
Sometimes you don't just find the right car — it finds you. For @dean32_gtr, the hunt for something to replace his 600bhp Sapphire Cosworth led him straight into Skyline legend territory. The result? It's a savage R32 GT-R build that pays homage to Group A's history with a few modern twists.
Why the R32?
"The R32 GT-R is the real Godzilla," Dean says. With its racing pedigree and dominant Group A touring car heritage, the R32 isn't just iconic — it's mythological. It had to be something with real motorsport bloodlines for a guy coming out of a monster Cosworth.
Inspiration: Group A Meets Modern
Dean’s vision started with a classic N1 Group A style: functional ducts, aggressive stance, and purposeful aero. But he’s added his flavor, blending the old school with modern touches like a carbon headlight duct and a clean carbon ducktail spoiler — subtle changes that sharpen the silhouette without losing its roots.
Why Icons Reimagined Wheels?
"I saw them on a few builds and the quality blew me away," he says. After that, it was a no-brainer. Icons Reimagined LMGT1s in 18x10 ET20, wrapped in Michelin PS5s, now sit perfectly under the arches — a true OEM+ look that elevates the whole build.
The Build Sheet
Engine:
- N1 motor
- Twin hybrid turbos
- Drop-in Tomei cams
- Full titanium exhaust
- Other essential bits for longevity and punch
Suspension:
- Ohlins coilovers
- Full Nismo Circuit Pack arm kit
Wheels & Tires:
- Icons Reimagined LMGT1s 18x10 ET20
- Michelin Pilot Sport 5 tires
Interior:
- Recaro Ultimate Edition seats (rare!)
- Mines and Nismo gauges
- Chassis interior brace bars
Exterior:
- N1 front bumper ducts with painted spoiler
- N1 side skirts
- N1 rear lower carbon spoiler
- Carbon duct tail spoiler
- Carbon headlight duct
Rare Parts & Hidden Gems
Real ones will spot the Brembo F50 front brake setup paired with R33 GT-R rears: custom-painted gold, and rocking R35 GT-R caliper decals.
Full titanium exhaust? Check.
LMGT1s? "God's wheels," as Dean puts it. No arguments here.
The Journey (and the Pains)
Biggest challenge? Deciding on a direction. "My plans change every week," he jokes. (We’ve all been there.) But even when you're rethinking goals, it’s a good problem to have when the base is this strong.
Life With the Car
Today, the car is all about sunny day cruises and the occasional spirited backroad blast. It’s not a track mule — it's a crown jewel meant to be enjoyed on the right day and moment.
What's Next?
Dean’s not slowing down. A new PRP cast block is on order, and it is set up for bulletproof cranks, Carrillo rods, and forged pistons. The next phase? A big single G30 or G35 Garrett turbo setup, aiming for a ballistic 700–800bhp street weapon.
Shoutouts
Massive thanks to @nardogtr for the wheel hookup — the finishing touch the build needed. And props to Jordon at Motion Autoworks for patiently answering the endless calls and texts about parts and engine plans.
A timeless platform evolved with the perfect mix of reverence and rebellion. Dean’s R32 is a reminder that Godzilla never really sleeps — it just waits for the right moment to strike.