1998 Nissan Skyline GT-R R33: Built RB26 with 600 WHP and Rare GV1 Paint

Bao Vy

1998 Nissan Skyline GT-R R33

Instagram: @GV1_BVY

Photographer: Marvin Recinos | @Mr2mivin

"It's not just about owning the car—it's about understanding the process, the engineering behind it, and being part of the car community." – Bao

From Vietnam to SoCal: Building the Dream

Bao came to Southern California from Vietnam with a passion for performance builds that went deeper than just admiring cars from afar. He wanted to understand them—how they work, how upgrades change the way they drive, and what separates a good build from a great one.

What started as curiosity evolved into hands-on learning. Watching builds online and seeing modified cars at local meets showed him how much creativity goes into transforming factory vehicles into something unique. The Skyline platform stood out immediately—its racing heritage, legendary RB26 engine, and the respect it commands in the car world made it the obvious choice.

Why the R33 Skyline GT-R?

This isn't just any R33. It's a Series 3—the final production run of the R33 Skyline GT-R—which wore the GV1 Bayside Blue color code that would become iconic on the R34. Only 21 units were painted in this color during R33 production, making this one of the rarest factory color combinations in Skyline history.

Beyond the rarity, Bao chose this platform because it represents one of the most iconic performance cars ever produced with endless modification potential. The RB26DETT engine is legendary for a reason: robust internals, strong block, proven aftermarket support, and the ability to handle serious power with the right upgrades.

600 WHP: Engineering a Reliable Beast

The build focuses on doing things right—strengthening key components and upgrading supporting systems so the car handles performance driving without sacrificing reliability.

Engine Foundation

The heart of the build is a fully built RB26 with upgraded internals designed to handle significantly more power than stock. The head was rebuilt by Dsport with ARP head studs, an aftermarket head gasket, and HKS cam gears for precise timing control. A PRP Cams Trigger Kit Pro V2 ensures accurate ignition timing at high RPM.

The N1 oil pump gear upgrade and baffled oil pan improve oil control under hard driving—critical for keeping the RB26 alive under boost. A Greddy oil cooler and Greddy oil filter relocation kit keep temperatures in check, while an oil catch can prevents crankcase pressure buildup.

Forced Induction and Fueling

A Comp Turbo CTR3993s 6871 provides the boost, controlled by a Tial wastegate and vented through a Blitz blow-off valve. The Greddy front-mount intercooler handles heat management, while a CXRacing turbo manifold and Jacspania intake manifold optimize flow.

Fueling comes from a Radium twin fuel pump system with HKS fuel rail and Injector Dynamics standoffs—more than enough to support 600 WHP and future upgrades. A Haltech Elite 2500 ECU manages everything with precision.

Cooling and Reliability

A Mishimoto radiator, Nismo thermostat, and ARC coolant bleeder ensure the cooling system can handle extended high-load conditions without heat soak.

Driving Experience

Behind the wheel, you can feel the engineering. The power delivery is immediate but controlled. The Ohlins coilovers and Nismo/Cusco suspension components with Stanceparts cup kit keep the car planted through corners, while the Brembo 6-piston front and 4-piston rear brakes provide confidence-inspiring stopping power.

The HICAS delete eliminates the factory rear-wheel steering system, making the handling more predictable and direct. Every modification works together as a cohesive system—not just parts thrown at a car, but a thoughtful build with purpose.

Knowing how much work went into making it both powerful and reliable makes every drive more rewarding.

Complete Build Specifications

Engine (Built RB26DETT)

• Built head by Dsport
• ARP head studs
• Aftermarket head gasket
• HKS cam gears
• N1 oil pump gear upgrade
• Oil pan baffling modification
• HKS fuel rail
• HKS pulley
• PRP Cams Trigger Kit Pro V2
• Injector Dynamics standoffs
• R35 coil packs
• Oil catch can
• Nismo thermostat
• ARC coolant bleeder

Forced Induction & Fueling

• Comp Turbo CTR3993s 6871
• CXRacing turbo manifold
• Tial wastegate
• Blitz blow-off valve
• Greddy front-mount intercooler
• Jacspania intake manifold
• Radium twin fuel pump system
• Haltech Elite 2500 ECU

Cooling

• Mishimoto radiator
• Greddy oil cooler
• Greddy oil filter relocation kit

Drivetrain

• Nismo clutch
• HICAS delete

Suspension

• Ohlins coilovers
• Nismo & Cusco suspension components
• Stanceparts cup kit

Brakes & Wheels

• Brembo 6-piston front, 4-piston rear
• Advance GT Beyonce wheels

Interior

• Nardi steering wheel
• Workbell hub
• Nismo cluster with MFD (rare)
• Mines gauges

Exterior

• Full car PPF
• Nismo front bumper
• Nismo side skirts
• Nismo rear bumper
• HKS Hi-Power exhaust

Current Output: 600 WHP

Who Built It?

Most of the mechanical work was completed by Intouch Motorsports and Projectcollier. The installation included engine and transmission setup, head work, fuel system installation, brake upgrades, and suspension components. Having experienced technicians handle the major work ensured everything was installed properly and ready for tuning.

Future Plans

The build continues to evolve. Future plans include dialing in the tune for optimal performance, possibly upgrading the turbo setup for more power, and continuing to refine both the suspension and overall setup so the car performs as well as it looks.

Dream Car

Bao's dream car is the legendary Nissan Skyline GT-R R34—the natural next step in Skyline evolution. Its history in motorsports and iconic status in the tuner world make it the ultimate goal for any RB26 enthusiast.

Shoutouts

Shout out to Intouch Motorsports and Projectcollier for handling the installation work, the friends who helped along the way, and the car community that keeps the passion for builds like this alive.

Call to Action

Do you have a build story like this one? Got a build on a budget? We want to see it. Submit your story to Stance Auto Magazine, and you could be the next featured owner showing the world how to do it right—without breaking the bank.

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