![]() ![]() It was on the back of this GT-R that Signal Auto cemented itself as a pioneer of the tuning industry and one of the greatest shops of all time. This iconic machine also appeared in the hit film, The Fast and The Furious: Tokyo Drift. But the Signal Auto R34’s fame does not end with its racing career. Although not as victorious as a drift car it continued to compete as one, also running in the Formula Drift circuit for a few years before retiring. Already converted from all-wheel drive to rear-wheel drive, Signal’s GT-R only required minor adjustments to be considered full “drift spec,” so they made the necessary changes and joined the competition. When the D1GP drifting series made its way to the United States in 2003, the R34 would be placed in its fourth and final configuration. The latest configuration was another winner. A smaller turbo replaced the Greddy T88 in hopes of achieving more responsive boost. Now, attempting to break records on US circuits, the set up was tweaked for a third time. In 2000 they were able to open a new shop in Torrance, California. Their triumphs across multiple disciplines attracted the attention of American automotive journalist Howard Lim of Super Street Magazine, who helped Signal Auto become well-known stateside. The new configuration proved to be successful as well. The engine was de-stroked from 2.8L to 2.7, the HKS twin turbochargers were ditched for a Greddy T88, and the camshafts were swapped out for a set more conducive to mid-range power. ![]() Satisfied with the car’s performance in drag racing, Kousuke reconfigured the R34 for its new goal - to produce sub-1 minute lap times at Tsubaka circuit. With an RB26DETT stroked to 2.8L, twin aftermarket HKS turbochargers, stripped-out interior, carbon and fiberglass body panels, and a rear-wheel-drive conversion, the GT-R was lightweight and pushed out 1000 hp! It destroyed the competition, consistently churning out 9 second quarter miles, and occasionally high 8s. Kousuke would dream up an R34 GT-R that could dominate in all racing categories. Kousuke wanted in on the action and expanded the shop to pursue racing. However, after over a decade of routine modifying and tuning work, he discovered his next adrenaline rush in high-octane sports. Aptly named for its proximity to a traffic light, Signal Auto focused on customer vehicles - effectively steering Kousuke clear of his old ways. Kida quickly learned the risks of this lifestyle and decided it was time to find legal outlets for his passion. By the time he was a teenager he found himself involved with street racing and the Bōsōzoku gang - a notorious group in the Japanese tuner scene, known for their whacky modifications and aggressive driving habits. Immediately exposed to the automotive world, he was bound to fall in love. Kousuke “Mad” Kida grew up working in his father’s body shop. Proven competitor in drag racing, time attack, and drifting Appeared in The Fast and The Furious: Tokyo Drift ![]()
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