Whether you're a Toyota guy, Mazda fan, or a Honda fiend, I think we can all agree we've dreamed of owning a Skyline at one point or another in our lives. Kyle Padelford is living the dream, behind the wheel of a '99 GT-R. Acquiring the car without it being seized by the government is no easy task, and when you successfully get an R34, sourcing RB26 parts isn't as easy as buying a B16 intake. Kyle knew that very well, but that didn't stop him from building the ultimate streetcar turned racecar.
Heading into the garages positioned within the Global Time Attack section at Motor Massive, our eyes were immediately drawn to this iconic, JDM hero. One glance at the front of the car gives us an instant flashback to the legendary MCR Skyline you've no doubt seen in Option videos.
"It went from being a stock street car to what it is now in just seven weeks with the help of my family and just a few friends. Besides the rollcage, all other fab work is done in-house, at my shop," Kyle explains. He went on to tell us he has minimal engine mods and tried to focus more on improving the car's suspension. But examining his spec sheet, we found a few noteworthy parts, such as the Tomei PonCams, as well as Mines titanium front pipes and a Ganador titanium exhaust Altogether the RB26DETT produces 330whp on 91 octane, which isn't the normal RB power numbers you're probably used to hearing, but more than enough for Kyle to have fun around Auto Club Speedway.
In the footwork department, Kyle opted for BC Racing ER type coilovers paired with Swift springs and Ikeya Formula front control arms. If it isn't clear what the purpose of this car is, one look inside the cabin tells you everything you need to know. The chassis has been substantially stiffened with a custom rollcage and Kyle is held steady with a Sparco Circuit seat.
"The car was a night and day difference compared to how it performed at Gridlife Midwest," Kyle says. "With just a few setup changes, I was able to take away the inherent understeer resulting in a more predictable and consistent feel. It was my first time at Auto Club Speedway and I ran a 1:18.7 in the GTA event. There is much more to go with the development of the car from handling and balance to adding more horsepower. I'm excited for the coming months as the car and myself progress." Not all racecar builders can put together something that's also worthy of being in a car show. In Kyle's case, however, take off those GTA stickers and this R34 will bring home trophies all day. Lucky for you car show trophy hunters, he's not interested.
Original published at "superstreetonline" website.
