Nismo Titanium Strut Brace

Hi everyone! Matt here with another update!

So, with the Nismo under floor braces freshly fitted to the car, I decided to re-visit the idea of a Nismo Titanium front Strut-Brace, they are quite rare and still command quite a high price. I remember reading on the GTR.co.uk forums that these are quite rare, and in fact I have been looking for one for about 5 months or so with no luck.

After giving the OEM strut brace a mild refresh I still think it lets the rest of the engine bay down. So began the hunt for the Nismo version. There are three different types of this particular brace design to my knowledge, firstly an Aluminium version (shown here in blue beneath an OEM BNR34GTR front brace)

I found this image from one of the premier GTR forums, GTR.co.uk

Then there is the 'new' Titanium version, from the updated Nismo logo:

Here's a close up of the 'updated' Nismo logo plate

And here is the version I finally managed to track down!

I still can't believe I've managed to find one in immaculate condition, having said that I would be upset if I saw something as rare as this in anything but excellent condition. I will be fitting this shortly along with a couple of other parts soon, and report back how the car responds to them.

Looking at the workmanship of this part, it is amazing, and worthy of the respect and price it commands. Impeccable welding and construction and extremely light, I really look forward to installing this, I think it will go a long way in improving the presence and appearance of the engine bay.

Well, that's all for me for now, stay tuned for more updates!

- Matt

Nismo Under-Floor Bracing Installed

Hi everyone, Matt here with another update!

So, I was in the mood to continue fitting some parts that've been in my room for TOO LONG! Namely the Nismo Under-Floor Bracing kit. This looked to be fairly straight-forward with only three bolt holes to take care of, and the car didn't really need to be on the hoist to carry out this install.

So, after an initial inspection, I proceeded to remove the OEM two-piece bracing that goes over the tailshaft, after about 30 minutes, I was staring at these guys:

So, now it was onto unpacking and installing the Nismo Underfloor Braces, for some reason I get uber excited when opening a Nismo box lol! Here's the part number if anyone's curious:

Here's what they look like out of the box, individually wrapped. Personally, I think the quality of Nismo parts alone is reason to invest in them. Fitment, finish and construction is superb.

Here's a closer look at one of the braces

You'll notice that they are not identical, each brace attaches to the body slightly differently, however installation is very straight forward. So, fast forward about 1 hour and here is the end result, braces fitted. Here's a few side shots of how the braces look fitted and also, to give any future buyers a reference point that the instructions may not provide.

I've only driven the car once and initial impressions are subtle but positive. Whilst the braces are small in comparison to the rest of the car, they do mount to 3 points compared to the stock braces' 2 points. The car appears slightly more resistant to chassis twisting and whilst there weren't any creaks present, now the car feels somewhat more stable and solid.

Overall a great value addition that I'd recommend to any BCNR33 owners reading this.

Well, that's all for now, stay tuned for more updates!

- MAtt

Wheels + Exhaust Fitted!

Hi guys, Matt here after a real busy day working on the car!

So, I was up bright and early on Saturday morning to get my wheels fitted, when I arrived at the Tyre shop they said they couldn't legally fit the tyres as they were too worn out and had none in the size I wanted in stock. So after some calling around, I found a retailer who had some Kumho Ecsta KU39's in 265/35/18 in stock for a good price, so I went there and had them fitted along with the Nismo Lug Nut set.

Off the hoist:

Then it was off to my friend Shane (of Gorilla Industries fame) to borrow some wheel ramps to install my HKS Hi-Power exhaust!

Much better!

After that, I gave the car a good wash and polish, and stood back to take a few photos, what's left to do is replace the Nismo wheel decals, and fit the flush centre caps which will hopefully get here soon!

Initial impressions are good, the steering feels lighter, the car feels slightly more nimble and sure-footedness. No scrubbing guards (what a relief!!!) and the exhaust note is deep when below 3k rpm, and builds to a throaty scream and increases in volume as you approach redline. The car also feels like it gets onto boot slightly quicker as well which is a welcome improvement. Handling-wise, I personally think this series should have come fitted with 18x9.5 +12 wheels as standard!

Now, my next objective is to install the Nismo braces and Oil-Air separator kit, stay tuned for more updates!

- Matt

HKS Hi-Power Exhaust + Nismo & RAYS Stuff!

Hi guys, Matt here with another update!!

Ok, well finally my exhaust arrived, now I remember discussing with Aki about the Tomei expreme system and how each setup would sound, ultimately I decided to go with the HKS Hi-Power unit. As much as I wanted the titanium system, I just couldn't come to like the exhaust note.

Here it is, the part number is 31006-AN024

Full stainless steel construction

I'm looking forward to getting this system installed!

Also in the mail, arrived my set of Nismo LM GT4 wheel decals. I tried briefly taking the old faded ones off but it's quite difficult, and I don't want to risk scratching the rim surface so I'll call up some wheel refurbishment workshops and ask for their advice.

Here's the decals along with a set of RAY'S LM GT4 replacement air valves, I figure why not replace everything you can whilst the wheels are off right?

