Stuart McK

Mark, I agree with you. However, I believe that the imported V35s will still retain their value following Infiniti release due to greater brand recognition. Those people who like the look of the car in the dealer showroom, but baulked by the price ($80K+), will seek out cheaper alternatives. Demand will keep the cost up with only so many of *those* out there. So, like I said before, now may well be the time to buy that V37 and get Infiniti badging - if you can. Of course, I could just be being hopeful that I didn't buy a White Elephant after all - albeit an attractive, fast one!

Just to close off the matter of what can be imported, the Department of Infrastructure & Transport has responsibility for maintaining legislation associated with the import of vehicles and for ongoing compliance to it. From their website: 'If the vehicle is used, you may be able to have it imported under the Registered Automotive Workshop Scheme (RAWS). RAWS caters for specialist and enthusiast used imported vehicles not available in Australia in full volumes by mainstream manufacturers. Under RAWS, eligible vehicles can be imported and modified to meet the Australian vehicle safety standards - the Australian Design Rules (ADRs). Only approved workshops can apply to import RAWS vehicles and only approved workshops can carry out the work to make the vehicles comply with the ADRs. A vehicle is eligible for import if it meets the Specialist and Enthusiast Vehicle Scheme (SEVS) criteria and it matches the eligibility entry in the Register of Specialist and Enthusiast Vehicles (the Register). An import approval will not be issued if the vehicle details do not match the Register entry.' I checked the legislation. 'Full volumes' is defined as the ability to apply an unlimited number of plates to specific models of car. SEVS-registered vehicles can only be brought in by approved workshops for that make/model (unless a Private Import), and each workshop will only have a limited number of import plates they can apply. So, I bought my V35 from Nagoya in Sydney. I confirmed here (http://raws.infrastr...AWPubSearch.asp) that they are a certified RAWS workshop, and therefore able to import the V35. Here is the SEVS Register (http://rvcs-prodweb....s/sevsindex.htm) where you can look up the Nissan Skyline V35 (http://rvcs-prodweb....sevs/313-02.htm) and you will note that not all have been passed for import (there's a sedan with a 206 kW engine??). Riveting stuff, I know!

Thanks Victor. I suppose the next obvious question is how do you remove the 'Skyline' without damaging the paintwork? Can't help but think that leavering it off with a screwdriver would be a bad thing...

So the letters are stuck on? Not plugged into holes? Never looked. And Burleigh? Miss those Fish Hut chips. Used to live in Mermaid Waters. Huh - I may have mentioned that before. Did I mention that I miss the Fish Hut chips?

Specifically, so long as it's not available domestically in Australia. The article suggests that Infinity Australia will not initially be making available the sedan, so I believe that you may still be able to import that. Until.... Regardless, the Low Volume Import rules have changed since I last researched them (my v35 is not my first Skyline). To be confirmed, but you need to consider it logically. The Import rules exist to protect local industry - the exception is if you have a history with the vehicle (e.g. you've been driving it around Japan for the last 4 years and it's now like a member of the family). So, if it's not available here who's to lose (except you may have bought something else)? The Govt limits the number of compliance plates it allows on cars (and each model of car) each year - that way we don't see a flood of 'grey imports' coming into Australia each year to kill the local market. That's why it's good BTW to deal with the people who comply the cars, and not the people who take cars from them, because if there's an issue with the car, the entity who brought them in has more of an interest in getting it resolved. [edit] And BTW, what's 'import price'? It's what you pay for it after auction + importer's fees(?). What if demand goes up?

Good question. But what about the rear boot branding? One letter extra...

True, although (new) motor vehicles are a key export for them so I'd imagine that there would be heavy priority to recovering that industry capability. Infinity should still be good for 2012 as a result. However, as an after-thought and not trying to sound callous (my sympathies are with the Japanese people), I'd be inspecting any imports making it to Australia very carefully from now for body repairs and water damage to mechanicals. I also read in a recent newspaper that the japanese parts supply lines to dealers have already started to constrict, and there is now a need to see the after-market non-genuine market ramping up to compensate. Most are probably made in the same place, however.

Don't believe that's true. Only models which are available domestically - in this case it'll be 2012-> models of Infinity/Skyline. When Nissan Australia started selling the 200SX, you could still pick-up older Sylvia's as imports, for example.

