The Nissan Skyline GT-R is one of the most complete performance cars Japan ever built. The RB26DETT twin turbo straight six and ATTESA E-TS all wheel drive system were engineering standouts from the factory and the platform still holds its own against modern performance cars decades on. It does not need fixing. It rewards upgrades that sharpen what is already excellent. Get the priorities right and the result is one of the best driver's cars at any price.
Quick Verdict
Start with Dixcel Z Type pads for a stronger, more consistent pedal on road and occasional track. For suspension the Tein Flex Z or Street Advance is the sensible value entry with Ohlins Road and Track being the best available. The Tomei Expreme Titanium exhaust is our pick for that unmistakable RB26 note, and a Link G4X plug in ECU is the upgrade every serious owner should have on the list regardless of power goals. For the ultimate visual and performance package, pair a set of Nismo LMGT4 wheels with an upgraded Garrett or HKS turbo.
Top Mods for the Nissan Skyline GT-R: Quick Comparison
| Category | Entry Level | Torque GT Pick | Premium / Ultimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brake Pads | EBC Yellowstuff | Dixcel Z Type | PBS Prorace |
| Suspension | BC Racing Coilovers | Tein Flex Z / Street Advance | Ohlins Road and Track |
| Exhaust | HKS Silent Hi-Power | Tomei Expreme Titanium | Fujitsubo Super Ti |
| Intake | Apexi Power Intake | HKS Racing Suction Kit | HKS Racing Suction Kit |
| ECU | Link G4X Plug-In | Link G4X Plug-In | Link G4X with supporting hardware |
| Turbo | Factory RB26 (serviced) | HKS GTIII Series | Garrett Upgrade Turbo |
1. Brake Upgrades
The Skyline's factory Brembo setup is capable, but no matter how much power or grip you add, the result will always be compromised if the brakes fade or lack feel. Upgrading to quality pads brings improved consistency, stronger initial bite and better heat resistance whether you're on fast B-roads or track days.
- Dixcel Z Type Pads. A genuine all round performer, offering strong, consistent braking even when cold with fade resistance under heavy use. Sharper pedal feel and shorter stopping distances make this the accessible upgrade for road and occasional track use
- PBS Prorace Pads. A ceramic graphite compound tested and proven across multiple European race series. Strong initial bite with excellent modulation, best suited to owners running the Skyline predominantly on circuit
- EBC Yellowstuff Pads. Manufactured in the UK and USA, the Yellowstuff compound is a popular fast road pad offering strong bite from cold. An accessible upgrade with improved feel and faster bed-in without fully committing to a full track pad
Torque GT take: Dixcel Z Type is our go to recommendation, plenty of happy customers and staff running this compound on their own cars. If you're purely track focused the PBS Prorace is worth the extra dust and noise.
2. Suspension Upgrades
The GT-R's chassis paired with its HICAS rear steering tech is impressive out of the box, but fine tuning the suspension takes the handling precision to another level. Coilovers open the door to adjustable ride height, damping and camber for those wanting a properly dialled in Skyline.
- BC Racing Coilovers. A budget friendly way into fully adjustable coilovers with solid build quality throughout. The sensible starting point for a fast road Skyline
- Tein Flex Z / Street Advance. Multi stage damping adjustment with a proven track record on the Skyline platform. The bang for buck pick for most owners
- Ohlins Road and Track. The benchmark. Dual Flow Valve technology keeps damping consistent on compression and rebound, delivering vastly improved track capability without sacrificing ride quality
Torque GT take: Teins offer everything most owners need from a coilover at a sensible price. If budget allows, go Ohlins to get the most out of your Skyline, the quality and adjustability is unmatched.
3. Exhaust Upgrades
Upgrading the exhaust system on your Skyline GT-R unlocks potential power gains by reducing back pressure and delivers the aggressive high performance soundtrack the RB26 engine deserves.
- Tomei Expreme Titanium Exhaust. Full titanium construction with a straight racing layout and high flow silencer. Clamps and springs replace conventional flanges for further weight saving, one of the best performance exhausts on the market for the RB26. Pair with the Tomei Expreme Ti de-cat pipe for an even bigger step in sound and flow
- Fujitsubo Exhaust Systems. Renowned for craftsmanship and precise fitment, with a wider range than most rivals starting at an affordable price with the Legalis R and going all the way up to the Super Ti, a respected rival to the Tomei Titanium. Pairs well with Fujitsubo equal length headers for the ultimate RB26 set-up
- HKS Silent Hi-Power Exhaust. Offers the same sporty appearance and performance expected from HKS but with reduced noise thanks to a Silent Chamber that cuts low frequency drone in the cabin. A great choice for the mature enthusiast
Torque GT take: If you want to hear that RB26 sing, a Tomei with a de-cat does the job perfectly with a bit of extra flair from its burnt tip. Fancy something different? The Fuji Super Ti is lightweight, high quality and distinctively sounding, especially when paired with Fuji equal headers.
4. Intake Upgrades
The RB26 is famous for its twin turbos, and improving airflow to the turbochargers sharpens throttle response and enhances the induction sound. Lift the bonnet of most GT-Rs and you'll find one of the following two systems.
