Jump to content
SAU Community

Torques

Members
 View Profile  See their activity

  • Posts

    873

  • Joined

  • Last visited

  • Feedback

    0%

 Content Type 

Posts posted by Torques

    Which One Should I Buy?

    in RB Series - R31, R32, R33, R34 (1986-2002)

    Posted

    Hi Tez,

    Yes .. the battery was/is sealed, that's correct.

    I could not find anything on the specs .. do you have any? (what's good for the R34 should be fine for the R33)

    As for my first contact with the Skyline:

    I drove the car home safely, and taking no chances with revving the engine or anything.

    It was a smooth ride and I was really impressed with how well the suspension/steering worked.

    Every bump in the road was firmly ironed out without being too soft or too firm.

    Compared to my former BMW with a M-Tech (Sachs) suspension the Skyline did sooo much better!!

    The only thing that bugged me was the loud exhaust which is an Apex (3.5) straight through system.

    It was way too loud for daily driving .. (nice sound though)

    Next day at home I browsed the classified section at www.skylinowners.com and found a guy

    just an hour drive away who was selling a complete genuine R33 exhaust.

    (He thought I was insane since no one ever goes back to the original system it seems)

    And .. he offered me to fit it for a few extra quid on his driveway.

    (He had done it about 4 times recently and knew exactly how to position the car)

    An hour later I had the original exhaust under the car and the Apex in the boot :P

    And as for power I think the original exhaust delivers more torque at low to mid rpms ..

    Cheers,

    Andreas

    Here's the (good) guy fitting the exhaust:

    lee.jpg

    Which One Should I Buy?

    in RB Series - R31, R32, R33, R34 (1986-2002)

    Posted · Edited by Torques

    Well,

    I just want to continue my story with the Skyline .. :D

    I have finally picked it up in the UK .. that was a week ago.

    (it stood 3 months in a garage space where the dealer kept it for me)

    )

    It was a bright sunny day, so I was quite lucky with the conditions.

    I took the train from London Waterloo and got out at my station 80 minutes later.

    The dealer said he had the car prepared, but when I arrived atthe dealership the battery was dead and the

    car would not start. :banana:

    I opened the bonnet and could not find the battery .. LOL .. a new car to me.

    The dealer was helpful and offered to replace the battery if they had one ..

    So the Skyline went back to the Lexus-Workshop and some mechanic (a former Nissan mechanic) located the battery

    in the boot and removed it.

    I was a a bit surprised about this tiny and light battery .. never seen one of these before.

    They put it on a charger and I went for a walk to kill some time.

    By chance I came across an auto part warehouse, but they wouldn't know anything about Skylines.

    I roamed to store and checked the batteries they had and there was one Nissan Micra battery that looked like a close

    match. (only 50 quid)

    So I measured this Micra battery and walked back to the Lexus deal (about an hour later)

    When I arrived they said the Skyline battery wouldn't draw much current from the charger - not a good sign.

    We agreed to give it one more try with the old (recharged) battery.

    I installed it myself and for some reaon the battery was quite warm from the charging process.

    I turned the key, and the engine came to live with a healthy noise from the starter motor.

    I took my chances and drove the 140km back to London ..

    (but that's another story to continued here) :D

    BTW:

    I found out that my GTS-T is a 1997 SPECII model

    Cheers,

    Andrew

    R33-gtst Apex Exhaust Way Too Loud .. / Mod?

    in RB Series - R31, R32, R33, R34 (1986-2002)

    Posted

    Hello to AU!

    Thanks for the replies .. much appreciated!

    :)

    I have bought a used but original exhaust near London and the guy who sold it was very forthcoming and offered to install the thing right on his driveway

    for a little extra $$$!

    Within 60 minutes he had changed the APEX to the original and I owe him for his help.

    I still have the APEX exhaust and will keep it for future use.

    It's so nice driving with a more silent exhaust and I think the low end torque has much improved.

    (Though I miss the bad exhaust roar a bit) ;)

    As for top end power I can not report for anything different (I drove 500km only and mostly in denser traffic)

    And since I'm completely new to the Skyline and the oil looks like it needs a change I have not pushed it at all.

    (did not go over 4500 pm due to traffic and the car being new to me)

    That's about it from my side :)

    Cheers from London,

    Andrew

    R33-gtst Apex Exhaust Way Too Loud .. / Mod?

    in RB Series - R31, R32, R33, R34 (1986-2002)

    Posted · Edited by Torques

    Hi there from London..

    Here's the situation:

    I recently bought a Skyline R33-GTST with an Apex(i?) exhaust installed.

    It's what they call a straight through system, with no middle muffler.

    The problem is, it's way too loud and draws lots of attention (good and bad) and it has to go!

    Besides I don't like the look of the gigantic rear muffler where one could put an arm in.

