Enhancing the Rear End of your Nissan Skyline R33 GT-R with Diffusers

Enhancing the Rear End of your Nissan Skyline GT-R R33

The Nissan Skyline GT-R R33 is an iconic Japanese sports car that first debuted in 1995. With its aggressive styling, turbocharged RB26DETT inline-six engine and advanced ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive system, the R33 GT-R quickly gained a reputation as a dominant force on both the track and street. Even today, the R33 GT-R remains a highly sought after model for JDM enthusiasts and collectors around the world.

One area that many R33 GT-R owners choose to modify is the rear end. The stock rear bumper and diffuser leave something to be desired from an aesthetic standpoint. Thankfully, the aftermarket provides plenty of options to give your R33 a more aggressive, customized rear appearance.

Upgrading the Rear Bumper

A common upgrade is to install an aftermarket rear bumper. Popular options include the Top Secret Style rear bumper, the Do-Luck Style rear bumper, and the Nismo Style rear bumper. These replacements bumpers feature revised shapes and integrated diffuser designs to give the back of the R33 a racier, more purposeful look.

Many of the aftermarket rear bumpers are made from lightweight fiberglass or ABS plastic versus the stock plastic bumper. This sheds a few pounds from the rear end while also allowing greater flexibility in the diffuser design.

Some things to keep in mind if upgrading your rear bumper:

• Ensure you purchase a high quality bumper designed specifically for the R33 GT-R that fits properly and has provisions for the rear reflectors and sensors.
• Paint matching the new bumper to your car's body is recommended for a seamless look.
• A rear bumper brace is recommended for additional strength and stability at higher speeds.
• A professional shop experienced with aftermarket body kits can handle the bumper removal and installation.

Adding a Rear Diffuser

Complementing a new rear bumper with an upgraded rear diffuser is a great way to further enhance the R33's rear end. A diffuser helps manage airflow under the car for increased rear downforce and stability.

Popular options for R33 diffusers include:

• Carbon fiber - Lightweight and stylish, carbon fiber diffusers are available in various shapes and profiles. They are more expensive but add a true performance look.
• ABS plastic - More affordable yet still stylish, ABS plastic diffusers are the most common choice for street driven R33s.
• Canard style - Diffusers with integrated canards or fins help guide airflow and add an even more aggressive appearance.

Here are some tips for installing and running a rear diffuser on your GT-R:

• Diffuser fins should align properly with the bumper shape for maximum benefit.
• Avoid excessively large diffusers meant for race cars to reduce unnecessary drag on the street.
• Check ground clearance and adjust if needed to prevent scrapes and damage.
• Diffusers work best paired with other aero mods like a front splitter and rear spoiler.

Side Skirts

One final way to round out the R33's rear end makeover is adding side skirts. Also known as side splitters or spats, quality side skirts visually connect the front and rear bodywork for a more complete custom appearance.

Popular options for R33 side skirts include:

• Nismo style - Subtle OEM-inspired design with Nissan Motorsports branding.
• BN Sports style - Aggressive cantilevered style protrudes outward more noticeably.
• Do-Luck style - Unique design with carbon fiber splitter rods accenting the lower edge.
• Custom - Have side skirts custom made to flow seamlessly with other aero additions.

Like the rear bumper and diffuser, proper professional paint matching for the side skirts is recommended. Side skirts can also enhance aerodynamics slightly by smoothing airflow along the lower body. Overall, side skirts beautifully complement the rear end transformation.

Conclusion

With the right combination of aftermarket upgrades, the rear end of the Nissan Skyline GT-R R33 can be dramatically enhanced both visually and functionally. A new rear bumper, carbon fiber diffuser and side skirts work wonders together to give your R33 a tighter, cleaner and more performance-oriented appearance that turns heads. More importantly, these upgrades reduce drag, increase downforce and improve high speed stability when enjoying your GT-R on the track or windy backroads.

FAQs

What's the benefit of upgrading the R33 GT-R's rear diffuser?

A rear diffuser improves the R33's aerodynamics by smoothing airflow under the car. This increases rear downforce for better high speed stability and traction. Diffusers also give the rear end a more aggressive, performance-focused look.

What materials are best for a rear diffuser?

Carbon fiber diffusers are lightweight and attractive but more expensive. ABS plastic diffusers offer a great balance of affordability, durability and styling for street driven R33s.

Will a bigger rear diffuser improve performance?

Not necessarily. Oversized diffusers meant for all-out race cars can create unnecessary drag on street driven R33s. Focus on diffuser fins properly aligned with the bumper's shape.

Do side skirts serve any performance benefit?

Side skirts smooth airflow along the sides of the R33 for a slight aerodynamic enhancement. Their main purpose is styling to visually connect front and rear upgrades.

What shop services are needed to install these upgrades?

Bumper, diffuser and side skirt installation is best left to experienced body shops. Paint matching services are also recommended for a seamless, OEM-quality appearance.