Tradition Conflict: Mike Burroughs’ K24 Ferrari Takes Over SEMA

From the consolation of a desk nowhere close to Las Vegas, Nevada, I can nonetheless really feel the attraction of the 2022 SEMA Present.

However for so long as we’ve lined it on Speedhunters, SEMA has divided opinions. It’s a reasonably straightforward occasion to parody (I’ve misplaced rely of the variety of Bluetooth driveshaft memes I’ve seen over time…), however I’ve at all times maintained that it’s an event the place you’ll be able to select to take what you need from it.

If you wish to irritate your self by solely unfinished or low-quality initiatives, then you definately do you. If you wish to take low-cost photographs at builders who’ve spent months of their lives genuinely making an attempt to realize one thing only for likes and engagement by yourself social media, then have at it. Simply remember that most of us can see by the act, and we all know the people who find themselves contributing positively to international automobile tradition are.

There are a number of automobiles being unveiled at SEMA this 12 months that many people are ready to pore over. I might wager that Mike Burroughs’ Ferrari 308 is excessive on the listing for lots of people – and for good motive. This can be a construct that’s been pushed by ardour and logic over hype and developments. It’s Mike’s private challenge, and one he’s chosen to share with the world as he continues to be taught by doing.

The automobile’s hanging visuals solely inform half the story. Changing the heavier, slower and (infinitely extra unreliable) inventory Ferrari V8 is a fully-built and turbocharged Honda K24 engine. Its sound is extra according to a fire-breathing rallycross automobile than a ‘typical’ Okay-series, and with the enhance wound up from the Garrett G42-1200 turbo, Mike’s aiming for 1,000whp.

That sort of energy is pushed to the rear-wheels by a Quaife QKE8J 5-speed sequential gearbox, with braking taken care of by AP Racing Professional 5000Rs. All cooling is supplied by CSF, together with radiators and the cost cooler which is neatly supported by the rear strut brace.

Reeling off these sort of elements makes this sound like an off-the-shelf construct, however in actuality it’s something however. The suspension is a ground-up redesign with hand-built management arms, model new uprights and extra. Sarcastically, the largest credit score to Mike’s work is how nicely built-in all of it seems to be packaged collectively.

Regardless of what some would possibly assume, the usage of a turbocharged Honda K24 right here hasn’t been finished to rile diehard Ferrari lovers. It’s an ideal instance of somebody wanting previous the attract of a model to be able to make one thing higher by any affordable measure. By ignoring the romantic concepts of what makes a Ferrari a Ferrari, Mike has created one thing way more attention-grabbing.

Whilst you ought to take into account this highlight a prelude to a full Speedhunters characteristic after the present, we wished to take the chance to have a good time the completion of this challenge and to congratulate Mike on assembly his personal private purpose of driving the automobile into SEMA load-in.

Positive, there’s nonetheless work to be finished, however that’s at all times the case with an intensive challenge like this. The construct is just one a part of this Honda-powered Ferrari’s story; testing and improvement is one other, whereas having fun with the automobile as supposed is possibly the largest a part of all of it.

That this automobile was created for use lengthy after SEMA 2022 is a reasonably good motive to spend money on its story.

One other interesting side with this construct and a number of the others we plan on that includes, is that they’re not initiatives created with open cheque books. Take the extent of element Mike’s poured into this automobile. See that ‘244 GTK’ badge? That’s a retake on the unique ‘308 GTB’ one (3.0-litre, 8-cylinder) changed with the brand new engine (2.4-litre, 4-cylinder and Okay-series).

On this case, Mike and his workshop have invested one thing way more precious into the automobile – their time. Though if time was actually cash, I’m positive Mike & co. can be closely overdrawn at this stage, particularly given the single-digit hours of sleep incurred over the previous couple of weeks.

However the outcomes communicate for themselves. On paper it’s one of many wildest builds at SEMA 2022 and within the metallic it’s much more staggering. Do you have to be in attendance at SEMA this week, you will discover the 244 GTK on the CSF Cooling stand – #21309 within the Central Corridor. However should you’re on the lookout for a full, in-depth large learn on Mike’s automobile, don’t stress. We might be again with a a lot bigger characteristic on this unbelievable automobile after we meet up with it at Stanceworks HQ shortly after SEMA.

Paddy McGrath
Instagram: pmcgphotos
Vero: pmcgphotos
paddy@speedhunters.com

Pictures by Mark Riccioni
Instagram: mark_scenemedia
Twitter: markriccioni
mark@scene-media.com