Best GT-R Accessories and Upgrades

Introduction

The Nissan GT-R is already an impressive machine from the factory, but many owners look to enhance their Godzilla with accessories and upgrades. Whether you're seeking more power, improved handling, enhanced aesthetics, or simply want to personalize your GT-R, the aftermarket offers countless options.

This comprehensive guide covers the best GT-R accessories and upgrades across various categories, from bolt-on performance parts to cosmetic enhancements. We'll discuss what works, what's worth the investment, and what to avoid.

Performance Upgrades

Performance modifications can unlock additional power, improve throttle response, and enhance the overall driving experience. Here are the most effective performance upgrades for the GT-R:

1. Performance Exhaust Systems

A quality exhaust system is one of the most popular and effective first modifications for the GT-R:

| Brand | Type | Power Gain | Price Range | |-------|------|------------|-------------| | HKS Hi-Power | Cat-back | 15-20 whp | $2,500-$3,500 | | Borla Attack | Cat-back | 10-15 whp | $2,000-$3,000 | | GReddy Titanium | Cat-back | 20-25 whp | $3,500-$4,500 | | Apex'i Power Flow | Cat-back | 15-20 whp | $2,200-$3,200 | | AMS Alpha | Full system | 30-40 whp | $5,000-$7,000 |

Benefits: Increased horsepower, improved exhaust flow, enhanced sound, reduced weight

Considerations: May increase drone at highway speeds, ensure legality in your region

2. Cold Air Intakes and Induction Systems

Improving airflow into the engine can yield noticeable power gains and improved throttle response:

| Brand | Type | Power Gain | Price Range | |-------|------|------------|-------------| | HKS Super SQV | Blow-off valve | 5-10 whp | $400-$600 | | GReddy E-Ctrl | Electronic BOV | 5-8 whp | $500-$700 | | aFe Power Intake | Cold air intake | 10-15 whp | $400-$600 | | AMS Cold Air Intake | Full system | 15-20 whp | $800-$1,200 | | HKS Hi-Power Intake | Performance intake | 10-15 whp | $600-$900 |

Benefits: Improved throttle response, increased horsepower, better engine sound

Considerations: May require tuning, ensure proper filtration

3. Engine Tuning and ECU Flash

ECU tuning is perhaps the most effective way to extract additional power from your GT-R:

| Tuner | Type | Power Gain (Stock Turbo) | Price Range | |-------|------|-------------------------|-------------| | APR Performance | Flash tune | 600-650 whp | $800-$1,200 | | AMS Alpha | Custom tune | 650-750 whp | $1,500-$2,500 | | HKS F-Con V Pro | Standalone ECU | 700-800 whp | $3,000-$4,500 | | Greddy e-Standalone | Standalone ECU | 650-750 whp | $2,500-$3,500 | | Cobb Accessport | Flash tune | 550-600 whp | $600-$900 |

Benefits: Significant power gains, improved throttle mapping, customizable features

Considerations: May void warranty, requires professional installation, fuel quality considerations

4. Turbocharger Upgrades

For serious power seekers, upgrading the turbos is the next logical step:

| Brand | Type | Power Potential | Price Range | |-------|------|-----------------|-------------| | AMS Alpha | Hybrid turbos | 800-1,000 whp | $6,000-$8,000 | | HKS GT III RS | Hybrid turbos | 900-1,100 whp | $7,000-$9,000 | | GReddy T67 | Single turbo conversion | 1,000+ whp | $8,000-$12,000 | | Precision Turbo | Custom turbos | 1,000-1,500 whp | $5,000-$10,000 |

Benefits: Massive power increases, improved response with proper sizing

Considerations: Requires supporting modifications, professional installation essential, significant cost

5. Suspension Upgrades

Handling upgrades can transform the GT-R's already impressive dynamics:

| Brand | Product | Type | Price Range | |-------|---------|------|-------------| | HKS Hipermax | Coilovers | Adjustable | $3,500-$5,000 | | Tein Flex Z | Coilovers | Damping adjustable | $2,500-$3,500 | | KW Variant 3 | Coilovers | Height and damping | $3,000-$4,500 | | Eibach Pro-Kit | Springs | Lowering springs | $600-$900 | | Whiteline | Sway bars | Anti-roll bars | $800-$1,200 | | Cusco | Strut bar | Chassis bracing | $400-$700 |

Benefits: Improved handling, reduced body roll, customizable ride height

Considerations: May reduce comfort, ensure proper alignment after installation

6. Brake Upgrades

Stopping power is crucial for high-performance vehicles:

| Brand | Product | Type | Price Range | |-------|---------|------|-------------| | Brembo | Big brake kit | Front upgrade | $4,000-$6,000 | | StopTech | Big brake kit | Complete system | $5,000-$7,000 | | EBC | Brake pads | Performance pads | $200-$400 | | Ferodo | Brake pads | Racing compound | $250-$450 | | StopTech | Slotted rotors | Drilled/slotted | $600-$1,000 | | Goodridge | Brake lines | Steel braided | $200-$350 |

Benefits: Improved stopping power, reduced brake fade, better feel

Considerations: Big brake kits are expensive, performance pads may produce more dust

