05/06/2026
Andy’s R33 GTR is back for round two.
After completing the first stage of the build last year—focused on turbo, fueling, and supporting mods—it was time to take things further. This round centered around a serious upgrade: a PPG sequential transmission.
Running a sequential gearbox properly meant converting the RB26 from a traditional cable-driven throttle to a modern drive-by-wire system. This allows the ECU to momentarily cut engine torque during shifts for smoother engagement, while also enabling rev-matched downshifts. On top of that, it opens the door to precise idle control, traction control, and launch control.
A Haltech Nexus ECU made the transition straightforward, with plug-and-play support for both accelerator pedal and throttle body wiring. Additional inputs like gear position and strain gauge sensors were integrated, along with relay controls for the reverse lockout solenoid and reverse lights.
On the intake side, the OEM plenum was replaced with a billet unit featuring a Wiggins-style clamp. While previous builds typically used a single throttle body setup, this car went a different route with a Dahtone kit. It utilizes a modified Bosch throttle body mounted to the side of the engine, which actuates the factory individual throttle bodies through a linkage system.
To handle the upgraded drivetrain, ACT supplied a clutch assembly compatible with the PPG transmission’s larger 26-spline input shaft. A conversion kit was also installed to switch from the factory pull-style clutch to a more modern push-style hydraulic system
