The 370Z came about when Nissan thought of refining the already alluring 350Z and looked for aspects that could be improved upon. Thankfully, it now sports more power, better handling and even blips the throttle for you during down shifts. Seriously, I mean what’s not to like about the 370Z? Well, if you’re a performance enthusiast this only serves as a starting point towards more dyno-busting power and awesome looks.

Under the hood the 370Z is powered by an all-aluminum, 3.7-liter, V6 engine (VQ37VHR). The N/A engine comes with Nissan’s Variable Valve and Lift Control and produces 332 bhp. Closer inspection on this particular engine will reveal an aftermarket intake system from HKS. Taking advantage of the VQ engine’s twin intake system, HKS developed their own dual open element HKS racing suction kit. The kit comes with lightweight dual aluminum suction pipes that allow more air to flow more smoothly. More importantly it comes with HKS’ high-flowing wet 2-layer dual density polyurethane filter element and Super Funnel for the absolute in performance. Next up on the mods list is a Powerhouse Amuse titanium exhaust. I’m sure most of you know who this company is and what they’re capable of making. Just think of them as Japanese exotica and you get the idea. Being made from titanium means its very, very light. How light? Well, the stock unit roughly weighs 46lbs while the Amuse unit weighs a scant 13.6lbs! As for the bling factor, the burnt blue color on the ends of the muffler housing and on the exhaust tips really look cool. Performance-wise the intake and the exhaust mod should probably add more than fifteen or even more horses at the wheel and plus ten or more clicks on the torque.

On the outside, this 370Z looks unlike any other out there as it has an Amuse Vestito body kit to boast of. Aside from performance products, Amuse has also been known to produce well-designed body kits and this one stands as one of their best work so far. From the subtle splitters that ride on the edges of the front bumper to the flowing side skirts as well as the rear bumper treatment, it really screams JDM Tuner. Finishing off the exterior mods is a rear wing that’s also made by Powerhouse Amuse. Those particular about stance should probably take notice of how this 370Z sits as it has been equipped with lowering springs from Tanabe that lower it by an inch or two. This brought even closer the massive black finished CE28 wheels from Volk racing that’s wearing Bridgestone Potenza rubber for a neat stance. Overall, with all its subtle yet costly and effective mods this 370Z is righteously far from stock and should also be aptly named Vestito for in Italian it means ‘well dressed’ or suit and this is definitely one well-dressed 370Z!

Engine Mods:
HKS Racing Suction Air Filters
Powerhouse Amuse Titanium Exhaust

Suspension Mods
Tanabe lowering springs

Exterior Mods
Amuse Vestito Body Kit
Amuse Rear Wing

Wheels
RAYS Volk Racing CE28N

Tires
Bridgestone Potenza

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During the seventies, Hiroyuki Hasegawa, and his partner Mr. Kitagawa decided to start an aftermarket tuning company. Together with a capital infusion from Sigma Automotive Co. they started tuning engines and producing high performance parts. (Hence the name “HKS”). Aside from their popular turbocharger kits, mufflers and high end coilover’s, HKS is also well known for their electronic products like standalone ECU’s turbo timers and electronic boost controllers.

In today’s tuning scene its no secret that performance plus electronics equals more power. Case in point here is this tuned EVO-X that showcases how much additional horses can be attained by simply using electronic products from HKS. More particularly the HKS F-Con V-Pro, which is a stand-alone, fully programmable ECU. While this can be considered as a major mod due to its hefty cost and the fact that it has to be dyno-tuned. Keep in mind that this is still a bolt-on part with no internal mods required. According to HKS, “the HKS F-CON V Pro is a feature-loaded standalone engine management system that connects as easily as a “piggy-back” fuel and timing controller”. While it may sound simple enough, but what it really does is introduce a whole new ignition and fueling map based on the mods made. As such, the engine will be more responsive to throttle inputs and raise torque curves at the bottom to mid-rpm levels.

