THE FACTORY OF LAST RESORT: WHERE GT-RS GO TO LIVE FOREVER
NISMO Omori Factory is not a tuning shop. It's Nissan's official motorsport heritage facility—the only place on Earth authorized to perform factory-specification restorations on R32/R33/R34 GT-Rs using genuine Nissan parts. When your GT-R needs components that haven't been manufactured in 20+ years, when aftermarket won't do, when you demand factory-perfect authenticity—this is where you go. And you pay dearly for the privilege.
Here's what makes Omori Factory unique: access to Nissan's NOS (New Old Stock) parts archive. When the R34 GT-R ended production in 2002, Nissan didn't just stop making parts and walk away. They warehoused thousands of components—engine internals, body panels, interior trim, electronics—knowing that GT-Rs would need factory support for decades. Omori Factory has exclusive access to this archive. Need an OEM R34 GT-R speedometer cluster? Omori can source it—brand new, in original packaging, with Nissan part numbers. Cost: ¥300,000-500,000 for a single gauge cluster. But it's genuine. Irreplaceable. Factory-perfect.
Heritage restoration services Omori offers: (1) Complete engine rebuilds (RB26DETT disassembled, measured, re-machined to factory tolerances, reassembled with NOS gaskets/bearings/seals), (2) Body restoration (rust repair, panel replacement using NOS fenders/doors/hoods, factory paint matching), (3) Interior refurbishment (reupholstery using OEM-spec materials, replacement of worn trim with NOS parts), (4) Mechanical overhaul (transmission rebuilds, suspension replacement, brake system restoration—all to factory spec).
Cost reality: Complete R34 GT-R restoration at Omori Factory: ¥15,000,000-30,000,000 (roughly $100,000-200,000 USD). This isn't a rebuild. It's automotive archaeology combined with precision manufacturing. Every component is documented, measured, validated against factory specs. When complete, the GT-R is factory-new—not "like new," but literally restored to 1999-2002 production specifications.
Here's why this matters: GT-Rs are appreciating assets. R34 GT-R V-Spec II values: ¥20,000,000-40,000,000+ for low-mileage examples (2024 market). A poorly-restored GT-R with aftermarket parts might sell for ¥12,000,000. An Omori-restored GT-R commands ¥35,000,000+ because provenance is proven, originality is guaranteed, and factory backing exists. The ¥20,000,000 restoration cost is an investment—protecting and enhancing asset value.
Here's Omori's first lesson: Some things can't be faked. Aftermarket parts can replicate function. They can't replicate authenticity. A Nissan part number, factory paint code, OEM VIN-matched component—these carry value beyond performance. Collectors, enthusiasts, future buyers—they know the difference. Omori Factory exists because authenticity matters, and only the factory can provide it.
NISMO'S DUAL IDENTITY: MOTORSPORT & HERITAGE
NISMO (Nissan Motorsport International) was established in 1984 as Nissan's official racing division. Their mission: develop race cars, manufacture performance parts, and compete in motorsport globally. Through the 1990s-2000s, NISMO dominated: Super GT championships, Le Mans entries, Skyline GT-R N1 homologation specials. But by the 2010s, a new challenge emerged: heritage preservation.
The GT-R aging crisis: R32 GT-Rs (1989-1994 production) turned 25+ years old in the late 2010s. Owners faced a problem: original parts were discontinued, aftermarket quality varied wildly, and factory-spec restorations were impossible—no authorized facility existed. Nissan recognized this threatened GT-R legacy. Solution: transform Omori Factory from pure motorsport facility into dual-purpose operation—racing development + heritage restoration.
What Omori Factory does today:
- Heritage restoration: R32/R33/R34 GT-R rebuilds using NOS parts. Priority for customers preserving automotive history.
- NISMO parts production: Manufactures official NISMO performance components (exhausts, suspension, aero) for modern Nissan vehicles. Z cars, GT-Rs, Patrol/Navara trucks.
- Motorsport vehicle prep: Builds race cars for Super GT, GT3, endurance racing. Teams lease factory-built NISMO GT-Rs for competition.
- R35 GT-R servicing: Authorized service center for current-gen GT-Rs, including track-day support and performance upgrades. Not restoration—active performance.
