Arnauld Rader: 1991 Nissan RPS13 HICAS Transformation
Dive into the story of Arnauld Rader and his 1991 Nissan RPS13 HICAS, a $350 project turned into a show-worthy build through years of passion, dedication, and hard work.
Spencer Stroud
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ARNAULD RADER
1991 NISSAN RPS13 HICAS
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Photographer: Spencer Stroud
Instagram: @thejdmphotography
Growing Up Around Cars: From Belgium to the U.S.
Hi, I’m Arnauld Rader. I was born in Belgium in the mid-1970s, and cars have always been a big part of my life. My dad was a huge Formula 1 fan, my uncle owned a car shop, and rally racing was everywhere in Europe. So, it’s safe to say, cars were in my blood.
In the late 1980s, I moved to the U.S. as a student. It was tough—I didn’t know the language—but I found my place in the car scene. My first car was a 1991 Nissan SE-R, and that’s where it all began. I got into the car audio world, went to a few USACi Nationals, and even earned my MECP certification. At the same time, I was studying mechanics and electronics in high school. Looking back, those years laid the foundation for everything I’m doing now.
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Military Life and Modding
In the mid-1990s, I joined the Armed Forces. Serving around the world taught me a lot, and I picked up five languages along the way. Even then, I stayed close to cars. I started seriously modifying my SE-R—swapping in a Pulsar GTi-R SR20DET engine, upgrading the body kit, paint, and interior, and even adding NOS.
At one point, my SE-R caught the attention of The Fast and the Furious crew, and they invited me to showcase it in the movie. Unfortunately, duty called, and I couldn’t make it.
In the early 2000s, I left the military and started working at an airport. That’s when things got even more interesting. I picked up an S13 coupe and an ECR33 Skyline shell, adding them to my growing collection. In 2010, I found my 1991 Nissan RPS13 HICAS. Let’s just say it wasn’t much to look at back then, but I saw the potential.
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The RPS13: From Rust Bucket to Showstopper
I bought the car locally for $350. It was rough—no seats, rusted-out trunk lid, dents everywhere, and the clear coat was peeling off. But I wasn’t afraid of a challenge. I had some spare parts lying around, so I swapped in seats, a trunk lid, and fixed the dents. I also added a body kit, threw on some primer, and started drifting with it for fun.
After a few months, I gave it its first paint job. A week later, someone hit the front fender in the parking lot at work. I was mad but fixed it temporarily and kept going. Not long after that, the engine started burning oil. You know how it goes—it was time for a swap.
I bought an S14 engine and transmission from a local friend, tore it apart, and rebuilt it for turbo compatibility. After painting the engine bay, I swapped the motor in. That’s when the car started evolving into something more than just a fun project. I still drove it occasionally, but by then, I’d picked up a Nissan truck for hauling stuff—like Lowe’s runs or hunting trips. My buddies got a kick out of the idea of taking an S13 into the woods!
A few years later, people kept asking, “Why don’t you take your S13 to shows?” That’s when I decided to get serious about its looks. I redid the interior, installed a big stereo system, and addressed the infamous S-chassis dashboard cracks. A friend in Dallas hooked me up with some aggressive-offset Gram Lights, which meant it was time for a wide-body kit. Once everything came together, the car went back to the paint shop in early 2024. When it came out, I spent a week putting it back together, just in time for the World of Wheels.
1991 Nissan RPS13 HICAS MODIFICATIONS AND UPGRADES:
PAINT & BODY:
Tri-Stage Midnight Blue & Glacier White Pearl Custom paint combo, Pandem Rocket Bunny front bumper, 55mm wide rear quarter panels & side skirts, Origin vented Headlight cover, 180SX Type X rear valences & wing, FRP trunk hatch, P2M smoked taillights, side markers & blinkers, RPS13 rear carbon center piece, & 180SX rear quarter windows.
IN-CAR ENTERTAINMENT:
Kenwood CD player, US Acoustics Legends of Car Audio Special Edition MIKE 1 channel & BARBARA ANN 4 channel enclosed in a complete custom display with LEDs, 2 competition Audiobahn AW1000N subwoofers in a custom built ported box, 4/ 6x9 speakers, 1.5 Farad capacitor & 0 gauge wiring, & battery relocated in the trunk.
INTERIOR:
NISMO seats, red G-Force racing gear 5 point seatbelt harnesses & P2M seat belt chassis roll harness bar, new carpet, complete hydro carbon fiber interior & dash, Bride door inserts & glove box, SPARCO detachable steering wheel with NRG quick release, Gauge pod & Glow Shift gauges, NISMO shifter & carbon knob with custom UK leather boot, & NISMO floor mats.
ENGINE:
KA24DET S14 Engine, CP pistons, Eagle rods, ARP studs, TO4E Turbo, JWT S4 cams, JWT ECU engine management, Greddy intercooler with custom piping, Greddy Type S BOV, Greddy 19 row oil cooler & relocating kit, Xcessive intake manifold, MSD ignition & blaster coil, UR pulleys, HKS HiPower exhaust, S14 5 speed manual transmission, SPEC stage 4 single plate clutch, ISR Aluminum single piece driveshaft, TOMEI 1.5 way LSD with Viscous, & NISMO mounts.
CHASSIS & UNDERCARRIAGE:
18 inch Rays Gram Lights 57PRO wheels, D2 Coilovers, NISMO power brace, Megan Racing Camber, Toe, Tension, Traction arm kit, Boost Factory HICAS delete Kit, Aluminum Sub Frame Bushings, & LED undercarriage lights.
SAFETY:
Z32 300ZX calipers, HAWK ceramic pads, P2M slotted drilled rotors, Enthuspec steel braided lines, fire extinguisher, & NISSAN 1st aid kit.
What’s Next for the RPS13
Right now, someone local is 3D-printing a 1:16 scale model of the car, which I can’t wait to see. On top of that, I’m working on applications for magazine features and even Hot Wheels.
Big shows like Race Wars and SEMA are on the horizon for fall 2024, and I’m already prepping for World of Wheels 2025. The build never really stops—I’m always tweaking something, whether it’s for performance, looks, or functionality.
More Than a Hobby
Cars have always been more than a hobby for me—they’re my way of life. My company, NISMOTUNERS, started as a passion project helping others, and in 2013, I made it official with an LLC. After retiring a second time in 2021, I now dedicate more time to the car scene and my local community.
I’m also the National Vice President of Redline Adrenaline, a car club that promotes positivity in the automotive world. Hosting nonprofit car shows is my way of giving back, and I’m proud to be part of something bigger than myself.
Join the Journey
I’ve learned a lot over the years—about cars, about life, and about the importance of community. The RPS13 is proof that with passion and persistence, you can turn even the roughest projects into something amazing.
Do you have a story like this? Share it with us at Stance Auto Magazine. We’d love to feature your journey and inspire others in the community.
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