    I quite like the original double exhaust look (rear muffler)

    I was thinking:

    Maybe I could take an original R33 muffler and exchange it with the Apex rear muffler.

    It would take some welding (for an adapter to adjust the diameter) but that is no problem ..

    Here's my question:

    Has anybody ever made such a modification, that is removing the middle muffler but keeping the original rear one?

    If 'YES' .. what type of noise level can I expect from such a modifaction?

    Thanks for the input ... any thought on this is highly welcomed ..

    Cheers,

    Andrew

    Happy New Year From London

    in RB Series - R31, R32, R33, R34 (1986-2002)

    Posted · Edited by Torques

    Yes mate(s),

    I'm in London, and we are still in the old year :(

    (10 hours to go)

    And it's quite cold, which is bad for humans but good for the intercooler I suppose;)

    Besides I just came back from a trip to Miami, so the drop in temperature levels is substantial :(

    My GTS-T is sleeping at a garage, and I will not pick it up before milder temperatures :D

    Cheers to Oz and Scotland, and that 2009 may be a better year than 2008 (not too many banks left) :D

    Andrew

    Which One Should I Buy?

    in RB Series - R31, R32, R33, R34 (1986-2002)

    Posted

    We're coming into summer now - yes, I hate to say it, but - we're coming into summer now! :)

    Cheers, Terry

    Hahaha!

    You have my full blessings, I'm not a winter type myself.

    I love the sun, swimming and the BBQ.

    Besides I have a dirtbike which I love riding as well, so I prefer open terrain without much traffic.

    If I add it all up, I should be moving to Oz already.

    For December (and I hate to say it :sick:) it will be Miami :):(

    (do they have Skylines over there?)

    Alrite ... off to breakfast I am :(

    Have a gorgeous weekend,

    Andrew

    Which One Should I Buy?

    in RB Series - R31, R32, R33, R34 (1986-2002)

    Posted

    You must have remarkable self-control!!!

    With a new acquisition like her (and just like dating a new G/F), I wouldn't be able to keep my hands off her. lol

    Hi ... self -control and reasoning .. :spank:

    The thing is that it has become quite cold here in England, winter has arrived ..

    I want that the car is well kept away from all the misery on the streets.

    If it was spring or summer it would be a completely different story.

    In addition I don't have much time this month ..

    I have already ordered a Blatz cable and software to diagnose the engine and got possession of many

    manuals and files regarding the GTS-T.

    In my idle time I familiarize myself with the technology of the car .. interesting reading!

    I now got all the import documentation.

    There is an JUMVEA certificate stating that the original millage is 47,00km.

    Is that worth anything at all?

    Cheers from chilly London,

    Andrew

    Which One Should I Buy?

    in RB Series - R31, R32, R33, R34 (1986-2002)

    Posted

    Hi Terry,

    Yes .. indeed Winter is not pleasant.

    So it's even better that the car stays inside, at least for another 6 weeks.

    It wouldn't be of much use in the rainy and possible icy conditions.

    As for the insurance, same here ..

    1. I have a no claims record of 9 years

    2. Am 'mature' (as can be despite buying an import)

    3. Have a garage

    4. And won't use the Skyline on a daily basis

    Otherwise the insurance would be much more expensive.

    Enjoying your new car at all even on test drives? Does it still have a new smell? Looks like you're keeping your car in an electric blanket - either that or cotton wool!!! Winter arrives tomorrow for you. Miserable and wet most of the time?

    :banana:

    Well to be honest, I had no feel for the car when I drove it, so there was not much joy in it (more muted excitement).

    I pushed the throttle a bit at 3000rpm, and the car accelerated quickly without any hesitation, then I had to brake since there was traffic.

    I wouldn't want to crash the car on my testdrive, so I took it easy.

    The guys from the Toyota dealership just handed me the keys and let me drive alone.

    In fact they did not even come with me to the car so I could familiarize myself with the Skyline's condition without any pressure

    (I hate it when pesky sales people breathe down my neck ..)

    I'm quite looking forward to next January when I will pickup the car.

    In addition I will get all the documents next week.

    The Skyline has been imported 2/2008 and there is just one registered owner (who apparently bought a smaller Toyota from the dealership)

    I have a good feeling about the transaction :blush:

    Cheers and goodnight,

    Andrew

    Which One Should I Buy?

    in RB Series - R31, R32, R33, R34 (1986-2002)

    Posted

    Another newsflash from London!

    After much searching I found a reasonably priced insurance for the car.

    It's still a bit expensive, but who said driving exotic cars comes cheap?

    I now got a comprehensive coverage, for AUD 1300 (per year).

    The initial quote I got was AUD 5000. :banana:

    I don't know about insurance in Oz ... ?!

