Alternative Racing Fuel
Given the current price of racing fuel, Tran elected to tune the GT-R on E85 instead. To fulfill the fuel supply demands of tuning on E85, a pair of Bosch 044 in-tank pumps hanging from an AMS fuel pump bracket draws fuel from the stock tank. Aeroquip -8AN fuel lines channel the E85 into a pair of GReddy fuel rails. Finally, a six-pack of Injector Dynamics ID2000 injectors delivers the fuel to the combustion chambers. Since the factory engine management interfaces with the transmission control module (TCM), replacing the stock ECU would not be a viable option. Tran piggybacked a Pro EFI engine management to refine the fuel and ignition tables. He also added a Cobb Tuning Accessport by way of the OBDII interface for datalogging and making quick changes on the fly. Once refined, the GT-R put down 948 horsepower and 923 lb-ft torque as measured on a Dynocom Dynamometer. The GT-R recorded a baseline of 412 horsepower, which calculates to a 130-percent increase over stock.
Clutch Player
Driveline warranties are irrelevant when the transmission is modified to handle increased power levels. With over 900 horsepower on tap, reinforcing the GT-R’s Getrag transaxle was a must. Fortunately, the aftermarket has already stepped up to answer the needs of the big power producers. A Pfitzner Performance Gearbox first gear upgrade ensures reliable launches while a Dodson Motorsports/Exedy Clutch Sportsman 8-plate clutch and baskets harness the torque delivered by the torque tube. Front, center and rear factory differentials continue to handle the torque split between the wheels. HRE 21-inch wheels mounted with Yokohama Advan tires put the power down to the pavement. For daily driving, Tran lowered the ride height with Eibach Pro Kit springs while retaining the convenience and electronic control of the factory dampers.
Subtle Stunner
The interior of the GT-R was reinforced with a custom Brink Racecraft 6-point roll bar. Factory seats and 4-point Sparco harnesses keep the occupants in place while a Specialized Performance sound system makes the commute even more enjoyable. On the outside, a lip spoiler and side skirts from STILLEN refine the ground effects while an HKS grill and Jotech Racing custom LED headlights lend to an already menacing fascia.
Typical, yet Atypical
Tran is not surprised by the outcome of his build, as he knows that it’s really difficult to leave a performance platform in factory condition. He has already collected a number of achievements, including second place at the TX2K10 GT-R Dyno Challenge, second place at the TX2K11 GT-R Dyno Challenge and Winner of the TX2K11 Unlimited GT-R Class on the drag strip. He managed a best pass of 9.76 seconds at 144 MPH down the 1320. Now making more power than he had at TX2K11, Tran expects to achieve low 9-second passes on his next visit to the drag strip. Of course putting his GT-R on a diet won’t hurt either. Tran states, “My future plans for the car include carbon-fiber race seats and more carbon-fiber body parts to help lighten up the car. In hindsight, I should have stripped it down and built the GT-R as a proper racecar. I have big wheels, sound deadening material, in car entertainment etc. It all adds weight to an already heavy vehicle. But at least I can commute to work with the peace of mind that it will function reliably. I’ve already put 33,000 miles on the GT-R and I still drive it every day with over 900 horsepower under my foot. You just can’t beat that.” It’s a good thing that he didn’t leave well enough alone.
Kenny Tran would like to thank Black Magic, RainX, Gumout, GReddy, HKS, HRE, Cobb Tuning, Pro EFI, Arias Pistons, Pauter Machine, Ferrea, Volk Racing, Sparco, Brink Racecraft, New Concept, ACE Powdercoating, Micron and NAGTROC for their support of this project.