The business model tension: Heritage work is low-volume, high-cost, labor-intensive. It's not profitable at scale—a complete R34 restoration takes 6-12 months, requires specialized technicians, and yields low margins. But it protects Nissan's brand equity. GT-R heritage drives modern GT-R sales. Enthusiasts buy R35s because they revere R34s. Preserving old GT-Rs maintains cultural value that supports new GT-R commerce. Omori Factory's restoration work is marketing disguised as service.
Here's what NISMO's evolution teaches: Automotive brands can't just build new cars—they must maintain legacy. Ferrari has Classiche (restoration division). Porsche has Classic Partners. Nissan has Omori Factory. Heritage work doesn't generate profit—it generates loyalty. Owners who trust Nissan to restore their R34 will trust Nissan to sell them an R35. That's the long game.
THE NOS PARTS ARCHIVE: NISSAN'S TIME CAPSULE
Omori Factory's most valuable asset isn't equipment or staff—it's access to Nissan's NOS parts warehouse. When R34 GT-R production ended (2002), Nissan warehoused surplus parts: engines, transmissions, body panels, trim, electronics. This wasn't charity—it was legal obligation. Japanese automotive regulations require manufacturers to support vehicles for 10 years post-production. Nissan over-prepared: they stockpiled parts for 20-30+ years, creating an archive that now defines GT-R restoration possibility.
What's in the archive (confirmed via Omori customer reports):
- Complete RB26DETT engines: Brand-new, never-installed, factory-sealed. ¥3,000,000-5,000,000 depending on spec (standard vs N1).
- Body panels: Fenders, hoods, doors, quarter panels—all OEM. ¥200,000-800,000 per panel depending on size/complexity.
- Interior components: Seats, door cards, dashboard assemblies, carpet sets. ¥100,000-1,500,000 depending on part.
- Electronics: Gauge clusters, ECUs, wiring harnesses. ¥150,000-600,000.
- Mechanical components: Turbochargers, differentials, axles, brake calipers. ¥80,000-1,200,000.
Why NOS parts cost so much: Supply is finite. Once the warehouse stock depletes, that's it—no more OEM parts will ever be manufactured. Example: R34 GT-R hood (OEM, NOS) costs ¥400,000-600,000. Aftermarket hoods cost ¥80,000-150,000. Why pay 4-5x more? (1) Perfect fitment (OEM tolerances guarantee panel gaps match factory spec), (2) Correct materials (same gauge steel, same coating as 2002 production), (3) Nissan part number (provenance for collectors/buyers), (4) Finite supply (as stock depletes, values increase).
The archive depletion problem: Omori can't replenish NOS stock. Every engine sold, every body panel installed, every interior component used—that's one less in the archive. Reports suggest Nissan has <100 complete RB26DETT engines remaining (as of 2024). Once gone, future GT-R restorations will require used parts or aftermarket alternatives. This creates urgency: owners who want factory-perfect restorations must act soon, before critical components run out.
Here's the NOS archive lesson: Scarcity creates value, but it also creates deadlines. In 10 years, Omori might not have OEM RB26 engines to sell. In 20 years, NOS body panels might be exhausted. GT-R owners face a choice: restore now while parts exist, or accept that future restorations will compromise on authenticity. This isn't artificial scarcity—it's thermodynamics. Finite resources deplete. Time doesn't care about your budget.
