NISMO Dreams: Reviving the 1999 Nissan Skyline GT-R

The Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 has captured the hearts of car enthusiasts all over the world. Whether you became a fan during the early days of Gran Turismo or were drawn in by iconic moments in The Fast and the Furious, this car represents an automotive legend. For enthusiasts like Paul Lee, owning a Skyline was once a distant dream, especially in the U.S., where it wasn’t readily available for purchase. His journey began by reaching out to Top Rank for a striking 1999 Nissan Skyline GT-R VSpec in Bayside Blue.

The 25-Year Wait

After purchasing the car in 2022, Lee faced a significant challenge: he couldn’t legally import it yet. The car had to be stored until the 25-year import rule allowed it to enter the U.S. Finally, it arrived in February 2024 at the Long Beach port, boasting only 20,000 miles from its original owner.

NISMO Additions

During the waiting period, Lee built an impressive collection of NISMO parts, aiming to create a CRS (Clubman Race Spec) R34 GT-R. He expressed his pride in sourcing a rare NISMO carbon airbox, a hard-to-find component that showcases what enthusiasts call "the GT-R tax," due to its scarcity and cost.

Key Modifications:

- NISMO R-Tune hood
- Z-tune fenders
- S-tune bumpers and side skirts
- Upgraded engine components with Garret GTX2860 Gen 2 turbos
- Boosted power to 520 horsepower at the wheels

Continuous Evolution

After driving the car for over a year, Lee's ambitions are just getting started. He plans to enhance power further with a Nitto 2.8-liter stroker kit, following in the footsteps of legendary Skylines like the Z-Tune.

  

Summary

Paul Lee's journey with the 1999 Nissan Skyline GT-R is a testament to his passion, patience, and relentless pursuit of perfection. With a wealth of NISMO parts and exciting future upgrades on the horizon, this Skyline will undoubtedly remain a centerpiece in Lee's collection.