7. Wheel and Tire Upgrades

Lighter wheels and sticky tires can dramatically improve performance:

| Brand | Product | Weight Savings | Price Range | |-------|---------|----------------|-------------| | RAYS Volk Racing | TE37 | 3-4 lbs per wheel | $2,500-$4,000 | | BBS | FI-R | 4-5 lbs per wheel | $3,000-$5,000 | | HRE | Performance | 4-6 lbs per wheel | $5,000-$10,000 | | Volk Racing | TE37 Saga | 2-3 lbs per wheel | $2,800-$4,200 |

Tire Recommendations:

| Tire Model | Type | Best For | |------------|------|----------| | Michelin Pilot Sport 4S | Street | Daily driving, excellent grip | | Bridgestone Potenza RE-71RS | Street/Track | Enthusiast driving | | Toyo Proxes R888R | Track | Competition use | | Hankook Ventus R-S4 | Street/Track | Value performance | | Pirelli P Zero Corsa | Track | Maximum grip |

Aesthetic Modifications

Make your GT-R stand out with these cosmetic upgrades:

1. Body Kits and Aero

| Brand | Product | Type | Price Range | |-------|---------|------|-------------| | Nissan Genuine | Nismo body kit | Full kit | $15,000-$25,000 | | Liberty Walk | Widebody kit | Full conversion | $8,000-$15,000 | | Rocket Bunny | Widebody kit | Full conversion | $7,000-$12,000 | | Voltex | Carbon fiber wing | Rear spoiler | $2,000-$4,000 | | APR Performance | GT-250 Wing | Track wing | $1,500-$2,500 | | Carbon Revolution | Carbon hood | Weight reduction | $3,000-$5,000 |

2. Lighting Upgrades

| Product | Type | Price Range | |---------|------|-------------| | LED Headlight conversion | Headlights | $800-$1,500 | | Aftermarket LED taillights | Taillights | $600-$1,200 | | Underglow lighting | Ambient | $200-$500 | | Carbon fiber mirror caps | Exterior | $300-$600 | | Window tint | All windows | $400-$800 |

3. Interior Accessories

| Product | Type | Price Range | |---------|------|-------------| | Carbon fiber trim kit | Interior trim | $500-$1,500 | | Recaro seats | Performance seats | $2,000-$4,000 | | MOMO steering wheel | Steering wheel | $400-$800 | | Nardi steering wheel | Classic wheel | $500-$900 | | Custom shift knob | Gear selector | $100-$300 | | Floor mats (mats) | Interior protection | $200-$400 | | Head unit upgrade | Infotainment | $800-$2,000 |

Practical Accessories

Enhance daily usability with these practical additions:

1. Protection and Maintenance

| Product | Purpose | Price Range | |---------|---------|-------------| | Paint protection film | Paint protection | $2,000-$5,000 | | Ceramic coating | Paint protection | $1,000-$3,000 | | Car cover | Weather protection | $200-$600 | | Cargo net | Trunk organization | $50-$150 | | Tire pressure monitoring | Safety monitor | $200-$400 | | Dash cam | Recording | $150-$400 |

2. Technology and Convenience

| Product | Purpose | Price Range | |---------|---------|-------------| | Bluetooth adapter | Audio connectivity | $50-$150 | | Performance monitor | Data logging | $300-$800 | | Track app integration | Performance tracking | $200-$500 | | Wireless charging pad | Phone charging | $100-$200 | | Backup camera upgrade | Rear visibility | $300-$600 |

Installation Tips

When installing aftermarket parts, keep these tips in mind:

1. **Research compatibility**: Ensure parts are designed for your specific GT-R model year 2. **Professional installation**: Complex modifications should be installed by professionals 3. **Keep stock parts**: Retain original parts for warranty or resale purposes 4. **Check local laws**: Some modifications may be illegal in your jurisdiction 5. **Update software**: Ensure ECU and other systems are properly calibrated 6. **Test thoroughly**: After installation, test all systems before regular use

What to Avoid

Not all modifications are created equal. Avoid these common pitfalls:

- **Cheap exhaust systems**: May cause drone and provide minimal power gains - **Unproven tuners**: Poor tuning can damage your engine - **Excessive modifications**: Can reduce reliability and resale value - **Non-legal modifications**: May fail emissions testing or attract fines - **Over-modification**: Diminishing returns on heavily modified cars

Investment vs. Enjoyment

When considering modifications, think about your goals:

| Goal | Recommended Modifications | |------|--------------------------| | Daily driving | Exhaust, intake, ECU tune, wheels/tires | | Track days | Suspension, brakes, tires, ECU tune | | Show car | Body kit, wheels, interior, paint protection | | Maximum power | Turbos, ECU, exhaust, intake, supporting mods |

Conclusion

The GT-R aftermarket is vast and offers something for every owner and budget. Start with basic upgrades like exhaust and tuning, then expand based on your goals and budget. Remember that modifications should enhance your enjoyment of the car, not detract from it.

Whether you're seeking more power, better handling, or simply a more personalized appearance, there's a GT-R accessory or upgrade that can help you achieve your goals. Choose quality parts, work with reputable tuners, and enjoy your enhanced Godzilla!