RESTORATION PROCESS: WHAT ¥20,000,000 BUYS YOU
Typical Omori Factory GT-R restoration workflow (R34 GT-R V-Spec, full frame-off rebuild):
Phase 1: Assessment & Quotation (1-2 months)
- Vehicle inspection (frame condition, rust assessment, mechanical wear analysis)
- Documentation review (service history, accident reports, modification history)
- Scope definition (owner goals: full restoration vs partial refresh, originality vs performance)
- Parts sourcing quote (NOS availability check, cost estimation)
- Deposit required: ¥3,000,000-5,000,000 to proceed
Phase 2: Disassembly (2-3 months)
- Complete teardown (engine, transmission, suspension, interior, body panels removed)
- Component cataloging (every part photographed, measured, tagged)
- Damage documentation (rust, cracks, wear—all recorded for owner approval)
- Parts ordering (NOS components purchased from Nissan archive)
Phase 3: Body Restoration (3-6 months)
- Rust removal (sandblasting, cutting rusted sections, welding replacement panels)
- Frame straightening (if accident damage exists—laser alignment to factory specs)
- Panel replacement (NOS fenders, doors, hood installed)
- Paint prep (body filler, primer, surface leveling—factory-spec finish)
- Paint application (OEM paint code match, multi-stage clear coat, baking)
Phase 4: Mechanical Rebuild (3-5 months)
- Engine rebuild (RB26 disassembled, measured, re-machined if needed, NOS gaskets/bearings)
- Transmission overhaul (Getrag 6-speed inspected, synchros replaced, seals renewed)
- Drivetrain refresh (axles, differentials, transfer case rebuilt or replaced)
- Suspension restoration (OEM dampers replaced, bushings renewed, alignment reset)
- Brake system overhaul (calipers rebuilt, new rotors/pads, fluid flush)
Phase 5: Interior Restoration (2-3 months)
- Seat refurbishment (reupholstery using OEM-spec leather/cloth, foam replacement)
- Dashboard restoration (cracks repaired, vinyl refinished, or NOS replacement)
- Carpet/trim replacement (NOS carpet sets, door cards, headliner)
- Electronics testing (gauge cluster, climate control, audio—all validated)
Phase 6: Reassembly & Validation (2-3 months)
- Final assembly (all components installed, torqued to factory specs)
- Systems testing (engine break-in, transmission function, electrical validation)
- Road testing (200-500km of varied driving to identify issues)
- Final inspection (Nissan engineers verify factory-spec compliance)
- Delivery: Certificate of restoration, photo documentation, parts receipts
Total timeline: 12-18 months. Total cost: ¥15,000,000-30,000,000.
Here's what this process teaches: Restoration isn't repair—it's resurrection. A repair fixes what's broken. Restoration rebuilds from foundation to finish, often replacing 60-80% of components. Omori's goal isn't "make it run"—it's "return it to 2002 factory floor condition." That's why it costs ¥20,000,000. That's why it takes 18 months. You're not buying a service—you're commissioning automotive archaeology.
VISITING OMORI FACTORY: EXPECTATIONS & REALITY
Omori Factory is not a tourist destination. This is a working Nissan facility handling confidential motorsport projects, customer restorations, and parts production. Expectations: (1) No walk-in tours without appointment, (2) Photography restricted (customer cars are private property), (3) Limited English (technical staff speak Japanese), (4) High barrier to entry (only serious GT-R owners with restoration budgets are prioritized).
How to visit Omori Factory:
- Contact via NISMO website: Submit inquiry form explaining purpose (restoration consultation, parts purchase, facility tour). Response time: 1-4 weeks.
- Schedule appointment: If approved, Omori will schedule consultation. Bring: car documentation, budget estimate, restoration goals.
- Language support: Bring translator or hire professional automotive interpreter. Technical discussions require fluency.
- Budget clarity: Know spending limit. Restorations start at ¥5,000,000+ for partial work, ¥15,000,000+ for complete rebuilds.
What you can see (if tour is approved): Workshop bays with GT-Rs in various restoration stages, NOS parts displays, motorsport vehicle assembly area, dyno room. What you CAN'T see: Customer cars without owner permission, confidential race car builds, full parts warehouse.
Services for non-restoration visitors:
- NISMO parts sales: Official NISMO components (exhausts, suspension, wheels) available for purchase. No NOS heritage parts sold individually—those are reserved for restoration projects.
- R35 GT-R servicing: Current-gen GT-R owners can book service appointments (oil changes, brake service, track prep). ¥30,000-200,000 depending on service.
- Consultation services: GT-R owners can pay for technical advice (restoration planning, parts sourcing guidance). Fee: ¥50,000-150,000 for 2-3 hour session.
Location & Access: Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture. 140km from Gunma (2-2.5 hours driving). 50km from central Tokyo (1-1.5 hours). Parking available on-site. Nearest station: Kannai Station (JR/subway), then 10-minute taxi ride.
Realistic expectations: If you're visiting out of curiosity or fandom, you'll likely be turned away. Omori prioritizes customers with projects or purchases. If you own a GT-R and have ¥5,000,000+ budget for work, you'll be welcomed professionally. This isn't elitism—it's capacity management. Omori has limited staff and massive demand. They can't afford to host casual tours when ¥50,000,000+ in restoration work is backlogged.
