MODIFY AND REPEAT

The temptation of bolt-on upgrades was just too strong for Uy to resist, so the first round of upgrades included GotBoost Performance air intakes, Meisterschaft Performance exhaust, Switzer Performance downpipes and an ECU reflash. The exterior also received a ZELE Performance carbon fiber front lip and side skirt set. While the GT-R responded very well to these modifications and also looked pretty good, Uy soon grew tired of the setup and continued to try new configurations. The drive to change up the appearance and performance of the R35 was accelerated when photos from the 2014 Tokyo Auto Salon started flooding the forums. Two all-new offerings in particular caught Uy’s eye; 20-inch Volk Racing TE37 Ultra wheels by RAYS Engineering and the TRA Kyoto Rocket Bunny aero kit. Uy scrambled to be the first in the states with these parts on his GT-R. After phoning Bulletproof Automotive and GT Auto Concepts, all the products were on order straight from Japan.

[pullquote]BOOST PRESSURE WAS TURNED UP TO 32 PSI… TO THE TUNE OF 797 WHEEL HORSEPOWER[/pullquote]During this time, Uy had a complete engine build in progress. To this end, the VR38DETT bottom end was strengthened with CP pistons and Carrillo Pro H-Beam connecting rods. Up top, Uy ported the upper and lower intake manifold for optimal airflow before installing Kelford Stage-1 266/266 camshafts to orchestrate the activities of the Kelford valve springs and retainers. The top and bottom halves of the engine were mated with ARP main studs and an HKS metal head gasket to form the seal. With the engine ready to produce some serious power, Uy turned his attention to the fuel system. A complete FFTEC Motorsports fuel system with dual Walbro 400lph fuel pumps were installed along with a Zeitronix flex fuel kit to support E85 fuel. E85 allows the engine to run higher boost levels safely for maximum power.

In the power production department, Uy relied on the forced-induction expertise of AMS Performance. The AMS Alpha 9 bolt-on turbo upgrade was fitted to the built engine. This turbo upgrade has an OEM fit and finish with substantial performance gains. The factory turbos were redesigned with billet compressor wheels which are lighter and have aerodynamic properties that increase efficiency and decrease heat production. The result is a fast spooling turbocharger that doesn’t sacrifice low-end or mid-range power and nets massive horsepower gains overall. Uy then utilized some existing parts which included the Swizter Performance downpipes connected to a Meisterschaft Performance exhaust system to carry spent exhaust gasses away from the GT-R. With all the components in place and FFTEC Motorsports technicians behind the controls, a COBB Tuning AccessPort was used to calibrate the GT-R’s power production. Boost pressure was turned up to 32 psi while the finished product spun the rollers of a Mustang Dynamometer to the tune of 797 wheel horsepower and 734 lb-ft of torque.