Porsche, Honda, Audi, Volkswagen, Ford, Dodge,Toyota, Subaru, Mitsubishi, Mercedes

Wednesday, September 17, 2025

Top 5 Mods for R35 GT-R That Unlock Power Instantly

 


Top 5 Mods for R35 GT-R That Unlock Power Instantly

Top 5 Mods for R35 GT-R That Unlock Power Instantly


The R35 GT-R is already a monster straight out of the factory, but Nissan engineered it with plenty of headroom for tuning. 

With just a handful of bolt-ons and smart upgrades, you can wake up the VR38DETT and push performance into supercar territory—without tearing the engine apart.

1. ECU Tune / Cobb Accessport / Ecutek

  • The most cost-effective power adder.
  • Re-maps ignition timing, boost targets, and fueling to safely extract horsepower.
  • Gains: +80–120 hp on stock turbos with supporting mods.


2. High-Flow Downpipes

  • Replaces restrictive factory cats, reducing backpressure and turbo lag.
  • Improves exhaust flow, sharper throttle response, and unlocks aggressive GT-R sound.
  • Gains: +40–60 hp when paired with a tune.


3. Upgraded Intercooler & Piping

  • The VR38 runs hot under boost—cooler intake temps = denser air = more power.
  • Larger intercoolers maintain consistent performance on track or street.
  • Gains: noticeable power stability, especially in hot climates or repeated pulls.


4. Performance Intake System

  • Improves airflow to the turbos, reduces restriction at higher boost.
  • Turbo spool is faster, and intake sound becomes sharper and more pronounced.
  • Gains: +15–25 hp, but becomes crucial when stacking mods.


5. Exhaust System (Cat-back / Midpipe)

  • Frees up additional flow, adds deep, exotic tone.
  • Works best in combination with downpipes + tune for full effect.
  • Gains: +15–30 hp plus major weight savings over stock.

Takeaway

  • A tuned R35 with intake, downpipes, intercooler, and exhaust easily jumps from ~480–565 hp (stock depending on year) to 600–650+ hp.
  • These mods transform the GT-R into a sharper, louder, and more responsive beast—without sacrificing reliability when done properly.


The beauty of the R35 is that even “basic” upgrades deliver supercar-level gains instantly, proving why the GT-R remains one of the most tuner-friendly platforms on the planet.


Best First Mods for Honda Civic (EG, EK, FD, FK8, FL5)

 


Best First Mods for Honda Civic (EG, EK, FD, FK8, FL5)

Best First Mods for Honda Civic (EG, EK, FD, FK8, FL5)


Here’s a summary-style suggestion list you can use fothe Best First Mods for Honda Civic (EG/ EK/ FD/ FK8/ FL5):


Best First Mods for Honda Civic (EG, EK, FD, FK8, FL5)

  1. Cold Air Intake / Performance Filter
    • Increases airflow, sharper throttle response, easy DIY upgrade.
  2. Exhaust System (Cat-Back / Axle-Back)
    • Better sound + modest power gains, especially for turbo Civics.
  3. ECU Tune / Flash Pro (Hondata, KTuner, etc.)
    • Unlocks hidden power, optimizes fuel & timing, especially for FK8/FL5.
  4. Suspension Upgrades (Lowering Springs or Coilovers)
    • Improves cornering, lowers ride height for a sportier stance.
  5. Brake Pads & Rotors (Upgraded Street/Track Setup)
    • Affordable safety upgrade, better stopping power for spirited driving.
  6. Lightweight Wheels + Performance Tires
    • Reduces unsprung weight, sharper handling, stylish look.
  7. Short Shifter / Shift Bushings (EG/EK/FD focus)
    • Tighter gear feel, classic first mod for older Civics.
  8. Cosmetic & Functional Upgrades
    • Front lip, rear spoiler, or carbon fiber accents → adds style without heavy cost.


Takeaway:

  • For EG/ EK/ FD (older Civics): focus on intake, exhaust, suspension, and shifter feel.
  • For FK8FL5 (Type R): ECU tune, intercooler, downpipe, and performance tires give the biggest gains.


