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It is embedded in our DNA to do things for a purpose. Since the beginning of time mankind has been driven to battle, win, and survive. John Marinas is not some ancient warrior with superior genetics but he is lucky enough to be the owner of this gorgeous R35 GT-R. And this Nissan is definitely built for a purpose: to battle, win, and survive on the streets of Southern California.
This GT-R is definitely not Marinas’ first rodeo, nor his last. He has built several award-winning cars throughout his automotive tuning career. Having previously worked at various car customization shops since the mid 1990s, he definitely knows what looks good and what doesn’t and which parts make reliable power and which ones don’t. Without a doubt, his experience shows as this GT-R has very subtle understated exterior features, no gaudy body kits, flashy paint, or oversized blingy wheels, but it still has a mysterious aura about it.
In contrast to other GT-Rs around Southern California, which are the polar opposite with everything about them screaming, “Hey look at me!,” Marinas knew exactly how he wanted his GT-R to look. Every exterior modification serves a purpose, and the car is still subtle enough to cruise by somewhat under the radar.
Starting with the exterior, the stealth matte grey wrap was done in order to tone down the car’s razor sharp, eye catching lines. Actually, we believe in certain lighting, it accentuates the lines by casting its own shadows on the matte finish. Taking a closer look, you will notice that the OEM GT-R side emblem was exchanged for a unique dry carbon fiber badge and vent trim… subtle yet aggressive. Along with the carbon fiber trim pieces Marinas added a full AutoSelect Zele carbon body kit consisting of a front lower lip, side skirts, and rear diffuser, which gives the car a low and aggressive look. Continuing the stealthy theme is a very noticeable modification that will catch anyone’s eye: the OEM factory doors were replaced with a pair of rare and extremely pricey Mine’s Motorsports dry carbon fiber doors. 
A pair of Craftsquare carbon fiber racing mirrors were also bolted to the lightweight doors to carry on the subtle, yet aggressive theme of the car.
Marinas installed a custom carbon fiber roof cap. Moving from the roof to the rear of the Nissan, the OEM trunk and wing were swapped for a simple Powerhouse Amuse dry carbon fiber trunk which features a subtle, yet noticeable lip spoiler. Other exterior modifications include various carbon fiber trim pieces such as a front bumper insert, rear license plate garnish, and hood vents. In there totality these mods give the car the overall menacing, yet toned down look Marinas was looking for.
When we hear the letters G, T, and R together, in the same sentence, we think speed and power. We have all seen videos of GT-Rs beating down almost every car you can imagine on YouTube. Marinas knew from his past experiences, tuning various platforms such as a 500-plus rear-wheel horsepower RX-7 and a 1,000-plus horsepower Supra, that extracting great amounts of power from any car can compromise reliability and drivability. He also knew the key was quality… selecting well-engineered, time tested gear would ensure he’d get the best of both worlds: a bump in power and stock reliability. Marinas installed an SP-Engineering SPE750 upgrade kit to give the GT-R a mild boost in power. The kit includes new ball bearing cartridges for the twin turbos, twin HKS Super Sequential blow-off valves, catless downpipes, larger intercooler piping, various fuel system upgrades, and a custom SP Engineering tune to extract the most out of the new hardware. 
SP Engineering used a Cobb Accessport in accordance with the factory ECU to keep the highly sophisticated VR38DETT happy. A set of Defi gauges are also used to monitor the status of the monster’s beating heart. With the RB making around 700 horsepower on pump gas, the was deemed ready for the carpool lane. Along with the engine upgrades on the front end, a Meisterschaft titanium race exhaust was put in charge of expelling an unmistakable roar when the GT-R clears it’s throat.
In order to keep the GT-R going in the intended direction as the pedals are pressed, a KW Suspension V3 coilover set-up was installed to help keep the car planted on the pavement. A distinct advantage of the KW package and what sets these coilovers apart from others is how they allow Marinas to retain the factory Nissan suspension control system.
