The suspension component of the GT-R is addressed in the same spirit of the motor-near track-worthy performance in streetable form. A three-way Mine's Force Full Spec suspension with stiff 12.5k (front and rear) springs ensures the Bridgestone Potenza RE55S SR2-wrapped 18-inch Magnesium Evolution II (built by BBS) wheels maximize their contact with the asphalt. The Mine's front and rear stabilizers fight chassis flex during turning and the AP big brakes (six-pot front; four-pot rear) paired with Mine's PFC pads flex up the frictional force.
Only slight exterior trim was added a la Mine's. Why mess with perfection, right? Using a white R34-Niikura's favorite color, by the way-aerodynamically-functional carbon fiber contrasts are peppered throughout the chassis. Twin canards and a diffuser on the front bumper, Type II aero mirrors on the side, a full rear main wing, a deck spoiler on the trunk and that's it. The interior is just as preserved, with a rollcage, Sparco steering wheel and Recaro seats altering it from factory. Compared to most GT-Rs of this caliber, it's as sleeper as an R34 can get. Hell, it makes Rip Van Winkle look like a Kindergartener at naptime.
So how did it do at our Time Attack finals? Fifth overall (read our Time Attack coverage on p72). Essentially a street car in Japan (look ma, no slicks!) because the GT-R lacked US plates, it had to run with the unlimited boys. Had it found some Cali plates, the Mine's R34 would've taken the top spot in the originally-intended Limited class. According to Niikura, "I didn't bring our 'number two' R34 (Mine's built three identical R34s, this being 'number two' because it's the second fastest) to break the US Time Attack record. Rather, to introduce the brand and its dedication to reliability."Food for thought: Imagine if Niikura purpose-built a ride for Time Attack. If I were a betting man, I'd say the record would be all Mine's.
Make Mine Mine's
Like the beef in the chicken or beef conundrum, aftermarket standalone computers have taken a larger steak, er, stake, in US tuning preferences. Proving that ROM-tuned ECUs are more than just the other white meat, we give you four reasons why you should go Mine's. And no, "it tastes like chicken" is not one of them.
1. ROM tuning utilizes the stock ECU parameters which OE engineers spend countless hours and dollars (or yen) R&Ding to work in harmony with the stock system. Two trite analogies come to mind, take your pick: why reinvent the wheel, or why fix it, if it ain't broke.
2. Niikura-san generalizes that if most ECUs are conservatively tuned to perform at 50 percent of the engines capacity, Mine's then ups that efficiency to 70 percent leaving a comfortable (read: safe) 30-percent buffer for the street.