R33 GT-R Update: 493 whp / 551.15 N·m of torque

After 12 months of collecting engine parts and prepping a spare RB26 for the rebuild, this is the end result. And boy was it worth it.

At the dyno, my car put out 500.84 PS (493 whp) at 1.6 bar, displaying a good power band and a very healthy max torque of 56.24 kgm (551.15 N·m of torque). Full boost at 4000 rpm. That's the equivalent of how much power and torque a BMW E60 M5's 5.0L V10 engine makes when the "M" power button is switched on (Power: 507 PS; 500 bhp at 7750 rpm / Torque: 520 N·m at 6100 rpm).

Loving my 'new' R33 GT-R :).

So anyway folks, thank you so much for following my rebuild and for your continued support.

I'd like to wish our Muslim readers a Selamat Hari Raya and Maaf Zahir dan Batin. To everyone, please drive safe during this festive period and do take care.

- Loki

Parts Installed

* ARP Bolt and Studs
* ATI Super Harmonic Damper 1000hp
* BCNR33 4 and 2 Pot Brembo Calipers
* Billion Super Solid Coolant Line
* Blitz Nur Spec R Exhaust Full System
* Bridgestone Potenza S001 UHP Tyres
* Carbing Air Diversion Plate
* Cusco Adjustable Pillow Tension Rods
* Cusco Rear Adjustable Upper Arms
* Defi-Link BF Boost Meter
* Defi-Link Control Unit II
* Defi-Link Display
* Endless Racing CCR Brake Pads
* Exedy Twin Plate Racing Clutch
* Goodridge Braided Brake Hose
* GTROC R33 GT-R Stainless Steel Etched Fuse Box Cover
* GTROC R33 GT-R Stainless Steel ABS Box Cover
* Haltech Platinum Pro R33 Plug & Play EMS
* HKS 88mm Forged Pistons
* HKS GT-SS Twin Turbo Kit
* HKS Oil Cooler Kit
* HKS Kansai Service Twin Tube Alloy Strut Brace
* HKS Kansai Service Floor Mats
* HKS Special GT-R Piping Kit
* JVC KD-R816
* Koyo Radiator Type Z
* Motul 300V Le Mans 20W-60
* Motul Gear Competition 75W140
* NGK Iridium IX Spark Plugs
* Nismo 320km/h Speedometer
* Nismo Aluminium Shift Knob 10mm
* Nismo Engine Mounts
* Nismo Gearbox Mount
* Nismo Strengthened Rear Lower A-Arm Set
* Nismo Intake Collector RB26DETT
* Nismo Main and Conrod Bearings
* Nissan Factory Series III Xenon Headlights
* Nissan N1 Water Pump
* Pitwork Service Kit / Belts
* R34 GT-R Rocker Panel Emblem
* Rays Volk Racing RE30 18 x 9.5 + 12
* Red Stitched Leather Gearshift & Handbrake Trim
* Series III R33 GT-R Bumper
* Splitfire Super Direct DI Ignition
* Sun Line Racing Front Pillow Camber Arms
* Superpro Castor Rod Bushes
* TEIN Mono Flex Suspension with EDFC
* Tomei Forged H-Beam Conrods
* Tomei Fuel Pump (output 590PS 276 L/h)
* Tomei Fuel Regulator Type L
* Tomei Metal Head Gasket 88mm Bore
* Tomei Pon Camshafts + Pulley Set (260, EX 252, Lift 9.15)
* Tomei Oversized Oil Pump
* Top Secret R33 Oil Catch / Water Reservoir Tank
* Trust Extended Sump
* Whiteline Arm-adj upper radius-camber/toe
* Whiteline Arm-adj upper radius-camber/toe
* Whiteline Camber adj kit - front upper c/arm
* Whiteline Camber adj kit - rear upper c/arm
* Whiteline Front Swaybar-h/duty Blade adjustable
* Whiteline Rear Swaybar-h/duty Blade adjustable

R33 GT-R Update: TEIN Mono Flex Suspension with EDFC

What can I say about the Tein Mono Flexes and the Electronic Damping Force Controller (EDFC)? Since that was quite a mouthful, to sum them up in one simple word - just plain AWESOME!

