AMS Performance Alpha Omega: First R35 GT-R In The Sevens

Can You Keep a Secret?

AMS Alpha Omega R35 GT-R First in the 7s[pullquote]To stay on the bleeding edge of GT-R performance, AMS is forced to maintain a veil of secrecy[/pullquote]To stay on the bleeding edge of GT-R performance, AMS is forced to maintain a veil of secrecy regarding some of the Omega’s build details. Explains Musial, “The race to achieve and break records is fierce, as to be expected. Unfortunately, some shops out there are just plain rude. Their sole purpose for development is to beat us. But these shops are behind the curve of development, and divulging our secrets would help them bridge the competitive gap without having to earn the knowledge and performance we’ve worked so hard to gain. Secrets are necessary.”

Omega’s powerplant is based on an Alpha-spec, bored-and-stroked VR38DETT engine that now checks in at 4.0 liters. The engine’s cylinder heads have been CNC ported for improved volumetric efficiency. To fill the cylinders, Alpha Omega-spec Garrett turbochargers harness the high enthalpy exhaust gasses to produce the compressed air charge.

AMS Alpha Omega R35 GT-R First in the 7sA custom air-to-water intercooler chills the air charge before it passes through ported throttle bodies and an Alpha intake manifold. At 42 psi, AMS estimated that the 4-liter engine puts down approximately 2,000 horsepower to the wheels. Why estimated? Even after adding 1,000 pounds of ballast to the vehicle while it was strapped on the dyno, no more that 1,600 whp could be recorded before the excessive power spun the tires.


Gear Box Blues

Early on, the GT-R’s power development ramped up faster than driveline solutions, uncovering the next hurdle for tuners. The GR6 dual clutch transaxle proved effective below 600-650 lb-ft of torque, but quickly showed its weak links when output levels climbed well beyond that figure.

AMS Alpha Omega R35 GT-R First in the 7sThanks to the efforts of Dodson Motorsports, Exedy and transmission specialist John Shepherd of Shepherd Transmissions, development was able to continue forward as solutions were realized. “Although the GR6 transaxle is more intricate in design, we felt the quick shifting dual clutch transmission would offer a significant performance advantage if it could be built to withstand the level of power we could throw at it,” said Musial.

Maintaining the stock gear ratios, Shepherd fortified the GR6 transaxle with a combination of PPG and Dodson Motorsports components. The improved driveline has effectively held an estimated 2,000 wheel horsepower without signs of failure.


Work Hard, Play Harder

[pullquote]WITH SO MANY PERFORMANCE RECORDS SET OR BROKEN IN FRONT OF SPECTATORS, THE CAR HAS TURNED INTO A CELEBRITY OF SORTS[/pullquote]Omega had gained celebrity status as a result of its testing at the track. Musial commented, “Since the project began, none of the Omega’s testing has ever been conducted privately. With so many performance records set or broken in front of spectators, the car has turned into a celebrity of sorts. Now, Omega serves as an exhibition/showcase vehicle when we attend events.”

Storied battles have taken place, as AMS kept trading the world record with various opponents. Through the battles, AMS has successfully been the first to run both 9-second and 8-second passes. Then, at Great Lakes Dragway on July 13, 2013, AMS made history once again. After recapturing the world record by .35 seconds just two days before, AMS’ special projects technician and Omega driver Ivan Phipps unleashed a blazing pass, 7.984 seconds at 186.14 MPH.

AMS Alpha Omega R35 GT-R First in the 7sThis successful effort reset the world record and made the Omega the first R35 GT-R to make a 7-second pass. “While some critics contend that the Omega isn’t a true street car because it’s been lightened, it lacks A/C, it runs on Hoosier slicks, and it uses ice water in the liquid-to-air intercooler system, we suggest that the critics show us their 7-second GT-Rs. Oh wait, they can’t.” For now, there’s only one 7-second R35 GT-R holding the end spot of performance.