1999 Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R V-Spec: 624HP HKS-Powered Icon

Andrew Evanson

1999 Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R V-Spec

Instagram: @400R_29

Photographer: Marvin Recinos 

Instagram: @Mr2mivin

Performance: 624hp / 539tq on Ethanol

Built by: Garage S-Zero, New Milford, Connecticut

1999 Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R V-Spec: 624HP HKS-Powered Icon: How It Started

My name is Andrew Evanson, and I'm from the San Fernando Valley in Southern California. I went to high school in Tucson, Arizona, and received my B.A. degree from California State University Northridge. I own the first 400R in the United States, and I'm a self-proclaimed Skyline junkie.

I've been into cars and modifying them since my first car, which was a 1987 Acura Legend. I then moved to a new 1998 Honda Accord Coupe four-cylinder with a five-speed manual, followed by a 2003 Honda Accord V6 six-speed, which was a ton of fun.

I was introduced to fast cars at a young age thanks to a family friend who had an old-school Z06 Corvette and took me for a ride. I loved the acceleration—it's like a roller coaster on tap. I was always interested in setting my car apart from the rest, and you could only do that by modifying your car based on how it looks or how much faster it was than the others.

Why Skylines

I am addicted to Nissan Skylines. I love the platform, how rare it is, and also how safe it is to drive fast. The AWD system on Skylines was way ahead of its time—the car was able to launch and not just spin the tires. I was fascinated by this.

My best friend Justin Sykes worked at Motorex and owned a silver 1996 BCNR33 Nissan Skyline GT-R. It was right-hand drive, and there was no other car like it on the road. The sound of the RB26DETT was—and still is—intoxicating. I had to have one in the future.

Of course, I played all the popular video games, but what got me hooked on the platform was how much safer it was compared to rear-wheel-drive vehicles, and the fact that not very many people had them.

What Makes This R34 Different

There are plenty of other Bayside Blue R34s out there on the street. Some are stock, some have the full NISMO catalog bolted on. I went a different route—I used all of the rarest parts on my car and went hard on the mobile electronics side as well as the exterior and engine modifications. I made a well-rounded car ready for all applications. There are even a couple of Easter eggs on the car if you can find them.

Engine: HKS Step 2 High-Response Power

At the heart of this R34 sits an HKS Crate Engine Step 2 High-Response build, paired with the HKS GT III-SS twin turbo kit. The engine produces 624 horsepower and 539 lb-ft of torque on ethanol, measured on a Mainline four-wheel hub dyno.

The HKS package includes cast turbo outlets, V-Cam Step PRO variable cam timing system, and the stunning HKS Advanced Heritage carbon fiber intake system. Exhaust flows through an HKS titanium turbo muffler, while a MINES downpipe handles the front section.

Cooling is handled by an HKS oil cooler, NISMO 100mm intercooler, NISMO radiator, and NISMO oil separator. The NISMO Omori carbon fiber intercooler piping ties the whole system together with both performance and show-quality aesthetics.

A Blitz dual blow-off valve setup provides proper pressure relief, while the Haltech Elite 2500 ECU manages the entire system with precision tuning for the ethanol fuel.

Exterior: NISMO Z-Tune Inspired Aesthetics

The exterior combines genuine NISMO components with carefully selected aftermarket pieces to create a cohesive, aggressive look. The front end features a NISMO Z-Tune front bumper with a carbon fiber front lip, while NISMO side skirts and rear spats continue the aero theme down the sides.

A NISMO carbon fiber winglet adds downforce and visual drama, supported by Superior Auto wing stays. NISMO side mirrors replace the factory units, and the rear features a NISMO GT carbon fiber diffuser with fins. A NISMO tow hook provides functional styling at the front.

The lighting has been completely upgraded with 78 Works LED taillights and custom SW Lights-modified headlights featuring carbon fiber floors and DRL integration. A full underglow system and LED wheel rings add show-car presence for night events.

Wheels, Suspension, and Brakes

The wheel choice is classic JDM excellence—Rays TE37 Saga SL wheels that reduce unsprung weight while providing the timeless six-spoke aesthetic. NISMO S-Tune suspension handles the damping and spring rates, providing a balance between street comfort and performance capability.

The brake system is where this build truly stands out. Endless Racing Monoblock big brake kits with nickel-plated calipers—six-piston fronts and four-piston rears—provide stopping power that matches the engine's output. These are some of the best brake kits on the planet, and the nickel plating adds a premium finish that complements the engine bay's show-quality presentation.

Interior: Starlight Elegance Meets Modern Tech

Inside, the cabin receives both aesthetic and functional upgrades. A starlight Alcantara headliner creates an upscale ambiance, while NISMO seat covers and NISMO white-face gauges maintain the performance theme. A ZOOM Engineering rearview mirror replaces the factory unit.

The mobile electronics package is comprehensive. FS Audio installed a full stereo system with Dynamat sound deadening throughout. Two 12-inch Hertz subwoofers, mids, and tweeters provide concert-quality sound. A DroneMobile alarm system adds security and remote functionality, while front and rear view cameras improve visibility and safety.

Full interior courtesy lighting and the underglow system are integrated seamlessly, creating a cohesive lighting package that enhances both functionality and aesthetics.

The Build Team

All of the work on this car was handled by Garage S-Zero in New Milford, Connecticut. Tommy and the team completed the engine bay and engine build. Bulletproof Automotive in Hawthorne, California, installed the Endless brakes and HKS carbon fiber Heritage intake system. Frank Sbrocca at FS Audio handled the stereo and lighting installation, while SW Lights created the custom headlights.

Future Plans

I'll be adding a V-Spec II OEM carbon fiber hood and possibly changing up the valve cover color and updating the exhaust manifold heat shields. The car will continue to evolve while maintaining the carefully curated aesthetic and performance balance.

Dream Car Reality

My dream car has always been the BNR34 Nissan Skyline, and I'm fortunate enough to actually have a collection of them with all of the rarest models. We continue to drive and share them with the community rather than leaving them in the garage. These cars—and all cars—are meant to be driven.

We at Garage S-Zero are making our mark as being one of the best Skyline builders on the planet.

Shout Outs

I really want to thank Top-Rank Motorworks for finding this car for me and being a huge part of my journey. Garage S-Zero for getting the car where it is today. HKS for being the best supplier to us in the industry. Endless Brake Company for manufacturing the best brake kits on planet Earth. All of my other partners that helped by being the best at their craft.

Special thanks to:

Tommy, Sebastian, JP, and Travis @garageszer0
Freddy @Spectuned
Frank Sbrocca @FSAUDIO
Avi & Ben @Bulletproofautomotive
Alvaro and his wife @singlecab_323_detailing
Sean Wika @swlights
Marvin Recinos for capturing my collection @Mr2mivin

Of course, my parents, who raised me—everything I have is because of them—and my kids, Ethan and Alice Evanson.

Follow the build on Instagram: @400R_29
Photography by: @Mr2mivin

This feature originally appeared on Stance Auto Magazine - your source for the best car builds, modifications, and automotive culture.

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