When people buy themselves a Nissan Skyline GT-R it's usually something of a groundbreaking event for them. The path to steering their very own GT-R has invariably meant having to sacrifice a whole lotta stuff - stuff like food and having a roof over their head...
When David Thompson purchased this race-ready R33 GT-R V-spec, though, it was just another day; the mighty 'R rumbled its way into the Thompson garage and became just another piece of metal amid various other GT-Rs (including a full Group A spec version), performance Commodores, a Corvette and even a breathed-on Rolls Royce!
You could say David Thompson - who lives in Tasmania - is a car enthusiast. And if his name rings a bell, that's not surprising - David has been rallying for about 30 years and has enjoyed two years of competition in the 2WD Australian Car class of the ARC (Australian Rally Championship). Despite winning the class in 2002, David hasn't been competing in the 2003 season; contending the ARC is not a particularly cheap exercise.
Anyway, on with what you can see here.
This particular R33 GT-R was, until recently, owned and raced by Sydneysider George Nittis; George has now moved himself into a N1 GT-R R34! Recognising the level of workmanship evident in the '33, though, David couldn't resist adding the vehicle to his collection as something of a 'fun machine' to enter into local hillclimb events and Targa races.
Under the bonnet, the RB26DETT 2.6-litre, DOHC, 24-valve straight-six has been tweaked just enough to deliver great top-end power without any trade-off in low-to-mid-rpm torque spread. Internally, the engine has been carefully rebuilt to N1 specs but, really, the action is in the bolt-on department.
The standard ceramic wheel turbochargers have been replaced with more durable and higher-flowing N1 units, and the standard front-mount intercooler cools charge-air - the standard GT-R core isn't bad, after all.
With those N1 turbos set to deliver anywhere up to 1.7 Bar (25 psi) boost the engine, of course, needed some form of management changes to yield the best possible performance. An A'PEXi Power FC plug-in programmable computer is now in charge of fuel and spark mapping and larger VG30 airflow meters have also been installed. These big-bore AFMs breathe through an A'PEXi Super Suction kit comprising twin paper type pod filters. The other side of the engine - the exhaust - blows through a custom 4-inch diameter mandrel system with a straight-through muffler. If you're not a big fan of exhaust backpressure, a 4-inch turbo-back system is just the thing you need!
An A'PEXi AVC-R electronic unit controls boost pressure and, to ensure there are no plumbing mishaps during competition, there's a full set of Samco silicone induction hoses with heavy-duty clamps.
An aluminium coolant radiator also serves to keep the RB26's sweat output to a minimum. The custom radiator and much of the car's build was performed in the Melbourne workshop of HyperTech AutoSports.
Driving through a multi-plate clutch, the standard gearbox apportions torque front-to-rear depending on decisions made by the R33 V-spec ATTESA system. And how much of a load does that standard gearbox have to handle? Well, depending on boost, we're told there's up to around 280kW available at all four wheels - together with strong torque all the way through the revs.
According to David, this car's suspension - Bilstein dampers and matched springs - is set up brilliantly. "It's a competitive set-up, but it's also comfortable," he says. Certainly, the ride isn't as firm as his Group A spec R32 GT-R. "The R33 is also quite easy to drive," adds David "it's nowhere near as aggressive as my R32 GT-R that uses a Proflex suspension set-up."
Racecar levels of grip are delivered thanks to 265/35 Bridgestone RE540s inflated onto lightweight BBS 18 x 10-inch rims.
The 1500+ kilograms of runaway Nissan is pulled back to sane speeds by a very serious braking arrangement. At the front you'll find Harrop 365mm ventilated discs with monster 4-pot calipers while the rear uses the standard V-spec Brembo anchors (which are still very capable).
Body-wise, everything remains standard except for N1 bumper ducts to feed the intercooler and a subtle bonnet lip; painted black, you'd never know it was there. The sponsor signage on the car - including the CEFOOD numberplates - was put on the car while George Nittis was still the owner.
Inside there aren't too many luxury features - it's competition all the way. The driver and navigator are protected by a 6-point chrome-moly roll cage and are harnessed into Velo race seats. Aside from that and some add-on timing equipment, the interior is stockie R33 Skyline.
As mentioned, George Nittis regularly threw this car into competition - pretty well any sort of competition! Track days, hillclimbs, GP and Indy Rallies were what the car was really built for and, not surprisingly, that's exactly what David intends to keep the beast doing. Certainly, the Tasmanian hillclimb crew are in for trouble when David fronts in another kick-arse machine - oh, and David's also pretty keen on getting into the Production Class in Targa Taz, depending on if the car can get past the regulations.
If not, it sure is a nice addition to the collection, doncha reckon?!
Contact:
HyperTech AutoSports
+61 3 9873 0133
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