Time Attack Build Crisis: Why My Skyline Needs a Complete Teardown - Project Precision Episode 3
Engine out for the THIRD time?!
In Episode 3 of Project Precision I’m diving into the biggest shift in my journey yet—a complete teardown of my R34 Skyline. This isn’t just about pulling the car apart again; it’s about confronting the reality of how much I’ve learned—and how much I still don’t know. When I first began this journey with the series Road to WTAC 2024, I’ll admit, I was completely out of my depth. Looking back, it’s clear I was stepping into a world I thought I understood, only to realize, in the words of Ruth from Ozark, “I didn’t know shit about fuck.”
The Frustration and Lessons of Repeated Work
From the start, Project Precision—and the journey of this build since 2016—has been a relentless cycle of pulling parts out to replace them with upgraded versions, only to realize I’d need to pull them out again.
This has happened more times than I can count over the years. Each time I installed something, I’d think, “This is it. It’s finally done.” But before long, I’d be unbolting it yet again to accommodate new upgrades or to fix something that had already been labeled as “built” or “upgraded.”
It’s frustrating and, at times, disheartening. But every cycle has taught me something essential—not just about the car, but about the process itself.
There’s a certain humility in realizing that what you think you know is only a fraction of the bigger picture. The deeper I go into this build, the more I understand how much I still don’t know. And with every setback I’ve faced tough decisions: Do I push forward accepting compromises or, take a step back and make it right?
It’s the same in life. Sometimes we’re confronted with obstacles that feel like failures, but they’re often lessons in disguise—opportunities to reassess, refine, and ultimately grow.
The Impact of the AWD Conversion
The AWD conversion I did a few years back felt like a triumph at the time. I thought it would be a game-changer, taking the Skyline to the next level in traction and handling. But as I moved further into this time attack journey, that decision quickly became a problem. The conversion required extensive modifications to the drivetrain and chassis, which I have now learnt, conflicts with regulations and going down the techincal route, has added an egregious amount of weight and impacted the car’s balance.
To continue this time attack journey, I now need to revert the Skyline back to RWD and make significant modifications to accommodate the new drivetrain setup. However, this process is far from straightforward when it comes to regulations. The differences in the chassis rails compared to a standard GTT mean the original subframe no longer fits, putting the Skyline in violation of Section 12.4, Parts D and E of the Open Class regulations.
With these violations in mind, my only viable option is to aim for entry into the PRO-AM Class. This shift introduces a new challenge, as participation in this class is subject to application approval, marking another significant hurdle in the journey of Project Precision.
100% Off—Everything Must Go!
Removing the engine and gearbox is just the beginning. Following the principle of starting with a blank canvas, everything must come out—dash, wiring harnesses, and pretty much anything left in the interior. This isn’t just about clearing space; it’s also preparation for the custom weld-in roll cage and the modifications needed for the firewall and transmission tunnel. (Yes, I’m going all out.)
At this stage there’s no turning back. The way I see it, I’m already this deep into the build, so as I said in Episode 1: “Whatever it takes.” This is the level of commitment required to build something extraordinary, and I’m all in.
Embracing the Blank Slate
Reflecting on the journey so far, it’s easy to see how these challenges aren’t just about building a car—they’re lessons about growth, persistence, and the choices we make. Sometimes, moving forward means clearing away what’s been done and starting fresh. This teardown is my commitment to that lesson. Stripping the Skyline down to its bare shell, ready for a rebuild, represents more than just mechanical adjustments; it’s about learning to let go of past decisions and embracing the unknown with each new challenge.
Reflecting on Episode 3
Episode 3 captures the transformation of Project Precision from a car build into a journey of discovery and growth. This reset is challenging, but every rework and every setback has been a lesson. I’m no longer just “building a car”—I’m building something that reflects the journey of learning, making choices, moving forward despite the obstacles and not being denied what I have set out to achieve.
Stay tuned as we dive deeper into the next stages of this transformation and turn up the heat once again with more fabrication work...this time a little more invasive
This journey may be filled with unexpected turns, but each one brings me closer to building not just a better Skyline but a better understanding of the choices, sacrifices, and grit it takes to chase a vision.