Tuesday, September 16, 2025

Carbon Fiber Engine Cover - Audi B9 RS4, B9 RS5, 80A SQ5, C8 S6, & C8 S7

 

Carbon Fiber Engine Cover - Audi B9 RS4, B9 RS5, 80A SQ5, C8 S6, & C8 S7

Carbon Fiber Engine Cover - Audi B9 RS4, B9 RS5, 80A SQ5, C8 S6, & C8 S7


Here are some advantages of installing a carbon-fiber engine cover for cars like the Audi B9 RS4 / RS5, 80A SQ5, C8 S6 / S7. 

Some of them are general to carbon fiber engine parts, others are more especially useful for high performance Audis. If you like, I can also mention potential downsides.

Advantages of Carbon Fiber Engine Cover

  1. Weight reduction / lower unsprung mass (well, reduced engine bay mass)
    Carbon fiber is much lighter than many metals or thick plastic composites. Even modest weight savings help with overall vehicle mass, which can improve acceleration, braking, and possibly handling dynamics (since less inertia).  
  2. High strength-to-weight ratio
    Carbon fiber is very strong relative to how light it is. It resists deformation, cracking, and handles stresses from vibration, engine heat, etc., better than many thin plastics.  
  3. Better thermal resistance / insulation
    It handles high temperatures well without warping or deteriorating. Carbon fiber can also help to isolate or manage heat in the engine bay — less heat transfer into the cover, reducing thermal stress on components just beneath it, sometimes reducing radiant heat into the hood.  
  4. Corrosion resistance
    Unlike metals, carbon fiber does not corrode or rust. For cars operating in humid or salty conditions, this helps the engine cover stay intact aesthetically and functionally over time.  
  5. Aesthetic / premium look
    The visible carbon weave, gloss or matte finishes, high-quality resin, custom patterns make the engine bay look more refined, more “performance oriented”. For Audi RS / S series, where detailing and high quality is expected, this contributes to the visual appeal.  
  6. Longevity & durability
    Carbon fiber parts tend to be durable over time (if well made), with less degradation from heat cycles, vibrations etc., than cheaper plastics. Good resin and lay‐up processes help maintain shape, finish, and fit over many years.  
  7. Heat shielding / engine protection
    In some designs, a carbon cover can help shield more sensitive engine parts (e.g. wiring, sensors) from radiant heat or debris. Might serve to protect against small stone impacts or contact with fluids.  
  8. Improved resale or enthusiast value
    For performance-luxury cars, tasteful upgrades like carbon fiber engine covers are often appreciated by buyers / enthusiasts, giving a perception of higher quality or more cared-for car.  
  9. Customization & uniqueness
    Many carbon fiber covers are aftermarket, available in different finishes (gloss, matte), weave styles, possibly even color tinted resins, etc. Allows making the engine bay stand out from stock.  

Thursday, September 11, 2025

The edge of VR38DETT engine and key items to maintain

 

The edge of VR38DETT engine and key items to maintain

The VR38DETT engine (Nissan GT-R R35’s 3.8L twin-turbo V6) advantages.


  1. The natural edges/strengths of the VR38DETT
  2. Key items to maintain & upgrade to extract best performance


Edge of the VR38DETT

  • Strong base architecture – 3.8L displacement, DOHC 24-valve, twin-turbo V6, forged steel crank.
  • Semi-closed deck aluminum block – lighter than iron, but reinforced for high boost.
  • High potential on stock internals – capable of ~700–800 hp on stock block with proper tuning & fueling.
  • Efficient cylinder head design – good airflow, with variable valve timing (VVT) on intake.
  • Robust turbocharging system – stock turbos can handle decent boost; upgrade path is straightforward.
  • Aftermarket support – massive global tuning community, with proven parts/kits from mild street builds to 2,000+ hp drag monsters.
  • Balanced power & drivability – torque-rich, yet smooth, making it usable on both street & track.


Key Items to Maintain

(keeping the engine reliable under performance use)

  • Oil & lubrication system
    • Use high-quality ester-based oil (e.g. Motul 300V, HKS, Amsoil)
    • Upgrade oil cooler if pushing power
    • Regular oil analysis to monitor bearing health
  • Cooling system
    • Radiator upgrade (Koyo, Mishimoto, etc.)
    • Intercooler maintenance/upgrade
  • Ignition system
    • Strong coils + colder plugs
  • Fuel system upkeep
    • Clean injectors, fuel pump checks
  • Transmission & driveline service (GR6 is sensitive)
    • Regular clutch pack inspections, fluid changes


Upgrades to Improve Performance

(steps depending on target hp levels)


