RE: Litchfield GT-R LM20: Review

[FerrariGuy007]

Love the late 80s/early 90s rear end. Front looks ok, but the side and 45 degrees angle shots are too hideous for me, not to mention an interior that makes a Corvette interior seem "glamorous".

[Juno]

Quite surprised about a lot of the comments on the GTR.

I've had three and currently have the Track Pack version by Nismo on order.The Track Pack has the same bonded and stiffened body as the Nismo along with the same suspension and Rays Wheels.IMO when you compare the cost it makes the track pack at 57K less than the Nismo a no brainer !!! Once the Litchfield stage 4.25 is added to the track pack you will have a 660BHP plus GTR with razor sharp handling, basically the same as the LM20 with the better Nismo body with increased stiffness.

The GTR does not feel or act like a BIG car,in fact I drove my friends 17 model and the car feels like its lost weight compared to the earlier models, not that weight has ever been an enemy of the GTR. Even my last one with the Litchfield Bilstein suspension upgrade and a stage 4.25 didn't feel any more responsive

Compared to my LP570-4 maintenance is very cheap with services at Kaizer's the Litchfield specialist costing between £300 for a minor and £600 at the top end per annum.

These cars will hustle down any country lane making you think the car is a lot smaller than it actually is,don't be put off!

The 17 model has a much nicer interior as well now which is certainly on par with the competition.

Yes they really will do 0-100k's in 2.5 as well, once you have taken it to 660BHP, even 2.8 is the norm for the standard car and believe me once experienced you wont doubt it.

Cant see much to compete for the money right now!

I am also quite eclectic with my vehicles having a Honda Integra DC5 Type R Turbo 450 and EVO 6RS tuned at 450HP, These cars are very much old school light weight drivers cars and even in comparison to them I would never say a GTR is dull or boring!

Edited by Juno on Sunday 16th April 22:56

[Juno]

FerrariGuy007 said:

Love the late 80s/early 90s rear end. Front looks ok, but the side and 45 degrees angle shots are too hideous for me, not to mention an interior that makes a Corvette interior seem "glamorous".

I don't think this looks bad?

[gigglebug]

I was the opposite to you in one regards Juno in that fact the GTR always felt just that little too big for me to fully enjoy it's performance on the roads I use. It was deeply impressive though and there was plenty I liked about it, maybe driving talent plays a part in how a certain cars are perceived to certain folks? Maybe if I lived elsewhere in the country and used different roads it wouldn't have presented such a problem either and I still look at them and think it might be a good idea to have another go with a later year model to one the I had and especially as I've heard plenty of good things about Litchfield's improvements to the front suspension. I'd definitely have to have the interior fitted out in alcantara though as I never really liked the look or feel of the leather seats. I guess it mainly boils down to one thing for me though and that's the fact that I can only afford to have one expensive car so this time it will be something really special, hence trying to save hard for a manual Gallardo. I need a V10 in my life! I expect if I could afford to have a GTR as the practical everyday car like some I know have done and still have the means to have something special as well it would make perfect sense.

[Juno]

gigglebug said:

I was the opposite to you in one regards Juno in that fact the GTR always felt just that little too big for me to fully enjoy it's performance on the roads I use. It was deeply impressive though and there was plenty I liked about it, maybe driving talent plays a part in how a certain cars are perceived to certain folks? Maybe if I lived elsewhere in the country and used different roads it wouldn't have presented such a problem either and I still look at them and think it might be a good idea to have another go with a later year model to one the I had and especially as I've heard plenty of good things about Litchfield's improvements to the front suspension. I'd definitely have to have the interior fitted out in alcantara though as I never really liked the look or feel of the leather seats. I guess it mainly boils down to one thing for me though and that's the fact that I can only afford to have one expensive car so this time it will be something really special, hence trying to save hard for a manual Gallardo. I need a V10 in my life! I expect if I could afford to have a GTR as the practical everyday car like some I know have done and still have the means to have something special as well it would make perfect sense.

I agree with the Alcantara bit and thought about adding the Carbon seats but 6k ouch!

I mainly use my around where I live which is predominantly country lanes and find them great!

The V10 Lambo engine is a must, my mates just selling his Balboni and I've just sold my Performante! Manual prices are crazy though !!!

Good luck with the hunt!

[gigglebug]

Juno said:

I agree with the Alcantara bit and thought about adding the Carbon seats but 6k ouch!

If I had another I'd probably look to get a mint second hand one again like I did the first time but with all the tinkering already carried out, it's not so bad when someone else has done the work for you! I do see examples in the classifieds regularly that have had the interior improved. Do SVM charge 6K for the seats they install?

Juno said:

The V10 Lambo engine is a must, my mates just selling his Balboni and I've just sold my Performante! Manual prices are crazy though !!!

Good luck with the hunt!

