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Unified basic specs

Since 2006, Toyota and Honda have supplied original 3000cc racing engines in their respective RV8J and HF386E engines for Formula Nippon machines, but with the new regulation from 2009 both makers will be supplying newly developed 3400cc V8 race engines to mount on the Swift chassis.
For many years Formula NIPPON has been competed with engines of a 3000cc displacement. However, recent advances in race technology have led to the conclusion that the 3400cc V8 format is the most efficient for delivering high performance, while also providing the potential for use in other categories.

Toyota and Honda are the two engine suppliers

The designation of the engine supplied for Formula NIPPON by Toyota is RV8K, and this is the same engine that will be used in SUPER GT machines. In that case the proposed engine name is RV8K-G.
The name of the engine Honda supplies is HR09E. This engine has also been designed with the possibility of use in other categories, but as of 2009 there are no specific plans to use it categories other than Formula NIPPON.

Equal conditions maintained despite different engine characters

Both of these engines use the latest technologies to achieve lightweight, compact designs that deliver over 600 hp with an engine weight of approximately 120 kg. In Formula NIPPON the machines are fitted with a rev-limiter that maintain a maximum of 10,300 rpm and help ensure that performance does not exceed a prescribed level so that it is eventually the technique of the drivers that decides the outcome of the race. This also serves to limit engine wear and thus reduce maintenance cost.
These engines are supplied by the makers initially to the administrative body Japan Race Promotion (JRP) and distributed to the various teams after maintenance. This is another regulation aimed at maintaining fairness in competition. Also, as a measure to prevent excessive engine development competition and the cost that involves, a regulation change for 2009 says that one engine must be used for at least four races (vs. 3 races in 2008). If engine trouble or other circumstances require that an engine be changed before funning four races, the team will be penalized by having their qualifying position dropped 10 places for the race at which the change occurs. However, if the engine trouble occurs during a race and the team is unable to finish that race as a result, no penalty will be applied.