of this unconventional masterpiece.
The Heart of the Beast – 2JZ Swapped 240SX Powerhouse
While parting ways with the original KA engine was a given, Jake’s ambitions extended far beyond the ordinary. Enter the legendary 2JZ-GTE engine from Toyota, promising not just power but an adrenaline-fueled experience. With plans to triple the native engine’s output, significant changes were essential. The block remains factory issue but refreshed, while the head underwent meticulous porting, polishing, and fitting with a Supertech valve train and Brian Crower 264s. The original twin-turbo setup was replaced with a single Borg Warner S366 turbocharger, mounted by a custom manifold and backed by a Precision 44mm wastegate. Custom titanium intercooler piping and a four-inch intake add a touch of brilliance to the engine bay, complementing both the coated valve cover and exterior paint.
In the pursuit of unparalleled power, fueling becomes paramount. Jake’s solution? A Magnafuel pump and Radium Engineering surge tank, meticulously placed in the trunk, deliver fuel to a PHR rail and ID1000 injectors. A Haltech management system and meticulous tuning orchestrate this symphony, resulting in over 700 horsepower on standard 91 octane fuel. However, this achievement came with its share of challenges, as Jake openly admits. The project encountered setbacks, including two previous engine swaps that couldn’t withstand the abuse. It’s a testament to the determination of an enthusiast who refuses to settle for the ordinary.
