Feature: Wolf in wolfs clothing - Juiceboxforyou

The R32 is by far one of the most popular cars to come out of Japan. The BNR32GTR is by far one of the best cars ever made; it was almost unbeaten in the N1 category in Japan during its reign of terror. The car really pushed what was possible handling and electronics wise at that time. What is so good about this R32 Skyline is that it started life as an a lower base model, the GTS-T sporting an RB20DET and a Rear wheel drive setup. The lower model R32’s always lived in the shadow of the higher spec GTR model amongst hardcore Skyline Fans, but that didn’t stop anyone’s visions of creating the perfect R32 without having a GTR. This GTS-T was torn down and rebuilt from the ground up.

With a fresh canvas the car could be built up to look like its higher spec brother, but instead of just becoming another GTR this car took a different route. Because the 32 chassis has interchangeable parts the first step was to swap out most of the GTS parts with either GTR replacements or something just as good. This car is beautiful, there is n other way of putting it, the R32 was one of the nicest cars to come out of Japan and this is a classic example of that statement.

The first thing you will notice is just how beefy this car looks, the entire front end has received GTR upgrades, a GTR bonnet accompanied by a Nimso lip, grille, wings, and headlights with superwhite HID’s combined with GTR clear indicators all replace the original front end. The GTR parts work very nicely with the Trust front bumper which is a slightly more aggressive aero looking version of the original. Some classic Ganador electric mirrors replace the Nissan factory models and help with the revamped look of this 32’s styling.

You’ll notice that the rear end has been pumped out quite significantly. Some genuine GTR rear quarter panels were welded to the original GTS body. The side skirts were also manufactured by Trust and really work with the style of the 32’s exterior. The level of dedication poured into this job is simply amazing. The exterior looks pretty much the exact same to a GTR with some more interesting modifications like a small Nismo boot lip and D-Speed roof spoiler, combined with the Trust rear spats this setup really finishes off the back end of this 32.  It’s pure early nineties Japanese car porn!

Following the impressive exterior build of this car, the stock RB20DET was pulled out and replaced with a much more powerful heart, a fully rebuilt RB26. Built from the ground up this engine consists of an N1 block, N1 crank, and N1 pistons. The original pump was replaced by an R34 N1 oil pump with the addition of an R33 GTS-T sump. Adding to this impressive engine is a set of HKS 264Degrees camshafts with HKS cam pulleys. The head has been taken from an R34 and has been fully ported.

Because of the higher horsepower output this engine produced,  the head gasket was replaced with an Apexi metal head gasket. Nismo 750cc injectors have been fitted along with Greddy spark plugs. The engine is littered with a host of Greddy/Trust extras including an oil filter relocation kit, and oil cooler, a TD06 L2 20g top mount turbo, trust external wastegate and a trust 6 branch manifold fitted to a HKS Drag Exhaust. A z32 Airflow meter and Greddy/Trust mushroom filter setup supply’s just the right amount of induction. A Trust front mount intercooler provides enough dense air for the impressive RB26 engine setup. For cooling a twin core alloy radiator is more than adequate fitted out with yellow Samco radiator and heater hoses.

The first thing you will notice is the yellow padding surrounding  the Cusco 6 point roll cage which has been fitted to the inside of the car. Accompanying this yellow theme is a yellow stitched Momo steering wheel. The car retains a very 90’s Wangan styling to it which works well on the R32’s interior. Inside a GTR passenger seat replaced the original whilst the driver plants his bottom on a Bride Exas 3 fixed bucket seat. Keeping the driver up to speed on the cars performance is an array of gauges. A Greddy boost and exhaust temperature gauge accompanies by an Omori oil pressure, oil temperature and water temperature gauge. For more fine tuning the car has been fitted with an Apexi power fuel controller and an Apexi air fuel control unit as well as a Blitz 2 stage boost controller.

The wheel choice for this car is a set of Work Meister s1’s wrapped in Toyo Rubber. These wheels have been around for quite some time and have to be one of the nicest wheels to ever come out of Japan. Pretty much anything they are fitted to instantly become’s that little bit better. Finished white spokes on a polished lip these shoes were the perfect match for this R32 creation.

Handling wise a set of Tein Moniflex Coilovers replaced the standard suspension setup. The original sub frame was retained in this build, and a hicas rear lock bar was used to stop the rear end from turning. Up front the shock towers are joined by a Cusco strut brace. Mated to the RB26 is an OS Giken Triple plate paddle clutch and R33 GTS gearbox. This has been fitted to an R33/R32 custom prop-shaft. Helping this skyline get sideways and give much more control is a Kazz 2 way differential.

Lurking behind the Works is a set of Ferrari F40 4 pot Brembo Callipers and 14″ discs. The rear were swapped out for GTR rear callipers and discs.

This car is awesome. It’s basically a custom built rear wheel drive GTR which looks good in all the right places. This skyline manages to retain the classic 90’s Japanese tuning look, it’s a style manages to never grow old. One of the nicest HCR32’s in Ireland with a very impressive build history. A factor something that could very well be overlooked due its flawless GTR resemblance. The HCR32 has become the wolf in wolfs clothing on par in both the looks and power department of its more popular BNR32 brother. An amazing example of a dedicated properly built R32 skyline.