When you’re the proprietor one of Australia’s most
exotic car sales businesses, it’s inevitable that pride gets in the way of
driving a rust bucket from Monday to Friday. Especially if your name is Domenic
of Autostyle Performance Cars in Sydney!
Feast your eyes on Domenic’s day-to-day ride -
it’s without doubt one of the most extreme R34 GT-Rs in Australia.
What you’re looking at is a 2000 Nissan Skyline
R34 GT-R V-spec that was delivered into this country already equipped with a
treasure chest of Japanese go-fast bits. Domenic says the engine was done by HKS
Kansai while much of the body styling was taken care of by Top Secret.
The first striking aspect of this R34 is its
colour. The House of Colour pearl blue gives the Nissan panels plenty of
intrigue as does the custom body kit combo. As mentioned, Top Secret is
responsible for the carbon fibre bonnet, rear diffuser, mirrors and front lip.
The only changes are Nismo side skirts and some subtle Autostyle graphics, which
Domenic had fitted locally. Oh, and the wheels have also been changed since the
car arrived in Australia – you’ll find Blitz 19 inch alloys wearing 265/30
rubbers.
After checking out the custom paint and full-on
aero kit, chances are you’ll want to pop the bonnet for a perve.
Beneath that carbon bonnet resides a RB26DETT with
a comprehensive list of bolt-on upgrades. The exhaust system is a 3 ½ inch
titanium job, there’s a HKS twin pod induction system and an ARC air-to-air
intercooler lives in the nose. The turbochargers have also been upgraded to HKS
25/30s which shove in up to 1.6 Bar of boost.
Other obvious modifications are the mildly
upgraded camshafts with adjustable sprockets, a HKS head gasket and we believe
some head work. Nobody can say for certain whether the pistons are stock but it
is known that the engine capacity remains at 2.6 litres. Engine durability is
enhanced thanks to a large capacity oil catch tank, oil cooler and remote filter
kit, and an aftermarket aluminium radiator with silicone hoses.
Interestingly, the standard Nissan airflow meters
have been replaced with a MAP sensor load input which is installed together with
a voltage output controller and a dedicated chip; it’s a combination we’ve never
previously seen out of Japan. Upgrade injectors, a Sard regulator and rail
provide the necessary fuel flow while an earthing kit augments the electrical
system.
Domenic can vouch that the clutch is definitely an
aftermarket job but it’s not clear whether there are any other changes to the
driveline. It’s possible the car runs shorter diff ratios because Domenic says
it feels so much more responsive and flexible compared to other GT-Rs with
similar mods. On the Croydon Racing Developments Dyno Dynamics AWD chassis dyno,
Domenic’s R34 shows impressive all-round torque and up to around 360kW at all
fours (running 1.6 Bar boost and 98 RON fuel). Serious power given the
relatively compact turbochargers!
And not only does this R34 V-spec haul arse in a
straight line – it’s one of the best handling GT-Rs Domenic has driven (and he’s
driven more than he can remember).
This car is poised on brand name adjustable
suspension – which Domenic says gives a great combination of handling and ride
quality - while the under-body has extensive bracing. A meaty front tower bar
can also be seen under the bonnet. Brakes are standard V-spec using Endless
pads, though Domenic says a set of six or eight-pot brakes will appear on the
scene if he decides to tune the engine further.
And don’t think for a moment this is a car sits in
the garage 99 percent of the time - Domenic uses it for work and typically
drives 800km a week... As a result, the interior has been left with a bias toward
comfort rather than racing. Changes to the standard cabin include a Momo
steering wheel, aluminium pedals and gear knob, and a head unit which is wired
to a Sony amp, 12 inch Kicker sub, Alpine front splits and rear fills. Unwanted
access is almost guaranteed with around AUD$5000 invested in the security
system...
Despite selling cars for a living, this is one
machine that Domenic isn’t parting with – at any price. Understandable really; a
rust bucket isn’t his style.
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Update: Even More Power!
At
the time of writing, Domenic enlisted the ever-experienced Croydon Racing
Developments to further develop the output of the RB26DETT. With the fitment of
more aggressive camshafts, an A’PEXi Power FC and an all-new fuel system it
seems likely there’s now 400+ kilowatts at all four wheels! As Domenic says,
it’s one of the highest power outputs achieved with HKS 25/30 turbos and using
street fuel.
Yep,
we get the feeling this car will reside in Domenic’s home garage for a long
while to come!
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Contact:
Autostyle Performance Cars 0414 444
930
www.autostyle.com.au
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