Underdog R33

October 12, 2026

THE UNDERDOG R33

Corey Smothers’ 1997 Nissan Skyline GTT

LOWLIFE EST.15 | FEATURE OF THE MONTH

Some builds are meant to fit in. Others are built to stand apart.

When it comes to Nissan’s legendary Skyline lineup, the R33 has often lived in the shadows of its R32 and R34 siblings. But for Corey Smothers of Jasper, Alabama, that’s exactly what made it the perfect platform.

Representing Team Vawzen, Corey has spent the past two years transforming his 1997 Nissan Skyline GTT into something far beyond the ordinary. What started as a rough-condition project with a simple, clean vision has evolved through four different versions into a fully customized, widebody, air-suspended machine that refuses to be overlooked.

And now, after winning the LOWLIFE Online Battle, Corey’s R33 takes the spotlight as our latest Feature of the Month.

FOUR VERSIONS. ONE VISION.

When Corey first purchased the Skyline, it was far from the show-stopping build it is today. The original plan was straightforward: clean it up, keep things simple, and create something worth enjoying.

But as with many builds in car culture, simple didn’t stay simple for long.

Now on its fourth transformation, the car showcases an extensive collection of custom fabrication, aggressive fitment, and unmistakable personality.

At the heart of its appearance is a custom Rocket Bunny Pandem widebody kit, fully molded into the bodywork. Rather than settling for the traditional exposed hardware and bolt-on appearance, Corey took a different approach, creating smooth transitions that give the Skyline a more unified, sculpted silhouette.

It’s the part of the build he’s most proud of.

Corey says he has yet to come across another R33 with a similarly molded Pandem kit, making the bodywork one of the car’s defining features.

Finished in an eye-catching shade called Bass Boat Purp, the Skyline commands attention from every angle. Custom Pandem bumpers and fenders, a fiberglass hood, retrofitted LED headlights, and an EPR Shibi carbon-fiber wing blade mounted on a GTR base complete the exterior.

According to Corey, the mirrors, doors, and roof are practically the only exterior pieces that haven’t been customized.

FITMENT THAT SPEAKS FOR ITSELF

A widebody this aggressive deserves an equally serious wheel setup.

Corey chose a set of Work Meister S1 three-piece wheels in 18-inch sizing, measuring a massive 11.5 inches wide up front and 13 inches in the rear.

The wheels feature 6.5-inch front lips and enormous 8.5-inch rear lips, paired with Lexani tires measuring 225/35 up front and 255/35 in the rear.

As for the offsets? Corey prefers to keep those a mystery.

Bringing everything together is a Flyyair air suspension setup controlled by Air Lift 3P management, complemented by Nismo suspension arms and alignment components.

The result is a Skyline that sits incredibly low while emphasizing every inch of its custom widebody.

MORE THAN JUST A PRETTY FACE

Beneath the custom exterior, the Skyline retains its RB25 foundation, upgraded with carefully selected performance components.

A Pulsar GTX3076 turbocharger is paired with a Twisted Motion top-mount turbo manifold, custom pie-cut stainless intake piping, a K&N filter, and an HKS exhaust system.

Fuel delivery comes courtesy of an AEM 340 fuel pump and VMI 1000cc injectors, with engine work and tuning handled by Victory Motor Sports.

Inside, Corey continues the custom approach with Sparco reclining seats, Braum harnesses, and a Slammedenuff x Grip Royal steering wheel.

Alcantara door panels and an Alcantara HKS shift boot add refinement, while a custom carbon-fiber center console houses a molded Air Lift controller.

AEM boost and wideband gauges keep vital information visible.

The audio system features DS18 door and rear speakers along with a custom-mounted 10-inch DS18 subwoofer in the trunk.

Every detail reinforces the same idea: this isn’t simply a car built to look good parked. It’s a complete expression of Corey’s personal vision.

THE REAL CHALLENGE: PATIENCE

Building something this customized doesn’t happen overnight.

For Corey, one of the biggest obstacles hasn’t necessarily been fabrication or mechanical setbacks. It’s been waiting.

Parts for the R33 can take anywhere from three to six months to arrive, making patience an unavoidable part of the process.

And patience, as Corey admits, isn’t exactly his strongest quality.

Still, after four versions and countless changes, the finished result speaks for the time and effort invested.

MEMORIES BEYOND THE SHOW FLOOR

While the Skyline makes an impression sitting at a show, one of Corey’s favorite memories has nothing to do with trophies or competition.

It was driving the car on the beach at Daytona Beach.

For Corey, the experience created a completely different atmosphere, one that no other moment with the car has quite matched.

It’s a reminder that behind the extensive modifications, custom parts, and attention at events, the real passion comes from experiencing the car itself.

THE LOWLIFE ONLINE BATTLE CHAMPION

Corey’s path to becoming our Feature of the Month came through the LOWLIFE Online Battle, where enthusiasts competed for the opportunity to have their builds showcased.

Winning brought a mix of emotions.

Corey was excited to earn the feature, but the victory was bittersweet because it meant defeating a good friend along the way.

That competitive spirit, combined with respect for fellow enthusiasts, is exactly what makes the car community special.

The victory earned Corey and his Skyline a place in the LOWLIFE spotlight, where we celebrate not just the finished product, but the people, dedication, and stories behind the builds.

WHAT’S NEXT?

Even after four different versions, Corey isn’t finished.

The next chapter focuses on the interior and trunk setup, with more custom touches planned for an already extensively modified Skyline.

And if the previous transformations are any indication, there’s plenty more to look forward to.

THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE BUILD

Behind every great build are the people who help make the vision a reality, and Corey is quick to recognize those who have supported him throughout the journey.

First and foremost, Corey gives a special thank-you to his wife, Stacy. Through four different versions of the Skyline, countless hours of work, long waits for parts, and the sacrifices that come with a build of this magnitude, Stacy has been a constant source of love, patience, and support. Corey makes it clear that without her standing beside him and believing in his passion, none of this would have been possible.

Corey also gives tremendous credit to his good friend Nate at Slik Werks (@slikwerks), who has been involved in all four versions of the Skyline. Nate’s craftsmanship, custom fabrication, and ability to bring Corey’s ideas to life have played a huge role in making this R33 what it is today.

Special recognition also goes to Victory Motor Sports for the engine build and tuning, and Primetime Photography for capturing the Skyline and showcasing the details that make this build special.

At the end of the day, this Skyline represents more than custom parts and countless hours of work. It’s a reflection of the dedication, friendships, and support system that have helped turn Corey’s vision into reality.

BUILT DIFFERENT. RECOGNIZED DIFFERENT.

The R33 may not always receive the same attention as the other generations of Skyline, but Corey Smothers has proven that being the underdog doesn’t mean settling for less.

With its molded Pandem widebody, massive Work Meisters, custom fabrication, boosted RB25, and unforgettable purple finish, this Skyline has established an identity entirely its own.

Four versions, two years of ownership, and a vision that continues to evolve.

Congratulations to Corey Smothers and Team Vawzen on winning the LOWLIFE Online Battle and earning the LOWLIFE EST.15 Feature of the Month.