Yeah tell me about it. The more I put aside the more they go up in price so I'm barely any closer to owning one than I was 18 months ago. I've never had finance on anything but seriously considering it just to get over the final hurdle then hope it's still an appreciating asset so at least the finance cost is covered. I don't mind losing money on purchases, I've never once worried about what a car will be worth once I've finished with it so paying a bit more and risking a bit more on finance could well be a means to an end in this case.

Or I could have another look at the R8, it just didn't feel the same to me though.

[e8_pack]

They don't feel big at all when driving. Porsche do with the wide back end. But the GTR most certainly doesn't.

I think most of these cars are running 600 odd horsepower, but the rods are known weak points hence why I'll be upgrading mine soon. Can't see me needing more power though, it's all I'd ever want for the road. Besides, for far less money you'll go quicker in a seven and have twice the fun if speed (upto 120!) is all your after.

[Juno]

I was referring to the seat options you can order on the new Track Pack GTR, you can add the Carbon buckets that come with the Nismo but they are expensive IMO

[gigglebug]

Juno said:

I was referring to the seat options you can order on the new Track Pack GTR, you can add the Carbon buckets that come with the Nismo but they are expensive IMO

Ah I see, didn't realise you could do that. My spec on the configurator with the carbon seats came in at £101,500 which is fair chunk I suppose. Works out over £16K more than a Recaro specced car, I think I could just about justify the extra if really wanted to! I've never bought a new Nissan, are they open to an sort of discounting?

[RacerMike]

I wasn't much of a fan of GTRs until I went out in my friends car that he developed. 900WHP on small turbos and incredibly tractable. The most shockingly fast car I've ever been in, and the way it accelerated from 70mph was about as quick as a V8 F-Type from stationary! I happen to think it looked amazing too.



The intake manifold he developed is a work of art.

[gigglebug]

Now that's an engine bay!

[PurpleAki]

Is that a UK car?

More info please. Looks great.

[RacerMike]

PurpleAki said:

Is that a UK car?

More info please. Looks great.

It is a UK car, but has now been parted out as it reached the end of it's development by JCR Developments. Spec was:

ECU

MOTEC M1 ECU
AMS 4 bar MAP sensors

Engine
Race Developments race engine build
Forged pistons and upgraded pins
Forged con rods
ARP head stud kit
ARP mains kit
Race Developments race head porting
Race Developments upgraded valvetrain
Secondary air pump delete
Race Developments superfinished crank
JCR Edition painted rocker covers
JCR Edition painted front covers

Turbos
JCR race spec turbo chargers
Ported DBA turbo intake pipes
Boost logic 3" turbo intake pipes

Induction
JCR carbon fibre inlet manifold
JCR carbon fibre air boxes
JCR carbon fibre coolant tank
ETS race intercooler kit
Tial recirculating dump valves and boost pipes

Fuel System
ID 1300 injectors
T1R billet high flow fuel rails
Race Developments fuel pressure regulator
Race Developments fuel pressure sensor kit
Walbro high flow fuel pumps

Exhaust
JCR 76mm T321 downpipes
Boost Logic 103mm titanium exhaust system

Drivetrain
Race Developments gearbox build
Albins 1-6 billet gear set
Xtreme 18 plate clutch kit
Xtreme billet piston kit
Xtreme circlip kit
Upgrade synchro kit
Superfinished gearbox components
Superfinished clutch components
2015 rear diff

Suspension
JCR/Ohlins TTX 4-Way adjustable damper kit

Exterior
Carbon fibre lower rear bumper
Carbon fibre bonet vents
Carbon fibre front wing emblem housings
Carbon fibre front wing vents
Carbon fibre engine bay trims
Carbon fibre slam panel
JCR Edition carbon fibre front splitter
JCR Edition carbon fibre front grille
JCR Edition carbon fibre wing mirrors
JCR Edition carbon fibre rear diffuser fins

Wheels & Tyres
Rays VRG25 Premium Edition 20x10/20x12
Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 - Front 285/35 R20 - Rear 345/30 R20
AP Racing RadiCal 410mm 6 pot braking system



Power was just under 900bhp at the wheels (so close to 1000bhp at the crank, but they couldn't reliably measure it).

More info on http://www.jcr-gtr.com

[PurpleAki]

Awesome and a shame in equal measure.

[GloriaGTI]

PurpleAki said:

Awesome and a shame in equal measure.

Agreed.

Still chuckling at your username

[Juno]

gigglebug said:

Juno said:

I was referring to the seat options you can order on the new Track Pack GTR, you can add the Carbon buckets that come with the Nismo but they are expensive IMO

Ah I see, didn't realise you could do that. My spec on the configurator with the carbon seats came in at £101,500 which is fair chunk I suppose. Works out over £16K more than a Recaro specced car, I think I could just about justify the extra if really wanted to! I've never bought a new Nissan, are they open to an sort of discounting?

I think you might get a bit off pf a track pack but they are factory order only on a long delivery so i don't think they are that eager to discount.As far as I am aware I am only the third person to order this variant which is nice to know.

