Support Team

Making over 100-percent more horsepower also generates a considerable amount of heat. To protect the engine from overheating, an ARC aluminum radiator teams with an HKS oil cooler to reject heat from the coolant keeping the engine within desirable operating temperatures. In addition, a NISMO oil pump provides improved oil flow while a NISMO baffle plate keeps the engine oil at the oil pickup during hard cornering.

Power Conversion

Converting 602 horsepower from the crankshaft into motion requires a compatible driveline. Fukuda’s logical choice was an Exedy Carbon-D twin-plate clutch and lightened flywheel to turn the input shaft of the factory Getrag transmission. The power is divided between the front wheels by a NISMO 1.0- way limited-slip differential and the rear wheels by a Cusco 2.0-way limited-slip differential. Adding further tuning capacity, a Field E-TS Linear torque split controller facilitates customized torque split between the front and rear.

Power distribution is only a part of the tuning puzzle. Dropping the center of gravity dramatically improves handling and is a necessity when it comes to improving lap times. To drop the height of the R34, Fukuda selected Quantum adjustable coil-over dampers paired with Swift Springs. This combination offered increased adjustability and reduced dive when the Endless six-piston calipers bite into the Endless slotted brake rotors. To take advantage of the improved footwork, Fukuda filled the wheel wells with Volk Racing TE37 wheels wrapped with Bridgestone RE-01R tires in a 265/35R18 offering. NISMO stabilizer bars and suspension links round out the suspension enhancements.

An Engineer’s Work Station

Fukuda equipped the Skyline with a myriad of electronics to analyze and improve its performance. The factory LCD screen that serves as a multi-function display has been enhanced with NISMO’s software upgrade. Featured improve- ments include a lap counter, boost pressure capacity increase to 2.0 bar, additional display modes, g-force meter and datalogging capabilities not available with the factory software. In addition, an A’PEXi Rev/Speed meter and a transmission housing temperature display monitor additional vehicle parameters that Fukuda records and compares.

The final facet of Fukuda’s build revolves around refinement. The largely factory exterior of this R34 features a NISMO front bumper and rear diffuser that subtly refine the aerodynamics while GT-R high-mount wing stays increase the height of the wing and enhance downforce generation in the rear. In preparation for the rigors of circuit driving, Fukuda bolted in a set of Simpson four-point racing harnesses to keep the driver strapped firmly behind the wheel.

Rolling Lab

Fukuda constantly puts his GT-R to the test on the daily commute to the office as well as on the circuit. Carving the turns and exploring the abilities of the GT-R allows racing technology to trickle down to the consumer. Always the engineer, Fukuda gathers information every time he’s behind the wheel in the quest to improve the driving experience.