So there we have it, there's the part numbers for anyone who might want them, it's always when you're able to quote a part number! So, now I've got a considerable amount of work to do with the car and I think it's time to put a halt on accumulating parts and begin installing them. A\The only missing piece of the puzzle is the flat centre caps that will finish the look of the wheels off.

Well, that's all from me for now,  stay tuned for a big parts-install session!

- Matt

LMGT4's & Lug Nuts!

Hi guys, Matt here with another update! Well, after much deliberation and photoshopping, I've decided to go with a set of Nismo LMGT 4's. I quite like the look of silver on black and it ties in well with the rest of the Nismo parts the car will have. After a lot of searching (months!) I found a set of 4 in the ideal sizing of 18x9.5 +12 offset which will sit quite well in the GTR's guards. A bonus will be the Advan Neova AD08 tyres that come with the wheels but I'm not sure of the condition they're in at this stage.

The wheels appear in good condition but I've taken the liberty of ordering 4 new original LMGT 4 wheel decals and replacement valves, also in transit is a set of 34mm Nismo Lug Nuts which I think will tie the whole package well together.

And of course, I wasn't satisfied with the original Nismo wheel decals, so I purchased a set of 4 LMGT4 decals

And to be safe, a set of 4 RAY'S air valves

And what I thought would be a nice detail touch, the flat Aluminium centre cap set, I think this makes the wheel look more simple, clean and elegant

So there you have it, the wheels have arrived, I'm just waiting on the rest of the accessories to arrive then I cant mount the wheels properly. As much as I wanted a set of BBS LM's, or RE30's (Aki's car looks superb with them mounted) I quite liked the look of the 5-spoke design on the car and being a Nismo.RAY'S item that's been discontinued, they lend the car a bit of rarity, plus black on silver looks great I think!

Now, to find a wheel re-finisher...

- Matt

Wheel Options

Hi everyone, Matt here with another update! So while I've been busy researching exhausts for the GTR, I've also been looking at another area that needs to be looked at, namely the wheel and tyre combination. The R33 GTR features quite a few curved features, whilst also keeping a few of the hard lines of its predecessor which I personally think it can be a bit of a hit-and-miss affair wheels for this particular model.

I've always believed wheels are to be changed if they present some of the following advantages:

1. Weight savings
2. Wider track
3. Requiring brake clearance
4. Strength advantages

Take for instance the classic Nismo LM GT 1 seen below

These wheels looks fantastic, and on the R33 GTR they are period-correct in my view. Also I like the classic race-inspired Volk TE37, a classic and timeless design possessing very light weight and strength but I think these are a little too common perhaps

Personally, I see only two other wheels matching a Black R33 GTR, these being Volk RE30's as seen on Aki's car

And finally Nismo LM GT 4

Now, I've been looking at what wheels are available and I quite like the Nismo LM GT4 wheels, as they add a modern yet tough look to the car, and as it is in black, silver wheels go quite well.

I would like to thank Aki for helping me out and offering valuable advice (and even pictures!!) regarding offsets and tyre-width fitment on our cars, as R33 GTR's look quite good sitting with a 18 x 9.5 +12 offset wheel, a 265 series tyre will lightly scrub on the right-hand side on full-lock, knowing this I'll look at what tyre options I have available to me, as I don't want to scrub!

So, as I see it, it's either run a smaller-width tyre or somehow modify the inner guard (heat gun perhaps?) I'll call around some tyre shops and see what my options are.

Stay tuned for more updates!

- Matt

Exhaust Options Continued...

Hi everyone, Matt here with a few more thoughts on what exhaust to choose from the myriad of exhaust options available to GTR owners...I'll try to sum up the different variables here. Firstly, I haven't read it anywhere nor heard anyone talk about it but has any one noticed that each version of the RB26 has its own signature exhaust note?

For example R32 GTR's with cat-backs have a deep burble but that 'inline-6' sound is not really apparent

R33GTR's with a cat-back have a higher-pitched exhaust note that develops into an 'inline-6' note witch screams

R34GTR's with a cat-back have what I can best describe as a deep-burble that then quickly develops into a harmonious throaty 'inline-6' sound that is unmistakable

I know it sounds quite vague and subjective but there are differences to how each generation of the RB26 sounds, could it be differences to the cylinder head? cam timing? maybe even exhaust material! That's even before any modifications to the motor are considered.

Anyway, my favourite exhaust notes come from I6 configurations and whilst it's hard to determine what mods bless each motor with its exhaust note, I want to give my GTR that sound, so after more research/sound tests etc I've found a few other exhausts that are worth considering:

The HKS Hi-Power exhaust (not the Silent version): 

Or the Amuse R1 Titan:

Now, there are some differences with a stainless exhaust vs titanium, whilst not an expert on materials, here is what I have gathered:

Stainless is heavier
Titanium is significantly lighter
Stainless reverberates at a different frequency compared to titanium (some say titanium gives a 'tinny' sound?)
Titanium is more expensive (and looks better)

So I'll have to come up with a decision soon, after hearing the HKS Hi-Power on an R33 GTR with similar modifications as mine, it's my favourite exhaust tone so far. I'll keep looking/listening for more combinations in the meantime.

What's everyone's thoughts on exhaust tones?

- Matt