May 12, 2025

Hiroshi Tamura, known globally as “Mr. GT-R”, joins Toprank as the official Global Brand Ambassador

By Sean Morris May 12, 2025 tamura, toprank, Toprank Global, video

TOPRANK Corporation is pleased to welcome Mr. Hiroshi Tamura, former GT-R and Fairlady Z Chief Product Specialist and Brand Ambassador of Nissan Motor Co.

On April 25, 2025, Mr. Tamura visited TCS (TOPRANK CLASSIC SPECIALITIES) and gave us a message for his appointment as an ambassador. Please watch the video.

❏ Our Vision Passing on the universal appeal of neo-classic cars to the world and to future generations Passion for continuing the legacy of Japanese cars on the worldwide stage

❏ For more information, click here. https://toprankglobal.jp/news/671/?ut... ------------------------------------------------------------------- このたび株式会社トップランクでは、日産自動車株式会社のブランド・アンバサダーで、前GT-R及びフェアレディZ 統括責任者である田村宏志氏を、ブランドアンバサダーとしてお迎えすることとなりました。

2025年4月25日には田村氏がTCS（TOPRANK CLASSIC SPECIALITIES）を訪問、アンバサダー就任に向けてのメッセージをいただきました。ぜひ動画をご覧ください。

❏ 私たちのビジョンネオクラシックカーの普遍的魅力を、世界へ、後世へ Passion for continuing the legacy of Japanese cars on the worldwide stage ❏ 詳しくはこちら https://toprankglobal.jp/news/670/?ut... -------------------------------------------------------------------

Toprank Global is your one-stop shop for finding and importing your dream car from Japan, anywhere in the world! We handle everything from sourcing your perfect vehicle to navigating the shipping and import process.

Here's how Toprank Global can make your dream a reality: •Vast Selection: Find your ideal car from our curated stock, or through a personalized request. •Military stationed in Japan? We can deliver a car with Y plates and JCI , ready to drive on Japanese roads. •Financing & Appraisal Support: Considering loans from Navy Federal or Penfed? We can assist with vehicle appraisals. •Not-yet-importable cars? We offer secure storage in Japan for vehicles under 25 years old. •Global Shipping: Live in a country with no 25-year import restrictions? We can ship your car directly to you.

Worried about the import process? Don't be! Toprank Global handles everything, from inspection and purchase to cleaning, shipping, customs clearance, and more. Ready to get started? •Browse our stock: https://toprankglobal.jp/ •Search Japanese auctions: https://toprankglobal.jp/ •Make a personalized request: https://toprankglobal.jp/request/ •Contact us: trade@toprank.jp

/ toprank_global •Facebook:

/ topranktrading Let Toprank Global be your guide to owning a piece of Japanese automotive history!

Buy USA Legal R32, R33, and R34 Skylines at Toprank Importers!
Index and Start Page
Nissan Skyline Parts and Toys

2025 RB26 Spark Plug & Ignition Guide For R32, R33, and R34

By Sean Morris May 12, 2025 best spark plug for RB26, spark plugs

2025 RB26 Spark Plug & Ignition Guide For R32, R33, and R34

📝 Overview

This 2025 update consolidates accurate specs, best practices, and field-tested options for spark plugs and coils used in Nissan's RB26DETT engines across the R32, R33, and R34 Skyline GT-Rs. We've included NGK designations, heat ranges, vehicle compatibility, and why reach and coil fitment matter.

BCPR7EIX from Brian's R32 GT-R

🔩 Spark Plug Specifications

Feature	Value
Thread Size	14 mm
Hex Size	16 mm (5/8")
Reach	19 mm (JIS "C" type)
Seat Type	Gasket
OEM Gap	1.1 mm (PFR6A-11)
Resistor	Yes (required for EFI/ECU)

BCPR7EIX - great one heat range cooler than stock spark plug for Nissan Skyline GT-R

Applies to:

R32 GT-R (1989–1994)
R33 GT-R (1995–1998)
R34 GT-R (1999–2002)

🔥 Recommended NGK Spark Plugs (2025)

