The above quote is one Bono had before posted on his Instagram with a video of his modified R34 GTR. It hit home with the cars and people featured with BoostBible.

Our younger generations quickly follow the ‘fastest’, ‘sleekest’ European luxury cars, which are often shown as symbols of success and greatness. Yet people like us know that you don’t need millions of dollars to spend on an iconic supercar.

So often, our ‘end game’ car develops over the experiences of owning one, through both the good and the bad. Bono’s modified R34 GTR “END GAME” is a perfect example.

As a detailer, Bono has spent significant time in the automotive scene. And after owning a WRX and Evo 8 MR, the JDM itch that forms is something that cannot be ignored.

This desire sparked a faithful day when Bono spotted a 2001 ‘Sparkling Silver’ R34 GTR. It was nestled in the front window of a local dealership. Previously imported from Japan and patiently waiting for its new home.

After spending a while searching for an R34 GTR, inspired by their subtle yet impressive features, such as the easy-to-modify RB26, the AWD capabilities were ahead of their time, and its more aggressive styling.

Bono discovered this particular R34 GTR; it was completely standard and unmodified. Even after taking his freshly purchased GTR to Dahtone Racing for an initial inspection. The surprise of finding a stock and untouched R34 GTR was also unfathomable to Anthony.

Bono paid an (at the time) eye-watering $76,000 to obtain his R34 GTR, with most people he knew calling him crazy! He was not bothered, however, as he liked the car. The way the market sky-rocketed in the years to follow Bono called ‘a bonus’.

Bono knew there was a lot of potential and how highly modifiable the R-chassis was. Especially a modified R34 GTR with a single turbo conversion and Frank Builds such as the RB30.

The car has undergone some significant changes since its purchase back in 2016. While the car was clean, Bono found in stock form it just didn’t have the kick he was expecting from the renowned RB26DETT. So his next step was a single turbo conversion.

But in typical car-build fashion, things spiralled into building an RB26/30 bottom end. While the motor was being built, the engine bay copped a coat of Midnight Purple 3 paint. Setting the colour scheme of black and Midnight Purple 3 for the entire build.

Anthony at Dahtone Racing had his touch of making the bay a beautiful place to look at, With details such as a carbon fibre CPC intake plenum. But more importantly, he was able to work his magic in making it perform as well as it looked.

The RB26/30 makes 650kW (869hp) at the wheels on 31PSI through a PTE 6870 Gen 2. To finish the build as it currently sits, Joel from Killer Image has wrapped the car in Avery Dennison Rushing Riptide. Giving the modified R34 GTR an iconic Midnight Purple 3 look.

Where to from here? Bono plans to finally get the car painted in Midnight Purple 3 next year. Allowing Totally Smashed Repairs to bring his modified R34 GTR dream to life.

At this point, the only priority is enjoying the car and learning to drive it to its full potential. Bono mentions that a sequential gearbox and a more extensive turbo setup may be on the cards if duty calls. But he is enjoying the current drivability as a modified R34 GTR street car.

When asked if he had anyone he would like to thank, he laughed and said Mum and Dad, ‘LOL’. Bono would also like to thank Anthony and Junior from Dahtone Racing.

Mick’s Motorsport for tuning his modified R34 GTR. Haltech, Joel from Killer Image, Frank and the boys at Totally Smashed Repairs. Kev from Blindside Media and Nitto Performance Engineering.