So just how much additional horses did it come up with? Thanks to Tommy Teng of DTM/Autotechnika who did the ECU tweaking on his Dynapack dyno, this EVO-X now pumps out an impressive 344whp (250whp stock baseline) and a gut-pulling 339 ft/lbs of torque. Another advantage to having a stand-alone ECU like this HKS unit is that it allows the tuner to dial-in a whole new set of parameters should additional engine mods are to be done in the future like aftermarket performance cams, injectors, pistons and stuff.

On the outside, its hard not to notice the aggressive looking, time-attack inspired body kit. This is from the popular bespoke body kit maker in Japan called Varis.

To be used for their own time attack EVO-X, Varis developed a special lightweight series of carbon body parts to help not only give a more purposeful look to the exterior but also generate higher levels of front and rear down force. The end result is a multi-piece body kit, which consists of the hood, front fenders, front & rear bumpers and side skirts. Aside from serving its aesthetic purpose, it also enables the car to shed a lot of unwanted weight. Now no tuned car would be complete without bits of carbon fiber and this one has it in the form of canards and the requisite rear wing. The 19-inch black colored CE28 wheels from Volk Racing also lends a lot of character to the overall look and stance of the car. Sticky Yokohama Advan sport tires keep it firmly planted on the road. Footwork is achieved through a set of TEIN Flex coil over with EDFC while Brembo calipers and discs provide stopping power. Combining attainable high horsepower levels with serious tuner aesthetic stuff is quite the norm for today’s tuner car. Thanks to companies like HKS and Varis, EVO owners can get the best Japanese technology straight onto their cars.

Engine: HKS racing Suction Filter Reloaded, HKS blow off valve, HKS Hi-Power Twin Exhaust, HKS F-Con V-Pro Electronic Management System, HKS CAMP 2 HKS EVC 6 Boost Controller
Suspension: Tein Flex Coilovers with EDFC
Interior: Recaro SR bucket seats, Momo steering wheel
Exterior: Varis '09 Version body kit, Varis carbon fiber rear wing
Wheels: Volk Racing CE28N Wheels (19-inch), Advan Sport tires (275/30ZR19)

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Right off the bat, the current Nissan GT-R makes no pretensions regarding what it can do on the track. In fact it has proven itself to be one of the fastest production cars around any racetrack. This actually comes as no surprise for Nissan engineers loaded it with state of the art technology. With over four hundred plus horses from a twin turbo V-6 engine and a “Nurburgring-tuned” suspension, it’s no slouch. Why they loaded it to the hilt stems from Nissan’s mantra that they should do everything they can to make it extremely fast and handle exceptionally.

Just like previous GT-R models that have been modified by various Japanese high performance tuners, it didn’t take long for the current GT-R to enter the aftermarket-tuning scene. As we all know this is a realm where the possibilities, as they say are endless. As such, we have Dolf Santiago’s tuned GT-R from Emperor Motorsports. His shop needs no intro at all as it specializes in selling hardcore aftermarket performance parts and accessories from Japan. In addition, it also offers periodic maintenance services on high performance cars. But what makes it even greater now is the fact that it’s the authorized dealer of HKS parts and lubricants in the Philippines.

Going back to Dolf’s highly tuned GT-R, occupying the top spot on its list of mods is the HKS GT800 kit. Aside from its very hefty price tag, this advanced turbo kit is not a simple bolt-on kit. For starters, the whole engine must be removed to facilitate the mods. Before advancing to the GT800 kit, it needs the components found on the GT600 kit. It’s really so advanced that HKS does not offer any warranty as to what can happen to the engine. The said kit comes with a comprehensive list of equipment that includes, Special GTII Turbines, Heat Resistant Cast Exhaust Manifolds, GTII (50mm) Wastegates and aluminum piping’s. According to HKS, the GT800 Turbo Kit with “Symmetrical Twin Turbo Layout” combined with other HKS performance products has the potential to increase the R-35′s engine performance to 800+ horsepower”. Local tuning guru Tommy Teng of DTM/Autotechnika was responsible for pulling out the motor while Dolf flew in Lester Wong of HKS Singapore who dialed-in the HKS F-Con V-Pro ECU. Another notable and very audible mod is the HKS Superior R-Spec exhaust system. Being the high-end model of the HKS exhaust systems, it’s made of full titanium and very, very lightweight. Hearing it howl through the titanium tips during high rpm throttle bursts as the GT-R goes through the gears is nothing short of spectacular and addicting.

