In the context of Japanese performance cars, the R33 Skyline GTS25T is no
featherweight. At 1360 kilograms, the big Nissan coupe is at an obvious
disadvantage compared to the WRX/Lancer/GTi-R brigade. But then you factor in
power output. In standard form, the GTS25T's RB25DET pushes out 187kW with
plenty of mid-range torque and those 1360kg can be scooted down the quarter mile
with considerable urgency. Fourteen second ETs aren't too bad for a stocker.
But now let's lean on the RB six a little harder.
This R33 GTS25T (imported by Sydney's Autostyle Performance Cars) is a prime
example of the brutal performance that can be found by applying a few basic
principles. These principles are massive airflow, massive boost and massive
cooling.
With a sensational 322kW at the back wheels (as measured on a Dyno Dynamics
chassis dyno) this RB25DET obviously has immense intake and exhaust flow. The
air intake arrangement comprises an HKS pod filter housed in a custom airbox that
prevents underbonnet heat entering the induction airstream. A larger hot-wire
airflow meter (presumably a Z32 300ZX item) accepts the filtered air before it
enters the mouth of a truly gigantic windmill. The Trust T78 33D is about as big
as you'd ever want to put on a 2.5-litre road-going engine and it comes teamed
with a Trust 51mm external wastegate to prevent the turbine from overspeeding.
From the turbo, exhaust gasses are sent through Trust 3.5-inch mandrel bent
pipework.
Domenic from Autostyle says that 322kW ATW figure was achieved at a heady 1.6
Bar of boost, but things are tamed down to a more manageable 1.2 Bar on the
street. Boost is controlled by a Profec B electronic unit.
High boost means high charge-air temps, so it's just as well there's a
seriously large Trust intercooler mounted in front of the radiator.
This 'cooler sucks the majority of heat from the boosted induction air and a
Trust Type R blow-off valve vents the pre-throttle pressure build-up during
gearchanges and sudden throttle-offs. The throttle body and intake manifold are
both factory.
The high-flow intake, exhaust and large capacity turbo running plenty of
boost are the key power-enhancing ingredients. The rest of it is merely what's
required to accommodate it...
To prevent lean-out, this car is equipped with an upgraded in-tank fuel pump
teamed with larger injectors. Fuel delivery and the ignition system (which
remains standard) are controlled by a heavily remapped factory ECU. Domenic
tells us they've tuned fuel pressures, camshaft and ignition timing since the
car arrived in Australia.
Internally, the exact details of the RB25DET are a bit hazy but we can
confirm the fitment of more aggressive camshafts and adjustable cam gears. In
all likelihood, the pistons have been swapped to aftermarket items while the car
resided in Japan. A remote oil filter and oil cooler kit has also been
installed.
In typical Nissan RWD fashion, there's no need to upgrade any of the major
components in the driveline. Sure, there's a single-plate ceramic puck clutch
but the stock 5-speed and LSD rear are sufficiently over-engineered to withstand about
twice the factory amount of grunt.
Traction is an issue for the R33 GTS25T even in standard form, so you can
imagine the challenge of effectively passing torque to the bitumen in this baby.
Big 235/45 rubbers are fitted to the back of this vehicle and, teamed with a
reasonably compliant suspension arrangement, Domenic says the ability to put
power down is surprisingly good. Using 2½-inch lowered springs and standard
type dampers (rather than typically hard Japanese coil-overs) this Skyline
exhibits a reasonable amount of rearward weight transfer upon acceleration. This
helps maximise the Skyline's rear-wheel-drive traction.
In addition to wearing big rubbers mounted on 17-inch Rays/Volk Touring
Evolution rims, this R33 sports some cutting-edge aesthetic enhancements.
Japanese aftermarket front 'bar, skirts, 'diffuser' type rear 'bar and a
de-spoilered rear boot make this R33 stand out from the rest of the flock. A
carbon-fibre bonnet (in place of the steel original) serves to largely offset
any weight added by the body kit.
Inside, Autostyle has switched to a pair of red Recaro reclining seats.
Matching Recaro red fabric has also been applied to the door trims, gear knob
and handbrake lever boots. There's another splash of red on the Momo steering
wheel, which teams with a Nismo knob and Razo pedals. Autostyle has also fitted
a Panasonic double DIN minidisk unit wired to a quality set of speakers. And
check out the array of gauges. A GReddy boost gauge, oil pressure, oil temperature
and exhaust gas temperature gauges complement the standard R33 GTS25T
instrumentation. Look closely and you'll also see the Blitz turbo timer and
Profec boost controller.
Without the Skyline GT-R's all-wheel traction advantage and those
aforementioned kilograms to haul around, this GTS25T would seem to struggle to
manage a fast quarter mile. But there can be no overlooking the fact that this is
one of the gruntiest R33s in the country. With 322kW throbbing at the
rear wheels, Domenic says given a set of slick
tyres, the car should be good for 11s. Maybe even a 10. So there's no question that kilos can be overcome by
kilowatts - the only question that remains is whether the near standard brakes
are up to it!
Note - this car is currently for sale at AUD$37,000 at Sydney's Autostyle
Performance Cars.
Contact:
Autostyle Performance Cars
0414 444 930
www.autostyle.com.au
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