Nismo: Factory Motorsport Division Become Tuning Legend
Nismo started as Nissan's racing department in 1984. The Omori Factory became the tuning arm, producing the S-Tune/R-Tune/Z-Tune program and the legendary 400R and Z-Tune R34 GT-Rs.
Affiliate Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission when you purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Nismo (Nissan Motorsports International) was founded in 1984 as Nissan's in-house motorsport division. It rapidly expanded beyond racing to include a full tuning arm: the Omori Factory, where the most famous GT-R variants in history were hand-built.
The Omori Factory
Located in Tsurumi, Yokohama, the Omori Factory became a pilgrimage site for GT-R owners in the 1990s and 2000s. Any R32, R33, or R34 could be brought to Omori for a S-Tune, R-Tune, or Z-Tune upgrade program:
- S-Tune — street-focused refinement: suspension, brakes, intake, light engine work, power typically 330-350 PS.
- R-Tune — track-focused: aero package, big brakes, heavier engine work, targeted 400 PS.
- Z-Tune — no-compromise hand-built: full-rebuild RB26 (the "Z1" variant making 500 PS), aero, suspension, brakes, and custom ECU.
The 400R
In 1996, Nismo announced the 400R R33 GT-R — a complete hand-built car with a 2.8L stroker RB-X GT2 making 400 PS, special aero, and Brembo brakes. Only 44 were built. In 2024, a 400R sold at auction for $4.85 million, the highest price ever paid for an R33 GT-R.
The Z-Tune R34
In 2005, for the GT-R's 35th anniversary, Nismo built the Z-Tune R34 GT-R. Only 19 were completed. Each Z-Tune used a hand-rebuilt 2.8L RB28 making 500 PS, Brembo brakes, unique aero, and Z-Tune-exclusive badging. Original list price was 17.7 million yen ($150,000). Today they trade for $4-5 million.
The Parts Catalog
Beyond the hand-built cars, Nismo produced a legendary parts catalog:
- Engine components (oil pans, catch cans, gaskets, heavier connecting rods)
- Suspension (Nismo S-Tune and R-Tune coilovers, sway bars, bushings)
- Brakes (with Brembo collaboration)
- Aero (Z-Tune fender flares, R-Tune lips and wings)
- Exhausts (NE-1 and R1 titanium exhausts are iconic)
- Wheels (LM GT4 and LM GT1 are the wheels on nearly every hard-tuned GT-R)
The New Nismo (R35 Era)
After the R35 GT-R launched in 2007, Nismo expanded to a full factory sub-brand. The R35 GT-R Nismo (2013) makes 600 hp from the VR38DETT, with bespoke suspension and chassis tuning. Modern Nismo still operates out of Omori but with a much bigger footprint.
Why Nismo Matters
Nismo is the only JDM tuner on this list that was also the factory. Every Nismo part had OEM-spec engineering behind it. When you bought a Nismo R-Tune R34, you got a factory-backed build with factory warranty implications. No independent tuner could offer that. The Z-Tune R34 remains the Platonic ideal of what a factory tuner program can produce.
Featured Products
Universal Intercoolers, 1000HP Aluminum Turbo Intercooler, Front Mount Intercooler Kit for Any
View Deal
Related Articles
JUN Auto Mechanic: The Big Power 2JZ Specialist
JUN Auto Mechanic in Tsuchiura has built 2JZ engines since 1990. Their Stroker 3.4 kit, valvetrain components, and hand-balanced rotating assemblies set the global 2JZ tuning standard.
Mine's Motor Sport: The GT-R Whisperers of Yokohama
Michizo Niikura's Mine's Motor Sport in Yokohama refined rather than rebuilt. Every Mine's GT-R is balanced to 1000-km rally reliability before making a single extra horsepower.
Cusco: The Rally and Chassis Reinforcement Specialist
Cusco built their reputation on rally-grade chassis reinforcement. Their 6-point and 8-point roll cages are Japan's most respected. Their LSDs and sway bars appear on championship cars worldwide.