BNR32 GT-R Shop Car: Real-World Install — HKS GTIII SS, Blitz ZZ-R, HKS EVC-S2, HKS SPL Piping Kit, R34 V·Spec Brakes, NISMO LMGT4 Wheels & Cusco BCS

If you’ve ever wondered how the parts we sell actually perform — this is where we prove it. Every component in this build was installed, tested, and driven on our own Ultra Power Market BNR32 GT-R shop car.
No sponsorships. No fluff. Just real installs, real feedback, and results you can trust.

One of my favorite upgrades for the RB26 was the HKS Sports Turbine Kit GTIII SS (P/N 11004-AN011) — a modern twin-turbo setup that keeps drivability while waking the car up in every RPM range. I pulled the stock ceramics and manifolds, and like most R32 owners will tell you, expect a few stubborn bolts — patience and PB Blaster go a long way. I replaced all gaskets, lines, and hardware for reliability (everything included in the kit). What’s not included are the lower downpipe gaskets between the turbo and exhaust — Terrafirma carries them and can overnight if you’re in a pinch.

If you’re planning to do this install, I highly recommend replacing your timing belt and water pump at the same time. Fitment on the GTIII SS kit was perfect; everything lined up like OEM. I started at wastegate boost around 14 psi before tuning it up with the HKS EVC-S2.

During one of our test runs against an E46 M3, the factory paper intake gaskets finally gave up — classic RB26 issue once you start pushing boost. I swapped them out for HKS metal intake gaskets, and it’s been rock solid ever since. They seal perfectly under pressure, no more idle leaks, and they’ll never blow out mid-pull again. Simple upgrade, huge peace of mind.

The end result was instant spool, strong midrange, and quick response. It made the car start to feel like a true GT-R.

Next came the HKS SPL Intercooler Piping Kit (P/N 1302-SN016). This 15-piece piping kit replaces the factory rubber and plastic charge pipes that tend to expand or crack under real boost. It comes complete with all clamps, silicone couplers, and hardware, and everything fit perfectly with the factory intercooler and throttle bodies. I polished the pipes before installing for a clean engine bay look and re-torqued everything after a few pulls to eliminate any settling leaks. Boost now holds rock solid, throttle feels sharper, turbo response is quicker, and the bay looks a thousand times cleaner.

For suspension, I went with the Blitz Damper ZZ-R Coilover Suspension (P/N 92412) — not sold by Ultra Power Market yet, but an outstanding option. The coilovers offer full adjustability, a solid build, and are surprisingly street-friendly. It’s the perfect balance for daily and spirited driving. Installation was simple using factory mounts. I set the ride height one inch lower all around and backed off damping six clicks from max for comfort on New Hampshire roads. The car felt planted and balanced, with no harshness — a big handling improvement without ruining daily manners.

The HKS EVC-S2 Electronic Boost Controller (P/N 45003-AK015) is clean, compact, and very precise — ideal for dialing in the GTIII SS setup. I mounted the control unit inside the OEM cigarette tray (a 3D-printed housing will be available for sale soon), installed the solenoid near the driver’s strut tower for short hose runs, and routed wiring cleanly through existing grommets. I started at 1 bar (14 psi) and gradually worked up to 1.2 bar (17 psi). The GTIII SS turbos hit hard and stayed consistent through every gear.

Stopping power finally caught up with the rest of the build with the R34 GT-R V·Spec Brembo calipers and rotors, paired with NISMO stainless braided lines. It’s a perfect OEM+ swap for the R32, though not currently sold by UPM. The upgrade was a direct bolt-on using the R32 hubs with minimal modification — just had to drill out the stock caliper mounting holes slightly to fit the Brembo bolts and trim the OEM R32 rotor shields to clear the larger V·Spec rotors. I installed new rotors, pads, and stainless lines, flushed the system completely, and bled it twice for a rock-solid pedal.

The difference was immediate. Pedal feel became firmer, braking was linear and fade-free, and paired with the Cusco BCS, it felt like a completely different car under hard braking.

Nothing finishes off an R32 build like a set of NISMO LMGT4 wheels. Lightweight, forged, and built by Rays for NISMO, they’re the most iconic wheels you can put on a GT-R. I’m running 18x9.5 +12 with 255/40 tires — a perfect flush fitment with the Blitz coilovers and zero rubbing at my current ride height. The black finish pairs perfectly with the car’s OEM silver lines. The LMGT4s don’t just look right — they feel right. The reduced rotational mass and wider tire footprint make the car more responsive. It’s form and function done right.

To finish off the braking system, I added the Cusco Brake Cylinder Stopper (P/N 231 561 A). It’s a small but worthwhile addition that tightens up pedal feel even further. It bolts directly to the strut tower and braces the master cylinder, preloaded slightly to remove firewall flex. The result is a firmer pedal and more immediate feedback — the perfect finishing touch for the upgraded brake system.

This setup transformed our BNR32 GT-R from a classic driver’s car into a balanced, modernized street weapon. The HKS GTIII SS turbos, EVC-S2, and SPL piping kit brought new life to the RB26. The Blitz ZZ-R coilovers and NISMO LMGT4s gave it poise and presence. And with the R34 V·Spec brakes and Cusco BCS, it finally stops as well as it goes.

Matt’s Power House in Weare, NH, handled the turbo install, timing belt, and water pump. If you have a GT-R or any car that needs more power, he’s the guy to go to. I trust him with any project and any car — top-notch work and track-proven results.

Every part listed here is sold, installed, and tested at Ultra Power Market. If it’s not something I’d trust on my own GT-R, it doesn’t make it onto our shelves.

Have questions about fitment, setup, or tuning? Reach out anytime — I’m happy to share real-world experience, not just manufacturer specs.

Next up for the shop car: ECU, fuel system, cooling, and aero — stay tuned.