SuperfastMatt Plans Hayabusa Swap to Shatter 325 MPH Land Speed Record
SuperfastMatt Plans Hayabusa Swap to Shatter 325 MPH Land Speed Record
Image: SuperfastMatt Plans Hayabusa Swap to Shatter 325 MPH Land Speed Record – Performance Comparison and Specifications
When you hear the name SuperfastMatt, you immediately think of blistering straight‑line runs, daring engineering feats, and a community that lives for the rush of a perfect mile‑per‑hour count. The latest buzz? Matt is swapping the heart of his record‑breaking car for a 700‑hp Suzuki Hayabusa turbo‑petrol engine in a bid to push the land speed record past the coveted 325 mph mark.
Why the Hayabusa?
The Hayabusa has been the gold standard for high‑performance motorcycles since its debut in 1999. Its 1,340 cc inline‑four, originally naturally aspirated, can be coaxed into delivering over 200 hp on the street. With forced induction, enthusiasts have pushed it past the 300‑hp threshold, and Matt’s team is aiming for a jaw‑dropping 700 hp. The reasons are simple:
- Compact size – The engine’s slim profile fits the narrow chassis of a land‑speed car without massive modifications.
- Proven reliability – Decades of racing pedigree mean the engine can endure extreme stresses.
- Turbo‑petrol advantage – Turbocharging a gasoline engine offers rapid spool and peak torque, crucial for breaking the 325 mph barrier.
Project Overview
Matt’s current record car, affectionately nicknamed “The Beast,” is already a marvel of aerodynamics. It sports a carbon‑fiber monocoque, a 3‑point roll cage, and a suite of ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) that monitor everything from yaw rate to wheel slip. However, the engine is the limiting factor. The team’s plan is to replace the existing 1,500 hp V8 with the Hayabusa‑based turbo unit, then fine‑tune the power delivery to keep the car stable at unimaginable speeds.
Key Milestones
- Design & CAD integration – early 2025.
- Turbocharger selection – twin‑scroll vs. single‑scroll testing, Q3 2025.
- Bench testing – target 700 hp at 7,000 rpm, Q4 2025.
- Track debut at Bonneville – early 2026.
Design & Dimensions
| Parameter | Original Beast | Hayabusa‑Swap |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Length | 3.2 m | 3.2 m (unchanged) |
| Width | 1.9 m | 1.85 m (narrower engine bay) |
| Height | 1.1 m | 1.07 m |
| Wheelbase | 2.4 m | 2.4 m |
| Weight | 1,250 kg | 1,210 kg (engine weight saved) |
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Current Setup | Hayabusa Swap |
|---|---|---|
| Power Output | 1,500 hp (V8) | 700 hp (turbo‑petrol) |
| Torque | 1,300 Nm | 900 Nm |
| Fuel Type | High‑octane gasoline | Turbo‑petrol (91 RON) |
| Turbocharger | None | Twin‑scroll twin‑turbo |
| ADAS Suite | Yaw‑control, Traction‑control | Same suite, recalibrated |
| Cooling System | Liquid‑cooled V8 | Water‑to‑air intercooler |
Engine Specifications
| Spec | Hayabusa Turbo | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,340 cc | Inline‑four |
| Boost Pressure | 2.5 bar | Twin‑scroll turbo |
| Peak Power | 700 hp @ 7,000 rpm | Target after dyno tuning |
| Peak Torque | 900 Nm @ 5,500 rpm | Broad torque curve |
| Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | Lowered for boost |
| Fuel System | Direct‑injector + throttle body | Hybrid for response |
Price Comparison
| Component | Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Original V8 Engine | $250,000 | Custom‑built, race‑spec |
| Hayabusa Turbo Package | $85,000 | Includes twin‑turbo, ECU, intercooler |
| Fabrication & Integration | $120,000 | Mounts, wiring, cooling |
| Testing & Dyno Time | $45,000 | Three‑month program |
| Total Project Cost | $500,000 | Projected, includes contingency |
Engineering Challenges & Solutions
Swapping a motorcycle engine into a land‑speed car isn’t just “plug‑and‑play.” The team faces several hurdles:
- Heat Management – At 700 hp, the turbo system generates massive heat. Matt’s crew is adding a liquid‑to‑air intercooler and ceramic‑coated exhaust manifolds.