Most of us have a tough time when it comes to wheel selection. There are so many styles and variations out there it can be mind boggling at times. For Marinas, it was not a tough choice for him at all. If you have seen Marinas’ past builds such as his RX7, SC300, Supra, and NSX, they all have one thing in common. They are all equipped with Volk Racing TE37s. 
Needless to say a set of newly released TE37 Ultras were immediately ordered for the car, finished in a matte blue to complement the matte grey wrap and dry carbon fiber pieces on the car. Spacers were also used to push the wheels out a bit so they sit flush with the body while still able to tuck the car’s full-sized Michelin Pilot Sports.
With all of the performance modifications adding power, it’s a natural progression to address stopping power as well. The GT-R already features Brembo calipers at all four corners and large cross-drilled rotors so its brakes are in supercar territory. Marinas elected to upgrade to a set of lighter dusting Project Mu brake pads because of their commuter friendliness.
The interior was also given a treatment to match the rest of the car. A pair of rare Recaro Tomcat seats in yellow and black provided the perfect contrast to the stealthy tone of the car. The seats are mounted on a set of custom Bride seat rails to maximize the comfort level and optimize driving position. The entire interior was reupholstered in black suede along with a custom roof mounted gauge pod to give the car a refined feel, not too sporty or racey.
Being a powerful car that can go fast, the Nissan still needed to be comfortable and, true to its mantra, everything has to have a purpose. The entire rear seat of the car along with the trunk was revamped in the name of entertainment. The rear trunk features a custom subwoofer enclosure tuned to ensure the speakers hit all the right notes. The back seat features two amps that provide enough power to the upgraded sound system to make sure Marinas can listen to his ’80s hits while allowing the GT-R to stretch its legs.
This GT-R does not need a large GT wing on the back or a bright, shiny paint job to scream for attention. 
Marinas’ GT-R does not make over 1,000 horsepower like the stripped-down speed demons you see all over the internet. It is a daily driver that is meant to battle the infamous Los Angeles traffic, rough roads, and the occasional spirited canyon blast.
The car needed to be reliable, comfortable, and subtle enough for the daily grind, while attracting those who have a keen eye for a tastefully modified ride. Everything from the seats, to the ride height, and the power the car makes all work together perfectly, making the Nissan effortless to drive, yet still require a little bit of attention and respect when opening up the throttle.
The GT-R hits the bull’s eye as far as we’re concerned. We question how ‘stealthy’ any GT-R can be but we must admit there is a greater than the sum of its parts vibe to the Nissan. Marinas says his favorite part about building cars is the people he meets and friends he makes along the way. “It doesn’t matter what you drive,” he says, “it’s how you represent yourself and show the passion for our hobby.” He’s representing well.
Owner: John Marinas
Hometown: Moreno Valley, CA
Occupation: Full Time Hustler
Car Club Affiliation: Auto Concept Elite
Car Cost: $90,000
Cost To Build: Unknown
Time To Build: 1 year
Date Completed: Never ending
Powerplant: 3.8-liter V6 VR38DETT; SP Engineering SPE750 kit, twin HKS Super Sequential blow off valves; HKS catless downpipes; HKS larger intercooler piping; various fuel upgrades; Cobb Accesport; Meisterschaft titanium race exhaust
Drivetrain: 6-speed dual clutch automated manual transaxle
Engine Management: SP Engineering 750 kit; Cobb Accesport
Chassis: KW V3 coilovers
Brakes: Stock Brembo brakes with Project Mu brake pads
Footwork: Rays Engineering Volk Racng TE37 Ultra; Michelin Pilot Sport
Exterior: Zele front bumper; Zele dry carbon side skirts, Zele dry carbon rear lip; AutoSelect carbon fiber front lip; custom dual projector headlights; carbon fiber grille; carbon fiber fender vent; carbon fiber antenna; LED markers
Interior: Recaro Tomcat; custom headliner-mounted Defi gauge pod; RE Audio competition sound
Honors & Awards: N/A
Special Thanks: God; family; and friends
