A visit to a GT-R specialty shop in Kyushu that offers its custom style
“Garage Active” is the only specialty store in Kyushu that proposes unique GT-R customization styles such as chassis and twin chassis. They are a one-stop shop that meets the needs of users with hard tuning, full restoration, and other services based on their many years of drag racing experience. We introduce nine GT-Rs that share the company’s originality in machine makeup. The owner of the R32 Nissan “Skyline GT-R” who has loved it for a total of about 17 years is featured in this issue.
The first BNR32 had an engine blow while driving on the highway
The appearance of the BNR32 model was a shock to car enthusiasts now in their late 50s or older who learned in real time in 1989 that the Skyline GT-R was back after a 16-year absence. Equipped with an engine specially designed to win races, the BNR32 was lavishly equipped with the latest devices of the time, including the “Atesa E-TS,” the latest four-wheel drive system developed to reliably transmit 600 hp to the road, and the “Super Hi-Cas,” which realized handling stability when turning at high speeds. Many people were fascinated not only by its performance but also by its extraordinary specifications.
Hiroyuki Hatta was one of those who were fascinated by the BNR32 when it made its debut. However, a budget of 5 million yen was too much for a young man who had just started his career. He could only watch with his fingers crossed. It was 17 years ago when he finally acquired his dream car, and the used car market at that time was full of cars priced at around 1 million yen. He decided to buy it, saying, “I can afford this”.
He started tuning the engine right after he bought it. He was enjoying the GT-R life he had longed for, but one day, five years after it became his favorite car, the engine blew up while driving on the highway.
The Garage Active that kept me from getting out
Having such an experience, he was wondering whether or not to get out of the GT-R. However, a long-time friend of his who drives an R32 asked him, “Are you getting out? He was asked by a long-time friend who drives an R32, “Are you getting out of it? And it was through his friend’s introduction that he first visited Garage Active.
By the way, the current BNR32 is the second one. If the engine blew, didn’t you think about replacing it? When asked, “At the time, it was cheaper to buy a car,” says Hatta. Incidentally, the second BNR32 sold at auction for 700,000 yen. It is hard to believe now, but around 2012, you could bid on a good car for that price. Upon purchase, the camshafts were replaced with an HKS GT2530 turbine and managed with HKS’ full-control F-CON V Pro to bring the power up to 610ps. This was due in part to the fact that he had been immersed in the allure of the tuned R, but more than anything, it was due to the influence of a friend.
The specifications were repeatedly changed for drag racing and circuit driving
“At first it was just the engine, but when I looked at my friend’s car, I saw that various modifications had been made. Moreover, they kept urging me to do it, so I kept stepping up my game.”
In addition to the OS Giken sequential transmission, line locks, and other items that can be used in drag racing, the Brembo brakes were also replaced after hearing that they were insufficient for circuit driving. Incidentally, he has only participated in drag racing once or twice so far, but he says with a smile, “It’s a treasure trove, isn’t it?
The interior is reinforced with refresh bars by Kansai Service. The driver’s seat is a bucket-type seat provided by an acquaintance, and the passenger seat is a reclining type with reupholstered upholstery. The red door trim was transplanted from the previous car. After purchasing the car, he entrusted Garage Active with these various tasks.
Although he spends less time on the road, the satisfaction of owning a GT-R remains the same
Now that 12 years have passed since I purchased the car, the policing has become stricter, and I am now concerned about my neighbors’ eyes on me. Considering this, I now only use it for touring with friends and at Active-sponsored events. Since I no longer drive it daily, I now drive about 2,000 km per year, but the GT-R’s appeal has not faded, and the sound of the RB26DETT engine and the overwhelming sense of acceleration alone is worth continuing to own the car. The sound of the RB26DETT engine, in particular, and the overwhelming sense of acceleration alone make it worthwhile to continue owning.
The BNR32 brings special moments to his daily life, and he plans to enjoy his car life with his friends while keeping it in good condition.
translated by DeepL