After more ECU tweaking on the DTM/Autotechnika Dynapack Dyno, Tommy Teng was able to extract over 700 plus horses at the wheel and 600+ lb-ft of torque. Despite not being able to reach the 800+ target, this is just due to the lack of internal mods such as forged pistons and heavy-duty con rods. Overall, this is certainly a considerable figure and feat, given that a stock GT-R is already rated at 480 horses. As compared to the explosive power burst of let’s say a tuned EVO or an STi, Dolf comments that the GT-R’s power delivery is more consistent whether in the low, mid or high rpm levels. While I can truly attest to that, but what really got my attention was the linear and neck-pulling acceleration of this beast that really pushes your back hard on the bucket seat. Despite its hefty weight, the addition of stiffer aftermarket lowering springs from Mine’s limits the amount of body roll together with wide Bridgestone rubber. With a well-designed silhouette, Dolf simply added slight exterior touches. A Zele front lip spoiler and a carbon fiber hood is all that’s needed to assert its performance factor. With all the mods done to it, Dolf’s R-35 certainly lives up to its predecessors in all aspects of tuning.

Engine: HKS GT800 kit (Special GTII Turbines, Heat Resistant Cast Exhaust Manifolds, GTII (50mm) Wastegates, Aluminum pipes, HKS racing suction air filter, HKS Superior Spec R Exhaust system, HKS F-Con V-Pro, HKS EVC Electronic Boost Controller
Suspension: Mine's lowering coil springs
Interior: Bride limited edition Cuga seats
Exterior: Zele front lip spoiler, Varis carbon fiber hood
Wheels: Prodrive GC05K 20-inch wheels, Bridgestone Potenza RE070R tires F- 255/40ZRF R-285/35ZRF20

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SPEEDLAB
HONDA POWER PACKAGE

Looking for more power through bolt ons? The SpeedLab Honda Civic Power Package is complete system guaranteed to give you up to 20% more power over stock. First is the SpeedLab K&N short ram intake system that removes the stock and restrictive airbox, allowing more airflow for the engine. Next is the SpeedLab stainless steel header and midpipe, this replaces the undersized and convoluted stock exhaust piping, allowing exhaust gases a speedier exit freeing up even more power. And finally there’s the Unichip piggyback fuel and ignition timing computer. By adjusting the optimum fuel delivery and when the spark plug fires, the Unichip can optimize your engine’s combustion process giving you more power, better throttle response, faster acceleration as well as improving fuel consumption. Log on to www.speedlab.com.ph to view the dyno charts.

For Inquiries:
SPEEDLAB
871 Quezon Ave. Quezon City
(+632)3764648/3764651
E-mail: speedlab@speedlab.com

RECARO
Sportster CS

The ultimate sports seat – in hybrid construction – developed for true motor sport fans who do not want to compromise functionality and comfort or those who seek the latest technology packaged in a
sleek and elegant sports seat. RECARO’s latest sports seat, the ‘Sportster CS’ is available with an integrated universal side airbag – safety and sporting flare for a perfect combination of a racing shell and a sport seat.

This luxurious ‘comfort seat’ was aimed squarely at the “frequent driver” target group, offering them the latest technology in road safety. RECARO’s Stuttgart-based engineering team used the synergies and experience gained from “ergonomics” and “motorsport” to maximum effect, developing the world’s most technologically advanced and comfortable sports seat, effectively a reclining racing shell.

