The Awe Inspiring Nissan R34 GTR

Article written by Bush Tyres

The Nissan R34 and R33 Japanese Automotive Royalty

Over in our Spalding branch the influence of the far east could be felt as two Japanese classics were brought to us from Baileys Prestige and Performance. The first an immaculate Pearl White Nissan R34 GT-R having Michelin Pilot Sport 5 tyres fitted to a set of new lightweight race wheels supplied by our friends over at SR Autosource. And then an equally impressive Gun Grey Metallic R33 example had the Nissan R34’s factory wheels fitted. Both cars benefiting from a Four-Wheel Alignment check and adjustment before leaving our depot.

Michelin Pilot Sport 5

The Nissan R34 was fitted with a full set of 275/35ZR18 Michelin Pilot Sport 5 tyres. On this occasion SR Autosource supplied a new set of Weds Sport’s flagship TC105X lightweight racing wheels. The new tyres were mounted and balanced using colour matched balance weights and fitted on the car.

Once removed, the R34s original matt bronze factory wheels were balanced and then fitted to the R33 using manufacturer’s recommended torque settings. Both cars were brought up to Bush Tyres Spalding from the very well-regarded Baileys Prestige and Performance in Peterborough.

The Pilot Sport 5 is a perfect choice for all round fast road and daily summer use on the Nissan GTR. Released in 2022 and sold as a replacement for the Pilot sport 4 (no ‘S’). The 5^th generation tyre is designed for long lasting performance and longevity as well as providing high levels of reactivity and precision steering. The tyre is optimised for maximum grip and braking on both wet and dry roads.

Not only is the tyre an upgrade in technology but also visually a high-performance tyre with a new upgraded sleek aesthetic featuring a full-ring ‘velvet’ sidewall. In testing the Pilot Sport 5 was found to provide 15% increased life over the older Pilot Sport 4 tyres. The tyre is offered in 57 sizes from 17-21 inches in diameter.

Nissan R34 GTR and R33

Affectionally known as “Godzillla” the GT-R abbreviation stands for Gran Turismo–Racing. The first Skyline GT-R, known by the internal Nissan designation of PGC10, was introduced on 4 February 1969. It was available originally as a four-door sedan, equipped with the 2.0 L DOHC S20 Inline-six engine rated at 160 hp.

Power was delivered to the rear wheels by a 5-speed manual transmission and the car was equipped with a limited slip differential. The car was made available in a coupé in March 1971 with the chassis code KPGC10.

Fast forward to 6th January 1995, the fourth generation R33 was released with the base model GT-R and the V·Spec model. Although the R33 is Powered by a nearly identical 2.6L twin turbo RB26DETTI6 engine found in the R32, the engine now had an improved oil system, the car also had a new stronger gearbox than the outgoing R32 model. Nissan constantly improving the model with every evolution of design.

The car was capable of 0-60 in just 3.8 seconds and a top speed of over 186mph. The R33 ended production on 9 November 1998. The last R33 GT-R produced was a V-Spec in GV1 finished in Black Pearl colour.

By 1999 the company had released the Nissan R34 fifth generation car. Nissan continuing to develop the car in not only performance but also interior refinements. In 1999, during one of their testing session at the Nürburgring. The Nissan R34 car set an unofficial lap time of 7 minutes 52 Seconds. The car broke the Skyline GT-R R33’s record, which was until then, the fastest production vehicle around the track.

Finally The Four wheel Alignment

After all the wheel and tyre swaps were completed, both cars paid a visit to the alignment bay for their alignment to be checked and fully adjusted to custom fast road specifications. These adjustments will help maximise their performance and maximise the longevity of the Pilot Sport 5 tyres at the same time.

To get the best performance out of your car tyres just as this Nissan R34 and R33 did, ensuring that all 4 wheels are in alignment is paramount. It’s so easy to get your car booked in for a wheel alignment check, all you have to do is click on the button below.

Free Wheel Alignment Check