The childhood dream car

Skyline GTR R33

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Igor Polishchuk

Growing up, I always dreamed of owning a Skyline GTR R33. When the opportunity finally came to acquire a clean, unmodified example, I was beyond thrilled. It was all thanks to my brother Max at CAtuned Offroad — he found the car in Japan and handled the import process. The car arrived clean and completely rust-free. I enjoyed it in its stock form for a while, but it didn’t take long before I began modifying it to suit my taste. The first upgrades were a set of our CAtuned coilovers, TE37s, and a custom set of Brembo brakes.

For the next three years, I took the car on drives and to various cars and coffee events. The best way I can describe the experience is that it felt similar to driving an E46 M3 — but slightly quicker, thanks to the AWD system. That feeling eventually pushed me to want more power and modern updates. I spent countless hours researching and speaking with HKS, sourcing parts from Japan, and placing orders.

Earlier this year, during a conversation with Chris at Wavetrac, he said, “Hey, get the car done and bring it to SEMA.” That set a firm deadline — only about six months to complete the entire build. While we’re not specifically a Skyline shop, we know cars inside and out, and the classic era has always been our specialty.

 

– The Mod list –

Engine and supporting items

* LeaskSpec RB26DETT Oil Pan Extension + Tomei Oil Pan Baffle Kit Combo

* Leask-Spec R33/R34 GTR Catch Can & Coolant Over Flow Combo Tank with Lines & Radium Fittings

* HKS RB26 V CAM SYSTEM VALCON LESS KIT STEP 2 22007-AN021

* HKS 45999-AN002 HKS128: HKS Wiring Harnesses (Cam Trigger)

* HKS CAMSHAFT (x1) For NISSAN RB26DETT 2202-RN138 Duration: 272

* HKS RB26DETT 2.8L Kit STEP2 HKS CAPACITY UPGRADE KIT BCD STEP2 2.8L 21004-AN022

* HKS 22004-AN002 HKS006: HKS Cam Gear

* HKS 15003-AN001 HKS131: HKS Oil Pump

* HKS 24999-AN001 HKS109: HKS Timing Belt

* HKS 24996-AK004 HKS122: HKS V-Belts

* HKS 24996-AK008 HKS122: HKS V-Belts

* HKS 24996-AK011 HKS122: HKS V-Belts

* HKS 50003-M40I HKS102: HKS Super Fire Spark Plugs (6)

* Fluidampr Engine Damper FDR

* ARP arp202-4208 ARP002: ARP Head Stud Kits

* ARP 202-5403 ARP009: ARP Main Stud Kits

* CR6697XPSTDX KING005: KING Performance Rod Bearings (may not need due to the HKS 2.8 stroker kit)

* Supertech Intake Valves

* Supertech Exhaust Valves

* Supertech Valve Intake Guides

* Supertech Valve Exhaust Guides

* Supertech Single Valve Springs

* BC Valve Keepers/Locks

* RB2DETT Complete Engine Overhaul Gasket Kit OEM Nissan (may not need due to the HKS 2.8 Stroker kit)

* HPR RB26 Cam Cover Breather Kit

* HPR RB Head Drain Kit

* SR Autosource Complete Titanium Stud Kit x 1

* Billet RB28 Timing Cover

* Muse Titanium Intake and Carbon charge pipes

Fuel & Ignition
* Deatschwerks dwk42M-01-1000-6 Matched set of 1000cc Injector Set (6)
* Walbro 450LPH Fuel Pump High Pressure TIA450-2 F90000274
* Hitachi Direct Ignition Coil 22448-JF00B

Intake

* NISMO Intake Collector Kit For NISSAN SKYLINE GT-R R32 R33 R34 RB26DETT 14110-RSR45

* ARC- Super Induction Box

* Mines Carbon / Titanium Pipes

Cooling

* Custom CAtuned All aluminum radiator

* Custom CAtuned Silicone Cooling Hoses

* Custom CAtuned Intercooler Silicone hoses

* LeaskSpec R33 Skyline Full Radiator Ducting Shroud Kit

* OEM NISSAN 2101058S25 PUMP ASSEMBLY WATER 21010-58S25

* NISMO Low-Temp Thermostat For Skyline R33 RB26DETT 21200-RS580

Drivertrain / Differential / Clutch

* HPR Tuning RB26 Billet front diff cover kit

* Wavetrac Front Differential Upgrade

* HKS LA Clutch Twin plate 26011-AN002

* NISMO Clutch Hose For Skyline GT-R BCNR33 46211-RS596

* NISMO Quick Shifter For Skyline GT-R BCNR33 (GT-R) RB26DETT 34110-RN595

* NISMO Big Operating Cylinder (metal) For Skyline GT-R BCNR33 RB26DETT 30620-RSR40

Exhaust

* TOMEI FULL CAST EXHAUST MANIFOLD  415003

* TOMEI FULL CAST TURBO OUTLET PIPE  421001

* TOMEI Ti RACING TITANIUM FRONT PIPE 431006

* TOMEI FULL TITANIUM MUFFLER EXPREME Ti GT-R TB6090-NS05A

Exterior

* Muse Dry Carbon Matte Spoiler Flap

* Muse Dry Carbon Matte Hood

Suspension

* Custom CAtuned Street Performance Coilovers 30 way adjustable

* SPL Parts TITANIUM series Rear Toe Arms

* SPL SPL Rear Traction Links (RTR) Arms

* SPL TITANIUM Series Rear Upper Camber Arms (RUA)

* SPL V5 Front Bumpsteer Adjustable Outer Tie Rod Ends

Brakes

* Custom CAtuned APracing /Brembo GT6 Calipers in 355x32mm Front

* Custom CAtuned APracing /Brembo GT4 Calipers in 345*32mm Rear

* Braided brake lines

* Street performance GT6 and GT4 pads

Accessories

* MINE’S TITANIUM TOWER BAR FOR NISSAN SKYLINE GT-R

* TF-WORKS – Billet Aluminum Radiator Brackets – R33

*Antigravity Battery

Interior

* NISMO STEERING WHEEL 4840S-RS001

* WORKS BELL STANDARD BOSS For SKYLINE GT-R R33 629

* Delrin Shift knob

* Upgraded Stereo head unit