For Inquiries:
Excellar Enterprise, Inc.
73 N. Roxas corner Banawe Sts.
Quezon City, MM., 1114, Philippines
(+63 2) 712.5373 to 74 / 712.5379 to 80
Web: www.excellar-auto.com

Slime Smart Spair™ Tire Repair Kit
REPAIR FLAT TIRES IN A SNAP

As hundreds of thousands of motorists hit the roads, flat tires should be the furthest thing from their minds—and can be made possible—with Slime’s Smart Spair tire repair kit. This handy tire repair kit comes with a powerful 300 PSI air compressor, a 16-ounce bottle of Slime Super Duty Sealant and a complete air valve tool kit, the Smart Spair tire repair kit is a must-have for road trips.

The Smart Spair tire repair kit fixes at least 85-percent of all flat tires. The compact kit replaces the spare tire, jacks and tools that help lower the overall weight of the vehicle and free up valuable trunk space.

The portable, 12-volt air compressor boasts 300 PSI of power and plugs directly into the vehicle’s cigarette lighter, significantly reducing the time it takes to fix or change a flat tire. In this simple process, there is no need to remove the tire or jack up the car. Slime sealant is inserted into the tire through the tire valve stem, and the compressor is used to inflate the tire while the driver waits safely inside the car. Within minutes the puncture is sealed, the tire is completely inflated and the car is ready to hit the road again. The estimated time the motorist will spend fixing the tire is less than ten minutes. Smart Spair tire repair kit is available at all Blade outlets and Hans Tools.

For Inquiries:
Hart International, Co.
322 Santolan Road, Brgy Little Baguio
San Juan
Telefax: 632-744-5875
Website: http://www.HARTINTL.com
Email: Hart_Intl@yahoo.com

BORLA
Boomer Mufflers

BORLA Boomers are full-blown, high-tech, dyno and race-proven mufflers for the street or track. These eye-popping, fully polished mufflers utilize BORLA’s patented race-winning technology. They boost horsepower levels from 7% – 10% while adding that distinct head-turning sound. Available in a variety of sizes and universal-fit styles, BORLA Boomers are made of aircraft-quality high quality stainless steel and include a Million Mile Warranty.

For Inquiries:
XENON-BULBS
20 G.Araneta Ave.
Quezon City
(+632)7160348/7131998

HKS
SSQV Blow-Off Valve Version-2

Highly distinguishable through its newly designed casing, this is the latest Blow-Off Valve from HKS. Unlike other conventional push type blow-off valves, the HKS Version-2 SSQV is a dual stage pull-type relief valve. This guarantees that it will not leak under any boost level because the boost pressure in the chamber keeps the valve closed against its seat. The SSQV releases excess boost when there is a pressure alteration in the chambers, and not by the rate of boost pressure or vacuum in the line. This ensures a quick valve response and complete closure during idle. For maximum performance, the HKS SSQV incorporates both a small primary valve for ultra quick activation, and a larger secondary valve for additional discharge capacity. The Version-2 features a unique finned design and is constructed from billet aluminum to ensure long-term durability and a high luster look. The triple-fin discharge port design produces a powerful, unique and aggressive blow-off sound. The HKS SSQV is available as a universal kit or vehicle specific kits.

For Inquiries:
Emperor Motorsports
#128 Ortigas Home Depot
Julia Vargas St.
Pasig City
(+632)914.0125
E-mail: emperor_motorsports@yahoo.com

SpeedLab
Honda Civic R18 Turbo Kit

SpeedLab introduces their first complete 100% bolt on kit for the new Honda Civic 1.8L R18 engines equipped with either an automatic or manual transmission. The kit contains everything and installs in a about 10 days. Dyno proven to deliver an increase of 70hp-90hp.

