HKS GT600 Kit for R35 GT-R - A Landmark on the Way to the "Speed Region of the Limit"

You might recall that HKS invited us to "the speed region of the limit", which we determined would be somewhere north of 800hp for the Nissan R35 GT-R via the HKS GT800 kit. We have accepted the invitation to this other worldly place and we are well on our way in our test R35. But, along the way to the GT800, we thought that we would stop off at a landmark - the GT600.

I thought about teasing you slowly with every detail of the modifications involved in the GT600 kit, but instead I will just hit you with the dyno sheets. Our standard R35 GT-R made 296 kW (397 hp) ATW in stock trim on our Dyno Dynamics 4WD dynamometer.

We started here...

Followed this map...

...and ended up here.

Fitted with the HKS GT600 kit, our R35 GT-R made 379 kW (508 hp) ATW. Keeping in mind that this power was measured at the wheels and accounting for transmission losses, HKS certainly delivers its promise of 600 hp at the engine. In fact, this is probably a little bit conservative and I would expect this combination to make slightly more than 600 hp at the engine. Nevertheless, the forces between rubber and road are what count. In this regard, we have made an improvement of 28%! Furthermore, the odd flat spot in the power curve has disappeared. For the record, the first (stock) power run was recorded in 4th gear; however,  we needed to record the second (GT600) power run in 3rd gear because the engine was hitting the rev limiter in 4th gear before it reached maximum power.

Where to next? How far can we go?

It will probably take me a few posts to explain everything that is included in the kit as well as compare the HKS parts to the stock Nissan ones. I can tell you this - most of the parts are shiny, but none of them are there just for looks. Stay tuned!

R35 GT-R is invited to the speed region of the limit...

Do you know what that means? Apparently, it means 800ps in Japanese. At least, that is what HKS promises with its GT800 kit for the R35 GT-R.

Given HKS’ excellent reputation and proven record developing products, we have faith that 800ps (more or less 800 hp) is a realistic figure for the GT800 kit. HKS does a lot of testing before releasing its products. Nonetheless, we will be conducting testing of our own so that you can be confident in the results.

The GT800 kit employs the GT II Turbine with “Symmetry Twin Turbo Layout”, designed and manufactured in-house at HKS exclusively for this kit. A special, heat resistant exhaust manifold was also developed to prevent problems due to excessive heat.

The GT800 kit does not include some key upgraded parts – notably fuel pumps, injectors, boost controller, engine internals or engine management. Through our own in-house development, we will find a solution for each of these key components – possibly through the HKS catalogue, but just as likely from our other trusted suppliers such as ViPEC or some new Insight Motorsports parts.

We will be offering this kit for our customers. Furthermore, we will be testing it on our test R35 GT-R using our in-house dyno as well as at Sydney International Dragway. Obviously, this level of improvement will require some modifications. So, we will keep you informed. Whatever works for us will be made available to our customers!

According to HKS, the R35 GT-R “goes to the ultimate speed range” with this kit; I suppose that means that 800-odd horses under the bonnet of an R35 GT-R should be a lot of fun! We will see!