Talk to Skyline GT-R fans (or PS Gran Turismo fans for that matter) and
they'll tell you the R33 model is a relative slowpoke. Weighing in at 1530
kilograms, the R33 GT-R is 50 kilograms portlier than the R32 model. That means
- if you can believe that the factory output remained pegged at exactly 206kW -
the R33 is at an obvious performance disadvantage. Start turning up the wick,
though, and that difference soon becomes imperceptible.
Just ask Domenic from Sydney's Autostyle Performance Cars.
Putting your foot down at the helm of this R33 GT-R gives a sensation similar
to riding a bicycle with a Pratt & Whitney strapped to the back - not that
we've ever tried that particular trick... Instant to boost and savagely quick, this 'big and heavy' R33 is here to teach the critics a lesson. As Domenic says:
"I've driven a lot of GT-Rs with some big mods and this one feels really strong
- snappy on the throttle and fast."
Recently imported from Japan in virtually as-you-see-it form, Domenic says
this car runs the stock engine internals. Certainly, the RB26DETT, DOHC,
24-valve, straight six can withstand abuse that would see many other performance
motors fall to pieces.
Big turbos and an even bigger whack of boost are a major part of this car's
performance formula. The stockie ceramic turbos have been chucked in favour of
bolt-on HKS 2530 units, which use ball-bearing centres and internal
wastegates. Controlling the wastegates is a newly-fitted Blitz electronic
system, which allows up to 1.7 Bar of forced induction. Serious stuff.
The factory GT-R intercooler is great for use in a near standard car, but 1.7
Bar of boost calls for a top-line aftermarket job. Up front, the GT-R now
flaunts a humungous 6-inch thick A'PEXi Drag Spec 'cooler. Water spray? Who
needs one?!
A pair of HKS pod filters stop debris entering the compressors, while twin
Blitz blow-off valves add that oh-so-popular turbocharged soundtrack. A tough
bass line is provided by an off-the-shelf 3 ½-inch Japanese exhaust. Note that a
3 ½-inch exhaust has a 36 percent greater cross-sectional area than 'only' a
3-inch pipe... Take a look at our engine pics and you'll also spy a remote oil
filter and cooler along with a Cusco blow-by catch tank.
Keeping up with the fuelling requirement of the breathing-enhanced straight
six is a replacement set of 720cc injectors, which are bossed around by a
Zeni-Tani reprogrammed ECU. Standard RB26 airflow meters and the stock ignition
system remain in service. Since arriving in Australia, Autostyle has retuned the
ECU and altered the cam timing using HKS sprockets. This tuning has maximised
drivability and power to suit Australian 98RON pump fuel.
The standard GT-R clutch is an effective 'fuse' for the standard 5-speed
gearbox, but clutch slip is widely regarded as swear words in performance
circles. A triple-plate clutch now puts 100 percent of the available torque to
the driveline without being too much of a bugger to manage in Sydney's
traffic. The gearbox has proven trouble-free, as has the rest of the
electronic-controlled all-wheel-drive system.
The R33 GT-R's active torque-split drive system is much less tail-happy than
the R32 model, which is good news when you're trying to thread a car of these
dimensions (and power!) up a winding country road. HKS adjustable coil-overs add
further chassis poise, while 265/35 Falken tyres provide the grip.
Cosmetically, there's not much to break up the 'storm trooper' all-white
appearance of this 'R. Those Falken tyres are worn on sweet Nismo LM 18-inch
alloys, the windows are tinted, there's a dirty great tailpipe out back and
Autostyle has added an aftermarket front bumper. Few onlookers will confuse this
as a government fleet vehicle, that's for sure...
Especially not when that long skinny pedal on the right is pushed to the
floor!
Domenic says he's run this car on a Dyno Dynamics chassis dyno and come away
with 355kW at all four wheels. It's no surprise, therefore, he's predicting the
car has the potential to run 10-second quarter miles. "Its already run an 11.2
ET when it was making only about 300kW at the wheels, so with a good launch I
think it should be in the 10s," says Domenic.
So, yes, the R33 GT-R is slightly on the tubby side but feed it a few
bolt-ons and a whole lotta boost and it'll shutdown even the most revered
performance car!
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You Want It? You Got It!
This vehicle is currently offered for sale at Sydney's Autostyle Performance
Cars. If you want a 1996 Skyline GT-R with a genuine 54,000 kilometres and 355kW
at the treads this is your lucky AUD$49,990 ticket!
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Contact:
Autostyle Performance Cars
0414 444 930
www.autostyle.com.au
