Tag: Nissan

  • 1999 Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec Makes 550whp On Pump Gas!

    1999 Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec Makes 550whp On Pump Gas!

    The R34 Nissan Skyline GT-R: it’s the thing of dreams for the Gran Turismo generation.  But as more have been circulating United States roads in recent years, the resounding sentiment seems to be, “huh, I kinda’ expected more…”  But here’s a quick reminder: these cars weigh in at over 3,400lbs, and typically produce only around 300whp in stock form on our dynos.  Sure, it was competitive for its time, but fast forward to 2022, and there are now several family cars that would pace it door-to-door from a dig.

     

     

    However, this problem has a rather simple solution: more horsepower!  And that’s what Sean brought us his gorgeous QM1 Cloud White 1999 Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec to have done.  But before we get into the build details, just look at how magnificently appointed this car is… NISMO Omori Spec LM GT4 wheels, NISMO aero package, even NISMO carbon fiber B-pillar garnishes.  The JDM fanboy in all of us is in love.

     

     

     

     

    And such a spectacularly iconic car needs power to match!  But Sean’s goals for this scope of work wasn’t to break any records, but rather, to “future proof” his setup so he can add more power down the road if (when) he gets the itch.  So, for this round of work, the goal was to make safe pump gas power.  Build details below:

     

    Engine

    • RB26DETT N1 engine block
    • OEM R33 Nissan Skyline GT-R long-snout crankshaft
    • CP Pistons 86mm 2618 forged pistons
    • Manley Performance Turbo Tuff connecting rods
    • ACL Race connecting rod and main bearings
    • Machine work and assembly by Mazworx
    • ARP fasteners throughout
    • Tomei 1.20mm thick cylinder head gasket
    • OEM Nissan N1 engine oil pump
    • OEM Nissan N1 water pump
    • OEM Nissan timing components with HKS timing belt
    • Nitto Performance cylinder head drain-back system
    • Tomei oil galley restrictor
    • Tomei PONCAM 262°/262° intake & exhaust camshafts
    • Tomei valve springs & retainers
    • All OEM Nissan gaskets and seals needed for assembly
     

    Fuel System

    • Injector Dynamics ID1050x fuel injectors
    • Walbro 450lph in-tank fuel pump
     
    Turbocharger System
    • Full-Race Motorsports top-mount twin-scroll T4 turbocharger manifold
    • BorgWarner S366 turbocharger
    • TiAL Sport MV-S wastegates
    • Full-Race Motorsports down-pipe
    • Custom fabricated aluminum 2.50″ hot-side intercooler piping with 4-ply reinforced silicone couplers
    • Custom fabricated aluminum 3.00″ cold-side intercooler piping with 4-ply reinforced silicone couplers
    • Custom fabricated aluminum 5.00″ air-intake system
    • Custom fabricated 304SS wastegate dump-tubes and down-pipe adapter
     
    Drivetrain
    • NISMO Super Coppermix twin-disc clutch assembly
     
    Engine Management
    • Haltech Platinum Pro stand-alone EMS with CAN WB02
    Haltech ethanol content sensor (for future Flex Fuel calibration)
    • AEM Performance 3.5bar MAP sensor
    • AEM Performance 3-port electronic boost control solenoid
    • OEM GM intake air temperature sensor
    • Custom calibration by Vlad on 17psi
     
     
    The result is a setup that is overbuilt in the right areas, to not only make the power, but to do so with optimal drivability and long-term reliability.  Prime example, if you’ve never driven a NISMO Super Coppermix twin-disc clutch, then you don’t know how great a twin-disc clutch can drive!  And with that all said, here’s some documentation from this killer build!
     
     
    Disassembly in full swing!
     

     

    Engine assembly underway, based around the N1 engine block!

     

     

    Cylinder head going on!

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

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  • Designed to Dig: Torsten’s 2009 Nissan Alpha Performance GT-R is Designed to Hit Low 8’s

    Designed to Dig: Torsten’s 2009 Nissan Alpha Performance GT-R is Designed to Hit Low 8’s

    Many people dream of being able to cross the quarter mile line in under ten seconds, and now most days with enough determination and work you can make it happen. However, things start to change beyond that.

     

    Torsten came to us with one of the greatest platforms for attempting the feat of a monster quarter mile time, a 2009 Nissan GT-R, and an ambitious goal, to design and create a car that is both daily drivable and able to achieve a quarter mile time in the low 8 second range. We were happy to oblige him and take on this project.

