Engine conversions have been a mainstay of modifying since the days of Hot Rods in the US, and they've always been popular within the Japanese car scene too. Usually, conversions have been limited to powerplants from the same manufacturer, which is why companies such as Hasport have been so successful in producing billet mounts for specific swaps. You could probably count on one hand the amount of Civics on the road with B- and K-series engine conversions that don't feature Hasport mounts.

But today we find that nepotism is no more. Simply choose a great engine, one with plenty of tuning potential, and shoehorn it in. There's no shame in creating a Nisota or Toysan hybrid, performance and reliability are more important issues here. Who wouldn't question the sanity of forking out for an expensive rebuild with forged internals when a more gutsy, standard engine can be sourced for a fifth of the price? That is the primary reason why cover car owner Steve Usher chose a Toyota 2JZ straight-six over a highly strung SR20 in his Silvia, but in doing so he's built a car that is right at the forefront of current thinking. His decision is one that is being replicated all over the world at the moment; modifiers can't seem to get enough of the 1JZ (2.5-litre single turbo) and 2JZ (3.0-litre twin-turbo) engines. Powerful, eminently tuneable, over-engineered, and rev-happy, it's no wonder you'll also find a Toyota straight-six installed in the Mazda RX-7 of Tech-2 Motorsport's project on p124 of this issue. Elsewhere in this month's issue we go backwards in time with an astounding restoration project on a first-generation Prelude (p18), watch the flurry of activity that surrounds the birth of a new Group N rally car (p48), and experience Honda specialist Icetronix's take on a Time Attack Jazz. Of course, there is our usual unmatched show coverage and reporting of the recent Time Attack and European Drift Championship rounds. I also get the chance to bid a premature farewell to Project Aygo in my concluding feature on the car (p38). So if you like the look of this laugh-a-minute pocket rocket then don't forget to turn to p44 and enter the competition to win it. Where else can you get the chance to drive off in a full-on magazine project car for just £2?

Joe Clifford, Editor