Tough Transaxle
The GT-R’s GR6 transaxle deserves credit in allowing the R35 GT-R to deliver exceptional performance. Ultra-quick shifts eliminate gear-to-gear boost drops, maximizing acceleration. Generating more than double the factory torque obliterates an unmodified GR6 transaxle in quick order. To regulate the delivery of 1,272 horsepower, the GR6 took a trip across town to Shepherd Transmissions. At Sheptrans, a top-of-the-line Stage-4 upgrade consisting of PPG Gears, an assortment of Dodson Motorsport internals bulletproofed the GR6 for hard launches and high speeds. The upgrades made also The clutch system selected features a collaborative development effort between Switzer and Shepherd, composed of Exedy clutch discs and the Sheptrans special modifications. Now, the Stage-4 transaxle has no issue in delivering the 1,200-plus horsepower to all four CCW Corsair C10 wheels dressed in M&H Racemaster tires.
Defying Physics
Generating dyno-proven power would satisfy most vehicle owners and tuners alike. However, Tym Switzer and John Shepherd don’t subscribe to the “bench racer’s” dyno standard, they demand time slips. Weighing in at 4,017 pounds, this GT-R has to carry almost 200 extra pounds of car audio and accessories. Switzer retuned the transmission control unit as well as the Syvec S8 ECU with his “Soft Launch” launch control calibration to mitigate the shock on the transmission, especially when rolling on sticky race tires. Shepherd took the driver seat and piloted the GT-R down the quarter mile at the Buschur Racing DSM/EVO Shootout at Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio. The initial pass was a 9.093 second elapsed time at 161.81 MPH, an impressive effort for a two-ton vehicle. Shepherd returned to the line shortly after, and unleashed an incredible 8.973-second e.t. at 163.43 MPH. Although this was not the first 8-second pass in an R35 GTR, it was the first with a 3.8-liter engine and it’s likely to be the quickest GT-R over 4,000 pounds and only one to break into the eights.
A Satisfied Customer
The mysterious and proud owner of this 8-second GT-R dubbed it “The Red Katana”. Reflecting on his experience with his bucket list brawler, “The GT-R has always had a mystique about it. With the R35 GT-R just killing the competition on the street, and being a Japanese car, I named it ‘the Red Katana’ in honor of Japan’s samurai. To me, this car is like the samurai’s sword, a blade to cut through any adversary I meet on the street.” He continued, “This project has given me much to be happy about, as the build quality and workmanship of both Switzer Performance Innovations and C2Design more than met my expectations. Tym Switzer and the crew of Switzer Performance Innovation have put together a cohesive package that delivers exceptional performance with a solid history of reliability. As far as aesthetics, C2Design’s involvement was key, every step of the way. I’ve worked with C2Design seven times now, and I’ve got two new projects headed over to Switzer Performance. As for the Red Katana, I hope to take it to the road course soon to see how it performs. I’m also planning to get to the drag strip too for my own 8-second timeslip. Like almost everybody, I’ve had a passion for cars and tuning them long before I had the means to afford them. My suggestion to those who share my passion is simple. Keep at it and work hard. Don’t wait for a handout and you’ll be crossing items off your bucket list too.” That’s solid advice.