They've totally changed the whole feel of the car, and having the EDFC controller at your finger tips is just such a joy. They have once again made me fall in love with the R33 and I can't help but look forward to the next time that I'm behind the steering wheel. The feeling that you get is actually is quite similar to Audi's Drive Select in terms of damping and traction (Comfort / Sport / Dynamic). This very positive experience came as a pleasant surprise, as prior to purchasing the TEINs, I've never sat in a car that was equipped with TEIN Mono Flex and EDFC.

PIMPIN, a fellow Skyliner who owns a BNR34, is an ardent supporter of these two TEIN products... so much so that he has installed the Mono Flex / EDFC combo in all of his previous rides (including the R34 GT-R)! Even with that sort of endorsement by a close friend, I was still a bit sceptical. I was worried that the TEINs would be stiffer than my old HKS Hiper-Ds - even at it's softest EDFC setting. As for the HKS suspension, I've never been happy with them because the Hiper-Ds are VERY bouncy on less than perfect roads (poor damping) and they don't inspire confidence when taking sharp bends or corners (very floaty to say the least).

Now my main concern was that at first glance, the spring rate on the MonoFlexes are EXTREMELY high. So one would immediatly assume that the ride would be harsher (case in point, the side by side pic found above). Before I go any further, lets have TEIN explain a little bit more about their Mono Flex and EDFC:

The MONO FLEX coilover kit has been developed for entry-level competition motorsports and advanced street driving. Features include 16-way damping force adjustability (combined compression and rebound), a mono-tube internal design, pillowball upper mounts, and EDFC compatibility. There are independent adjustments for ride-height and spring pre-load settings for increased suspension tuning. The new Mono Flex also includes TEIN's latest technological innovation, Micro Speed Valving (MSV) system, which allows the driver to feel a greater difference in damping force adjustments. Designed and developed for consumers seeking aggressive handling on the street and at the track.

The EDFC (Electronic Damping Force Controller) makes it possible for the driver to control the damping force at the touch of a button while in the driver's seat. This is accomplished by controlling stepping motors installed on each shock absorber. Because the damping force can be controlled with such ease, the driver can adjust the suspension to suit all road/track conditions. Thus allowing the driver to fully enjoy the driving experience.

By inputing your preferences into the controller, the new setting will be transmitted instantaneously to those little small boxes that you see on top of all four of the TEIN suspension mounts.

I found out very quickly that setting the EDFC to 0 Front, and 0 Rear resulted in you feeling EVERYTHING on the road surface. Sort of like dragging yourself naked across the street. This prompted me to increase the settings to 12/14. Immediately, the harshness subsided. TEIN did an unbelievable job with their spring and damper design, which resulted in the production of the MonoFlex. With the settings at their softest (16/16) I was able to experience a near stock like ride quality at low speeds. Of course, the same is not true when I bumped the EDFC up to 0/0 once again. You felt everything, and it hurt. Definitely not the sort of setting that one would want when cruising down inner city roads. On smooth highway asphalt though, the 0 / 0 literally blew me away. I could easily carve corners at significantly higher speeds than I ever did with the HKS Hiper-Ds. The TEINS seem to make the car that bit more predictable and gave me the confidence to push the car slightly closer to the limits. They also help in the traction department especially when launching the GT-R, as the rear is squats easily due to the softer damper.  I reckon 0 / 0 would be superb on a track like Sepang, where you really get to test the TEINs to the maximum of their ability.

HIGHLY recommended.

Rainbow tyre well thanks to the yellow of Whiteline and Goodridge, blue of Cusco and green of TEIN. Soon to be joined the matt silver of Nismo (strengthened lower rear A-Arm).