The kit consists of the following:
- GT28 turbocharger
- Cast iron turbo manifold & outlet
- Stainless steel pipings
- Silicon hose couplers
- K&N high flow filter
- Front mount intercooler
- HKS or Greddy BOV
- Oil supply & return lines
- 590cc Injector
- Unichip piggyback engine management
- Labor and installation
- Dyno tuning

For Inquiries:
Speedlab
871 Quezon Ave. Quezon City
(+632)3764648/3764651
E-mail: speedlab@speedlab.com

SpeedLab
Mazda 3/Ford Focus Header

Long runner design is designed to extract maximum horsepower from you Mazda 3 or Focus. Full TIG welded stainless steel construction will not rust. Our headers delete the catalytic converter and feature provisions for both primary and secondary O2 sensors. 100% bolt on installation with no cutting or welding. Dyno proven to give 10-15hp gains. SpeedLab headers will fit all Mazda 3 models (1.6L and 2.0L) as well as all Ford Focus models (1.6L, 1.8L and 2.0L)

For Inquiries:
Speedlab
871 Quezon Ave. Quezon City
(+632)3764648/3764651
E-mail: speedlab@speedlab.com

ULTIMATE DUSTER

From the same company who brought the ultimate cleaning cloths, Microtex now unveils their latest product which is their Ultimate Duster. With specially processed cotton mop strands coated with paraffin wax to maintain the vehicle’s luster and shine, the Ultimate Duster from Microtex is designed to offer excellent dusting capabilities and guaranteed not to scratch even the most delicate paint jobs. The Ultimate Duster is also maintenance free as it does not need cleaning or washing to maintain its efficiency.
For Inquiries:
Halden Galway Intl. Corp.
483 Barcelona St.
San Nicolas, Manila
(+632)2445538
E-mail: halden_microtex@emailaccount.com

DUPONT
CARNAUBA WAX

Maintain your vehicle’s paint job with DuPont’s premium Carnauba Wax to produce an extra long lasting glossy appearance while removing and protecting the paint surface against harmful road grime, bugs, grease, and dirt. Periodic use will also help fill in minor swirls and scratches from your paint to further beautify your vehicle. DuPont’s Carnauba Wax is easy to apply and contains no abrasive materials. Regular waxing is also recommended during the rainy season to prevent the buildup of harmful contaminants.

For Inquiries:
Highland Trading
124 Unit-4 Pelbell II Bldg.
Shaw Blvd. Pasig City
(+632)6355195 to 97
E-mail: highland@globenet.com.ph

Once regarded as an executive’s car, the Nissan Cefiro was a popular car in the early nineties when it was released. But now, the car is seen in a different light or in drift terms as a different approach angle. The once reserved and serious car is now being used as a project car for drifting because of its long wheelbase and rear wheel drive configuration.

Also in a different light is Atoy Llave of A-toy Bodykits who is more often known for his wild bodykit creations and extreme aesthetic modifications who is now into the performance scene as well. Being bitten by the drifting bug recently after he joined one of the drift clinics organized by the DMF Drift School, Llave has built his own drift car from a Nissan Cefiro.

However, a plain looking Cefiro would not be enough for him, so a custom widebody FRP aerodynamic bodykit and ground effects were added to the car to put the A-toy trademark on the car, while carbon-fiber aero mirrors and a carbon-fiber rear wing adds some contrast. Custom graphics made by Winner Graphics were also added to further enhance the car’s drift car appeal. The look is finished off with white ROTA P45Rs wrapped with Avon ZZ3 tires.

Under the hood is an RB25DET engine transplanted from a Nissan Skyline R32 GT-S. The intercooler from the R32 was also used and custom intake and exhaust pipes were done by Fremuff. Some additional parts are an HKS Super Mega Flow filter, Blitz blow-off valve and an Apex-i AFC Neo for instrumentation and minor fuel delivery tuning.

In the roadholding section, suspension is handled by a set of TEIN Type HA coilovers and a custom built rollcage. To further stiffen the chassis, it was also seam-welded by DMF. The brakes from the R32 were also transplanted to compensate for the engine’s extra power.

This is one mean car inside and out, and goes sideways. What more could you ask for?

