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98 3000GT VR4 Build

This 98 3000GT VR4 came to us bone stock. The owner of the car wanted a solid 500 awhp car on pump gas. This was achieved through an efficient engine build. First, we started with our basic street version of our built short blocks. This includes Brian Crower forged connecting rods, Wiseco forged pistons, factory forged crankshaft, and some Clevite race bearings. To top off the engine, we utilized our ported head package that are done in a way to match the flow characteristics of the Brian Crower stage 2+ camshafts. With 1mm oversized valves on both intake and exhaust, upgraded valve spring set, and porting to make the most out of the efficiency range of the camshafts; we have put together a great pump gas engine that can easily support 500 awhp on pump gas.

With the engine assembly complete, we focus on what turbos to run. In order to get good power on the street, and keep within a budget, we use the Kinuagawa billet 19T HL turbo set. These will bolt on to stock manifolds with just some modifications to the front engine mount bracket. Fueling those turbos is a set of Evo 560cc fuel injectors and a Walbro E85 safe fuel pump (for future E85 usage with larger fuel injectors). The factory ecu in this particular model can be reprogrammed, so we just upgraded the factory intake/intercooler system with a GM MAF translator, Z06 Corvette MAF sensor, and a CX Racing side mount intercooler set and intake pipes. These upgrades allow for easier intake flow and more efficient cooling of the charged air from the turbos. To control the boost pressure, we added a MAC valve to the factory wiring harness and allowed the factory ecu to control boost. Having an engine management system control the boost is a great way to do so safely. Many have built in safety switches in case something goes wrong.

Final supporting modifications include a South Bend Stage 3 Endurance clutch kit, custom turbo back exhaust, Prothane engine mount bushings, Prothane front control arm bushings, poly rear differential bushings, Tein coilover system, Hawk brake pads, stainless brake lines, a transmission bell housing brace, and a front mounted oil cooler.

Our end result on the dyno was 470 awhp on 18 psi (due to hot temperatures). On the street, we were able to run 20 psi, which should put the car right around 500 awhp.