Photography by Alicia Blakley
When Kevin Nguyen started working at Nissan as a first year apprentice, his friend and work colleague had an RB25-powered S14 that motivated Nguyen to dive into the world of old school cool Nissan sports cars. Nguyen then picked up a Skyline R32 GTS, but found that the car wasn’t wide enough for his goals, so he sold the GTS to upgrade to the full blown R32 GT-R.
What started off as a stock GT-R meant to roam the streets of Calgary quickly became a big project for Nguyen when he attended Calgary’s Driven show. At the show he saw multiple R32 Skylines that he had never seen before, and they all had unique modifications that he really enjoyed. It wasn’t long before he was creating a list of modifications to source, and thanks to Autodream, a shop just down the road from his house, he was able to get most parts with relative ease.
In addition to the body kit and cool aero, taking the build’s aesthetics to the next level is Art In Motion wheels, a brand which Nguyen says helped him out with excellent customer support, as well as sets of high quality wheels. Ngyuen also extends a thank-you to Cedric of Ceika brakes, citing them as the best brakes he’s had for the GT-R.
In closing, Nguyen jokingly cautions prospective GT-R owners. “Owning an R32 GT-R is expensive, especially when you’re a student on budget,” he laughs. “It's my second girlfriend.” Take good care of her!
Featured in PASMAG Issue #145 (Oct/Nov 2017). Click here to order.
With 51% of the Popular Vote, Keving Nguyen with his 1991 Nissan Skyline GT-R won the Tuner Battlegrounds #TBGLIVE award category competition at Auto Expo Galleria in Westminster, BC!
ESSENTIALS
VEHICLE: 1991 Nissan Skyline GT-R
OWNER: Kevin Nguyen
LOCATION: Calgary, AB
ENGINE: Nissan RB26DETT 2.6L I6
HORSEPOWER: 551 whp
TORQUE: 432 lb-ft
ENGINE
- Brian Crower (retainers, spring kit)
- Borg Warner S300 SX turbocharger
- Yonaka intercooler
- TiAL dual 38mm wastegates
- K&N air filter
- Raw Brokerage intake manifold
- SARD fuel rail
- Aeromotive (fuel pressure regulator, fuel pump)
- Tomei (camshaft, cam gear)
- HKS timing control
- Split Fire coil pack
- R34 Skyline crank shaft
- Manley forged rods
- CP (pistons, piston rings)
- Cometic gaskets
- ARP head and main bolts
- Link G4 standalone G4+
EXHAUST
- Autodream custom (exhaust, down-pipe, dual tip)
- DOC Race header
DRIVETRAIN
- OS Giken (TS2B clutch, flywheel)
WHEELS/TIRES/BRAKES
- Art In Motion MA50 wheels – 18x11 -11 (f), 18x12.5 -48 (r)
- Nitto (NT555 Gen2 front tires – 275/35/18, NT01 rear tires – 315/30/18)
- Ceika BBK (13-inch two-piece slotted and drilled rotors, 4-piston calipers)
CHASSIS/SUSPENSION
- K Sport air struts
- Cusco sway bars
- Kansai front strut bar
- Megan Racing upper control arms
- Driftworks rear upper arms
- Turtle Garage HICAS delete bar
EXTERIOR
- Veilside body kit w/ fenders
- TopSecret diffuser
- Fuji wing flap
- WinnipegHID custom headlights
- Junyan LED taillights
- 3M Fierce Fuchsia vinyl wrap
INTERIOR
- Vinyl rear seat and roof liner reupholster
- Mishimoto weighted shift knob
- Personal steering wheel
- Link Dash2Pro display
- Bride (Low Max seats, seat rails)
- RCI 5-point racing harnesses
- Accuair e-Level air management package w/ touchpad
- Custom air tank setup
SPONSORS
- Autodream, Art In Motion Wheels, CEIKA