You might have an ambitious car idea in mind. It’s unique, unconventional, and probably something you won’t actually pursue. Many face challenges like budget or lack of skills to make such projects a reality. That’s why Ashley Robinson’s twin-engine custom 2003 Nissan 350Z is remarkable.
This 350Z wasn’t a pristine example converted into a wild chassis. It was salvaged for $800 after a rear-end collision. Ashley stripped away the damaged parts and built an exo-cage mimicking the original body lines.
Advertisement
That should’ve been the end of the $800 drift car, but Ashley had other plans in mind. “Instead of giving up, I had this vision for a dual engine build from years ago and we jumped right into it,” he recalls. Just over a year after that process began, his fully operational twin-engine Z was fired up and let loose on the road.
Using Honda K-series inline-four engines made sense. Two K24A2 long blocks were mounted transversely, like in an Acura TSX. Custom engine brackets were used to install the engine up front, effectively converting the Z to front-wheel drive, and there is no driveshaft connecting the power plants. But hold on, there’s much more to this. The rear K24 is of course a completely custom affair and Ashley mounted that engine directly between the rear wheels, converting the back half of the Z into a rear mid-engine, rear wheel drive layout. To get them to power all four wheels simultaneously, the engines each use a Civic EP3 5-speed transmission and both sets of shift cables are routed to a KTuned billet shifter where they’re coerced into the proper gear at the same exact time.
Both engines use VS Racing 67/62 turbos and 42mm waste gates. Skunk2 Ultra Street intake manifolds with KTuned 72mm throttle bodies were used. While the front engine outputs 563 horsepower, and the rear engine makes 574 hp at 14 psi, fine-tuned by Hondata. Each engine bay has unique finishing, with custom tin work and anodized hardware.
There isn’t much Nissan 350Z left in the interior, with LRB Speed door cards and a multi-piece aluminum dash and center console treatment, along with Status bucket seats and harnesses that give the cabin a completely new look. To keep tabs on both engines at the same time, there’s a pair of PowerTune Digital displays just behind the forged carbon Street Aero steering wheel.
After thirteen months of work, Ashley continues refining his creation, enjoying its unique power and handling. Check out Ashley’s Instagram account for more details and updates.
