Modern Family

Is that a... wagon? The Nissan Stagea with a turbo'd RB25 and R34 front end showing that 7-seaters don't have to be boring.

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Owner: Nick Sophie - @Unicorn_R34 | Photography: Nick Sophie - @pho.nick

Welcome ladies and gentlemen, to the ultimate JDM family wagon. The car that would have epitomised the Fast & Furious franchise had the family been slightly larger. This is of course, the Nissan Stagea; a wagon capable of seating 7 and transporting as many push chairs, suitcases and in-laws as you can fit in the back. This one however, has a much more familiar face.

"I always wanted an R34 but they are quite expensive. Then I heard you could build an R34 wagon and I was like, hell yeah, the perfect family car! I started searching garages for a Stagea but I wanted it to be a factory manual although these are not easy to find in good condition.

I went all the way to Southampton with a friend of mine just to buy the car and drive it back home to Belgium."

On the hunt for his perfect facelift patient, Nick made an international venture, plucking his ideal Stagea from none other than the shores of Southampton. Whilst this shows commitment on a grand scale, the idea is to achieve the R34 styling without the modern world's inflated price tag.

However, it's not just a visual replica of the R34 as the Stagea's Skyline lineage runs far deeper. For example, whilst Nick opted for the 4WD variant, the wagon is available as a front-engined, RWD setup providing all the fun of a slippery back end.

To help get the rear to step out; the same RB25 engine has been planted under the bonnet producing around 276bhp. Nick has introduced an upgraded turbo, radiator and has overhauled the air flow system to help unblock the Stagea's sinuses (3" downpipe into a HKS HiPower Exhaust, HKS Super Power Flow Air Filter, and a blow off valve).

The net result? 320bhp delivered to all 4 wheels via the ATTESA system (the same as used in the GT-R platform) so this family orientated JDM wagon is certainly no slouch.

"Once the car was in my garage I didn't have the patience to wait around with this project. I started getting all the parts for the front conversion and started working on it in my garage. The full build has been completed by myself at home before and after I had to be at work."

With this destined to be a reliable family car, Nick has chosen to be reserved when it comes to aspects such as stance. Instead of bags or a super slammed static setup, you'll find a far more functional lowered arrangement using BC Gold Coilovers. This allows not only for a slightly stiffer fast road approach, but also a more effective way to plant over 300 of the Stagea's ponies onto the tarmac. Throw in the additional Cusco rear & OEM front strut braces and you have a big body bruiser that's taught and kept in check.

However, keeping the car usable wasn't the only reason Nick has ran a more reserved stance. Eagle eyed readers of DAILIED may have recognised the name as Nick featured in a previous magazine with his crazy, bagged Megane:

"The car is not stanced to the ground as it's nearly impossible to still drive it in Belgium without any problems. My previous build was caught by the police so I had to change my plans."

Yep, law enforcement overseas is definitely more stringent than UK particularly when it comes to the highways. Unfortunately Nick and his Megane know about this all too well after falling foul to being on the wrong side of the law.

Compared to his previous build, the exterior of the Stagea is also more muted - there's no flashy livery or candy red wheels this time. Instead, a full Masa body kit along with a larger rear wing have been added to compliment the additional aggression introduced by the R34 front bumper. Custom LED taillights imported from Japan and XENON headlights help bring the lighting into the 21st century with all that's remaining to address being the wheels.

"Currently the wheels are some 18" Work VS SS with custom made floating centre caps. I need to rebuild them to get the perfect fit as they now look a bit small for this big boat."

Keeping the Works wheels and stepping them up for size will be a good option and helps retain more of that original JDM charm. Nick intends to introduce some 4.5" chrome lips & barrels to help get the ideal flush fitment.

"At first it looked like s*** but something in my mind was telling me to trust the process. I went further and further into the build and once the interior was done, it was time to paint it back to it's original colour (AR2 Red).

Afterwards I went on the hunt for all of the OEM interior parts, most of which I got from Japan but some had to come from Australia and the US, so as you can imagine, customs clearance became a real pain."

Often ideas, dreams, projects all need time to come together and patience becomes a highly sought after virtue. Nick has tried to hold onto as much late 90's nostalgia as he can with this build and it's this authenticity that helps the car stand out. Whilst the exterior is wrapped in original factory paint and sits on Japanese wheels, the interior has been kept almost in museum artefact condition with all parts replaced with mint condition alternatives.

For example, look inside and you will find an OEM boot cover, OEM seat covers, floor mats and prime edition scuff plates. Everything has been restored / kept just how it would have been 30 years ago.

"I do want to do some more performance upgrades but I've got a baby girl and she comes first place now."

I think it's fair to say that this Stagea is the perfect blend between family life and tuner culture. Nick can enjoy the JDM styling and the burble of the RB25 through the HKS exhaust whilst still being able to run all of the errands required as a parent in 2025. On his own, his right foot can be a bit more trigger happy enabling the Stagea's to stretch its legs.

"The car drives amazing! For me, once you get in high boost you get sucked back into the seats."

Not only this, but Nick can drive around knowing he owns something special as it currently sits as the only R34 swapped Stagea in Belgium - very cool!

Spec Sheet:

Power Output: 320bhp

Suspension:

• BC Gold Coilovers

• Hiczs Lockout Bar

• Front OEM Strut Brace

• Rear Cusco Strut Brace

Wheels:

• 18" Work VS SS

Performance:

• Koyorad Radiator

• New Turbo

• 3" Downpipe into a HKS HiPower Exhaust

• HKS Super Power Flow Air Filter

• HKS Blow Off Valve

• Brembo Brake Conversion from a 350z

Exterior:

• Full EP Racing Masa Bodykit (Front Lip, Fenders, Bonnet, Side Skirts, Wing & Rear Bumper).

• Full R34 GT-R Front Bumper Swap

• Custom Imported LED Taillights

• XENON Headlights

• OEM Rainguards

• Factory AR2 Red Respray

Interior:

• OEM Boot Cover

• OEM Seat Covers

• OEM Floor Mats

• Prime Edition Scuff Plates