     

    2009 Nissan GT-R

     

    Our Performance Consultation team met with Torsten to create a game plan to make his dream of an 8-second daily a reality. It’s always a pleasure to work out the vision with our clients.  With Torsten wanting the best of both worlds, a daily driver with a blistering quarter mile time, our build team began from the bare bones. The VR38DETT was pulled from the bay and was replaced with an Alpha Performance 3.8L Short Block to create a near bulletproof base with 1000hp+ potential for this monster daily. 

     

     

    Topped with a Boost Logic V2 intake manifold with 12 Injector Dynamics ID1050x injectors, ported heads from HeadGames Motorworks were installed along with Stage-2 camshafts from Kelford Cams and a GSC valvetrain to finish up the top end with strength and durability. 

    To crank up the boost, the stock turbos were replaced with quick spooling Extreme Turbo Systems G-Series GTX3582R Gen-2 Turbochargers

    Alpha Performance also supplied the Omega twin-pump brushless fuel pump system along with other fuel system components from T1 Race Development and COBB Tuning, completing the fuel system. 

     

    TiAL Blow Off Valve

     

    In order to let her eat, we have to let her breathe, and with an Extreme Turbo Systems race intercooler system with TiAL Sport Q 50mm blow-off valves, we were able to support the turbo system and achieve our 1000HP+ goal. Our friends at Extreme Turbo Systems also supplied the 3.5” to 4” Pro Series Y-Pipe to 4” Exhaust, getting us that signature VR38 sound. 

    Keeping everything together are ARP Fasteners and Genuine Nissan OEM gaskets, seals, and other miscellaneous components used to assemble the engine. With the end product being a daily driver that is able to hit Torsten’s goal of low 8-second passes, we had to make sure that this engine was solid and efficient for run after run, followed by the drive back home.

    The team at Jack’s Transmissions put together the perfect gearbox for this build, a fully built Drag 1000 GR6 Transmission, taking all the raw power from the Alpha VR38 and sending it to all four wheels. 

     

     

    In order to put all this power to the ground successfully and reliably, we tapped the team at Driveshaft Shop to get a 1000HP+ Pro-Level rear axle, hub, and differential stub kit built and ready for Torsten’s GT-R. Tuning the all-wheel drive system is key to a successful launch, so we used a STM Tuned AWD controller to fine tune the power delivery. 

    To help Torsten control this beast, we finished up the build with an Alcon big brake kit in the front and rear and wrapped his wheels with some sticky Toyo R888R Tires

     

     

    With all the pieces finally together and ready for tuning, Torsten’s GT-R hit our in-house dyno to see what it could do. Using the COBB Tuning Accessport V3 with TCM Support, our tuning team calibrated the system for Flex Fuel capability for ultimate control over the car and tunes. For our dyno tests, we would be testing with standard 93 octane and E85. 

    Strapped down and with our ears singing with the glory of it’s fully built VR38, Torsten’s GT-R exceeded our goals and laid down a mighty 1,355whp and 972lbft of torque on E85 and a comfortable 882whp and 664lbft of torque on your everyday 93 octane. 

     

     

    To celebrate, we unstrapped the car and took it out for a quick shoot and loved everything we saw. This GT-R is truly a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

     

     

    With the beast built and our goals achieved, we’re looking forward to seeing what Torsten and his GT-R can do at the drag strip. Knowing the great things our team can do, we expect to see a low 8 slip in the very near future. 

    Torsten’s GT-R build is a reminder that no goals are unachievable with the right team and determination. 

    For a closer look at this build, take a look at the full gallery. 

    Reach out to National Speed today to see what we can do for you

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  • What is VIP? – Bippu Styling

    VIP or Bippu, is a somewhat new style of tuning that is slowly taking over the scene. Companies like Junction Produce, Auto Couture and Fabulous are starting to creep into US Car shows.

    What is VIP you ask?

    VIP cars are Japanese luxury cars such as the Nissan President, Toyota Celsior and Toyota Aristo. These aren’t the only models eligible for VIP status, however. The car makes the style, and it’s very specific. If you don’t have one of these models, your car is not eligible for being VIP. From Toyota you have the Century (JDM only), Celsior (Lexus LS), Aristo(Lexus GS), and Crown (very similar to Lexus LS). From Nissan you have the President (JDM only), Cima (Infiniti Q45) and the Cedric (Infinity M45). These are the only “True” VIP platforms.

