1997 Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec N1

BACKGROUND

Before we get into the tuning influence on this car, this ‘95 V-Spec N1 is 1 of only 55 examples built for race homologation in the Japanese GT championship. The powertrain has multiple revisions compared to the standard GT-R including metal turbines (rather than ceramic), altered cam profiles, reinforced areas around the cylinder head bolts, improved connecting rod bearings, thicker piston second land, thinner piston ring gaps on top and second, a reinforced air inlet housing and a better-flowing water pump. On the outside, the N1 was only available in white. N1-unique ducted bumpers and skirts were utilized allowing for improved aerodynamics over the standard GT-R (which was already far more aerodynamic than the R32). Chassis tuning was revised as well with stiffer damping and lower ride height than the standard model. ABS was also deleted since it was not legal in competition.

When it comes to GT-R tuning, Australia is perhaps at the forefront of the industry for creating the rowdiest examples. Every region of the world has a unique styling queue when it comes to the setup of the BCNR platform and Australian-built examples can definitely be pointed out from the rest. The goal of this Legendary Garage build was personal – to create a machine that matched the level of the most famous machines in the industry (those built by Smokey Nagata, etc.) with personal preference in mind. The result of this inspiration is considered the closest thing to a 400R: a highly modified original N1 with all genuine 400R parts and a high output powertrain setup.

SETUP

For the powertrain, this N1 is quite sorted. From top to bottom the factory RB26 was reinforced to handle high output while retaining factory displacement and N1 literature. A forged bottom end, ported head and Garrett -5 turbos make for a safe 800ps output on premium fuel. Piping for exhaust flow and cooling is improved courtesy of HKS. The original N1 manifolds were ported to further enhance flow. Genuine 400R FGK front pipe and exhaust keep the sound quiet and original.

Management is controlled by a Haltech ECU – optioned with safeties and composition sensors to keep the setup reliable.

For footwork, this N1 was fitted with Ohlins 2-way coilovers and an R35 380mm big brake kit. Genuine Nismo LMGT1 wheels keep the setup on the road while retaining day to day drivability.

The exterior and interior visuals of this machine have been completely transformed to that of a genuine 400R. Below is the list of genuine parts used in this build:

400R bonnet
400R front bumper
400R front lower lip
400R lower diffuser
400R fender flares
400R side skirts
400R rear bumper
400R carbon wing element
400R old-logo fender badges
400R strut brace
400R Nismo 365B steering wheel
400R front seats
400R original floor mats
N1 speaker delete
N1 bonnet lip
N1 front bumper vents
N1 rear wiper delete
N1 rear windscreen
N1 Aerial delete
Nismo old logo white-face cluster
Nismo old logo white-face triple gauge
Nismo old logo lighter

Now available at RMC Miami, this N1 33R is the pinnacle of the tuning industry. Below are the remaining powertrain and suspension modifications:

Powertrain

MotorSports Mechanical Spec Forged 2.6 bottom end
MotorSports Mechanical Race Ported cylinder head
Custom catch can
Garrett -5 turbos with billet wheels
HKS intercooler
HKS hard pipes
Turbo intake guards
HKS dump pipes
Frenchies in-tank pump hanger – twin Walbro 460 pumps
1650cc Bosch Injectors
Aeroflow billet fuel rail
Aeroflow braided fuel lines & fittings
PRP R35 coil packs
Haltech ECU with wideband and fuel sensor
Turbosmart fuel pressure regulator, boost controller & wastegate

Footwork

Ohlins 2-way coilovers
18×10 squared Nismo LMGT1 wheels
R35 GTR 380mm brake kit