My R34 GT-R Skyline engine finally exists

Celebrated photographer Mark has worked with Top Gear for a great many years. When he is not behind the camera, he is buying unsuitable cars. Here, he reveals his obsession to the world.

R34 GT-R Skyline engine build

You are seeing this correctly. Let me say it again: your eyes have not misled you. Shown here is a genuine engine for my R34 GT-R Skyline, complete with a crankshaft, functioning pistons and everything else it needs. I have seen it and photographed it in person, too; otherwise, you would be entirely justified in assuming this project was AI-generated vapourware.

The anticipation is equally genuine. Naturally, there is an element of anxiety - not because I intend to run it at 1,000bhp, but because the specification in front of you has cost more than I paid for the R34 GT-R in 2018. And these cars were hardly cheap even then.

There is, however, an excellent justification for spending the equivalent of a substantial car payment on an engine build. This is the fifth engine rebuild I have paid for. Following four unsuccessful efforts - experiences from which I perhaps ought to have learned - this one should be the final engine my GT-R will ever require. If it fails, the car will receive a Viking funeral near Rutland Water.

A few of those rebuilds were my responsibility, although most resulted from poor work carried out by former tuners. Enough time has now passed for the anger to fade, and I have accepted the losses attached to the previous arrangement. That is precisely why every part in this Dahtone Racing wide journal RB28 is new. This extends to the engine block and cylinder head, both of which were not especially straightforward to source as new old stock.

Dahtone Racing wide journal RB28 specification

So, exactly what is here? The standard RB26 has become a 2.8-litre unit. Unlike alternative stroker kits, however, Dahtone keeps the OEM 86mm piston diameter. The engine block therefore does not need to be overbored, preserving significantly more strength - a vital consideration when targeting a thousand horsepower. Will it remain dependable at that output? Nobody knows, but every previous engine I owned failed at lower power levels, so we may as well discover the answer one way or another.

The Getrag six-speed gearbox has been rebuilt as well, while the twin-plate carbon clutch has been refreshed. That means Steve and the team at SR Autobodies should be dropping it back into the car any day now. It will be the first time the GT-R has contained an engine since October 2021.

Returning the GT-R to its wheels

Am I excited? Absolutely, although there is still a considerable amount of money left to throw at it. Sorting the injectors, wiring, intercooler and turbo setup is the immediate priority. Once the block is back in place, though, the GT-R can start looking like an actual car again - and it may even be able to stand on all four wheels. That is more than I can say about my current E24 M6 rebuild, which may need saving within the next month before it vanishes altogether. Brilliant.