Spare Engine Rebuild Update: Installation

Its been awhile since my last post but never fear, the car is in the final phase of the rebuild. The RB26 block that originally came with the car has been taken out, allowing for the engine bay to be resprayed and the rebuilt engine installed, along with a few new goodies.

Tomei Oversized Oil Pump and Trust Extended Sump

The RB26 head being prepped

 The head installed

The RB26 that was in the car - it will now assume the role of the spare engine

The engine bay without a RB26

The engine bay repainted in stunning silver - very clean and a much nicer than dull primer!

The HKS GT-SS twin turbos installed along with the ceramic coated HKS turbo elbows

 The Exedy Twin Plate Racing Clutch installed

 The Nismo Intake Collector along with the HKS fuel rail as well as R34 GT-R cover emblem

 

The rebuilt RB26 has finally be installed into the engine bay :)

R33 GTR Upgrade: Kakimoto Racing Full Mega N1

I initially had gone with a HKS Super Drager exhaust setup but found it to be lacking in the sound department. It was installed while I was out of town in December 2010. This entry was actually supposed to be about the HKS system but lets face it, aftermarket exhausts are meant to straddle a fine line between satisfying legal sound decibel standards in countries like Japan, while at same time, meeting car owner expectations. Its a compromise and honestly, nobody likes to compromise unless they really have to.

As for some, exhaust note is a non-issue but for me, its paramount. The R33 GTR is meant to be a fun weekend car. Exhaust note is crucial to the enjoyment of the Skyline as my daily cars are well mannered and refined. So yesterday, I was on a quest to find a suitable replacement to replace the HKS exhaust. 

Which brings us to Mun Lee Autoparts, probably one of the biggest sparepart and halfcut vendor in the Klang Valley area.

 Mun Lee's Puchong warehouse - mind boggling

I actually went to Mun Lee because my personal mechanic said that there was likelihood of finding at least something in that bazaar of automotive parts. And there was. A used Kakimoto Racing Full Mega N1 exhaust set had just arrived from Japan a few days ago via container. It looked in good condition and I purchased it. Why? According to this thread on gtr.co.uk, Kakimoto N1s are known to be louder than other aftermarket exhausts and their website actually rates the N1 at 93db. Nice! Just what I was looking for. With prize in hand (or in boot rather), I made my way to an exhaust shop that I've frequented in the past.

 The N1 being fitted

Upon reaching the Segambut workshop, the car was promptly hoisted up and the exhaust lined up for fitting. I decided to forgo the mid box (no catalytic convertor either) as I wanted a straight flow setup for power. It was my hope too that this arrangement would also generate a rip roaring exhaust note. I hope everyone realises that I was taking a big risk here because I wasn't sure as to whether such a setup would produce a good sound. At the same time, I was concerned that there might be severe in-cabin droning! 

 One weld had to be done to complete the straight flow setup

Once the smell of welded steel had dissipated, came the moment of the truth. The hoist was brought down and the engine started. Couple of revs later and I was a satisfied customer. The exhaust note was deep throated enough to put hair on a full grown man's chest! No droning too! 

First impressions upon sitting inside the car made me reconsider this setup as it sounded a tad bit too loud but after driving it around, I came to realise that I needed to get used to the new sound. The HKS Super Drager was that subdued! Each to his own, as others love the HKS exhaust. Well, I love my Kakimoto Racing Full Mega N1 :). Will post up a video of the exhaust sometime in the near future.

R33 GTR Upgrades: N1 Oil Pump, N1 Water Pump, HKS Oil Cooler and Pitwork Timing Belts

The GTR is having these parts installed while I'm out of the country:

 

 Nissan N1 Oil Pump

Nissan N1 Water Pump

Pitwork BCNR33 Service Kit (Belts)

HKS Oil Cooler

Once these items are installed, the car will undergo internal engine upgrades sometime in the first half of 2011. After that, the R33 will go in for painting.

In the meantime, I'd like to wish everyone a Happy New Year and Merry Christmas from where I am!