Some time ago (early 2011), I built a racecar simulator out of aluminium using a Fanatec Porsche GT2 Wheel and Clubsport Pedals. It’s compatible with Xbox, PS3 and PC, also happens to have the original drivers seat from the Skyline in it, but that’s not what I bring it up….

Using Forza 4 we replicated our car as accurately as possible. Down to the spring rates, vehicle weight, approx power output, sway bars, tyres etc etc. The only problem being Forza doesn’t have an R33 GTS-T… its got the GTR. Which means it’s got the RB26, not 25. We couldn’t do an engine swap in the game, but we did manage to swap the drive train to become RWD.

The simulated car does feel like the real thing, in terms of its balance. That RB26 obviously sounds completely different with its distinctive spine tingling howl, but regardless the sim now allowed us to try some settings changes – like sway bars or tyre pressures and feel the affects. Whilst we couldn’t trust this to work out exact settings to run, it does give us a feel for the direction we need to go in each area and the primary effects that has on the dynamics… oh and it’s like crazy good fun ‘n shit too.