OMORI'S LEGACY: INSTITUTIONAL MEMORY AS SERVICE
Here's what NISMO Omori Factory represents: the institutionalization of automotive memory. Most tuning shops rely on individual expertise—master technicians with 30 years of GT-R experience. When those technicians retire or die, their knowledge disappears. Omori Factory is different: it's backed by Nissan's institutional resources—archived specifications, factory tooling, parts inventory, engineering documentation. Knowledge is systematized, not personalized.
Why this matters for GT-R preservation: In 2050, when the last R34 GT-R specialist retires, aftermarket knowledge will fragment. But Omori Factory—if it still exists—will retain Nissan's official specifications, tooling, and parts. This creates long-term preservation capability that independent shops can't match. You're not buying a technician's expertise. You're buying institutional memory that outlives individuals.
The cost of authenticity: Omori restorations are expensive because they're slow, labor-intensive, and uncompromising. Faster, cheaper alternatives exist—independent shops can rebuild GT-Rs for ¥5,000,000-8,000,000 using aftermarket parts. But they can't provide: (1) Nissan part numbers, (2) Factory-spec tolerances, (3) NOS component access, (4) Official documentation. Omori charges ¥20,000,000+ because authenticity has no shortcut.
Here's Omori's lesson for enthusiasts: Heritage work isn't about driving—it's about preserving. If you want a fast GT-R for track days, buy aftermarket mods and tune it aggressively. If you want a historically accurate GT-R that represents 1999-2002 Nissan engineering at its peak—Omori is the only option. Different goals require different approaches. Neither is "better"—they're incompatible philosophies. Choose based on whether you value performance or preservation.
For Gunma GT-R owners: If you own an R32/R33/R34 GT-R and care about long-term value, consider Omori for major work—even if cheaper alternatives exist. A documented Omori restoration increases resale value by ¥5,000,000-10,000,000 vs aftermarket builds. It's an investment, not just a service. But if budget is primary concern or you prioritize driving over collecting, local Gunma tuners offer excellent work at 50-70% lower cost. Know your goals. Choose accordingly.
PRACTICAL VISITOR GUIDE: VISITING OMORI FROM GUNMA
Location: Omori, Ota-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture. 140km from Shibukawa, Gunma via Route 17 → Kanetsu Expressway → Tomei Expressway. 2-2.5 hours driving.
Pre-Visit Requirements (Mandatory):
- Submit inquiry via NISMO website: Explain purpose (restoration consultation, parts purchase). Include: car model/VIN, restoration goals, budget estimate.
- Wait for approval: Omori reviews inquiries and approves/denies based on project viability. Response time: 1-4 weeks.
- Schedule appointment: Once approved, coordinate visit date/time. Bring: car documentation, photos of current condition, budget confirmation.
What to Bring:
- Vehicle documentation: Title, registration, service history, accident reports (if any)
- Budget confirmation: Bank statements or financing approval showing ¥5,000,000-30,000,000 availability
- Translator: If not fluent in technical Japanese, hire automotive interpreter (¥30,000-50,000/day)
- Cash/card: Deposits may be required day-of (¥3,000,000-5,000,000)
Cost Breakdown (Visit + Services):
- Tolls (Gunma → Yokohama): ¥5,000-7,000 round-trip
- Fuel: ¥4,000-6,000
- Translator (if needed): ¥30,000-50,000
- Consultation fee: ¥50,000-150,000
- Restoration deposit (if proceeding): ¥3,000,000-5,000,000
- Total initial visit cost: ¥3,100,000-5,250,000
Alternatives if Visit Isn't Practical:
- NISMO parts via dealers: Authorized Nissan dealers can order NISMO components (not NOS heritage parts).
- Local Gunma GT-R specialists: Shops like Trust, HKS, Garage Yoshida offer GT-R services at lower cost.
- Remote consultation: Some Omori services (parts sourcing advice) available via email/phone (fee-based).
Is Omori Worth Visiting from Gunma? Only if: (1) You own R32/R33/R34 GT-R, (2) Budget is ¥5,000,000-30,000,000, (3) You prioritize factory authenticity over cost, (4) You're treating GT-R as investment/collection piece. If your GT-R is a driver/track car or budget is <¥5,000,000, local Gunma tuners are better value. Omori is for preservation, not performance.