- Transmission Matching – The Hayabusa’s gearbox is not built for the torque spikes of a land‑speed run. A custom sequential gearbox with reinforced gearsets is being sourced.
- Chassis Reinforcement – Even though the engine is lighter, the new torque delivery demands additional reinforcement at the engine mounts.
- Electronic Calibration – The ADAS suite must be re‑tuned to interpret the turbo lag and rapid torque buildup, preventing wheel spin at >300 mph.
Personal Anecdote
Matt recalls his first encounter with a Hayabusa at a drag strip in 2018. “I was sitting behind the rider as the bike roared past 180 km/h in a split second. I thought, ‘What if I could harness that scream in a car?’ That night, I sketched the first concept on a napkin. Fast forward eight years, and we’re on the brink of turning that napkin into reality.”
Timeline & Expected Milestones
Here’s a quick glance at the upcoming schedule:
- Q1 2025 – Complete CAD integration and order turbo components.
- Q2 2025 – Fabricate engine bay adapters and begin bench testing.
- Q3 2025 – Dyno tuning to achieve the 700 hp target.
- Q4 2025 – Install engine, run shakedown at local test track.
- Early 2026 – Attempt land speed record at Bonneville Salt Flats.
Community Reaction
The racing community has been vocal. Forums buzz with excitement, while some skeptics point out the risk of “over‑engineering.” Matt’s transparent updates on his YouTube channel (see SuperfastMatt.com) have helped keep fans informed and invested.
Conclusion
Swapping a 700‑hp turbo‑charged Hayabusa into a record‑breaking land speed car is audacious, but it embodies the spirit of pushing boundaries. If Matt’s timeline stays on track, we could witness a new benchmark—325 mph—etched into the history books before the end of 2026. Whether you’re a die‑hard fan or a casual observer, the blend of motorcycle heritage with cutting‑edge automotive tech makes this project one to watch.
FAQ
- Q1: What makes the Hayabusa engine suitable for a land speed car?
- A: Its compact size, high-revving nature, and proven ability to handle forced induction give it a power‑to‑weight advantage essential for extreme speeds.
- Q2: How does turbo‑petrol differ from a supercharged setup?
- A: Turbo‑petrol uses exhaust gases to spin a turbine, offering higher efficiency at high RPM, whereas superchargers are mechanically driven and provide immediate boost but consume more engine power.
- Q3: Will the ADAS system be fully functional after the swap?
- A: Yes, the ADAS suite will be recalibrated to the new power curve, ensuring yaw‑control and traction‑assist remain effective up to 350 mph.
- Q4: What is the expected fuel consumption at 325 mph?
- A: Roughly 6.5 gal/min, mainly due to the high boost pressure and aerodynamic drag at those speeds.
- Q5: Is the project open to sponsorships?
- A: Matt’s team welcomes partnerships, especially from brands involved in turbo technology, high‑performance fuels, and safety equipment.
- Q6: How does the new engine affect the car’s weight distribution?
- A: The lighter engine shifts the center of gravity slightly rearward, which is compensated by ballast and suspension tuning.
- Q7: What safety measures are in place for the record attempt?
- A: A reinforced roll cage, fire suppression system, and real‑time telemetry monitoring are all mandatory for Bonneville runs.
- Q8: Can the Hayabusa engine be reverted to its original motorcycle form?
- A: Technically yes, but the turbo components and custom ECU would need removal, making the process costly.
- Q9: When will the public see the first test run?
- A: The first public shakedown video is slated for late 2025 on SuperfastMatt’s YouTube channel.
- Q10: How does this project compare to previous land speed record attempts?
- A: Most past attempts relied on massive V8 or turbine engines. Matt’s approach leverages a high‑revving motorcycle engine, marking a unique blend of aerospace‑level aerodynamics with motorcycle performance.
