Track Titans: A Close Look at Two Active Nissan R30 “Iron Mask” Skylines

NAPAC driving sessions are popular among circuit enthusiasts

On November 8, 2023, the annual NAPAC driving event was held at Fuji Speedway. The secret behind the popularity of this event, which fills up immediately after registration opens each time, is not only the excellent instructors and inexpensive entry fee, but also the booth exhibits by NAPAC member companies, where participants can shop at a special event price. This time, we would like to introduce some hot owners who participated in the running event instead of its merchandise booth.

Two DR30s participated in the NAPAC driving event

We would like to introduce two DR30s among the cars that participated in the NAPAC running event. For a long time, Skyline had been equipped with the single-cam counter-flow L-type engine, but the DR30 2000RS, equipped with the newly developed DOHC 4-valve 4-cylinder FJ20E, was a car that made us realize once again that driving is the true nature of Skyline. </p

In February 1983, Nissan introduced the 2000 Turbo RS equipped with the FJ20E-T, a turbocharged version of the FJ20E, which greatly improved its dynamic performance. Turbo Intercooler RS equipped with an intercooler, known as the RS Turbo C, was launched a year later in February 1984.

Based on the DR30, which was a dream car for people in their 40s and 50s, these two cars are still running on the circuit. If you go to the event, you will be able to see them for yourself. </p

Decora aero kit made of urethane material

This car is based on a DR30 that Mr. Kuroko purchased when he was still young. The body was strengthened with a roll cage, and the suspension was reinforced with Bilstein coilover suspension kit to ensure traction. The wheels are 17-inch R31 House wheels. The interior features a Recaro semi-buckets and a Momo steering wheel, with four gauges for oil pressure and oil temperature in the center, and a boost gauge set on the A-pillar side. A tachometer is mounted separately on the steering column.

On the exterior, the side steps are noteworthy. These are aero parts made by Decora at that time. At that time, most aero parts were made of FRP, which was easy to manufacture, but Decora was an early adopter of urethane, which was resistant to impact and did not crack easily. It has been a long time since he has seen the real thing, and according to Mr. Kuroko, “If I had to guess, it might be worth more than the car (laughs). </p

The engine tuning was done with an FJ20 mechanically tuned and a To4E turbine, controlled by a Silver Pro modified Gold Pro. If you are wondering what I am talking about, it might be interesting to Google the history of the evolution of F-CON V PRO.

The radiator was changed to 3 layers of aluminum along with the power increase. To send the intake air more efficiently, the surge tank is equipped with a one-off large-capacity one.

His best time so far at FSW is in the 2:05 range. The car is almost 50 years old, but the driving is still at an active level.

Met his destiny when he went to buy an R32

Mr. Fujinami has been driving a DR30 since he was 19, and this is his fifth one. He has had various accidents and youthful indiscretions, and has bought a new DR30 each time. When he was 23 years old, he decided to buy an R32 GT-R, and when he went to the dealer, he happened to see this RS Turbo C. “Maybe it was fate,” he said, and he bought it. </p

A To4R turbine was installed and controlled by F-CON V PRO. The engine internals also had camshafts replaced, but the basic concept was to create a car that was easy enough to use that it could go to a convenience store for shopping. The reason why the radiator is made of three layers of brass instead of aluminum is because brass cools better than aluminum when driving in traffic or at low speeds.

As for the suspension, which is a major point in terms of ride comfort, Ohlins dampers were adopted. He had two sets of dampers in case something went wrong, but the one he has now is the last set. </p

The interior is equipped with Nismo full buckets and a steering wheel with a nostalgic design, and the speedometer is based on the Ultra’s meter and accurately displays the deviation from the gear and tire outer diameter. The car is officially certified in this condition, including the tachometer.