Real Thirsty

With the significant increase in volumetric efficiency via the turbochargers and induction system, the fuel system needed to be upgraded accordingly. To this end, the P800 kit adds an upgraded fuel system comprised of Switzer high-flow fuel pumps and six 1,050 cc/min injectors. Although some parts of California have E85 readily available at the pump, Bok lives in an area where it’s not so common. Thus, we opted to keep the car running on California’s 91-octane pump gas.

(L)The P800 kit includes new coolant and oil lines for the turbochargers, sheathed in DEI fi re sleeve for insulation and protection from heat and abrasion.(M)Switzer includes high-flow fuel pumps and a set of 1,050 cc/min injectors. (R)The pumps are a drop-in affair, while the injectors come with pigtails to plug directly into the factory harness.

Stop, Drop and Rollers

With the P800 kit delivering much more horsepower than before, we needed to find a solution to improve the handling and stopping capabilities of the R35. From the factory, the R35 comes equipped with adjustable Bilstein struts. To complement these dampers, we selected the KW Suspensions sleeve kit. Unlike other sleeve-type coilover kits, this setup retains use of all factory rubber mounts to eliminate any unwanted squeaks or pops. KW developed the kit with spring rates designed for the OE Bilstein struts and retains full function of the factory race and comfort suspension settings.

Since Bok’s R35 had already clocked over 40,000 miles (some of which were clearly track days) at the time of purchase, the factory brakes had seen better days. The rotors were worn beyond the minimum thicknesses and the car simply didn’t stop like it should. To address the lack of stopping power, we turned to StopTech for a brake upgrade solution. The StopTech AeroRotor Replacement kit includes twopiece slotted rotors that are much less prone to cracking than the factory crossdrilled discs. In addition, the setup includes street-compound pads, STR600 DOT4 brake fluid and direct replacement stainless steel braided brake lines. With the pads, lines and rotors installed, we flushed out the old brake fluid (which was past due for a change as indicated by its brown color) and bled out any air trapped in the brake lines.

After ensuring adequate stopping and handling performance, we turned to the rolling stock of the R35. Although the factory wheels measure in at a stout 20×9.5- and 20×10.5-inch, the tires had suffered from major camber wear and simply weren’t up to the job of putting down nearly 700 wheel horsepower. Thus, we used this opportunity to improve the look of the GT-R while increasing its overall footprint with a set of 20×10- and 20×11-inch Advan Racing RSII wheels. In order to match the new wider wheels, we opted for Nitto Tire’s recently introduced staggered 285/315 Nitto NT01 tires specifically designed for R35 GT-R fitment.

Nitto Tire’s NT01 offers competition performance for the street and track. The construction is designed for consistency and stability while the large shoulder blocks maximize the surface area contacting the road.

The Big Leap

With Switzer’s P800 kit installed and tuned, Bok’s GT-R has reached the limits of the factory rotating assembly and transmission. Once he becomes content with the GT-R’s current power levels, the transmission and engine must be fortified with stronger components. After the powertrain has been strengthened, we’ll be able to push the Switzer P800 turbochargers to the limit. As it stands right now, Bok’s more than happy with the power level. But like we all know, it’s never a question of “if”, but “when”, he becomes content with the power. Hopefully not too soon, but stay tuned.