IG: @in.thr33s
What Nissan are we looking at, and how did it find its way to you?
This is a 1995 Nissan Skyline R33 GT-R V Spec in Spark Silver Metallic (KL0). I purchased it locally in Melbourne in March 2021 after responding to an ad on Carsales. Apparently, I am the 3rd owner in Australia. As the story goes, the person who originally imported it into Australia (a mechanic) actually travelled to Japan to inspect it in person, back in 2008.
They say to never buy the first car you inspect, but that is exactly what I did (after a PPI)! White was my preferred choice, but following the visceral buzz of the test drive, my emotions inevitably did away with all rational thought processes.
3. What drew you to this chassis specifically?
Back in 2002, my first JDM experience was as a passenger in my friend’s two-tone S13 Nissan Silvia around the streets of Melbourne. The push and drama of the turbo really spoke to me, not to mention the handling of this relatively lightweight platform. It was from that point onward that I was sold on getting my hands on a JDM weapon of some sort.
In 2004, I did just that. Whilst living in Adelaide, South Australia (not far from where Valtteri Bottas currently lives) I purchased a very clean, low kilometre and lightly modified example of a 1997 R33 GTS-T Type M in white.
The modifications included a “Trial” bodykit, the now-discontinued Volk Racing F-Zero Challenge wheels (which were immaculate), a sports exhaust and an aftermarket steering wheel.
I further and modestly modified the car over the following two and a half years, then, in a moment of madness, thinking I had to “grow up” (I was only 27 years old, lol) I decided to sell the car, which I did to a good friend of mine.
That friend quickly realised that the JDM life was not for him, sold the car on to a young guy who promptly wrapped it around a pole. The sequence of events, knowing I could never get my hands on the car again, solidified a deep sense of regret in my decision to move the car on.
4. What inspired your build direction?
I was actually experiencing a seemingly undiagnosable issue with my car, which, of course, was not disclosed by the seller. It included symptoms of revv hang and engine cut-out at the most inconvenient times (typically upon quick direction changes and hard braking, which are a pretty common occurrence in these cars). I couldn’t even use the air conditioner without actively modulating the revvs at idle, otherwise it would stall.
These symptoms accelerated my build plans, as I was becoming impatient at not having the well sorted car that I was hoping for. I obtained a quote from my mechanic here in Melbourne (Racepace Motorsport) for an engine build with appropriate supporting mods, which ended up being an eye-watering amount; about 2/3rds of the purchase price of the car. I knew I’d be getting a quality build though, based on the reputation of Racepace Motorsport for building top-notch street/track cars that are as powerful as they are reliable.
6. Give us the current spec list
Engine:
- Racepace Motorsport (“RPM”) 2.8 Stroker kit
- Fully counterweighted crankshaft
- Nitto H Beam forged rods, CP forged pistons
- Low-friction piston skirt coating
- RPM oil gallery modifications
- Block strengthening process
- Nissan Engine gaskets (valve cover, oil pump, etc)
- Nitto MLS head gasket & intake gasket kit
- ARP2000 Head studs and main studs
- Custom machine of combustion chamber shape
- RPM custom main and big end bearing sets, idler and tensioner bearings
- Full engine balancing and blueprinting
- Nitto high volume oil pump
- RPM custom 9lt baffled and trap door circuit sump
- HKS Step 2 VCAM system with Valcon Controller
- HKS Step 1 Exhaust camshaft
- HKS Valve springs (for redline to be increased to 8,500)
- HKS suction air intake kit
- ATI Super Damper 750h
- ARP balancer bolt
- Haltech Elite 2500 + adaptor + wideband controller
- Nismo intake plenum
- Platinum Racing crank trigger kit (upper & lower)
- Garrett -9 twin turbos
- 1100cc Bosch injectors
- FPG Fuel tank billet hat
Other mods:
- RPM transfer case mod
- Nismo front 1.5-way LSD
- Nismo short and solid shifter
- Plazmaman 76mm Pro Series intercooler
- UniClutch Track clutch
- HKS SPL Turbo intake kit and AFM delete kit
- HKS Kansai Service Strut Brace
- RPM/PWR Multipass Circuit Radiator
- Crank Motorsport R35 caliper kit (painted Porsche Mint Green) with carbon ceramic rotors.
- Garage Defend carbon fibre cooling panel
- Titanium bonnet stay
- Gas bonnet struts
- JSAI aero rear pods
Suspension:
- BC Racing gold adjustable coilovers
Wheels & tires:
Icons Reimagined 3-piece wheels (18”x10.5+15) on Yokohama Advan Neova AD09 295/30 tyres
Why I chose Icons Reimagined wheels? - to clear my R35 brake calipers and because they are forged/lightweight, look amazing, and are brand new! as opposed to dealing with old original LMGT1’s that are exorbitantly priced.
Interior:
- Nardi Grinta 350mm steering wheel, Wendlab and BTI gauges, HKS 50th anniversary “oil slick” front floor mats, Vertex leather gear and handbrake boot, carbon fibre hydro-dipped dash.
Exterior:
Series 3 style headlights, Series 3 lower lip, Aero 23 wing mirrors
7. Any rare parts, one-off details, or personal touches you're proud of?
The above list speaks for itself, I think.
By the way, the car is currently making 420 kilowatts at the wheels on E85 at 19psi.
…….
8. What was the biggest pain in the process?
Because no Nissan project goes completely smooth…
Probably the 6-month wait for my engine build to be completed (in 2022), but it did go smoothly and has proven to be an extremely reliable and streetable build.
9. What’s the car used for now?
This is a weekend spirited hills driving / cars and coffee car. The winters are reasonably mild here in Melbourne (no snow), so we can make use of our cars all year round.
10. What’s next for the build — or are you calling it done (for now)?
I’m pretty set on where the build is at. I’ve actually never felt the need for more power, or going a big single turbo for that matter. It really is a super responsive street car, especially with the HKS VCam and 2.8 stroker kit.
The Icons Reimagined wheels really do complete the look aesthetically, especially if you consider the benchmark for the chassis is the Nismo 400R, which sat on similar wheels.
11. Anyone you want to shout out?
Big thanks to Racepace Motorsport for the engine build and ongoing maintenance, also Donburn Customs for the various paint work.