Engine: RB20DET Engine, HKS Super Filter, Blitz Blow-off Valve, Front-mount Intercooler, FREMUFF Custom Exhaust System, APEX-i AFC Neo
Suspension: TEIN Type HA Coilovers, CUSCO Front Tower Bar, Nissan Skyline R32 GTS-T Brakes, DMF Custom Rollcage
Interior: Momo Drift Steering Wheel, Kazama Shift Knob, DEFI Black Face Boost Gauge, DEFI Black Face Water Temp Gauge, Cobra Bucket Seat, Drift-spec Handbrake Lever
Exterior: A-toy FRP aero hood, A-toy FRP front aero bumpers, A-toy FRP rear aero bumper, A-toy FRP aero front grill, A-toy Carbon Fiber Drift Wing, A-toy FRP Front Diffuser
Wheels: 17 x9.0 ROTA P-45R Wheels, 215/45R17 AVON ZZ3 Front Tires, 225/45R17 AVON ZZ3 Rear Tires

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The Lexus IS200 isn’t really known for raw performance but more for being a midrange luxury sedan. However its JDM counterpart, the Toyota Altezza is a whole different story. Being inspired by this, the owner Keith Haw started out with putting TRD parts in his car. These included mostly aesthetic modifications like the bodykit and interior parts.

However, Keith soon found his car too boring and added a Nitrous system to add some juice to his ride. Too much juice boosted sent his stock engine to motor heaven, which fueled his quest for his hybrid project which was supposed to be a 3SG-E engine from an Altezza. But seeing the need for more speed, he later chanced upon a twin turbo 1JZ-GTE engine from a Toyota Supra MK3 at a surplus yard.

The engine was then brought to eRL motorworks for the transplant which took months and a lot of engineering. Soon more parts went under the hood, twin Turbonetics T3 turbines, custom plumbings, manifold, a hybrid intercooler, HKS SQV, and finished off with a RAY’s Gramlights 57 Dragon Muffler.

For the footwork, a set of RAY’s 19-inch Gramlights 57F Pro wheels wrapped with Dunlop tires was the weapon of choice. Stiff-stuff consist of TEIN Super Street Coilovers, and a Cusco strut bar. Additional stopping power is provided by TRD brake pads and TRD stainless steel brake lines.

Inside the car, a pair of Bride XAX2 bucket seats, a TRD instrument panel and a mixture of other TRD and Pivot accessories can be found. For monitoring, a set of DEFI Black Face Gauges and a VFD Basis Heads-up Display were used. For entertainment, it was a combination of Peerless and JL Audio custom installed by Francis Tan.

The IS200 being a heavy car, a little dieting was required. The steel hood and trunk were replaced with light and durable carbon fiber ones. To complement the L-Tuned bodykits, additional carbon fiber diffusers and cannards were installed on the front bumper, while a carbon fiber TRD rear spoiler was also installed. The side mirrors were also replaced with carbon fiber Ganador side mirrors.

This is certainly not very much of Lexus anymore and you’ll see it tearing up the streets quite often with plenty of power to boot.

Engine: 1JZ-GTE Engine, Turbonetics T3 Twin Turbines, Custom Turbo Pipings and Exhaust System, RAYS Gramlights 57 Dragon Muffler, Hybrid Intercooler, Greddy E-Manage Ultimate, HKS Super SQV Blow-off Valve, HKS Earth Circle Ground Wires, Pivot Raizin Volt Stabilizer, Walbro High Flow Fuel Pump, TRD Thermostat, TRD Radiator Cap, TRD Oil Cap, Carbing Oil Catch Tank, Carbon Fiber Radiator Cooling Plate
Suspension: TEIN Super Street Coilovers, TRD Racing Brake Pads, TRD Stainless Steel Brake Lines, Carbon Fiber-Aluminum Front Tower Bar, Cusco Rear Tower Bar
Interior: Bride XAX2 Bucket Seats, Pivot Type M Shift Lamp, Pivot Engine Starter Button, TRD Instrument Panel, TRD Steering Wheel, TRD Shift Knob, TRD Floor Mats, Apex-i Pencil-type Turbo Timer, DEFI VSD Basis Heads-up Display, DEFI BF Gauges (Boost, Oil Temp, Oil Press, Water Temp, EGT, Fuel Pressure), Pioneer 9350 CD Radio, Peerless Speakers, JL Audio W7 Subwoofer, JL Audio 300/2 Amplifier, JL Audio 500/1 Amplifier
Exterior: Carbon Fiber Hood, Carbon Fiber Trunk, Carbon Fiber Canards and Diffuser, L-Tuned Body Kit, Carbon Fiber TRD Rear Spoiler, Ganador Carbon Fiber Aero Mirror, Carbon Fiber B Pillar, Toyota Altezza Headlights, Toyota Altezza Taillights, Daylight Demon Eyes, GT HID Xenon Lamps, JDM Short Antenna
Wheels: 19x8 RAYS Gramlights 57F Pro, RAYS Aluminum Racing Lugnuts, Dunlop LM702 tires

