Is A Cheap R32 Gtr Really Worth The Trouble?

[PauliR32]

Is it worth considering a cheaper run down GTR or should you spend the extra money to track down a good example. I am fairly good with all things mechanical and electrical. I built my LC from a bare shell having nothing at all, not even nuts and bolts to start with. I would find someone to do the motor and gearbox but everything else seems do-able. Am i kidding myself here or what?

[silva33]

really depends how run down... but generally you get what you pay for..

I would rather save up and buy something immac with a very good mechanical report.

If the car is in poor condition you could almost bet the motor is and box are as well... To rebuild those alone would cost you what the car has as a purchase price..

[ferni]

cheap 32gtr's aren't just tired in the engine/driveline, its also everything around it, the interior, paint work, plastic bits, seals.... etc... even if you do all the labour yourself theres still the cost of parts....

[R31Nismoid]

IMO no.

If its clapped out its gonna be a case of replace everything.

Motor alone your looking at around 10k as no-one in thier right mind would put ceramic turbos back onto the motor, so the rebuild of 7k, suddenly becomes 10k +

[GTRgeoff]

Much the same as doing up an R31 Pintara (Sorry Ash, had to be said. Buy you a beer friday)

I think if you can get it cheap enough and really intend to do serious work on the performance then it's the perfect opportunity.

Rebuild the engine to do what you want, do the turbos as Ash said, replace all of the suspension and bushes, do the brakes and give a few areas a freshen up. So far that works to around $15K or less doing it yourself, a perfect opportunity to learn if you have a mate with a clue willing to help for beer. The value of learning is worth IMO. Done yourself the engine rebuild comes to less than 3K plus turbos unless you want more than 400rwkw reliably. Decent rods are then 1.2K and cams another 1K.

Or you could pay the 27-38K that some BS artists are trying to get for their busted a*se old 32's and still have to worry about the time bomb turbos, crapped out or useless Jap suspension and oil pump drive/backing plate problems.

[Starionturbo]

Nope. I wouldve got one a long time ago. I hate the 15 year old rule for allowing these cars to come in. I see so many shack ones driving around or sitting in shops with blown motors/drivelines.

Quite sad.

I remember bout 3-4 years ago , seeing a R32 GTR was like seeing a Ferrari. Now its lucky if they get a second glance or a comment.

Was a dream car of mine, but since has slipped quite far down the ladder.

If you can get a Legitimate 93/94 Model (dont be fooled, ppl pass of 89 models as late model cars) I recommend going for it. You pay for what you get.

[Nav2k]

depends how much it will be to bring it back to a good condition.

being mechanically minded u can judge the car fairly well i'd assume.

do some figures in ur head and incorporate the time etc.

redoing something urself always ensures that its done right remember.

always better than buying a car with a 'fully rebuild engine 3,000km ago'

good luck with ur search.

[KBNR32]

I have a 93 model. Its a genuine vspec. done 74,000 kms...

I am considering selling it, but havnt made up my mind 100%.

You are all right.. 89 models and the 15 year rule.. All i have seen is trouble with the guys that bought them

One of my mates bought an 89, but he is a mechanic and knows what he is doing.. still cost him at least $15000 until he was happy with his car.

[stolen_s15]

As long as u are aware what the car will cost in the long run in terms of money and time, and you are prepared for that. They are still are bargain performance car.

[Duncan]

I'm with Geoff....if you are patient and have time to learn, go for it. Just budget for a rebuild in the first 12 months. Even the motor is pretty straightforward the uppy downy roundy roundy buts are like any other motor.