How Fast Is CBN Customs? Inside the Speed Test

When CBN Customs drops a new build, the community’s first question is always the same: how fast does it actually go? The latest speed test, posted on their channel last month, gives us a clear picture of the car’s performance on both the street and the strip. In this article we’ll break down the test setup, the results that matter most to gearheads, and what those numbers say about the build’s overall character.

What the Test Entailed

The team set up a classic drag‑strip run at a locally licensed facility. Two cameras captured the launch from the front and side, while a GPS‑linked data logger recorded acceleration, top speed, and gear‑shift timing. The car was a heavily modified 2020 Nissan GT‑R—the usual CBN “street‑legal monster” platform—fitted with a twin‑turbo kit, upgraded intercooler, and a custom ECU map.

Key variables were kept consistent: fuel was 93 octane pump gasoline, tires were a set of high‑performance summer slicks, and ambient temperature hovered around 22 °C (72 °F). The driver performed three runs, and the best quarter‑mile time was taken as the official result.

Quarter‑Mile Performance

The fastest pass clocked in at roughly 11.2 seconds for the quarter mile, with a trap speed hovering just above 120 mph. Those figures place the car solidly in the “high‑performance street” category—faster than most factory sports cars, yet still shy of the sub‑10‑second realm reserved for dedicated drag racers.

• 0‑60 mph: low‑mid 3‑second range (about 3.3 s on the quickest run)
• Top speed (track): around 155 mph before aerodynamic drag and gearing limited further acceleration
• G‑force at launch: approximately 1.1 g, indicating a strong grip from the slick tires

While the numbers are impressive, the real story lies in how the car behaves throughout the run. The turbo lag is minimal, thanks to the twin‑turbo layout and aggressive boost control, and the shift points feel perfectly timed for both power delivery and traction.

Street‑Legality vs. Track Focus

CBN Customs prides itself on keeping builds street‑legal, and the speed test reflects that balance. The car retains a usable low‑end torque curve, making daily drives less intimidating than a pure track car would be. However, a few compromises are evident:

• Gear ratios: tuned for a higher top end, which means the car feels a bit “tuned out” at lower speeds compared to a conventional street tuner.
• Suspension stiffness: the coil‑over setup is firm enough for launch control, yet soft enough to absorb typical road bumps without excessive harshness.
• Exhaust note: a relatively muted turbo whistle, designed to meet noise regulations while still sounding aggressive.

These choices explain why the car feels comfortable in traffic yet still manages to shred the quarter mile when the opportunity arises.

What the Numbers Mean for Enthusiasts

If you’re considering a similar build, the test highlights a few practical takeaways. First, the importance of tire selection cannot be overstated. The CBN team’s use of slicks contributed heavily to the 1.1 g launch—most street‑legal enthusiasts will need to compromise with high‑performance street tires, which could add a few tenths of a second to the run.

Second, the twin‑turbo configuration offers a sweet spot between instant power and manageable boost. Single‑turbo setups often suffer from more noticeable lag, while a larger single turbo can strain the engine’s internals. The dual setup, paired with a well‑tuned ECU, keeps the power delivery smooth across the rev range.

Finally, the data logger’s gear‑shift timestamps reveal that the driver was shifting at optimal RPMs, roughly 7,500 rpm for each change. This suggests that the transmission—an upgraded six‑speed with a short‑ratio final drive—holds up well under stress, an essential consideration for anyone aiming to replicate the performance.

How CBN Customs Compares to Competitors

When placed side‑by‑side with other popular custom builds—such as the “Hoonigan GT‑R” or “Mansory‑tuned Nissan”—the CBN project sits comfortably in the middle. The Hoonigan variant typically posts quarter‑mile times in the 10.5‑second range, thanks to a more aggressive gearing package and track‑only tires. On the other hand, the Mansory‑styled version focuses on luxury and aesthetics, often sacrificing raw speed for comfort.

In this context, CBN Customs offers a compelling blend: a respectable 11.2‑second quarter mile without stepping too far outside the realm of street legality. For many owners, that trade‑off is exactly what makes the build attractive.

Future Outlook: What’s Next for CBN?

The team hinted at a follow‑up build featuring an electric‑assist hybrid system. If they can maintain the current performance envelope while adding instant torque from an electric motor, the next speed test could push the quarter‑mile into the sub‑10‑second bracket without sacrificing drivability.

Until then, the current results serve as a benchmark for anyone looking to understand how far a well‑executed aftermarket turbo build can go on a modest budget. The data also reinforces the idea that meticulous tuning—both mechanical and electronic—remains the cornerstone of any high‑performance project.

Frequently Asked Questions

What tire size did CBN use for the speed test?

They ran on 275/35R19 slicks from a reputable performance brand, chosen for maximum grip on the drag strip. Street‑legal tires of a similar width would likely add 0.2‑0.4 seconds to the quarter‑mile time.

Is the twin‑turbo setup safe for daily driving?

Yes, provided the engine internals are upgraded to handle the additional boost. CBN reinforced the crankshaft, pistons, and connecting rods, which makes the setup reliable for everyday use as long as the driver respects the boost limits.

Can the car’s ECU map be replicated on a stock Nissan GT‑R?

While the basic principles apply, CBN’s map is heavily customized for their specific hardware. A stock GT‑R would need supporting upgrades—such as a stronger fuel pump and upgraded intercooler—before the map could be safely implemented.

How does the quarter‑mile time compare to a factory GT‑R?

The stock 2020 Nissan GT‑R typically runs the quarter mile in the 11.5‑second range, depending on conditions. CBN’s build shaved off a few tenths of a second, primarily due to the forced induction upgrades and optimized gearing.