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In the world of car tuning, most people are happy with bolt-ons and simple aesthetic mods. Few enthusiasts take the route of changing their car to become something else. We’ve all seen how creative people here modify one brand of car to look like a totally different one, but few have gone the painstaking route of a conversion of this caliber.

At first glance you might think that this is a normal Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI Tommi Makinen edition. The truth is, this car is a humble 1997 automatic transmission Lancer GL daily driver that was painstakingly converted to an Evo TM edition. The reason behind this was because the owner found the license plates to have sentimental value. But before we get to the details, a quick history of the Evo TM edition is in order.

The Evolution VI Tommi Makinen edition is a limited edition run produced by Mitsubishi in 1999, named after the famous rally driver. Difference from the standard Evo 6 include a larger intercooler, redesigned front bumper, high performance muffler, special tarmac tuned suspension, redesigned alloy wheels, a titanium turbo tuned for better low end response, and special Recaro interior. These changes produce subtle improvements in acceleration and handling.

The owner of this lancer was fortunate enough to get his hands on complete TM Edition EVO parts. Some of the things changed include the fenders, flares, bumpers, hood, doors, and trunk. The interior was also converted to full TM edition. But the most remarkable thing is that the entire powertrain and drivetrain from the Evo 6 was swapped in to this normal Lancer. The work proved difficult and required several modifications to the chassis. The end result however, is an Evo that you wouldn’t even imagine was a normal Lancer a few months back. The entire 4WD drivetrain, Evo suspension, and 2.0 turbocharged engine was swapped in. Even the paint matches and a set of the special WRC-red livery on real deal Evo 6 TM editions was ordered from Japan to make it complete. Right now the car is still stock save for an upgraded exhaust system, HKS boost gauge, and some Cusco chassis stiffening parts, but plans are underway for more modifications.

“This project was quite a challenge for me. But I am very proud of what it has become. This painstaking conversion also required getting some parts from another Evo which we were luckily able to source to make it complete. We really wanted the conversion to be right, no shortcuts,” said Mr. Adel Ayroso, who took charge for the conversion of this vehicle to a monster.

The owner spent quite a significant amount of time and money on this conversion, but the results speak for themselves. This is one Evo I wouldn’t mind having.

Engine: 4G63T Tommi Makinen Edition, Custom stainless exhaust manifold and downpipe, Custom stainless exhaust system, Turbosmart Blow-off Valve
Suspension: Cusco front tower bar, Cusco front cross bar
Interior: Evo VI TME front and rear seats, Evo VI TME sidings, Ralliart Shift Knob, Evo VI TME instrument panel
Exterior: Evo VI TME front bumper, fenders, hood, Evo VI TME doors and rear flares, Evo VI TME rear bumper, trunk and rear spoiler, Evo VI TME Makinen decals
Wheels: 17x7.5 Evo VI TME Pearl White wheels, Bridgestone Potenza RE-01 tires

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For most devoted fans of Japanese supercars, the Nissan Skyline GT-R is considered to be the most desirable of them all. The combination of its potent twin turbocharged engine, ATTESA all-wheel drive, and HICAS 4-wheel steering ensures immaculate performance whether in the straight line or through corners. The fact that it was never made in LHD just adds to the exclusivity and appeal. It is known by car enthusiasts simply as “Godzilla”.

