What’s more pleasing than seeing a fast sports car turned into something even faster and driven properly on track?
There’s nothing that really comes close to it if you ask me; it’s a dream being lived, and something that many of us aspire to. But when the car in question is an R34 Nissan Skyline GT-R, it’s even more satisfying.
An idlers Games event isn’t where you would normally expect to come across a GT-R, but this time around there were quite a few of them entered in the big boys class – Super SS-T – along with familiar machines like Nakai-san’s purple 993, AKA Rotana. Squeezed in between a Power House Amuse R35 GT-R and a Calsonic R32 replica were a pair of Auto Gallery Yokohama-built san-yon that visually had a lot in common.
They didn’t stick around too long after their second outing, but I was lucky enough to check out some details of the #43 car which was running a pretty recognizable AGY set up under its lightweight carbon hood.
I say that because pretty much every R34 I’ve seen put together by the famed Yokohama-based shop has sported a single turbo conversion, anything from a ‘smaller’ HKS T04Z through to the still popular Trust T78 and T88.
This stroked and HKS V-Cam-equipped RB however was packing an even larger HKS T51R which has enough capacity to flow 1000hp.
That said, this car was probably sitting around the 750-800hp mark with safe levels of boost and a tune more focused towards extracting maximum mid-range punch. The soundtrack provided by the external wastegate is guaranteed to make the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end.
As you many have noticed in the engine bay shot, the blow by gasses are recirculated into the intake before the turbo which is a move necessary to get the car roadworthy in Japan and pass the shaken. So yes, this is a street-driven car with licence plates and all.
Apart from their timeless styling and build quality, another reason so many people in Japan run RAYS Volk Racing TE37s on their cars is because their internal diameter is one of the biggest around at the 18-inch size point. This of course means there’s enough clearance to run massive brake setups, like the AP Racing package this car was equipped with. It’s piece of mind you can’t afford to do without on such a fast track car.
Dino Dalle Carbonare
Instagram: speedhunters_dino
dino@speedhunters.com
OFFICIAL SPEEDHUNTERS SUPPLIERS
Such a sweet R34, and a really nice engine setup as well...love it! Wish there was a video to enjoy that wastegate soundtrack you spoke of, but thanks for giving a closeup of such a worthy machine!
Yeah I agree, never got a chance to film it on track as it only went out twice then disappeared !
Dino, when are we going to see an update on Project GTR??? I'm hyper-salivating !!!
Engine was supposed to be done this month but another delay on that. So next month for that. But the KWs are fitted, so post coming very soon on that
I'm also starving to see more of the Project GTR, I'm not even sure why, but I as soon as you posted one, I just can't wait for the next, your car becomes so fascinating to me! Keep it up! I can never wait!
It is the same way for me! Dino's R34 and the other R33 Project are my absolute favorites.
Thanks man! It's a slow progressing process but it's probably because I'm super picky and want to do stuff the right way from the get go.
Which is the ONLY way it should be done. Take your time (but not TOO much hopefully lol), and we'll be here waiting to fully enjoy the updates when they're ready.
Interesting double oil catch tank setup. Would be cool to see AG-Y's shop and more insider info on their strengthened transmissions... *wink wink*
TOTALLY this!
You are right! Been there only once years back to feature their demo car. And CBY is right next door too so AE86 fans would be happy!
That thing is cool and all, but that R32 with Calsonic livery......
How can you say "soundtrack" and not give us SOUNDTRACK :((((((
Cool to see those T51Rs still being used, especially sine HKS discontinued them. There are certainly more efficient and likely affordable turbos to choose from, but nothing says JDM like T51R!
This is also to create crankcase vacuum which reduces windage losses and improves ring sealing.
Especially important given the RB's factory oil system flaws. These motors desperately need a proper air-oil separator, if not a head drain back to the sump and oil gallery restrictors.
I am working on a local R34 build, and when we pulled the stock motor out, the head was swimming in oil and we poured an unbelievable amount out of the FMIC.