Car enthusiasts may find the story of the Honda N600 from the early 1970s intriguing. Originally equipped with a small 600cc kei car engine producing around 40 horsepower, this vintage hatchback is a sight to behold. However, driving it may not be as enjoyable, possibly leading to frustration. That is until the Car and Garage group decided to take on the challenge of enhancing this small vehicle during their annual Build Week event.
Gathering a team of DIY experts, the group embarked on a mission to swap the original engine of the Honda N600 with a more powerful one. In this case, they opted for the superbike CBR1000RR engine, generating approximately 170 horsepower. This significant upgrade required various modifications, such as converting it into a rear-wheel drive and repositioning components like the fuel tank, radiator, and battery to balance the weight distribution effectively.
Utilizing spare parts from different vehicles, such as the rear axle from a Mazda Miata and suspension components from a Polaris RZR, the team embarked on a challenging yet exciting endeavor. Despite the N600’s rust-free body due to its Texan origins, significant alterations were needed to accommodate the powerful superbike engine. The ultimate goal is to test the vehicle’s capabilities on the Virginia International Raceway go-kart track upon completion.
The innovation and dedication displayed by the Car and Garage group in transforming this classic Honda N600 demonstrate their passion for automotive engineering. Whether you admire their ambitious project or consider them crazy, share your thoughts on this unique build in the comments.
