Nissan Skyline GT-R35: Showcasing 1027 WHP and breaking records
Read Lisa Nguyen's journey of resilience, passion, and automotive excellence with her 2009 Nissan Skyline GTR R35, Godzilla, showcasing 1027 WHP and breaking records.
Adam Delgadillo
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Lisa Nguyen
Nissan Skyline R35
Instagram: @lisanguyen817
Photographer: Adam Delgadillo
Instagram: @oadam7
Lisa Nguyen's Inspirational Journey with Her R35 GTR
A Passion Fueled by Resilience
Lisa Nguyen is a woman of many talents: serial entrepreneur, community advocate, and passionate car enthusiast. Juggling business and family commitments left little time for herself, yet she found solace in modifying cars. Her first love, a 2008 Lexus IS fondly named "Barney," was her entry into the world of car modification. Lisa worked tirelessly on Barney, and in 2015, she achieved a significant milestone—showcasing it at SEMA.
However, her automotive journey took a sharp turn in October 2016 when tragedy struck. Lisa lost her best friend, Bryan Amador, in a drunk driving accident. Devastated, she withdrew from the car scene, abandoning Barney and the car team she had co-founded. For two years, grief kept her away from her passion.
The Promise that Revived a Dream
It was a shared promise with Bryan that reignited her passion: they vowed to win the "Best of Show" award at every car show in Texas. Supported by friends from SpoCom and Tuned Originals, Lisa returned to the car scene, determined to fulfill that dream. She knew it wouldn't be easy, but Lisa was never one to shy away from a challenge.
At the end of 2018, Lisa met the original owner of "Godzilla," a 2009 Nissan GTR that would soon change her life. After months of negotiations, Lisa bought the car and began her journey of turning Godzilla into a legend. Lisa would fly to California every other week to work on the car before bringing it back to Texas. The moment Godzilla touched down in Texas, it started sweeping "Best of Show" awards, fulfilling the promise she had made to Bryan.
Godzilla: A Force to Be Reckoned With
Godzilla, Lisa's 2009 Nissan GTR, is no ordinary car. Built with meticulous attention to detail, it boasts a series of high-performance upgrades that push it beyond the limits of what most people can imagine. With over 26 Best of Show awards nationwide, Godzilla is a testament to Lisa's competitive drive and dedication.
The car has been featured at SEMA annually and has set a record at Racewarz, winning six trophies and $1,000 at a single show. Godzilla is also the first car to win Wekfest's coveted "Queen of the South" award. For Lisa, 2025 is the year she plans to take Godzilla to unprecedented heights, showcasing innovative technologies that will leave the automotive world in awe.
The Power Behind Godzilla: Modification List
Exterior Enhancements
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Custom CF Wide-Body Kit: A complete carbon fiber wide-body kit adds an aggressive stance to Godzilla.
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Voltex Swan Neck Wing: For improved aerodynamics, this high-performance wing complements the car's sleek design.
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BASF Midnight Purple Paint: The deep, rich color is striking, ensuring that Godzilla stands out at any event.
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Varis Kamikaze Fenders & Seibon CF Vents: Carbon fiber accents that blend both form and function, enhancing the car’s overall aesthetics.
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Spyder Auto LED Rear Brake Lights and Projector Headlights: These lights offer cutting-edge visibility and style.
Engine and Performance Upgrades
Godzilla is more than just a pretty face; it packs serious power under the hood. Lisa's R35 GTR is equipped with:
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HKS GT1000 Turbo Upgrade
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HKS Spec Titanium Exhaust System
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Top Secret Titanium Intercooler Piping and Overflow Tank
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Koyo Aluminum Radiator and HKS Downpipes
These modifications bring the GTR's output to an incredible 1027 WHP at 7500 RPM, offering a driving experience like no other. Lisa's devotion to the performance of her GTR means that no detail has been overlooked.
Transmission
To ensure the GTR handles the immense power, Lisa upgraded the transmission with Dodson HD 1st Gear Kit, Dodson Super Stock Clutch Kit, and custom parts from Sheptrans. These components ensure that Godzilla runs smoothly, even when pushed to its limits on the track.
Suspension and Undercarriage
Godzilla is fitted with a KW V3 Coilover System and Whiteline Performance sway bars for unparalleled handling. Additionally, polished titanium rear camber and toe links add durability and style to the undercarriage. Whether it’s on the track or at a show, Lisa's GTR performs flawlessly.
Brakes, Wheels, and Tires
Safety and performance are paramount, and Godzilla features Endless Racing 6 Piston Monoblock Front and Rear Brakes paired with 400mm E-Slit Rotors for ultimate stopping power. The GTR rolls on SSR Executor CV04 Wheels, wrapped in Toyo Proxes R888R tires, providing superior grip and handling.
From Grief to Glory: Lisa's Entrepreneurial Journey
While Lisa's passion for cars is undeniable, she’s also a serial entrepreneur with a heart for giving back. She has balanced her business ventures with her love for the automotive industry, founding Endless Signs and Wraps / Ceramic Pro Carrollton, a premier shop specializing in automotive enhancements and custom vehicle designs. Lisa’s entrepreneurial spirit and philanthropic mindset allow her to contribute a portion of her companies’ profits to good causes.
Despite her busy schedule, Lisa remains dedicated to the automotive community. She frequently collaborates with Ceramic Pro to stay ahead of industry trends while delivering exceptional quality.
Future Plans for Godzilla
Lisa’s GTR has already shattered records, but she isn’t stopping anytime soon. In 2025, Lisa plans to introduce cutting-edge automotive technologies that will continue to elevate Godzilla’s reputation. With over a decade of SEMA appearances and numerous "Best of Show" awards, Lisa’s vision for the future is clear: innovation, performance, and breaking barriers.
Advice for Aspiring Enthusiasts
Lisa’s story is one of perseverance and passion. She reminds us that success requires hard work, sacrifice, and a competitive spirit. Her journey with Godzilla demonstrates that anything is possible with dedication. For anyone aspiring to follow in her footsteps, Lisa emphasizes the importance of staying true to your vision and building a car that reflects your passion, not just the trends.
Shout Outs and Acknowledgments
Lisa credits her success to the support of her family, friends, and the automotive community. She would like to extend a special thanks to:
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Ronnie Diaz at RD Engineering
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The team at Ceramic Pro
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Wekfest and Racewarz for recognizing Godzilla’s excellence
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Her fiancé Andrew Do, for his unwavering support
Final Thoughts
Lisa Nguyen's story with her 2009 Nissan GTR R35 is one of passion, resilience, and innovation. Godzilla is not just a car—it’s a symbol of perseverance and a testament to the power of dreams. Lisa’s journey is far from over, and with her vision for the future, we can expect Godzilla to continue setting records and pushing the boundaries of automotive excellence.
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