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Killing floor r345/3/2023 ![]() The loss of the inline-six for a 'V' was a big surprise, but I understand that in keeping with the new technology, Nissan engineers are phasing out the old cast iron blocks for newer, lighter engines." Shen speaks in reference to Nissan's decision to replace the GT-R's traditional inline-six with the cast-aluminum V-6 design of the new VR38DETT. "I was happy that Nissan was offering the R35 GT-R in the U.S., but I wish they would have kept some of the original GT-R blood in the R35." Shen hesitates for a split second as he lights a cigarette and continues, "I just can't see the lineage transition from the R34 to the R35. ![]() "The R34 was the end of the GT-R dynasty," begins Shen. But in the meantime, he's dialed down boost for California's crappy 91-octane pump gas, with output at a "conservative" 790 whp for street driving. With a stronger wastegate spring, Shen assures the car can produce 1,200 whp. "Many customers don't understand that anytime you build an RB26 for high power, it's very important to purchase a fully counterweighted crankshaft-or a stroker kit that includes one-or the engine will fail at high rpm." Shen's Athletic Silver R34 was recently dynoed at 982 whp on Q16 race gas, with a maxed-out wastegate spring at 2.2 bar. "Anytime we at SP Engineering build a 2JZ engine for a customer, we simply buy a $380 pump (aftermarket RB pumps cost upwards of $2,000) from the dealership and drill a few relief holes to improve oil flow-that's it." Shen points out that another weak point of the RB26 revolves around its non-counterweighted crankshaft design, which becomes an issue when the motor is pushed to its upper limits. "With the Supra's 2JZ oil pump, you won't have the same problem," says Shen. The standard internals are fine for Skylines making up to 550 whp, but exceeding that mark puts strain on the oil pump, causing it to fail. For all its attributes, it is a little temperamental. However, the RB is not without its problems. Having an unequal bore-to-stroke design (unlike the SR20DET or the 2JZ-GTE) means the RB can rev higher-up to 10,000 rpm with basic headwork. ![]() This engine is also widely considered one of the most durable powerplants when heavily modified, known for its strength and extreme power potential. The R34 has always been a popular candidate for modification across the world, due to its stout AWD drivetrain, and the strength of the RB26DETT engine-one that can produce as much as 500 whp with little modification, and be made to withstand much more, thanks to over-engineered internals and a block made of iron. Honestly, I think my mom can drive it without a problem-it's that easy." Sometimes I get the impression that the R35 is a very refined and faster version of the 350Z-a car you can rip an 11-second quarter mile with, park, and then have your girlfriend drive to yoga. When I purchased the R35, my initial reaction was complete shock at how well the vehicle was designed, from the aerodynamics to every nut and bolt assembled. The R34 has a more rugged, raw, race car demeanor that demands the driver to give it 110 percent of his skills and ability, while the R35 is a more refined sports car that offers comfort and performance, all rolled into one package. Breaking down the R34-versus-R35 scenario becomes more of an apples-to-oranges comparison, since both cars are so different in their own unique way-it's hard to love or hate one more than the other. ![]() We asked Shen to compare the R34 to the R35 he had this interesting statement to offer: "If we were comparing the R34 to the older R33 or R32, then of course, the R34 is definitely more clumsy, bulky, and the heavier of the three cars.
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