- Apexi Power Intake. A hugely popular unit for the Skyline using a unique dual funnel design proven in Apexi's earlier Super Intake model. Minimal flow restriction and turbulence with a dry type filter that keeps maintenance low and cheap. Vehicle specific with all mounting hardware included
- HKS Racing Suction Kit. Uses a wet two layer filter element to reduce the inlet restriction of the factory air box, improving throttle response, horsepower and torque. Vehicle specific with all mounting hardware included
5. ECU and Turbo Upgrades
Future proofing your Skyline is a no-brainer, and it starts with the ECU. An aftermarket ECU offers immense benefits when looking to breathe new life into or push more power from the legendary RB26DETT.
ECU
- Link G4X Plug-In ECU. Fits inside the factory enclosure with no alteration to the wiring loom required. Includes an onboard 4 bar or 7 bar MAP sensor and supports factory features like E-Throttle and a 4 pin powered CAN connector. A must have upgrade for reliable high power tuning
Turbo Upgrades
- Garrett and HKS Upgrade Turbos. Chances are your Skyline has had a hard life since leaving the dealership, they're built to be driven hard. Options like the HKS GTIII series feature light compressor wheels for linear boost and higher potential output, upwards of 600ps with supporting mods, from the RB26DETT
Torque GT take: You cannot go wrong with a Link ECU, even if you're not chasing a big power build the tuning freedom is immense. Upgrading turbos isn't always necessary but will be required if you want to up the boost without increasing the risk of failure.
6. Wheels
Skylines look great standard, and a set of high quality wheels is arguably the single biggest visual upgrade you can make to the car. Reduced unsprung weight also brings a genuine handling benefit on a chassis that already responds well to it.
- Nismo LMGT4. Manufactured by RAYS and only ever released in small batches, arguably the pinnacle Skyline wheel. Sizing is specially chosen to fit the Fairlady Z RZ34 and Skyline V37, plus aggressive tuner sizing for the R33 and R34 GT-R for a more aggressive stance
- RAYS Volk Racing TE37. The definitive JDM lightweight wheel, forged construction with genuine motorsport pedigree and a huge range of fitments for the Skyline
- Advan Racing and Enkei. Both offer excellent motorsport inspired designs at a more accessible price point, popular choices for owners wanting a strong look without the LMGT4 premium.
Torque GT take: Wheels are the best way to add your own personality to the build. Keep it OEM+ with the Nismo LMGT4 or go for something a bit more standout with RAYS Volk Racing or Advan.
7. Interior and OEM+ Styling
There isn't a massive range of exterior styling kits for the Skyline the way there is on some platforms, so the best way to make a GT-R your own is with quality OEM+ touches alongside the wheels and coilovers above.
- Nismo OEM+ Accessories. Shift knobs, wheel nuts, floor mats, S-Tune clear side indicators, oil filler caps and more. Low cost pieces that add real heritage and authenticity without breaking the bank
Torque GT Recommended Nissan Skyline GT-R Build Path
| Use Case | Core Upgrade | Supporting Product | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fast Road | Dixcel Z Type Pads and Tomei Expreme Ti Exhaust | Nismo OEM+ Styling | Best first steps for any Skyline GT-R |
| Fast Road and Track | Tein or BC Coilovers and Fujitsubo Super Ti | Link G4X ECU | The Torque GT recommendation for most owners |
| Ultimate Spec | Ohlins Coilovers and Garrett/HKS Turbo Upgrade | Nismo LMGT4 Wheels and Link G4X | The benchmark Skyline GT-R build |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best first mods for a Nissan Skyline GT-R?
Sort the brakes and exhaust first. Dixcel Z Type pads bring a stronger, more consistent pedal and a Tomei Expreme Ti exhaust unlocks the sound and flow the RB26 deserves. These two areas transform how the car feels before spending on suspension or ECU work.
What ECU is best for the Skyline GT-R RB26DETT?
The Link G4X Plug-In is our recommendation for the vast majority of owners. It fits inside the factory ECU enclosure without cutting the wiring loom, supports factory features like E-Throttle, and gives the tuning freedom needed whether you're running standard power or building towards a big number.
Which exhaust is best for the RB26?
The Tomei Expreme Titanium is our go to recommendation, super lightweight and with the iconic burnt tip look most Skyline owners want. Paired with the Tomei de-cat pipe it unlocks a proper amount of sound and flow. If you want something a bit different the Fujitsubo Super Ti is a genuine rival at a similarly premium price point.
Are Nismo LMGT4 wheels worth it?
If budget allows, yes. They're manufactured by RAYS in Skyline specific fitments and only ever released in small batches, making them one of the most sought after wheels on the platform. For a lower cost route to the same aggressive stance, RAYS Volk Racing TE37 or Advan Racing are strong alternatives.
Is the Nissan Skyline GT-R good for track days?
Yes, the ATTESA E-TS all wheel drive system and RB26DETT make it a properly capable track car once the brakes and suspension are sorted. Start with Dixcel or PBS pads and a set of Tein or Ohlins coilovers before pushing power, then look at turbo upgrades once the chassis is dialled in.
