Signal Auto's R34 Skyline and HKS TRB-02 EVO 8 - 2 Can Play At That Game

Signal Auto Skyline R34 GT-R
This looks awfully familiar, but in a good way. Remember this gem (shoot me now for using the word "gem") (I'm still trying to figure out how you've kept this job for so long.--JN) from our Oct. '02 issue? Designated as one of Signal Auto's street-tuned cars, it was brought over from Japan by Kousuke Kida and wasn't changed much at all from the original buildup. With "Tarzan" Yamada behind the controls, Signal Auto went home with the fastest lap time of the day, giving all the message boards something to talk about for the next week.

It doubles as both a street and race vehicle, so Signal Auto tore the original RB26DETT down and rebuilt it into a 700hp 2.7L, stuffed with Trust connecting rods, pistons, crankshaft, valvesprings, and camshafts. Signal also fabricated its own parts and performed several in-house modifications to the engine as well, including the cylinder head work, intake plenum, cam gears, and Mad Muffler. Because Signal also works very closely with SARD, the fuel system was regeared with its fuel injectors and fuel regulator while utilizing a triple Bosch fuel pump setup and Trust fuel rail. The turbocharger is an HKS T04R, as are the header and wastegate. Trust completes the package with a blow-off valve and an intercooler kit. The RB's original drivetrain has also been replaced with a Hollinger dog-box, which also uses a Cusco limited-slip differential and Triple Carbon Exedy clutch.

With plenty of stateside and motherland support from Tanabe Racing Development, Signal used every single piece of Sustec equipment Tanabe offered and dialed it in to Tarzan's liking. From the RR coilovers to the sway and strut bars, it's all Sustec. Also used are gold 18x10 Volk GT-C wheels, which have been matched to a set of BFGoodrich g-Force tires. The brakes are also heavy duty with a combination of Alcon calipers and Endless brake pads, allowing the GT-R to stop on demand or when exiting high-speed maneuvers. And though the bulk of the car is like my FOB mullet (business up front; party in the rear), the interior is pretty void of anything at all with the exception of the Bride bucket, Nismo gauges, Signal shift knob, and HKS F-Con controller.

The Road Ahead
What lies ahead for both cars is uncertain. Originally, the HKS TRB-02 was supposed to compete at the US Time Attack, but it didn't because of previous damage that could not be repaired in time. Will we see it at the next Time Attack? Perhaps. And should you count on Signal Auto being back to defend its title? You can bet on it. What will the outcome be? Only time will tell.