Plug	Heat	Gap	Notes	Amazon Link
PFR6A-11	6	1.1mm	OEM platinum; stock or mild boost (~300–400hp)	Buy on Amazon
BCPR6EIX	6	0.8mm	Iridium version; smoother burn, longer life	Buy on Amazon
BCPR7EIX	7	0.8mm	One step colder; 400–550hp setups	Buy on Amazon
~~BCPR8EIX~~	8	~~0.7mm~~	~~Two steps colder; 550–700hp, aggressive boost~~	Buy on eBay
R7436-8	8	0.7mm	Double fine wire iridium racing plug	Buy on eBay
R7436-9	9	0.6mm	Track-focused 700+ hp builds	Buy on eBay
R7436-10	10	0.6mm	Extreme conditions, methanol or sustained high boost use	Buy on eBay

NGK Heat Range: Lower = hotter; Higher = colder (e.g., 2 = very hot, 11 = very cold)

🔥 NGK IRI vs IX Series – What’s the Difference?

NGK’s IRI-series spark plugs—marketed in Japan as Iritop, Iriway, and Irimac—are technically identical to the IX-series plugs sold in the US and Europe. These plugs share the same materials, dimensions, and fine-wire iridium construction. The only differences are packaging and regional branding.

⚙️ IRI to IX Cross Reference Chart

IRI Series	IX Part Number	Notes
IRITOP7	BCPR7EIX	JIS length – common RB26 plug
IRITOP8	BCPR8EIX	JIS length – Japan only
IRITOP9	BCPR9EIX	JIS length – very cold, Japan only
IRIWAY7	BKR7EIX	ISO alternative – 2.5mm shorter
IRIWAY8	BKR8EIX	ISO – US alternative to IRITOP8
IRIWAY9	BKR9EIX	ISO – US coldest option
IRIMAC8	DCPR8EIX	For select Nissan platforms
IRIMAC9	DCPR9EIX	Alternate fitment – not RB26

📌 US Availability Tip

BCPR7EIX: Available in the US (IRITOP7 equivalent)
BCPR8EIX: Japan only – source as IRITOP8
BKR8EIX: ISO length fallback – not JIS; 2.5mm shorter

⚠️ Important: Using ISO (K-series) plugs in place of JIS (C-series) plugs may affect coil seating or combustion efficiency on RB26DETT engines. Always verify clearance and fitment when using substitutes.

🧾 NGK Plug Decoding (e.g., PFR6A-11)

P = Premium platinum
F = 14 mm thread, 19 mm reach, 16 mm hex
R = Resistor
6 = Heat range
A = Firing end design
-11 = 1.1 mm factory gap (for OEM ignition)

🔥 2025 RB26 Spark Plug Chart (R32, R33, R34 GT-R)

This chart helps select the right NGK spark plug based on power level, fuel, and use case for your RB26DETT-powered Skyline GT-R.

Power Level	Fuel Type	Use Case	Boost Level	NGK Plug Model	Heat Range	Gap	Notes
250–350 hp	91–93 Pump	Street / Mild Tune	10–12 psi	PFR6A-11	6	1.1mm	OEM platinum, long life
300–450 hp	91–93 Pump	Aggressive Street	12–15 psi	BCPR6EIX / BCPR7EIX	6 / 7	0.8mm	Iridium for sharper spark
400–550 hp	E85 / 100+	Street/Track	15–22 psi	BCPR7EIX	7	0.8mm	Best for mixed use
500–650 hp	E85 / 100+	Track / High Boost	20–28 psi	BCPR8EIX	8	0.7mm	Colder plug for detonation resistance
600–800 hp	E85 / Race	Track Only	25–30+ psi	R7436-9	9	0.6mm	Double fine wire, racing plug
700–900+ hp	E85 / Race	Drag / Circuit	30+ psi	R7436-10	10	0.6mm	Track use only, frequent inspection

Note: Always verify coil compatibility, dwell timing, and plug seating depth. RB26 requires JIS-length plugs (e.g., BCPR, not BKR).

