Ripper R34

R32 and R33 Nissan Skylines are currently dime-a-dozen in the Australian performance scene. But oddly enough, the improved R34 Skyline is a very rare sight. Maybe it’s because they’re dearer. Maybe it has to do with import regulations. Whatever the cause, we’re missing out in a very big way!

This late ’99 R34 25GTt was imported to Australia a couple of years back and has been transformed into a real show-stopper using local tuning know-how. Domenic from Sydney’s Autostyle Performance Cars tells us he initially sold this car in 100 percent stock-standard guise and the buyer just kept coming back for more and more mods.

We should point out that – even in standard form – the R34 25GTt is way better than its predecessors. For a start, the RB25DET NEO-spec engine comes rated at 206kW and 343Nm – well up on the R32 and R33. The R34 also scores a much improved interior, better NVH and more aero downforce. At 1430kg, the R34 5-speed turbo is a little on the heavy side but its extra grunt more than makes up for it. It is unquestionably the fastest of all single-turbo Skylines.

But fast is rarely fast enough!

This NEO RB25DET was initially tackled with a 3½-inch HKS exhaust system with high-flow dump-pipe and an A’PEXi pod filter that’s fed cool air by a forward-facing duct. These mods provided a massive performance improvement, in addition to releasing the sexy RB25 exhaust note. Rev a big zorst’d RB25 and you can’t help get excited over the sophisticated growl. Well, we can’t help it anyway...

More boost pressure was the next requirement. However, since the R34 25GTt already comes with a 9.0:1 static compression ratio and up to 0.7 Bar of boost, there isn’t a lot of scope for much of an increase. Not without improving the factory intercooler as a precaution. This car now runs a big-as-would-fit Hybrid front-mount air-to-air core with custom-fabricated plumbing. A GReddy atmospheric venting blow-off valve also replaces the stock valve.

As you may be aware, the standard Nissan turbocharger is equipped with a low-inertia ceramic turbine wheel. This is great for enhancing turbo response, but the ceramic wheel is not particularly durable when pushed. Just to be safe, the factory turbocharger was rebuilt to high-flow specs and employs a conventional steel turbine wheel.

So how much boost are we talking here? Well, not that much – 1.1 Bar is pales in comparison to the 2.0+ Bar boost pressure that some people run. This boost increase has been achieved by a Blitz electronic controller.

Instead of relying on a big whack of boost, this car takes the approach of mild boost in conjunction with – wait for it – nitrous! When you think about the cooling effect of nitrous and its ability to improve performance at any rpm, it’s a very attractive idea. Peer under the bonnet and you’ll see the NOS solenoids and a single fogger mounted just prior to the throttle. The nitrous shot can be changed from 70 to 100hp by simply changing the fogger jet. The N20 bottle lives in the boot.

Given these mods, the stock R34 engine management computer has been unplugged and an A’PEXi Power FC has moved in on its turf. This controls the standard ignition system and the stock injectors, which are teamed with a high-flow pump.

Along the build-up path, the DOHC, 24-valve head has been lifted off and come under attack from a die grinder. We wouldn’t expect to see any major flow improvements, but every little bit helps the cause. A HKS head gasket was also slapped onto the block during reassembly.

Demonstrating the effectiveness of these mods is a Dyno Dynamics at-the-wheels output of 242kW. Oh, and that was recorded before the nitrous system was installed! Over 300kW ATW should now be child’s play...

Not surprisingly, the standard clutch gave up long ago and was replaced by an upgraded single-plate clutch/pressure plate combo that’s performing very nicely. Straight-line traction has never been a major strong point of turbo Skylines (they tend to burn the inside edge of the rear tyres when launched). Give a Skyline significantly more power and the words ‘unguided weapon’ spring to mind. Thankfully, the R34 comes with an electronic traction control system that closes a secondary throttle valve when things are getting hairy.

Point it into a corner and this R34 exhibits less roll and greater poise than a stocker. This is thanks to a set of HKS adjustable coil-overs. The front suspension tower brace seen in our engine pics comes as standard. The ABS-controlled disc brakes are enhanced with a simple Endless pad upgrade.

The improved cornering abilities have since led to the inclusion of aftermarket race-style front seats to hold occupants firmly in place. The 25GTt already comes crammed with a big tacho, battery voltage, oil temp, oil pressure and a dinky boost gauge so the only additional gaugeware (?) is a ‘proper’ electronic boost gauge. An aluminium shift knob, shift light and high-end audio head unit are the only other changes to the R34 cabin.

Nissan really went to town with the aerodynamics of the R34, paying particular attention to under-car airflow and fitting a purposeful rear wing (not a plain ol’ spoiler). There’s no need to replace that wing, but the carbon fibre bonnet seen here is a nice contemporary touch. You’ve probably also noticed the odd sticker or two... No, the car isn’t a GReddy promo car, but it’s safe to say the previous owner sure loved their products! Notice how the reflective silver graphics highlight those big polished 18s.

So now that we’ve shown what can be done with the R34 we can’t imagine why more enthusiasts won’t go the extra mile and step up from an R32/R33. The cutting-edge looks, the numerous engineering upgrades and the continuation of RB-series engine strength and tuning potential are all there for the taking.

Of course, if you can’t be bothered doing any of the work yourself you can always buy this particular car for AUD$48,900. Give Domenic a call and tell him you saw the car on AutoSpeed – you never know what might happen...

Contact:

Autostyle Performance Cars 0414 444 930

www.autostyle.com.au