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How To Identify A True R33 V-spec

woza01
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woza01 Community Regular

woza01

Posted
Posted

Can anyone out there please tell me how to tell the difference between a standard R33 GTR and a V-Spec Model.

I know the obvious one - the V-Spec has an Active LSD withe a couple of wires coming out of it, but what else is there that I should look for ? I am in the market for a GTR, and am looing for a V-Spec in particular, but want it to be the real deal.

Is there not a way you can tell from the Chassis number or something like that ?

Any help would be much appreciated !

Cheers

Woza

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GTRgeoff Grand Master

GTRgeoff

Posted
Posted

The vehicle serial will have a W

The AWD is controlled by a slightly faster processor

it has a sticker on the back and

it has a pox active rear diff that no-one will know what to do to fix it if it goes bang

oh and the buyer has probably wasted about 2-5 grand over a "standard" with a proper 2-way diff which would have paid for replacement suspension since the slightly firmer V-spec suspension has now shagged it.

:(

woza01 Community Regular

woza01

Posted
  • Author
Posted (edited)

So GTRGeoff.....I take it you are not a fan of the V-Spec ?

to be honest I would like some guidance as to whether or not I should get a V-Spec or a normal GTR. From your response it sounds like I shouldnt ?

Any other opinions etc out there ?

The vehicle serial will have a W

The AWD is controlled by a slightly faster processor

it has a sticker on the back and

it has a pox active rear diff that no-one will know what to do to fix it if it goes bang

oh and the buyer has probably wasted about 2-5 grand over a "standard" with a proper 2-way diff which would have paid for replacement suspension since the slightly firmer V-spec suspension has now shagged it.

:(

Edited by woza01
Sl!m Grand Master

Sl!m

Posted
Posted

different suspension (but like mentioned already, probably already been replaced)

active lsd

attessa pro

I think the 33 vspec is not as rare as the r32 vspec so not realy worth alot more than the normal 33gtr. The extras can be handy but not realy a must have

GTRgeoff Grand Master

GTRgeoff

Posted
Posted

There is basically no difference on the track in terms of laptimes, and as the cars age the diff is a real negative in terms of repairs if they go so that is a lot of money to pay for a $5 sticker. One of the members had no end of trouble diagnosing and repairing an active diff on a GTS25t S2.

Now if it was a 32 there would be a quantum leap in processor speeds and the 17" wheels and Brembo brakes so a worthy purchase (not to mention a later model and not a 89 model as is prevalent).

On a 34 the extras are quite significant but includes the underbody aero fittings as well.

Just do what a previous owner of mine did and buy the schticker. It means nothing to those that know but the playstation generation will wet themselves.

32vspecII Mentor

32vspecII

Posted
Posted (edited)

there is a whole heap of extra bracing underneath the car to stiffen it up more

basically pay no more , but if you find one then meh you might as well get it and be cool with the v-spec sticker at the back

Edited by arkon
maccattack Proficient

maccattack

Posted
Posted

Easiest way to tell is have a look at the rear diff.

V-Spec's have fins on the diff for cooling - Non V-Spec's do not.

I must say that when I was first looking for my GTR, I HAD to have a V-Spec because they were the better car (supposedly). Ended up with a standard GTR - couldn't be happier.

The average mortal would not be able to tell the difference in performance between the two.

Anyone who says they can is pulling their pud!!!

Look for the best car (condition) - not whether it is V-Spec or not.

EVIL TWIN Apprentice

EVIL TWIN

Posted
Posted

^ yep the finned diff is the easiest way, but that can be changed easily, especially if the car has had a diff upgrade. My R32 has the finned V-spec diff cover, but it couldn't be a V-spec because it's an 89.

But as everyone says, it's not really gonna make much noticable difference except being able to say "it's a V-spec"

32vspecII Mentor

32vspecII

Posted
Posted (edited)
I'm still yet to see it or any documentation regarding this. The couple of V's I've looked seem no different to mine but they were quick looks and there may be something there.

I would like to know more too , all the bracing looks 100% factory and knowledgable performance workshops pointed it out as the v-spec bracing.

its quite noticable , all around the diff , rear axel , exhauist and up in the front of the chassis too

its a real pain to cause it knocks against my exhaust so if its not factory ill rip it out . it looks very very factory though....

i can post pics next time its on the hoist if it helps

Edited by arkon
GTRgeoff Grand Master

GTRgeoff

Posted
Posted

Actually it was more than that, the A-lsd fix for PFC has been sorted for quite some time now. Oil problems this time but still an expensive fix for such a simple problem. And another A-lsd problem has occurred today as well.

wrxhoon Grand Master

wrxhoon

Posted
Posted

The easiest way is by checking the ID plate ( blue plate on the firewall), as others said it has a W instead of a G in a none V-spec.

There are a lot of other differences, some very minor but everything can be changed so the ID is the best way .

There is NO extra bracing under the car in a V-spec, they are all the same V-spec and none have the same bracing. The finned diff is a good indication as is all the plumbing that goes to it . ALSD on the cluster ( how easy is this to change) . Brake ducts on te V-spec directing more air to the brakes is another . The strutts are different ( same colour so they look the same and they are interchangeable) and the ride is a little lower on the V-spec.

Other stuff is more difficult to see without taking stuff off ( like computers)

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