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The Nissan GT-R R35 earned the “Godzilla” nickname for a reason. It’s loud, fast, and nasty in the best way. The twin-turbo VR38DETT engine hits hard, the all-wheel drive system hooks like nothing else, and the whole car blends supercar speed with everyday comfort. That mix makes the R35 a dream platform for upgrades. It’s reliable when maintained, responds well to tuning, and has a big aftermarket support. That’s why the search for the best GT-R mods never really ends.
Simple Bolt-Ons for Serious Power
One of the best aspects of modding an R35 is that the twin-turbo engine under the hood responds to mods like nothing else. Squeezing out extra power is relatively easy with a couple of bolt-on GTR mods.
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A typical first move is a mid-pipe. It frees up exhaust flow and usually delivers a small bump in power with a richer, heavier sound. It keeps things street-friendly and straightforward. A 3-inch intake and a cat-back exhaust system complete the air-in-air-out process, providing the car with a deeper sound and an additional couple of horsepower.
Right after that comes a tune. You can run an off-the-shelf map or go custom. Custom tunes tend to be smoother, safer, and more flexible, especially as you add more parts.
If you want to run ethanol mixes like E85, fuel injectors become a must. The stock ones max out around 530 wheel horsepower. Upgrading injectors (usually 1100cc or higher) pairs naturally with a tune and allows the VR38 to stretch its legs.
FN Tuned Throttle Controller to Reveal the Real Monster
You get the most out of your GT-R mods when you make the throttle response faster than it is. That’s where the FN Tuned throttle response controller comes in. It’s the cleanest plug-and-play upgrade that wakes up your GT-R’s gas pedal the right way.
It plugs into the factory drive-by-wire gas pedal and sharpens the mapping. You get four modes with 36 settings. Dial it in your way and match the throttle response to your driving style or your build. The installation takes about 15 minutes: no tools or no permanent changes needed. The module is sleek and stays hidden under the dash or in the pedal box. You can adjust everything through the free mobile app on your phone.
FN Tuned Throttle Response Controller for Nissan GT-R
Use Slow mode when the valet gets the keys so you don’t give away the power. Use Fast mode and play with sensitivity for your daily spirited drives. Or pick Send It mode when you want the most aggressive response for track days. FN Tuned is one of the simplest and most effective plug-in upgrades you can throw on a Nissan GT-R.
Suspension And Brakes Matter More Than You Think
Power mods grab all the attention, but suspension and brakes do just as much to shape how the GT-R feels. The R35 chassis handles heavy loads, and after years of use rubber bushings and struts get tired. Once they wear out, the car starts to feel loose.
Refreshing bushings, upgrading struts, or installing quality coilovers tightens everything. It gives you confidence at speed and improves cornering balance. The difference is real. It makes the car feel newer, stronger, and more planted.
Brakes matter too. The stock system is solid, but long pulls or track days can overheat rotors and wear pads quickly. Upgraded rotors and performance pads keep braking sharp and help avoid fade. Even for street use, these changes make the car safer and more enjoyable.
Real-World Ownership Notes
Owners often point out that a mid-pipe alone usually avoids major warranty issues. It doesn’t interfere much with factory sensors. But once you add intakes, injectors, downpipes, or E85, you’re stepping outside the factory calibration. That means risking the warranty if you have one of the latest models, or risking the reliability.
Heavy mods also increase stress on the engine and driveline. Good maintenance becomes mandatory. Oil changes, fluid checks, and proper warm-up behavior all matter more once the car is making big power.
None of this should scare you away. It just means treat the GT-R as a full package. Think about airflow, fueling, cooling, suspension, and braking as one system, not just a peak horsepower chase.
The R35 is one of the most rewarding cars to upgrade. Even small upgrades make a huge difference. Whether you’re starting with a mid-pipe and tune or building toward E85 and upgraded fueling, the platform responds well. When you combine smart bolt-ons, proper supporting mods, and a balanced chassis, you get a GT-R that feels sharper, meaner, and more alive on every drive.