1. Supporting Mods (before chasing big numbers)

  • High-flow intakes & downpipes
  • Exhaust system for freer breathing
  • ECU tune / Cobb Accessport / EcuTek / MoTeC for precise mapping

2. Fuel & Airflow

  • Bigger fuel injectors & high-flow fuel pumps
  • Flex-fuel conversion (E85 or ethanol mix) for knock resistance
  • Upgraded intercoolers & hard piping

3. Turbo System

  • Stage 1: Stock turbo upgrade or bolt-on turbos (AMS Alpha 9, HKS GT800, etc.)
  • Stage 2: Big twin-turbos (GTX, G30/G35 based, 1000+ hp setups)

4. Engine Internals (for >900 hp builds)

  • Forged pistons (CP, JE, Wiseco)
  • Forged connecting rods (Carillo, Manley, etc.)
  • Upgraded bearings & head studs (ARP)
  • Ported heads, oversized valves, upgraded cams

5. Oil & Cooling Reliability

  • Upgraded oil pump gears (stock weak point at high rpm)
  • Secondary oil cooler or dry sump system for extreme builds
  • Larger radiator & transmission cooler

6. Transmission & Drivetrain

  • Dodson, ShepTrans, or PPG upgraded clutch packs & gears
  • Stronger driveshafts & axles for 4-digit hp builds


Summary:


The VR38DETT’s edge is its strong displacement, turbo platform, and aftermarket support. 

For best performance, the priority is oil/cooling reliability, then fueling and turbo upgrades, followed by forged internals & transmission reinforcements if aiming for >900 hp.


TOP SECRET REAR UNDER BUMPER VER.2 UNCOATED CARBON FOR NISSAN GT-R R35 TOP-SECRET-00116

 

TOP SECRET REAR UNDER BUMPER VER.2 UNCOATED CARBON FOR NISSAN GT-R R35 TOP-SECRET-00116

TOP SECRET REAR UNDER BUMPER VER.2 UNCOATED CARBON FOR NISSAN GT-R R35 TOP-SECRET-00116

Here are the key advantages of the TOP SECRET Rear Under Bumper Ver. 2 (Uncoated Carbon) (Part # TOP-SECRET-00116) for the Nissan GT-R R35, based on its design specs and comparable product info:

Performance & Aerodynamics

  1. Improved Underfloor Airflow & Cooling
    The Ver. 2 under bumper is designed to enhance airflow beneath the car, helping heat exit more efficiently and reducing heat buildup. This aids cooling of diffusers, milled metal parts, and exhaust plumbing.  
  2. Reduced Air Resistance / Drag
    By optimizing the rear diffuser geometry, it helps manage the turbulent air at the rear, reducing drag and lift—important for better high-speed stability. Ver. 2 is noted to be 10 mm longer than Ver. 1, and about 25 mm longer than the genuine factory spoiler, increasing its aerodynamic leverage.  
  3. Bolt-On Fitment
    Requires just swapping out the genuine bumper’s lower rear fascia—not a full bumper replacement. This ease of installation means less labor and complexity when upgrading.  

Material & Styling

  1. Carbon Fiber Construction
    The part is made from real carbon fiber (CFRP), which means it offers high strength-to-weight, meaning it stiffens the rear profile while adding minimal weight. This yields both visual appeal and functional benefit.  
  2. Aggressive Styling / Visual Impact
    The design is more dramatic than Version 1 and the factory component. The uncoated carbon finish gives a raw, high-end JDM aesthetic which is often prized by enthusiasts. The extended length further emphasizes rear presence and stance.  

Uncoated Carbon: Pros & Considerations

  1. Customization Flexibility
    Uncoated carbon offers a blank canvas. Users can clearcoat, paint, wrap, or apply coatings of their choice—allowing personalization to match their vehicle or aesthetic preferences.  
  2. Potential for Better Finish (If Properly Treated)
    While uncoated carbon requires finishing, when treated well (clear coated, polished), it can result in superior shine, depth, and durability compared to some pre-finished options. Neglecting proper finish work, however, may leave fibers exposed or degrade appearance over time. Experience with other TOP SECRET carbon products shows variations in weave appearance and potential need for professional install.  

**In sum: the Ver. 2 uncoated carbon under bumper delivers enhanced aerodynamics, improved cooling, dramatic styling, and customization potential. 

**Its aggressive dimensions and carbon construction give tangible performance and visual upgrades—provided one invests effort in finishing and installation.