    How high are your rates ?

    As for my Skyline (I can call it finally mine) I have paid the full amount and the car is ready for pickup.

    However I have asked the dealer to store the Skyline in a dry and warm place, till the beginning of January.

    So the car will have it warm and cozy while the bad weather stays outside.

    :blush:

    Cheers,

    Andrew

    Which One Should I Buy?

    in RB Series - R31, R32, R33, R34 (1986-2002)

    Posted

    Ooooh! A tingle up your spine perhaps ??

    Tez

    Of course ... since I'm entering the land of the unknown :D

    I already talked to http://www.abbeymotorsport.co.uk and they have been quite forthcoming.

    I'll pay them a visit on my virgin drive home ....

    As for insurance I have called quite a few and it was a bit frustrating.

    I had to convince them that I'm neither 18, nor a drift kid.

    But in the end I've got a good deal ..

    Cheers and good night,

    Andrew

    Which One Should I Buy?

    in RB Series - R31, R32, R33, R34 (1986-2002)

    Posted

    And here is (if you're interested) the Soarer I had a look at.

    It was a third of the price of the Skyline, but a rust bucket underneath.

    The engine seemed to be sound and pulled like a train.

    However the interior was a bit worn and smelly due to humidity.

    In addition there was peeling of paint on various parts of the car.

    It would have been a lot of work to fix the car, and I wanted a sound and solid bases.

    http://www.strangelanding.com/skyline/soor/soarer.html

    Cheers,

    Andrew

    Which One Should I Buy?

    in RB Series - R31, R32, R33, R34 (1986-2002)

    Posted

    Good morning to Oz!

    I had a BMW 328 before that, but I sold it a year ago since I was abroad working (Singapore)

    The Skyline I am buying is around AUD 8500. (GBP 3700)

    For the condition the Skyline is in, it's a good price.

    (Though prices are coming down thanks to the bad economic situation)

    I was looking at a Soarer TT as well, but it was in a bad condition.

    But I still think the Soarer is a great luxury car with a brilliant engine.

    The thing is that I wanted a quick car apart from the ordinary.

    A BMW you'll find at every corner ... however they offer a superior build quality.

    I'd like to keep the Skyline as genuine/understated as possible.

    The GTR was too expensive for me, and I thought I might get the GTS-T up to 280-300HP

    without too much investment.

    I guess I can't go much wrong with the buy, since it's the best example I've seen so far.

    In addition I have the $$$ to keep the car in a good condition :P

    Right now I'm checking out insurances for a quote.

    Unfortunately the premium doesn't come that cheap and insurers are reluctant insuring imports.

    It's not easy being different it seems :)

    Cheers,

    Andreas

    Which One Should I Buy?

    in RB Series - R31, R32, R33, R34 (1986-2002)

    Posted · Edited by Torques

    Hi guys,

    Thanks again fro the moral support :P

    I have to admit that my decision was a shaky one, since for a few $$ more I could have bought a boring but reliable BMW 330i.

    I have a few more pictures of the Skyline:

    http://www.strangelanding.com/skyline/gtst/r33.html

    Unfortunately it was a rainy day, but I guess you get the 'picture'

    As you can see, the glass in front of the headlights is crystal clear.

    As for the engine, all belts looked neither torn or worn.

    The car comes with ABS which I like as well.

    Of course I will send you pictures from MI6 :)

    Cheers,

    Andrew

    Which One Should I Buy?

    in RB Series - R31, R32, R33, R34 (1986-2002)

    Posted

    Hi Tez,

    I'm going to ask about the petrol :ph34r:

    What's the price of fuel in Oz?

    You have Vegemite?

    LOL

    As for the Skyline, I guess I just have to bite the bullet now.

    I'm quite a good mechanic, but have no experience with Skylines.

    What is the situation on the parts side?

    How easy is it to get brake pads, a new thermostat, or suspension parts?

    Does Nissan still supply spare parts for the R33?

    Cheers,

    Andrew

    Which One Should I Buy?

    in RB Series - R31, R32, R33, R34 (1986-2002)

    Posted

    Hi Tez,

    Yes, the paperwork seems to be in order.

    The odometer looks genuine, but of course you never know.

    As I said the seller is a huge Lexus/Toyota dealer, and I had a very good overall impression.

    (It's not like some dodgy backyard import business)

    The car comes with a warranty (though I don't know what exactly it covers)

    The engine was sound, the gearbox as well.

    The brake pads are 90%, the brake disks look almost 90% as well (no grooves/wear).

    I hope I can get a decent exhaust system, since I want to drive the car on the street,

    Cheers,

    Andrew

    Which One Should I Buy?

    in RB Series - R31, R32, R33, R34 (1986-2002)

    Posted · Edited by Torques

    Hello there ... and thanks a bunch for the interest in my quest :D

    It's been a while since my last post and I had a look at the Skylines.