This particular example is one of the most extensively modified Nissan Skyline GT-Rs in the world. The base car is a R34 GTR VSPEC II Nür, which is a limited edition final run of the GT-R before Nissan decided to stop production. The car was sent to Skyline Motors in California which worked on the LHD conversion for almost one year. There are two reasons the GT-R is extremely difficult to convert to LHD. The first one is difficulty in finding the right dashboard. Since there was never any LHD GT-Rs, most choppy conversions used the dashboard from an Altima. This was simply unacceptable to the owner. Skyline motors fabricated an immaculate carbon fiber dashboard wrapped in leather. Looking at the interior, you would never believe that this car was converted. The second reason for the difficulty is Nissan purportedly placed the turbos in the space where the steering column would be should the car be converted. This was taken care of through a special order steering rack from Nismo and custom downpipe work from Skyline Motors.

After the conversion was done, the car was shipped to Croydon Racing Developments in Australia for the engine work. Croydon racing is responsible for building the third fastest GT-R in the world (fastest outside of Japan) and they have used their experience and capability to build this beast. A custom ordered Jun 2.7 liter engine and a pair of HKS turbos were utilized to build power. Other engine pieces include a custom ignition system, a custom ARC 4” exhaust system, and Motec M800 for engine management. An especially nice touch is the custom fueling system Croydon racing made with switches and a fuel cell in the trunk of the car. To enable the car to get the power to the ground properly and ensure good quarter mile times, a custom sequential transmission was ordered from Hollinger. An OS Giken Quad Plate clutch is responsible for hard first gear launches (the clutch isn’t needed except when taking off from first gear and reverse). A Jun modified drag coilver system is utilized at all four corners.

After 2 years of painstaking work, this GT-R arrived in Manila July of 2004. The car was immediately treated to aesthetic improvements such as a Nismo carbon fiber hood, Electra carbon fiber trunk, Mines carbon fiber side mirrors, Veilside side skirts, and a set of very exclusive 18-inch Nismo LM-GT4 wheels in Black JGTC centerlock style.

After strenuous sessions on the dyno, this GT-R was tuned to a ’safe’ 700whp for street use on local high octane pump fuel with 1.5 bar of boost. The potential of this car is much more and is estimate to produce about 1000whp with C-16 race fuel and a higher amount of boost. With this amount of power, a set of special ordered Project Mu front and rear brakes were called in for stopping duties.

This Skyline GT-R may very well be the most powerful car in the country today.

Engine: JUN fully prepped 2.7L RB26DETT Race Engine, Motec M800 w/ datalogger & adv. lambda, Blitz SBC ID2 Dual Boost Controller, HKS GT3240 Twin Turbo Kit, Trust BOV, HKS tubular stainless steel exhaust manifold, HKS racing wastegate, Custom ARC 4" Titanium Exhaust System, Apex-i Drag VMAX SPL Intercooler, JUN Oil Pump, CRD 9-litre sump
Suspension: JUN Drag suspension shock absorber and spring, JUN rear drag cross member, Nismo front and rear stabilizer bars, Nismo front strut bar
Interior: Nismo white face gauges, Nismo MFD2 upgrade, Custom CRD Shifter, Custom LHD Conversion, Leather wrapped custom carbon fiber dashboard
Exterior: Top Secret front bumper, Nismo carbon fiber hood, Electra rear carbon fiber trunk, Veilside side skirts, Nismo rear carbon fiber spoiler plane, Mine’s side mirrors
Wheels: 18 x 9.5 NISMO LM-GT4 Black Limited II (JGTC Center Lock Style), Bridgestone Potenza RE55S Intermediate tires

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