The R32 Nissan Skyline GTS-t is an interesting machine. In terms of its rear-drive chassis it is widely regarded as an overweight version of the S13 drift range, but - from another perspective - it is little brother to the grunt almighty AWD Skyline GT-R. This particular GTS-t, however, is little bro grown up...
Imported by Domenic of Sydney's Autostyle, the vehicle you see here arrived in Australia in stock-standard condition - "it even had those horrible front seat doilies" laughs Dom. The plan for the GTS-t was twofold - to build it into a circuit racer and something to promote the business. Action started by replacing the standard RB20DET intake and exhaust systems with free-flow aftermarket versions. Next, the turbocharger was upgraded to deliver more boost pressure and a custom intercooler was bolted in. With these relatively basic mods - fairly typical of a tweaked R32 GTS-t streeter - the car went quite strong above about 4500 rpm. From here, though, the attack plan took an unusual course. After ripping the tweaked RB20DET out of the Skyline in order to fit it to a customer's car (a Silvia!) Dom was intent on running the mighty RB26DETT ala Skyline GT-R. From a hot-up point of view, the RB26 is the undisputed King of Nissan turbo motors - "unbreakable".
Dom scored a low kilometre Godzilla motor from a Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) '97 R33 GT-R V-spec and adapted it to fit the nose of the similar-bodied GTS-t. The conversion was pretty straightforward we're told. Backing the RB26 is a (rear-wheel-drive only) 5-speed gearbox from a R33 GTS25T plus a brass button sprung centre clutch.
Rather than stuff around fitting the standard airbox, Dom installed a free-flowing pair of K&N pod filters to the GTR's twin airflow meters. The standard turbos, however, were deemed good enough to remain in service - Dom says the later R33 V-spec snails are larger than those found on previous 'Rs. Once boosted, induction air is channelled through a new 3-inch thick front-mount air-to-air intercooler that's significantly larger than the OE GT-R core; in short, it cools plenty. Attached to the intercooler-to-engine pipe is a Blitz throttle-closed blow-off valve, which prevents boost leakage sometimes reported with the standard RB26DETT valves.
A powerful bark is emitted from a monster Veilside 3.5-inch exhaust system that's bolted to the back of a custom twin 2 ½-inch dump pipe arrangement.
Controlling the standard injectors and direct-fire ignition system is a standard GT-R management system equipped with a Proceed Racing chip (from Japan). Dom chose not to go for a programmable management system because he wanted to maintain full accessory control - a full programmable system would've been something of a risk. A '700 horsepower' in-tank fuel pump ensures adequate fuel flow at all times - the last thing anybody wants is a trashed GT-R engine... Boost pressure from those factory twin turbochargers is kept to a ceiling of 17 psi; any more and the ceramic turbines are likely to fail. Power? Well, Dom claims in the vicinity of 330 - 350 horsepower at the wheels - well over double the already significant factory output!
As you might imagine, a rear-drive GTS-t with this level of grunt is just the machine for executing outta this world drifts. While the standard Skyline GT-R apportions torque to the front wheels for a swift and clean corner exit (relatively speaking) this machine is merely an ankle twitch away from sideways action. First gear is smoke, second gear is more smoke, third gear is a combination of smoke and speed, fourth gear is more speed and fifth gear is for setting interstate speed records. And, despite being built for the relatively modest output of a R33 RB25DET motor, the standard GTS25t gearbox is holding up surprisingly well.
The suspension and brake package has copped a fairly simple - but effective - upgrade. Tein coil-overs are fitted at each corner along with adjustable front and rear camber and adjustable front castor rods. The standard R32 GTS-t picks are retained, but perform a bit better than stock thanks to a set of Endless pads.
Take the time to peruse those panels - rather than witness the tail-end sprint away amid a cloud of tyre smoke - and you'll appreciate some trick touches.
At the front you'll find a GT-R front bar (necessary to fit the humungous intercooler) and four-lens headlights (which, incidentally, Autostyle have moulds for), while the sides carry Nizmo skirts and modified R33 rear skirts. Note that the factory GTS-t spoiler has been removed for the clean-cut rear view that's popular in Japan.
For maximum visual impact, Autostyle doused those panels in a highly unusual custom paint. It's a unique mix of blue with silver and red speckle through it - it sure catches the eye whenever light beams down the side. Autostyle can be credited with the paint job.
While we're not usually lovers of tri-spoke rims, the 18-inch Zeldas fitted to this '32 don't look bad at all. These are clad in 235/40 front and big-as-would-fit 265/35 rear tyres.
While the stockie GTS-t seats are very comfortable for everyday duties (and the aforementioned doilies are good for
nothing), Dom fitted pews with a bit more lateral grip. In went a Bride race seat for the driver and a genuine Skyline GT-R seat for the front passenger. This might sound a bit of a mismatch, but once all of the seats (including the rear) were trimmed in Recaro red fabric it all came together brilliantly. A double take is needed to realise the difference in front seats.
As you can see, there's also a Momo steering wheel and gear knob, AutoMeter monster tacho, A-pillar mounted boost gauge and a Kenwood CD sub-woofer sound system.
And what lays ahead for this GTS-t/GT-R?
Well, Dom recently sold the beast to a mate by the name of Gabriele Moretti. Gabriele stepped up from a Toyota Corolla that was both supercharged and turbocharged, but - still - he can't get over how insanely quick this Skyline is. Hardly any surprise! He doesn't plan any immediate engine mods, but there are ideas of beefing up the driveline and throwing on a monster T88 turbo - about as big as you can get!
Hey, Mr GT-R - no more kicking sand in the face of little brother!
Contact:
Autostyle
+61 414 444 930