    National Speed - VIP Lexus GS's

    It is rumored that VIP started off as a way for Yakuza to roll around incognito. By riding around in a big black 4 door sedan, you became way more inconspicuous than if you were in a high-profile European sedan such as a BMW M-series or Mercedes S-class. Osaka street racers, after suffering numerous police crackdowns in the early 1990’s, turned to large sedans after police started targeting sport compacts.

    National Speed - Sick Wheel Offset

    Most VIP cars carry the same characteristics: large diameter wheels (big lips are a plus) with low offsets that are flush, a lip kit or body kit(only to accentuate existing lines), and lowered ride height. More often than not, the vehicle is black as well. Low, dark, and slow is how they roll. Interior is where these cars really shine. Everything is available from Leather Tissue boxes, Curtains and even Tables crafted out of exotic woods. Most importantly (IMO) is the Fusa Knot.

    National Speed - Ahntuan's AC SC300

    This isn’t to say that the VIP Style cannot be applied to other platforms, as there are many Kei cars, Sport coupes, and even vans applying it. This is called Auto-luxury. Auto-luxury cars, even though not considered true “VIP”, can be pulled off very well, as evidenced by a friend of mine’s Anh-tuans SC300 as seen above. I see this style growing and more people immersing themselves into the VIP culture. My prediction: before too long you will see quite a few VIP themed rides rolling around on the street.

  • Nissan 370Z: Love It or Hate It

    Some love it, Some hate it. I’m very “ehhhhh” on the subject. I think it’s the headlights for me.

    As many of you know, the Nissan 370Z was unveiled about a week and a half ago at the LA Auto Show. The new body style was a big deal for Nissan and Z lovers alike, with lots of industry events and parties celebrating the car’s launch.

    National Speed - Nissan 370z Exterior

    Exterior

    Appearance-wise, the 370Z has changed a bit. The new Nissan comes standard with 19″ lightweight Rays Engineering wheels and 14″ Brakes! Looking at it from the side, the 370Z definitely reveals it’s lineage from the 240Z’s of the ’70s. The new Z is shorter, over an inch wider, and almost 3 inches smaller from nose to tail, packing a shorter wheelbase as well. The rear track has been widened by 2.2 inches, which I’m sure translates into better handling.

    National Speed - Nissan 370z Motor

    Motor

    I’m sure what everyone is mainly concerned about is the new performance. As evidenced by the name change from 350Z to 370Z, there’s now a 3.7 liter V6 under the hood which produces 332 horsepower and 270ft/lbs of torque. That’s up from 306hp and 268ft/lbs from the last generation VQ35HR.

    The new motor utilizes 30% new internals and the 370Z also weighs 88lbs less. Power is sent through either a 7 speed automatic with paddle shifters or a 6 speed manual. A new feature for the 6 speed is a Synchrorev Match feature that will automatically blip the throttle on downshifts for a smooth changedown. It’s like automatic heel-toeing! 0-60 times are quoted from Car and Driver at 4.7-5.0 seconds.

    National Speed - Nissan 370Z Interior

    Interior

    Inside is arguably the most improved aspect of the 370Z. The A-pillar was minimized, the seats have stronger seat bolsters, and instrumentation is now bigger so it’s easier to see what’s going on in the car. Nissan also stepped up the game and now offers an “Intelligent Key” feature which means you no longer have to fumble around in your pockets for a key. Just walk up to the car, step in and go.

    Other interior appointments include a highly stylish gauge cluster, center gauge pods, leather wrapped steering wheel, Bluetooth, an iPod interface, and an option for Nissan’s Navigation unit with real-time XM NavTraffic and 8 speaker Bose system.

    Parting Shot

    All in all, I think I can look past the headlights and see what Nissan is doing here. They definitely stepped up their game on the New 370Z and I think it’s going to sell very well. It’s a great value considering starting price is only $29,000. With a bigger motor, stiffer chassis, nicer interior and a better weight distribution, I think that Nissan’s new offering is going to get bought quick.

  • Nissan 370Z: Some See a Letter, Others See an Annoying Commercial

    In order to promote the new Nissan 370Z, Nissan has released a promo video which features the most annoying techno music since Moby’s cat ran across his keyboard and released PLAY. “Some see a letter, others see a Car,” is their new advertising slogan and I hope you like it because it’s repeated at least 1,000 times before the commercial is even over. Take a look at it for yourself, but don’t say I didn’t warn you. At least the Nissan 370Z looks smoking hot…

    And if for some reason the embedded video above doesn’t play for you, click here to check it out via youtube.