📏 Coil Fitment Note (JIS vs ISO Length)

Code	Reach	Type	Total Length	Notes
BC	19 mm	JIS	~53.0 mm	Correct for R32/R33/R34 RB26DETT – coil seats properly
BK	19 mm	ISO	~50.5 mm	May not allow full coil engagement; can arc or misfire

⚠️ Always Use Resistor Plugs

Prevent RFI to ECU/MAF/CAS
Stabilizes spark signal
Prevents electrical interference

🔌 Ignition Coils by GT-R Model

Model	Coil Type	Ignitor Required	Notes
R32	Early external	Yes	External ignitor module on head
R33	Early external	Yes	Same as R32
R34	Late smart coil	No	Internal ignitor (drop-in style)

🔍 What's Next ?

Verified replacement for NGK R7436 series (discontinued)
Dyno testing modern NGK Ruthenium plugs in RB26

How to read spark plugs, but not talk to them.

Buy USA Legal R32, R33, and R34 Skylines at Toprank Importers!
Index and Start Page
Nissan Skyline Parts and Toys

🏁 Nissan Challenge Round 4 – Trackside Support, Ernie’s R32, and Some Familiar Faces

By Sean Morris May 11, 2025 brian jannusch, Featured, nissan challenge

Greg's R35, and Brian's R32 GT-R at Streets of Willow Springs

Event: Nissan Challenge Round 4 – HTAC vs. Nissan Challenge
Location: Streets of Willow (Clockwise)
Date: May 2025

Round 4 brought out a great field of Nissans to Streets of Willow, with a friendly but fast-paced competition against HTAC and Nissan Challenge. The weather was surprisingly cooperative — cool and clear, a nice change from the typical Willow oven.

I was out supporting Ernie and Brian J. with their R32 GT-Rs, along with checking in on a few other friends like Greg Messinger in his R35. The Bulldog Racing guys, Ernie and Greg both Marines, with Shawn and his son doing support.

🔧 Trackside Notes from the Pits

Putting the 275/35/18 Hoosier R7's on Ernie's Saurus R32 GT-R

🏎️ Ernie’s Saurus R32 GT-R

We’re chasing an issue where the catch can is pushing oil — possibly a combination of blow-by and breather routing. We did try rerouting it. It popped an intercooler pipe a couple times. The OS88 can be hard to shift at times. Something that Ernie has been learning and working on. We’ll keep refining the setup and may look at venting solutions or modifying crankcase evacuation. His best lap later in the day running with Greg was around a 1:22.

🏎️ Brian Jannusch’s R32 GT-R

We worked on dialing in tire pressures and added a little boost. The result was a more confident car through the mid-corners, but there's still a lot of time left on the table. The diff in the car is bad. Its really hard to give it any throttle on corner exit. The trans is showing its age. Its occasionally hard to get into gear.

🏎️ Greg Messinger’s R35 GT-R

Greg had a solid day. He found some loose bolts in his suspension, added some stiffer springs and picked up a ton of time vs the last few times he was out.

📊 Class Results

Greg Messinger – R35 – 1:21.406

Class 1

🥇 Charles Park – R35 – 1:20.820
🥈 Greg Messinger – R35 – 1:21.406
🥉 Michael DiGuilmi – G37 – 1:23.929

Brian Jannusch – R32 GT-R – 1:25.529
Class 2

🥇 Luke Lederman – 1:21.900
🥈 Brian Hap Hendricks – Z33 – 1:23.361
🥉 Brian Jannusch – R32 GT-R – 1:25.529

Full results across all classes are available at nissanchallenge.com.

📸 Event Media

Yearly tradition

Alvin was out capturing pictures all day, Other than his nap. Big shoutout to SoCal Motorsports West and Brianna for capturing action shots all day long. d podiums online later.

Always bring your helmet

🧰 What’s Next

We’ll take some time over the summer to regroup. Brian’s R32 will get the differential, transmission, and a few other things it needs. Ernie’s oil issues will get more attention on the lift. And we’ll be back with more cars, more tuning, and more laps at Buttonwillow The Classic- Round 5 - September 13.

See you at the next one — or find me trackside with tools in hand.

– Sean Morris