I think you would get a decent chunk off of a standard car right now though as they appear to be in stock waiting on new owners?

[Juno]

RacerMike said:

PurpleAki said:

Is that a UK car?

More info please. Looks great.

It is a UK car, but has now been parted out as it reached the end of it's development by JCR Developments. Spec was:

ECU

MOTEC M1 ECU
AMS 4 bar MAP sensors

Engine
Race Developments race engine build
Forged pistons and upgraded pins
Forged con rods
ARP head stud kit
ARP mains kit
Race Developments race head porting
Race Developments upgraded valvetrain
Secondary air pump delete
Race Developments superfinished crank
JCR Edition painted rocker covers
JCR Edition painted front covers

Turbos
JCR race spec turbo chargers
Ported DBA turbo intake pipes
Boost logic 3" turbo intake pipes

Induction
JCR carbon fibre inlet manifold
JCR carbon fibre air boxes
JCR carbon fibre coolant tank
ETS race intercooler kit
Tial recirculating dump valves and boost pipes

Fuel System
ID 1300 injectors
T1R billet high flow fuel rails
Race Developments fuel pressure regulator
Race Developments fuel pressure sensor kit
Walbro high flow fuel pumps

Exhaust
JCR 76mm T321 downpipes
Boost Logic 103mm titanium exhaust system

Drivetrain
Race Developments gearbox build
Albins 1-6 billet gear set
Xtreme 18 plate clutch kit
Xtreme billet piston kit
Xtreme circlip kit
Upgrade synchro kit
Superfinished gearbox components
Superfinished clutch components
2015 rear diff

Suspension
JCR/Ohlins TTX 4-Way adjustable damper kit

Exterior
Carbon fibre lower rear bumper
Carbon fibre bonet vents
Carbon fibre front wing emblem housings
Carbon fibre front wing vents
Carbon fibre engine bay trims
Carbon fibre slam panel
JCR Edition carbon fibre front splitter
JCR Edition carbon fibre front grille
JCR Edition carbon fibre wing mirrors
JCR Edition carbon fibre rear diffuser fins

Wheels & Tyres
Rays VRG25 Premium Edition 20x10/20x12
Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 - Front 285/35 R20 - Rear 345/30 R20
AP Racing RadiCal 410mm 6 pot braking system



Power was just under 900bhp at the wheels (so close to 1000bhp at the crank, but they couldn't reliably measure it).

More info on http://www.jcr-gtr.com

That is/was EPIC

[Pistonheader101]

Just wow.

[RacerMike]

Juno said:

That is/was EPIC

It's ok....the majority of the powertrain has found life in another car, so it's not entirely dead :P

[Bladedancer]

RacerMike said:

It is a UK car, but has now been parted out as it reached the end of it's development by JCR Developments. Spec was:

ECU

MOTEC M1 ECU
AMS 4 bar MAP sensors

Engine
Race Developments race engine build
Forged pistons and upgraded pins
Forged con rods
ARP head stud kit
ARP mains kit
Race Developments race head porting
Race Developments upgraded valvetrain
Secondary air pump delete
Race Developments superfinished crank
JCR Edition painted rocker covers
JCR Edition painted front covers

Turbos
JCR race spec turbo chargers
Ported DBA turbo intake pipes
Boost logic 3" turbo intake pipes

Induction
JCR carbon fibre inlet manifold
JCR carbon fibre air boxes
JCR carbon fibre coolant tank
ETS race intercooler kit
Tial recirculating dump valves and boost pipes

Fuel System
ID 1300 injectors
T1R billet high flow fuel rails
Race Developments fuel pressure regulator
Race Developments fuel pressure sensor kit
Walbro high flow fuel pumps

Exhaust
JCR 76mm T321 downpipes
Boost Logic 103mm titanium exhaust system

Drivetrain
Race Developments gearbox build
Albins 1-6 billet gear set
Xtreme 18 plate clutch kit
Xtreme billet piston kit
Xtreme circlip kit
Upgrade synchro kit
Superfinished gearbox components
Superfinished clutch components
2015 rear diff

Suspension
JCR/Ohlins TTX 4-Way adjustable damper kit

Exterior
Carbon fibre lower rear bumper
Carbon fibre bonet vents
Carbon fibre front wing emblem housings
Carbon fibre front wing vents
Carbon fibre engine bay trims
Carbon fibre slam panel
JCR Edition carbon fibre front splitter
JCR Edition carbon fibre front grille
JCR Edition carbon fibre wing mirrors
JCR Edition carbon fibre rear diffuser fins

Wheels & Tyres
Rays VRG25 Premium Edition 20x10/20x12
Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 - Front 285/35 R20 - Rear 345/30 R20
AP Racing RadiCal 410mm 6 pot braking system



Power was just under 900bhp at the wheels (so close to 1000bhp at the crank, but they couldn't reliably measure it).

More info on http://www.jcr-gtr.com

Thanks for that.
Now I won't be able to sleep tonight