JOHN RICCA
1999 NISSAN SKYLINE R34 GTR V-SPEC
ARTICLE: JESSE BONNICI | PHOTOGRAPHER: JESSE BONNICI
Welcome to our latest feature, spotlighting John Ricca from Race Parts Melbourne and his stunning R34 GTR V-Spec. This mesmerising Midnight Purple III beast boasts an impressive 1000 horsepower at the wheels, making it a true powerhouse on the road.
Over two years, this beast has undergone a ground-up build to reach its current state. It all started with a meticulous paint job by Billy at Rajab Customs in Campbellfield, where it was resprayed top to bottom in the factory Midnight Purple III, showcasing a Z-Tune Body Kit and Carbon Fibre accents, with assistance from JDM Masters in Williamstown North.
Under the carbon hood lies the symphony of the straight-six engine, a far-from-stock Nissan RB, now a cranky 2.8L Nitto Performance Stroker generating 1000 horsepower to the wheels. Nestled within a Bullet Race Engineering Billet Block, the Nitto bottom end is complemented by Platinum Racing Products throughout – coil brackets, cam gears, and trigger kit. Aeroflow fittings and braided lines weave through the engine bay, showcasing meticulous attention to detail.
On the cold side, you’ll find the Plazmaman Plenum, ‘Plazmaclamps’ locking in the custom cooler piping together for the Front Mount Nismo Intercooler. On the hot side, a 6 Boost Manifold partners with a Garrett G45 Turbo. The engine bay features blackouts and anodized purple features, making it appeal like a meticulous art piece of engineering. Electronics are all managed by a Haltech Elite 2500 ECU displayed through the Center-mounted IC-7 Dash.
At the heart of the driveline is a 5-Speed Samsonas Motorsport Sequential gearbox, guided by an OS Giken Quad plate Clutch. A Carbon GJ Drivelines Driveshaft & Quaife differential keep the wheels turning, supported by HKS Drag Coilovers for a smooth ride. Bringing this force to a standstill are R35 GTR Brakes. Every aspect, from wiring to the fuel system, fabrication work to the tune, was handled by the team at Garageworx Service Centre in Hoppers Crossing.
As the calendar turned to the end of 2023, this masterpiece hit the streets just in time for summer. Cruising through the city, the Midnight Purple turns heads, an icon in its own right.
We would like to extend our thanks to John for letting us capture this exceptional GTR. Stay tuned as we continue to capture the essence of Australian Car Culture, bringing you more write-ups like this!
| ENGINE | |
| Make: | Nissan RB 2.8L |
| Bottom End: | Bullet Billet Block, Nitto 2.8L Stroker Kit, Dry Sump |
| Manifold: | Plazmaman Plenum |
| Aspiration: | Garrett G45 Turbocharger |
| Computer: | Haltech 2500 ECU |
| Cooling: | Nismo Radiator & Intercooler |
| Exhaust: | 4” Stainless System, 6 Boost Manifold |
| Fuel System: | E85 |
| Power: | 1000 Horsepower |
| DRIVELINE | |
| Transmission: | Samsonas 5 Speed Sequential |
| Transmission Clutch: | OS Giken Quad Plate |
| Tailshaft: | Carbon GJ Shaft |
| Differential: | Quaife Differential, Billet Driveshafts |
| SUSPENSION | |
| Front: | HKS Drag Coilovers |
| Rear: | HKS Drag Coilovers |
| Brakes: | R35 GTR Brembos |
| INTERIOR | |
| Seats: | Reupholstered in factory GTR Material |
| Dash: | Standard Dash with Haltech IC-7 Mid Mounted |
| Shifter: | Samsonas Motorsport Sequential Shifter |
| EXTERIOR | |
| Wheels & Tyres: | Nismo LMGT4, Nankang AR1 S/S |
| Paint: | Midnight Purple III |
| Body: | Z-Tune Body Kit, Carbon Bonnet, Wing & Mirrors |
SPECIAL THANKS
Bill & Moe at Garageworx, Richard at Instyle Custom & Trim, Billy at Rajab Customs and JDM Masters