GndTuners was given the inside scoop on this Nissan Skyline GTS-T Type M. When Chad bought this car, it was very near stock, with minor bolt-on upgrades. This article covers his history with the car, his dream, obsession, and what it took to get the car to the point where he has fallen in love with it all over again.

When the word Skyline is uttered in the automotive world, one first thinks of the Skyline GT-R. This RB26DETT AWD monster represents the pinnacle of Japanese automotive engineering. With the extensive history that precedes the GT-R, it is not a surprise that it far outshines the GTS-T in most aspects. However, the RWD GTS-T Type M version was not made for the extremist, suited slimmer pockets, and those who enjoyed a different perspective while in the driver seat –sideways. Over the years, a strong aftermarket for the Skyline GTS-T models grew. A great deal of developmental progress was made in countries such as Australia where the GTS-T was often preferred due to its RWD configuration.

Chad’s R33 GTS-T was given to him as a gift, primarily for the purpose of commuting to school. The intent was noble, but if his mother had the slightest idea of what she was getting her son into and how it would affect his life, Chad would certainly be seen cruising in a ‘99 AE110 Corolla instead.

From the factory the R33 GTS-T has the following specs:

Engine:
RB25DET- Inline 6, Twin-Cam, Turbo/Intercooled
Displacement: 2498cc
Compression Ratio: 9.0.1
Power 250HP @ 6400 RPM (170 to 180 RWHP)
Torque 295NM @ 4800 RPM
Bore x Stroke 86.0 x 71.7
Redline 7,000 RPM
Fuel Injection Nissan EGI (ECCS)
Gearbox 5 Speed Manual

Baseline Performance:
0-100: 6.18 seconds
0-400m (¼ mile): 14.4 seconds

NISSANSKYLINE.6TE.NET (http://nissanskyline.6te.net/GTS25T_spec.htm)

Chad’s first attempt at modifying the car was with the addition of a homemade boost controller constructed of a hardware store air-valve and fittings- this is a very simple and cheap design, with efficient results nonetheless. He cranked up the boost on the stock ceramic-finned turbo (an inherent weakness in the design) and added an Apex’i SAFC-II piggyback fuel controller which he tuned using a narrowband oxygen sensor gauge. Some would say this method of tuning is not such a brilliant idea but the combination resulted in a personal best ¼ mile E.T. of 14.17 seconds, achieved at an official Grenada Motor Club event held in June, 2006.

With the fever of racing down the airstrip still burning inside him, Chad dreamt of further enhancing the performance of the car. However, the outcome was a far cry away from what he expected.

The idea: attach bolt-on modifications to the stock engine: turbo upgrade, larger capacity injectors, and an Apex’i Power FC for a better handle on tuning a wider range of parameters.

The problem: this project was started without first checking the integrity of the engine, halfway through the mission, the results of a compression test caused Chad’s dream to remain just that. With thousands of dollars spent, and a compromised engine, he was left with many hard decisions to make.

While still drivable, the current engine was slowly on its way out. Sometimes we resent the obsession we have with our cars when things are not shaping up the way we hoped, but Chad was only momentarily discouraged. He bought a stock RB25DET engine to replace the worn engine. He was then able to send the original engine to be rebuilt, better and stronger than before.

Chad proceeded to do the research necessary to create a reliable street/strip machine. He provided us with a list of what is currently onboard:

Engine
RB25DET re-bored (0.5mm oversized)
Wiseco Forged Pistons
ARP Head Bolts
ARP Rod Bolts
ACL Main Bearings
ACL Rod Bearings
Cometic Head Gasket
NISMO Oil Pump
NISMO Water Pump
Moroso Oil Catch Can

Turbo and Wastegate
Precision PT6765H
Tial 44mm waste gate

Fuel
Sard 850cc Side Feed Fuel Injectors
Twin In-tank 255LPH High pressure Walbro Fuel Pumps
AEM Fuel Pressure Regulator

Management
Apexi Power FC
AEM 4-Bar MAP Sensor

Exhaust
TD Autowerks Custom Exhaust Manifold
3.5” Custom Stainless Steel Downpipe
3.5” Flex Pipe
4” Exhaust
Ractive 4” Performance Muffler

Cooling
Custom Front Mount Intercooler
3” Aluminium Intercooler Piping
Mishimoto Radiator
Mishimoto Electric Fans

Wheel / Tire (Street)
18” Motegi Togue Racing
255/45/18 Spector (Rear)
245/45/18 Spector (Front)

Wheel / Tire (Track)
17” Volk Racing
Hoosier Drag Radials 275/45/17 (Rear)

Interior
Pioneer AVH-6000DVD Double Din DVD Player
Kenwood 6x9’s
Autometer Dash-mount Tachometer w/ Shift Light
Ractive Boost and A/F Ratio Gauges
Custom Gauge Pods

The initial project was completely scrapped, with the exception of retaining the Apex’i Power FC for tuning. While the forged engine was not built in Grenada, everything was put together and installed locally by Jason Johnson and Frankie Swan, two guys with years of experience under their belt; this project would not be possible without them. With perfection and reliability in mind they advised Chad throughout the build. Tuners to date are “Raymond of EMS (Barbados)”, and “Hector of Tommy Performance (Puerto Rico)”, both tuners regionally renowned for their tuning ability.

GndTuners was given a first hand look and ride in this sweet machine. To say the least, we were very impressed with the performance, even on the Skyline’s low boost setting. The car rips the asphalt hard from 4000 RPM to a mild redline setting due to the engine break-in period currently being enforced. The screamer pipe on the outlet of the 44mm wastegate is truly the perfect sound to describe forced induction at its best.

Chad is currently putting miles on the freshly rebuilt engine which is capable of handling 700HP according to its builder. He is far away from pushing the limits of this setup, which makes the car very strong and reliable. The current tune on the car is for a higher boost setting than what it is currently set to, leaving the car running rich. The engine will be completely broken-in soon, where the next step is to increase the boost pressure to +/- 30 PSI, and retune the car for race fuel.

Notes from Chad:

- In life you need a plan. You need to set certain goals and work towards them. Hindrances are inevitable; when you encounter them, climb over them, because it’s never wise to go back to the drawing board.

- If you’re looking for something reliable, stick to the good name stuff (parts). It’s quite easy to get sidetracked by the host of economy performance parts with attractive pricing. From my experience, its better to get the right thing first and save yourself triple the cost of having to get the right thing later.

- It’s always better to learn first. There is a wide body of information out there. Don’t concoct a plan on the block. Make use of the forums and the various forms of support that is available for your ride.

- It’s nice to brag about doing it yourself but not so nice breaking it in the process. Do not hesitate to seek the advice and help of the ‘experts’.

- It’s claimed that the stock RB25DET can handle in the 500HP range reliably. From my experience, that is providing that the motor hasn’t already been abused. Ensure that everything is fresh, before you go shoving boost down its throat.

Chad’s personal Goal:

- 550 WHP
- Traction
- Low 11-second ¼ mile E.T.
- A comfortable ride from country to Grand Anse while keeping up with the Corolla GT’s and Droopa.

Chad intends to put his Skyline on the track at the upcoming drag racing events during the summer. Maybe Chad’s dream of an 11-second pass will finally be realized; it is a definite possibility. With traction, and focused driving, this car is set to perform. We at gndTuners would like to wish him the best of luck, and thank him for giving us the opportunity to share with you this amazing build.