    The red one (auto) was already gone.

    However the manual (silver) was available, and I made a payment to secure the car.

    I had a short testdrive and it seemed alright.

    The car is from a large Toyota/Lexus dealership, and they were quite professional and trustworthy.

    (they handed me the keys and let me have a look/drive as long as I wanted without pestering me or being pushy)

    They even will check the car/brakes/fluids etc. before handing it over.

    The year of the car is 11/97 and it comes with a sunroof (which I like)

    The Odometer says 57.000km and according to the wear and tear it could be the right reading.

    (It might not be as well, but all looked pretty new)

    The only thing that I really didn't like about the car was the loud exhaust.

    (APEX)

    In addition I was under the impression that the wide open exhaust system caused the engine to run not nicely at lower revs.

    Might be due to the missing back pressure?

    So the exhaust is something I will definitely change.

    Ok .. to make a long story short:

    I have taken a few pictures and I'd like to have your opinion on what you see.

    (Before I finally close the deal, or walk away)

    The car comes with a turbo timer, and the seats are all in good condition.

    Same applies to the mats, seatbelts etc.

    Even the headlight glass looks as good as new.

    (no chips whatsoever)

    In addition all tires are at least 80%.

    http://www.strangelanding.com/skyline/r33/r33.html

    Your input is highly appreciated :D

    Cheers from London,

    Andrew

    Which One Should I Buy?

    in RB Series - R31, R32, R33, R34 (1986-2002)

    Posted

    Hi!

    Well I think a car like a Skyline or Soarer you have to buy with your heart.

    Buying an import which is around 14 years of age can not be a decision of the head :P

    What I have learned is that you always get what you pay for .. and that's why I'm wary of low mileage cars that come cheap.

    However I think those 2 Skylines come with a mileage certificate from Japan ..

    You pointed out that the Soarer is made from galvanized metal, isn't that the case with the Skyline as well?

    I'll keep you posted!

    Cheers,

    Andrew

    Which One Should I Buy?

    in RB Series - R31, R32, R33, R34 (1986-2002)

    Posted

    Hi Tez!

    Thanks a lot for the information.

    Very helpful!

    By race from the traffic light I meant 'spirited acceleration' till the legal speed limit is reached... :ermm:

    The mileage for the red (1994) Skyline is 40,000km the mileage for 1997 Skyline is 50,000 km.

    You're right about the resale value of a manual Skyline, those are usually 20%-25% more expensive compared to auto.

    Judging from the pictures both cars seem to be in a good condition.

    And I was primarily looking for an unmolested car.

    The silver one has and aftermarket exhaust and a turbo-timer fitted, apart from this there are no modifications.

    The red one seems to be 100% genuine, which is a good sign as well.

    Just a few more questions:

    Looking at the steering wheel of the red Skyline, does it have an airbag?

    Can you tell from the pictures whether the mirrors are electrical?

    Is rust an issue with Skylines (and where should I look for rust)?

    When does HIACS become a problem?

    Cheers from London,

    Andrew

    Which One Should I Buy?

    in RB Series - R31, R32, R33, R34 (1986-2002)

    Posted

    Hello from London,

    I'd like to buy a Skyline for not too much money, but of course I need something reliable.

    I'm not a drift-kid or a racer, but enjoy driving a fast car or a race at the traffic light :)

    So I'm thinking about a Skyline or Soarer ..

    I have found 2 R33s, one is auto trans (red) and the other is manual (silver)

    Both cars have the same mileage, but the red one is build 1994 vs. 1997 for the silver one.

    The silver one come at around AUS$ 11,000.00

    The red one costs around AUS$ 6,800.00

    The silver skyline also comes with HIACS (is that good or bad?)

    So here are the pictures:

    http://www.strangelanding.com/sky/b/33_M.html

    http://www.strangelanding.com/sky/a/R33A1.html

    Both seems to be in good shape for their age.

    The red Skyline needs a bit of a brush up on the corroded engine parts, otherwise it looks good to me.

    (Maybe it has been imported from Sapporo ?)

    Many thanks for the input ..

    Cheers,

    Andrew

    R33 Gts-t Auto-gearbox Any Good?

    in RB Series - R31, R32, R33, R34 (1986-2002)

    Posted

    Hello!

    I need help regarding the choice of gearbox for an R33.

    Initially I would have never considered the Auto-Gearbox, however I got a good offer for

    an R33 Auto-Gear.

    So the question is:

    Is the automatic transmission any good, or should one avoid it?

    As for me:

    I never owned a Skyline before and I'm not one of those drift guys but I certainly like going fast.

    Thanks for the help and cheers from London!

×
×
  • Create New...