End of an era...

Well, it's time to retire this page as I n longer own a Skyline GTR. I did have a Gts-T for a short while, but have moved on to another line.

I can be found running around in a Pulsar GTi-R these days, and will be starting that blog later today...

It's been fun,

Drool!!!!! Worlds first RB33 in progress...

Once again, Rob from RIPS NZ pushes the limit on the RB30 conversions.

Start with a RB30 block, fill it with one-off pistons, rods, billet crank, custom main caps and girdle/AWD adapter. Then slap it in the face with a set (count: two) GT3037 hair dryers....



Just a taste of what an RB30 can do....


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-siV6iQWoU


More info: www.ripsltd.com

More bigger is more better......

Just read Brian Crower has introduced a 2.9L stroker kit for the Nissan RB26 engine.



Stats:

2.85L 87.5mm Bore x 79mm Stroke. (Some sources say up to 87mm bore)

BC 4340 billet steel crankshaft (79mm stroke) (Probably full counter)

4340 steel billet, pro series connecting rods with ARP fasteners

CP aluminum forged pistons (any bore size or compression ratio

9310 nickel carbon steel allow wrist pins

Ductile iron plasma top rings, tapered second ring, low tensions oil rings

Fully system balanced and ready for install

IVOAC Targa Challenge car.....

..is back from paint.

Being a family man...

...I've become partial to roomy vehicles. My current family mover, the Pontiac Montana is alright, for now. Which brings me to the wagon of all wagons, the Nissan Stagea.

It's latest incarnation, the M35, is pretty sedate and included a change from the RB series engine to the VQ. Available with either a 2.5l or 3.0l V6, and certain variants made 4wd and HICAS available.

The WC34 ran from 1996-1998 as Series 1 models, and 1998-2001 as Series 2. Series 1's had the RB series engine, in a 2.0l and 2.5l capacity. Models were available in 2wd and 4WD similar to the GTR's. Series 2 models got a mild face lift, the NEO derivative of the RB engines and again available in 2 or 4wd. The big dog, the Autech 260RS Stagea, was available with the 280 HP RB26DETT and the ATESSA-ETS AWD system lifted from the Skyline GTR. IT was also equipped with Brembo brakes.



An interesting version was the JDM-Option Magazines R33 GTR based project car, the Speed Wagon.

One of my all time favorites, and I'm not much of a fan of conversions, is a R34 GTR converted 260RS, a "real" R43 GTR Wagon,

The Stagea ended it's run in June 2007,
putting a cap on yet another of my favorite Nissans. Who know's, maybe someday, we'll see the return of the 260RS...

To Targa, and back...Why not race while we're there!?!

IVOAC/GTRC members have plans to take on the Targa Newfoundland in a R32 GTR. 1 of the two Targa races that I know of (the second being the Quit - Targa in Australia), they've thrown in a twist. They plan to drive the race car from Vancouver, race, and back to B.C.

Official discussion here: IVOAC Targa Challenge

They've gained some sponsors and enlisted some knowledgeable people, including members of the Automotiveforums.com R34 World Challenge race car team. Most notable addition to the team is Sean Morris. More info can be found on his blog, who adds years of Skyline experience to the mix. Sponsors include the likes of Brave Auto International of Japan and Z-tune Motorsports in Canada.

I'l track there progress here as things get rolling.

East meets, west meets...

GTR Canada members in the East and West had gatherings yesterday.

In the West, a gathering of 15 or so...
More pics....

Out in the East, track time for some..

More pics...

Looks like good times.

April Showers, My Ass!!!

Car sits.

Snow started Saturday, goes till Tuesday.

Two days ago, I could see my grass.

On the plus side, I now know what a drag spoiler would look like on an Element...