Atanas Kisov - Midnight Runners
27.11.2024 год.
How did you select this car?
It's hard to put into words, really. It's one of those moments where you see something, and it just clicks—you instantly know it’s meant for you. For me, the R34 was that car. It’s what first drew my attention to Japanese cars, and that’s where the journey began. The deeper I delved into their history, the more captivated I became. The brilliant engineering of the car itself, combined with its rich track heritage, made it irresistible. Before long, the R34 wasn’t just a car I admired—it became the car I needed to have.
What is the feeling of driving such a car?
The car exudes the spirit of the late '90s and early 2000s—a perfect balance of comfort and driver-focused precision. The connection to the road feels immediate, with sharp steering response and remarkable maneuverability, especially for a GT-class car. It’s equally at home on long-distance journeys, offering impressive comfort and a surprising amount of space. What truly sets these cars apart is their adaptability to the driver’s mood. If you’re in the mood for a relaxed drive, it delivers a smooth, enjoyable ride wrapped in the nostalgic ambiance of the '90s. But if you’re craving an aggressive, dynamic experience, the car transforms—unleashing raw power, incredible responsiveness, and thrilling agility. It’s this dual personality that makes it so special.
What have you added to the car?
When you own this car, the first question is: What direction should I take it in—drift, time attack, or street? Since I already have projects dedicated to other styles, I decided to focus on a street build, particularly inspired by the Japanese 峠 (touge) style. This approach emphasizes enhancements to the chassis, stability, brakes, and engine for optimal street performance.
The car is a Nismo edition, equipped with a factory Nismo exhaust system and a hard suspension. On top of that, it's powered by an RB25DET Neo engine producing 280 horsepower. When I acquired it, the car already had a few modifications, including:
  • HKS Super SQV - A sequential valve system with differential pressure control, designed to improve responsiveness across low and high boost ranges.
  • HKS Super power flow intake
  • APEXi turbo timer - A discontinued gem from the early 2000s.
  • Dixcel S type street & track pads
Of course, every new car needs some servicing. I replaced several chassis components with OEM parts for improved comfort. After my first track session, I decided to:
  • BLITZ ZZ-R Coilovers
    Many people asked me: Why have I chosen these over Tein or BC Racing
    My reasoning is simple: I prioritize quality and performance. I've always leaned toward premium brands like HKS, TOP SECRET, BLITZ, ENDLESS, and SARD. BLITZ offers exceptional performance and at the same time a comfortable ride for daily driving.
  • BLITZ Front and Rear Strut Bars
    The rear strut bar enhances stability, especially when paired with the HICAS system, making the car remarkably steady in corners. The front bar, while primarily aesthetic, complements the setup.     
  • EBC Yellowstuff Pads and Discs
    Initially, I considered Endless, but after recommendations and a chance to test a car equipped with Yellow stuff, I was convinced. These provide the high performance I needed for both spirited drives and daily use.
Wheels & Aesthetics
Nismo solid shifter - Improves gear-change feel while maintaining the OEM+ ethos of sporty performance without sacrificing everyday comfort.
Moving on to the aesthetic upgrades - I enhanced the car with Nismo smoked front and side indicators, adding a subtle yet distinctive touch to its overall look.
Turning to the performance upgrades - I equipped the car with Nismo Racing Heat 7 spark plugs. The choice of Heat 7 is deliberate, as they are far better suited to the car's driving characteristics, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.
For wheels, I debated between Enkei and Volk TE37. Ultimately, I opted for Enkei TS-5 wheels, which offer exceptional quality at a reasonable price.
Specs: 8.5x18 ET38 (front) and 9.5x18 ET38 (rear).
Tires: Yokohama Advan Sport V107—225/40/18 (front) and 245/40/18 (rear) paired with matching Enkei nuts, they complete the setup.
Why Yokohama Advan Tires? - I’ve experimented with other brands like Michelin Pilot Sport and Falken but found them lacking the road grip and responsiveness I wanted. After extensive research and positive reviews, I tried Yokohama Advan—and they didn’t disappoint! The performance on both winding roads and straights is outstanding.