Well, I'll go out on a limb here and say that we'll see more V35s being imported in as the Infiniti announcement becomes more known, as demand will increase with brand awareness. As a result, cost will increase also due to demand (these imported models will be very attractive against the advertised domestic G37 price ($80,000+). This is where the importers will benefit while they can 'make hay while the sun shines' (noting that importers will not be able to sell models from Japan which are available domestically). So, if you're buying following the next couple of months - bad luck. If you're selling - you're laughing. Can't help but think it's a good time to be buying that imported V37 now, and make Infiniti badging part of the deal...

Here's the original silver infinity file. Shading is nicer on the original (hey, I'm no graphic artist!). Don't forget to rename it from .jpg to .bmp

Victor, when GPS units are plugged into a PC, they generally appear as a USB hard disk in File Explorer/My Computer. On the TomTom, there will be a directory called 'art' with a subdirectory called 'cars'. All the standard car icons which you can select on the unit will appear there as .bmp files. Just rename this one as a .bmp file, and copy into the \art\cars directory. When you go to change your car icon preference on the unit, this car will now appear in the select list. Simple! All TomToms to my knowledge have an identical internal file structure - operating system versions just differ for the units along with the features loaded (e.g. Text to Speech). For the Navman, don't know. However, it would have to be a similar arrangement (a bunch of icon files somewhere, probably as .bmp files). I suggest have a look at what car options you can select already on the Navman, connect it to the PC as if you're going to update it, and see if it then appears as a removable drive. If so, do a filename search on that drive for one of the icons you know should exist (e.g. ford), and hopefully you'll find the directory. Then just copy this file there. Unless the Navman has the icons somehow compiled into a single file, then all bets are off... Hope this is reasonably clear.

OK - had some free time. Has to be saved as a .bmp to be used with a TomTom. Now you just need a TomTom eh?

Thanks for the comments guys. Just wanted to share this fairly straight-forward modification with the Forum...

Hard to say. Perhaps you'd get some clue here: http://afepower.com/...=V6&&brandID=78 Note the installation instructions PDF with pictures of the engine bay, and ignore the price on the factory website (I got mine cheaper). I also note that the Stillen box appears to point the cone at an angle. This may allow it to take air direct into the side of the cone, rather than hitting it almost head on. The Takedo design is angled, but it doesn't look as much). Still I'm happy with the Takeda though - engine seems much more responsive than before.

http://www.importpartspro.com/402835g35.html US$ to $AUS is currently similar, so just add shipping (~$100). Becomes expensive by itself... And here's another thread where it was installed: http://www.skylinesaustralia.com/forums/topic/295327-new-parts-installed/page__p__4923762__hl__cold+air+intake__fromsearch__1#entry4923762

Stock inlet path is designed and built to ensure the vehicle meets emission and road regulations. This is why, for example, it has that odd air baffle hanging below it. Replacing it with a straight-through, in theory, should provide the engine with a faster path for taking in cold air (which increases explosion quality). Replacing the stock filter with a lifetime cone filter also means I save money on services (although when you consider the cost of either, it's arguable how much you really saved). But then there's the additional growl level offered when you put your foot down...

Good point. Doesn't this somewhat question the whole point of the comparison on a dyno then?

Yep - sorry. I don't make 'em, I just find 'em! And did I mention that my V35 is silver?

Interesting reading, but as someone who has just installed the Takeda intake (which retains use of the Power Duct but replaces everything back), it's sort of like being told there's no Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny died of myxomatosis... If I read the data correctly, I should expect *less* horsepower (3) than the standard filter. Seriously, I find that hard to believe but then I didn't put the car on a dyno either. Maybe there's something in how the ECU deals with different air flows detected by the MAF after all. Thanks.

FYI - For those of you with a TomTom GPS, you can search and find an icon for the Infinity via the TomTom's Home application. Looks very cool to see a silver V35/G35 navigating its way through streets... Tried to upload the .bmp icon directly here, but that type of file is apparently not allowed.

