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Back in April Derrick Nowell and his company APAC (Auto Performance Aesthetics Centre) took delivery of the VAD GT1 wide body aero kit for his very own GTR build, as most car enthusiasts will know especially the GTR scene APAC have been building some really cool looking GTR's for a while now, putting their own unique style and touch on Liberty Walk and Rocket Bunny kitted wide body GTR's, smoothing and blending the riveted kits with their renowned paint skills has made for some pretty mouth watering GTR's, so when Derrick got in touch we were pretty excited by the possibility of what they could do with our very own wide body. and boy oh boy they have smashed it.

APAC Built & Owned VAD GT1 GTR, Picture Credit BonnerFX

As reported in our last blog post about the build we knew it was going to be a bit special, as we had been privy to the colour the GTR would be painted, albeit this was changed half way through the build process, we also knew the wheel design and colour, so its been very difficult for us to keep it all a under wraps, secret squirrel is very difficult for us as the excitement can some time take over, we generally cant hold our own water.. but we have surpassed ourselves this time round and kept it buttoned.

The quality off this build is another level, the paint finish is sublime, and the colour is just gives that wow factor, especially mated with those 20" RS-1 by RSV forged, the anthracite finish with the gold studs just work so well with the Verde Ithaca green, so fresh.

APAC Built & Owned VAD GT1 GTR, Picture Credit BonnerFX, ...the devils in the details

The touches we love, that draw us in, the use of the exposed carbon fibre that adorns the bonnet, roof and boot lid, all finished in high gloss clear coat, then there is the black Newton race fuel cap, Derrick could of fitted his OEM fuel door cap as the kit is designed to use the OEM mechanism, which would of been the easiest choice, but we get the feeling these boys do not do easy way and its all about the details, its such a lush combination.

APAC Built & Owned VAD GT1 GTR, Picture Credit BonnerFX

So with the body work done, Derrick will be turning his attention to the interior, we have no idea what he has planned, but if the exterior is anything to go by, it will be tasteful and ooze quality.

This is one GTR build that is going to stand the test of time, the quality of finish, the parts used and the quality of build is going to make sure this GTR will be a huge draw where ever the APAC team take it.

We are really proud of this build, Derrick has surpassed what we expected, and with these boys being part of the VAD family its sure to be the first of many, get in touch with them for any VAD related product, and let them show you their world of ... QUALITY

APAC Built & Owned VAD GT1 GTR, Picture Credit BonnerFX

 

Back in April of this year Brandon of Woyshnis Media paid our good friend Bryce Jenkins a visit at his new home in Colorado Springs, Colorado, he proceeded to blow us away with a photoshoot of the Ichiban GTR over a three day period and as we knew they would be, the images were breathtaking.

Well we are happy to report after a bit of a wait he most definitely saved the best till last, as on the fourth day he went out with Bryce video shooting, and boy oh boy has he give us a treat. What we love most about Woyshnis Media and Brandon's work is that he tells a story, a story that you feel part of, but don't take our word for it, Grab the popcorn, hit play, sit back and enjoy the movie.

Bryce Jenkins and his ICHIBAN GTR

Ichiban GTR wide body, 12x20 > 325/30R20 front / 14x20 > 345/30R20 Rear

 

With Bryce’s GTR going off into upgrade hibernation over the next few months we have been getting withdrawals, luckily enough we had been working on a couple more stateside GTR builds and one of them just excites us, as the GTR in question will be competing in the time attack series.

The GTR belongs to David Haagsma, the ATV pro who has a passion for all things fast, and his GTR is just that.

Built by the guys over at SP Engineering applying their SPE800R engine and transmission upgrade package, so what goes into the SPE800R, lets take a closer look with a a special note from the SP Engineering crew.

David Haagsma, GTA Time Attack Champion, SP Engineering SP800R Nissan GTR

The SPE800 package focuses on completely changing out and improving upon the inherent weaknesses of the GT-R engine and transmission. After doing well over 100 engine rebuilds on the VR38DETT and GT-R transmission, our knowledge has allowed us to select and build the best parts for the GT-R. Not only do we focus on creating more power, but we focus just as much on maintaining a high level of reliability. We believe that responsible modifications and tuning will achieve the power you want while keeping your GT-R on the road day after day.

