Readers’ rockets: Nissan R31, tribute HR Holden, 500rwhp Mazda BT-50, 440ci VK Commodore & Lancer GSR

Phil Clayton
Nissan Skyline

“I have a Japanese-market 1987 Nissan Skyline HR31, badged as a Passage.

“I had an Australian-made R31 Skyline Ti originally, which I dressed up with as many rare Japanese parts as I could get my hands on, including a conversion to an RB20DET turbo-six engine from a JDM R31.

“Fast-forward to years later, and this imported Passage popped up locally, so I decided to jump on it and move across all my rare parts from the Ti. The key difference is that the Passage is a hardtop, so it has no B-pillar between the front and rear glass – an R31 body shape we never got here locally.

“Rare bits include an ADThree fog-light grille, rear spoiler, projector headlights and the optional ‘hotplate’ tail-lights, just to name a few!

“It’s a factory RB20DET just like what I converted my original Aussie Ti to, and I love using it as my dream R31 Skyline weekend cruiser.” Photos: @shotsbyjeremy

Adam Tzavaras
HR Holden

“This HR Holden was the first car I bought with my father when I was 15! I rebuilt it with him way back then with a hot six-cylinder, which was a great bonding experience.

“Years later, we discussed a second rebuild for it, but sadly, six months into that rebuild, he passed away.

“I’ve continued the build in honour of him; the biggest difference now is that I’ve gone to a 350 Chev over the Aussie six, stroked out to 383 cubes.

“To deal with the grunt from that donk, it has a two-speed Powerglide, and a nine-inch differential. It’s a fully engineered build, and I love cruising around in it.”

Grant Scott
Holden VK Commodore

“My VK has been a four-year build, and in June this year, it finally made its debut at Kenda at Willowbank for testing.

“So, while it’s technically finished, it’s still getting tweaks to go quicker, but it’s been a labour of love!

“It uses an aspirated 440ci LS Next-based combo, with CID heads and manifold, Haltech management and E85, making 720rwhp of all-motor goodness!

“Behind that is a Powerglide transmission, and other features include Santhuff suspension, a four-link rear, mini-tubs and all the drag racing fruit. To date, its current PB is 5.8sec over the eighth-mile.”

Alexandru Cocos
Mazda BT-50

“This is our little 11sec ‘NugJet’ Mazda BT-50. It isn’t overly quick by today’s standards in the drag racing or street scene, but it raises eyebrows and laughs at all the roll and drag racing events we take it to.

“It has a standard diesel wrecker long motor from rocker cover to sump – even the valve springs are original – with 300,000km covered so far.

“It’s being fed a stonking 50-60psi from the turbo, depending on the tune, making just shy of 500rwhp and 664lb-ft at the wheels.

“To date, its PB is an 11.8@116mph – not bad for still being an H-pattern manual! And it’s still our daily parts ute for our shop, OCD Performance, which is why it’s such a laugh to us. We hope you also enjoy it!”

Stefan Karajcic
Mitsubishi Lancer GSR

“This is my 1993 Mitsubishi CC Lancer GSR, which I purchased during lockdown when I was 13.

“It was in need of a full restoration due to it sitting unregistered since 2008, so my dad and I have completed a full nut-and-bolt resto on the car.

“It’s now powered by a fully built 4G63, backed by a dogbox and using a Haltech Elite 2500 ECU to help it make just over 800hp at the hubs with its previous turbo set-up (without nitrous).

“I haven’t had the chance to race it yet, and there’s still lots of things I want to do, but I’m very happy with how it is currently.”