Thought some of you may be interested in my recent weekend's work. After a recent trip back from QLD (I live in Canberra) in the mighty V35, I got to wondering what I could do to the car to improve its handling and get some additional horse power for minimal cost and effort. After a bit of research I settled on a front strut brace and a cold air intake to replace the stock unit (I'd researched a supposed 13HP improvement, but that's yet to be seen). I opted not to go for a matching rear strut brace because the boot is small enough as it is, and the bar would have cut right through the middle of it. My criteria for the intake was it was to use the existing inlet (the Power duct) to keep it to looking inobtrusive. Bit more research and I decided not to run with the Stillen intake kit, but run with the Takeda 'retain' kit - their pod air filter does not require oiling and it fully replaced the stock intake assembly (the Stillen relied on use of a Z-tube also). Also decided to go with the GTspec strut brace, because unlike the Stillen unit it could be installed over the engine cover without need for its permanent removal. Total cost for both components shipped from b2autodesigns in the U.S.: AUS$620 inc $ conversion fee. Shipped within 1 day (!!) after PayPal order received and 9 days to arrive. b2 were the cheapest quote of 3 I received, and I had to chase up the others while b2 were extremely responsive (emails turned around within a day or so). Tools: 10mm & 12mm socket wrench, large flathead screwdriver, large phillips head screw driver, pliers (to remove the air vacuum clip on intake), a rubber mallet, and a good mate (thanks again, Andrew). Time: 3 hours (allowing time to talk crap, etc) Process: Unscrew stuff - re-screw stuff. Seriously, the instructions that came from Takeda were foolproof. Only thing required is to keep some clips and remove the stock MAF sensor to reinstall in the new intake tube. The strut brace was a little more exciting. Mounts went into position with amazing precision (we were both very impressed). HOWEVER, when installing the bar it was a couple of mm short to get either bolt through to secure. Had to remove mount on one side, keeping other in place but loosely mounted, bolt in bar both sides (with one mount in the air), and then seat the remaining mount. The last step had to be done with brute force, using bolting down of the bolts as a means on pulling all bolt holes into alignment. Rubber mallet used here, but care to be taken with bolt threads. Result: [photos attached] What does it feel like? Acceleration seems a little more punchy with a louder growl. Feel the impact of the strut brace mainly coming out of circles - it feels more solid and I'm more confident pushing down on the accelerator earlier. Worth the money? That's a question for each individual to answer. Stock intake: For those curious, photo attached of the stock intake assembly removed. Note the back of the power duct is not retained (the Takeda retain kit has it's own), note the hole where the MAF sensor is unscrewed, and the size of the air baffle which hides itself under the intake line (looks like a gun grip). Takeda replaced it as a single chromed tube.

I bought my V35 from them in July last year. I found them very easy to deal with and they had good quality stock on offer. I did have one issue within the week - a door lock motor had failed and wasn't locking - and they ended up swapping one out from another car to get me on my way (I live in Canberra). That was a bit of a battle, as they wanted to get my failed one repaired but ended up not being able to so I hassled them to take one from another car. Still, they did it and the car's been fine otherwise. And be careful with the paperwork and details provided. I was sold my car as a 2005 (I've still got a copy of the details published on their website), and it *was* a Series II, but when they signed me over the paperwork I found out it was a December 2004 build date. Nissan started making the Series II in November 2004. I went ahead with it because I'd already paid to have cruise installed and Toyo T1R's put on. Dmitriy is the one who knows the Skylines, but you'll probably deal with Alex (I think he's the boss). If you've never been there before it's easy to drive past them as they have a thin street frontage. Just look out for a mass of Delica's parked out along the road - it's their extended yard.

Hmm... Over-invest on an import or enjoy Fish Hut chips on the beach instead? A no-brainer for me (Fish Hut chips @ Burleigh are the best). This is an emotional question which only you can answer. Personally, I reckon that with some minor touches the current models are King - why mess too much with perfection when there is a speed limit on roads and QLD police seem to be everywhere? Put your money onto maintaining vehicle currency is my recommendation - go the 37.

Thanks all - I've sent off a couple more enquiries. I do like the specs of the Takeda/AFE Air Intake TR-3015P and it's supposed to integrate with the stock airbox. See here: www.afepower.com/shop/details_new.php?partno=TR-3015P&filter&menu=gas&engine=V6&searchtype=vehicle&make=Infiniti&model=G35&year=2005&engine=V6&&brandID=78 However, it specifies 'for rectangular air mass sensor only'. Is there any difference between sensors used on the Infinity (in the U.S.) or the Skyline (Japan/here)? Should I steer clear of this product?

Good suggestion - thanks. I've PMed a dealer already. Will see if they're any better than the last couple I've tried. I enquired on a Takeda/AFE Air Intake TR-3001B because it's supposed to integrate with the stock airbox, although it specifies 'for rectangular air sensor only'. Is the Infinity (in the U.S.) any different to the Skyline (Japan/here) for this component? Anyone?