The SPE800 package is the same package being used by consecutive GTA Time Attack champion David Haagsma.

PACKAGE INCLUDES:

SPE 800R - FACTORY UPGRADE TURBOCHARGERS

IHI FULLY-MACHINED BILLET TURBOS

OIL & WATER-COOLED

SPE SPEC - RACE INTERCOOLER SYSTEM

SPE SPEC - INTERCOOLER PIPE KIT IN FULL POLISH

TIAL - BLOW OFF VALVES

SPE SPEC - RACE READY 3.8L LONG BLOCK

SPE SPEC - FULL BLUE PRINT AND BALANCED SHORT BLOCK

SPE SPEC - CARRILLO BILLET H BEAM CONNECTING RODS

SPE SPEC - HIGH COMP CP FORGED PISTONS

SPE SPEC - HEAD RESURFACE, VALVETRAIN AND VALVE JOB W/ NEW SEALS

SPE SPEC - TITEK 3.5” CAST BELLMOUTH TURBO DOWNPIPE

SPE SPEC - TITEK 3” COLD AIR INTAKE SYSTEM

SPE SPEC - HKS RACING SPARK PLUGS RANGE 9

SPE SPEC - INJECTORS (1,700CC)

SPE SPEC - FUEL PUMP SYSTEM

SPE SPEC - FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR & GAUGE

SPE SPEC - FLEX FUEL KIT W/ MONITOR

SPE SPEC - SPEED DENSITY COBB TUNE

COBB - V3 ACCESSPORT ECM CONTROL

HKS - METAL HEAD GASKET

OEM - NISSAN MAIN AND ROD BEARINGS

OEM - NISSAN COMPLETE GASKET SET

OEM - NISSAN COMPLETE SEAL SET

- AC REFILL

- POWER STEERING FLUID

- ENGINE OIL AND FILTER

- ENGINE COOLANT

TRANSMISSION - SPE STAGE 2 TRANSMISSION:

STAGE 2 - (800 FT LBS)

SPE SPEC 7 PLATE CLUTCH UNIT

SPE SPEC BILLET 1ST GEAR UPGRADE

SPE SPEC FWD RETAINER

SPE SPEC FWD OUTPUT SHAFT SEAL

SPE SPEC 1, 3, 5 THRUST BEARING CIRCLIP

SPE SPEC 2, 4, 6 THRUST BEARING CIRCLIP

SPE SPEC MECHANICAL LOCK 1 & 2

SPE SPEC PISTON SHAFT SEALS (X2)

SPE SPEC SELECTOR PISTON SHIMS (X4)

SPE SPEC O-RING & SEAL KIT

SPE SPEC MAGNET KIT (6PCS)

SPE SPEC OUTPUT SHAFT END FLOAT SHIM

SPE SPEC HYLOMAR HIGH TEMP SEALANT

SPE SPEC TITEK REAR DIFFERENTIAL BRACE

OEM TRANSMISSION CYLINDER FILTER

OEM TRANSMISSION PAN FILTER

OEM TRANSMISSION & REAR DIFFERENTIAL DRAIN PLUG GASKET

OEM TRANSMISSION & REAR DIFFERENTIAL FILL PLUG GASKET

OEM REAR DIFFERENTIAL OIL SEAL

DODSON SYNCHRO SETS (RECOMMENDED, ADDTL CHARGE)

DODSON GEAR SELECTOR RINGS (RECOMMENDED, ADDTL CHARGE)

*SPECIAL NOTE* – DOES NOT INCLUDE MID PIPE AND EXHAUST.

OPTIONAL UPGRADES:

COBB - V3 ACCESSPORT W/ TCM CONTROL

TITEK - 3.5” TITANIUM MID PIPE (RACE) & EXHAUST SYSTEM (RACE)

TITEK - TITANIUM FRONT DIFFUSER SUPPORT BEAM

SPE SPEC - GREDDY DCT COOLER

So with the power side of the GTR well and truly sorted, it’s time for a VAD Ichiban carbon fibre wide body makeover. All being well we will bring you more on the build as it happens, we know David is one busy guy with his racing, but that won’t stop us pestering the life out of him.

David Haagsma, Time Attack Nissan GTR, undergoing its transformation for the 2018 season

 
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