People notice when you become an industry leader and innovator for the Mitsubishi Evo platform. How do you make them aware of your advancements in the GT-R R35 platform? You can do what Automotorsports, Inc. (AMS Performance) did and start claiming world records, but do not let their newly acquired world-renowned GT-R reputation fool you. Their love for the game started way back in the early 2000s with the 4G63 DSM platforms. AMS Performance has been setting the standard ever since with their reliable research, design, and test-oriented product fabrication model.
This mentality is exactly what has propelled their advancements in the DSM, EVO, and now the GT-R R35 worlds. By executing their model through iterations of R&D, they have been able to fine-tune their methods and knowledge in the performance industry.
In late 2009, AMS Performance set a new goal for themselves: to significantly advance the performance possibilities of the R35 platform. From that goal, the Alpha packages were created with a specific objective in mind. As records were set and demand increased, they focused on the need for a package that would really push the limit. Thus, the Alpha 12 was born.
At the heart of the Alpha 12 is the AMS Performance spec “Alpha 4.0L Race Engine.” Working hand in hand with JE Pistons and Manley Performance, they helped design the pistons and connecting rods that would meet the demands of their GT-R engine program. Then they set their sights on boring and wet-sleeve-reinforcing the block to consistently withstand more than 1,000ft-lbs of torque. The bored & stroked combination resulted in a .2L increase over the stock 3.8L configuration for the VR38 race engine, complete with a set of CNC-machined and ported cylinder heads with an AMS Performance upgraded valvetrain.
With the Alpha Race Engine dialed in, it became necessary to further upgrade the remaining components of the drivetrain. The inherent issues with the R35 stock transmission led to the pairing of the Alpha Race Engine to a newly designed and fabricated Alpha 12 Shepherd Transmission.
With a large margin of safety built into their design, the Alpha Race Engine and Alpha 12 transmission were able to easily handle the topped-out 1,500 bhp that the overall Alpha 12 package could throw at it—the extent of the power capabilities had yet to be discovered. As all performance-oriented hobbyists could agree, that limit must be pushed. Unfortunately, the end of the 2011 season was fast approaching, and the test tracks near AMS Performance’s Chicago-based facility were closing. The limits of the Alpha engine and supporting components would have to wait to be pushed until the TX2K12 event the following March.
NEXT: The Alpha Omega was Born THE ALPHA OMEGA WAS BORN
To better their existing times for the quarter mile and mile, along with a burning interest to push the limit on their newly developed Alpha race engine and supporting components, they decided to pursue the last stop in the Alpha packages: the Alpha Omega. This iteration would be considered their flagship—a purpose-built performance vehicle designed with the quarter mile, standing mile, and 60–180 rolling race in mind. This would be a true testament of the quality of their newly designed GT-R engine and transmission program. To accomplish this goal, they wanted to subject the Alpha Race Engine and the Alpha 12 transmission to a level of stress well beyond what an Alpha 12 GT-R would ever experience.
Given that the Alpha 12’s supporting components had reached their maximum capacity, they knew they would need to upgrade those components to reach the potential of their new engine and transmission. While this build is still considered to be in R&D, many of the primary component specifics have yet to be released. However, AMS has indicated that larger turbochargers, a high-volume race intercooler, higher-volume fuel system, and ported throttle bodies are all in order to achieve their goal—all of which are designed and fabricated in house, with some fabricated by their performance partners.
To deal with one of the remaining known weak links in the system, they replaced the rear axles with heavy-duty ones from Driveshaft Shop. As with any other R&D vehicle, any further weak links that are exposed during testing will be fixed as necessary. While no types of chassis modifications are planned, some suspension modifications are in store for the Alpha Omega, but these are being kept strictly under wraps.
WELL, WHATCHA GOT?
By utilizing a proprietary blend of VP Racing Fuel’s race fuels, the lead AMS Performance tuner, Chris Black has reportedly (and verified by a slew of YouTube dyno videos) achieved an astounding 1,600 awhp figure with their current setup, just moments before packing up for TX2K12.
During the event, two world records were set with the Alpha Omega. The first during day 3 by driver Ivan Phipps, who set the fastest and quickest GT-R quarter mile time with a pass of 8.63 seconds @ 172.15 mph. The second, during day 4, was set with a pass time of 8.62 seconds @ 173 mph! Not only that, but both of these passes were completed at only 1,600 bhp (versus 1,600 awhp) at 36 psi of boost. Later that week, the top speed and standing mile GT-R record was smashed with a top speed of 233.1 mph, run with only 1,500 bhp and 29.5 psi of boost.
FUTURE DIRECTION
At this point, the only direction that the Alpha Omega can go is forward. With a remaining 300 bhp on tap, the key will be getting it to the ground. During the quarter mile, the lack of traction has been acknowledged, and a fully adjustable stand-alone ECU will be incorporated along with several suspension modifications. For the mile, the lack of adequate downforce at 233 mph appears to be the weak link. Ample upgrades, such as a rear-wing spoiler and certain aero components, seem to be in order. Other tweaks are definitely planned, as this is a development vehicle, so keep an eye out for future iterations and new records from AMS Performance.
GT-Rs of TX2K12: T1 Race Development Jotech Motorsports AMS Performance
UP NEXT: Switzer Performance's Boulder Nissan E1K 
Write a CommentCOMMENTS