Cee Vann - 1990 Nissan Skyline GT-R
Story by Adam Gordon
Photography by Chris Gosda (@PhotosByCG13)
For some, the R32 Skyline GT-R became a dream car the moment it hit the big screen. For Cee Vann, that moment came much earlier. “I remember watching a YouTube video of a 1000hp Skyline on the dyno. The car looked like it wanted to launch out of the machine, and I said, one day I’ll have that,” he recalls.
He finally made that happen in 2017 — though his first Skyline ownership experience was, in his own words, “the worst experience ever.” He skips the details, but the point is clear: it wasn’t the dream he imagined. Two years later, he tried again. This time, the right car stuck. The 1990 GT-R he drives today quickly proved both temperamental and rewarding, earning the nickname MoodyR32 for good reason.
The build draws heavy inspiration from Australia’s high-power Skyline community. With support from Nicedup Motorsports in the U.S. and B2R Motorsports overseas, Vann set out to create a car that could push four-digit horsepower while still being usable outside of competition. At its core is a B2R Motorsports Bullet Billet RB30 with a Nitto 3.2 stroker kit, force-fed by a Precision 8685 next-gen turbo mounted to a 6boost twinscroll manifold. A Haltech Elite 2500 handles management, while dual-injector setups and an NX nitrous system ensure there’s no shortage of fuel or fun. The result is a power figure north of 1,400 horsepower.
Getting there wasn’t easy. “This car tested us all,” Vann explains. “From my first RB26 getting destroyed to brand-new parts failing, it was a battle.” That battle reached its peak during the thrash leading up to GT-R Festival, one of the biggest Skyline events in the U.S. They were still buttoning up details as the car was being loaded onto the trailer. With no testing, no data, and plenty of uncertainty, the car exceeded every expectation — taking second place in the roll race and first place in the RH9 drag event.
Since then, the MoodyR32 has been in a cycle of refinement. Vann shifted his focus from chasing numbers to collecting data and seat time. The drivetrain is built to survive the power, anchored by an Albins six-speed sequential, Direct Clutch billet setup, and Shep Trans upgrades. Supporting pieces like the CF PST driveshaft, Driveshaft Shop axles, and Quaife front LSD keep power delivery consistent without breaking.
Visually, the Skyline blends aggression with functionality. A custom Tommy Kiara front bumper pairs with an AP carbon splitter, side and rear skirts, a carbon hood, and an AB truck-style spoiler. Motiv ducts help manage airflow, while inside, the GT-R stays driver-focused with Recaro seats, a Momo wheel, a Haltech digital dash, and an NHRA 8.5-certified cage. IDS suspension completes the stance and handling.
Despite the power, trophies, and attention, Vann keeps the purpose of the car simple. “The main goal is to enjoy it and have fun,” he says. “Best advice? If you have a bad day, jump in a GT-R and cruise around.” Whether you’re making 200 horsepower or 1,400, that’s a philosophy any enthusiast can understand.
Originally featured in PASMAG Issue #183
Click here to order the PASMAG Issue #183 Nissan/Infiniti special issue.
ESSENTIALS
VEHICLE:
1990 Nissan Skyline GT-R
LOCATION:
Greensboro, NC
HORSEPOWER:
1,430 whp
SOCIAL:
IG: @moodygtr
ENGINE:
B2R Motorsports Bullet Billet RB30 + Niced Up head package + Spool head drain + Ross billet cam covers, 36T dampener, and dry sump kit + PRP pro cam trigger kit and bracket kit + 3.2 Nitto stroker kit + Fire-ringed setup + NX nitrous system + 6boost T4 twinscroll turbo manifold + Precision 8685 next-gen turbo + 4-inch downpipe + Turbosmart Gen V 60 mm BOV and wastegate + GReddy race intercooler + Hypertune V2 manifold + Injector Dynamics ID2600cc and ID1700cc injectors + Aeromotive fuel cell and fuel pump + Weldon FPR and fuel filter + Blitz radiator + Mishimoto oil cooler + Haltech Elite 2500 and sensors
EXHAUST:
4-inch straight pipe exhaust
DRIVETRAIN:
Albins 6-speed sequential + GForce shift knob + Direct Clutch 9-inch billet clutch + CF PST driveshaft + Driveshaft Shop front axles + Quaife front LSD + Shep Trans full plate upgrade + GReddy Hi-Cap diff cover
WHEELS / TIRES / BRAKES:
Volk Racing CE28 wheels - 17x10 +22 + Mickey Thompson Street R drag radials - 275/40R17 + Brembo calipers + DBA rotors + EBC pads
CHASSIS / SUSPENSION:
IDS suspension + Driftworks HICAS delete kit, rear tie rods, and rear camber kit + Cusco rear sway bar + Whiteline front sway bar
EXTERIOR:
Custom Tommy Kiara front bumper + AP carbon-fiber splitter + Side skirts + Rear skirts + Carbon-fiber hood + AB truck spoiler + Motiv air duct
INTERIOR:
Haltech IQ3 dash and rotary dial switch + Niced Up control panel + Recaro seats + Momo steering wheel + NHRA 8.5 custom cage
AUDIO / MOBILE ELECTRONICS:
Haltech IC7 mounted stereo
PHOTO CREDIT:
Photography by Chris Gosda — @PhotosByCG13
GALLERY
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