About To Buy My First Gtr

[stawka]

Some of you guys may remember, I had a 32 GTS-T a few years back which is now sold. After a couple of years of changing from car to car, i've decided to go back to the car I've always loved - the R32... Only this time, a GTR.

While i'm all excited and all the usual stuff, i'm also worried. I know they're not the newest cars going around etc, but i've found a fairly clean looking import. It's got 90,000K's on the clock (probably BS) and is a 1993 model. I'm going to get an NRMA inspection, and a compression test done. So I have a couple of questions you may or may not be able to help me with...

What are some things I should look out for? And also, what results should I get on the compression test? I don't know much about this sorta stuff so any help would be greatly appreciated. Cheers fellas.

(((I know this may be in the wrong section but I really didn't know where to put this so please don't smash on me)))

Edited December 7, 2008 by stawka

[PUDZ 32R]

when you do the comp tes you should make sure the turbo cannot change the cylinder pressure at all. so take the inlet hoes off just before the plenum. not sure of the readings you will expect. but do a full set of readings and record the numbers then put a few drops of 85-140 or other very thick gear oil down the spark plug holes and do another test. if the readings go up by more than a few PSI you will need new rings soon. not cheap. also check out the inside of the top cover by looking into the oil filler cap. if there is a lot of black gunk the motor is screwed. if it looks like new oil colour (remember i am not just talking about the colour of the oil, although this does matter as well) then the engine has probably been looked after. listen to the engine idle. you should hear a light clicking coming from the injectors any clunks spell trouble. rev the engine and listen to the backoff. if the engine clunks when backing off (as is usually the case with big ends that are gone due to the sudden drop in oil pressure) this shows up a lot of usually hidden noises. also bear in mind you will need to replace the timing belt if it is not already changed as the RB26 is an interference engine meaning if the belt goes valves will smash into pistons etc. big dollars..anything else just ask mate. hope you get a good GTR!!

[doo doo]

90000 is very likely BS. Having just bought a 93 earlier this year (had 128xxx on the clock and have already done a full rebuild, but was always going to), i would suggest taking it to a mechanic who is very familiar with the GTRs and paying him to go over it. If the seller isn't happy for you to do this then i would want to know why. If I was selling mine I would actually offer to do this myself and foot the bill because it would mean the price I'm asking would be a fair reflection of the condition of the car.

Compression test (I wouldn't settle for anything that isn't 160 or over), oil pressure (yes,a lot of senders are faulty), look very thoroughly for panel damage repairs, all the usual. Factor in changing timing belt and clutch later (if it's still stock)

The idea is not to necessarily to get a car that is absolutely perfect (unless you have that budget) but to get an idea of a realistic price so you can afford to deal with the little issues that will surface after purchase.

I would also go for a drive in a few to see what they should feel like and start spot the differences between something nice and something a bit dodgy. They're such an awesome car to start with it can be a little distracting for the heart over the head.

[NZM.031]

just a little add on... look at the tyres... most enthusiasts who look after their gtr will spoil it with some decent rubber.. not necessarily semi slicks but not nexans or nankangs or something.. also depending on what colour your getting.. ive seen a few grey ones (including mine) that the paint is literally wearing away.. meaning a respray.

it also helps to prepare yourself if things do go bang... you may buy the most pristine example that just happens to have had its time.. not a reflection on you or the previous owner, things just happen. its all good and well to buy your gtr, but you have to be able to afford to own it, and a 15yr old sports car will go bang eventually, get a spare RB26, freshen it up and sit it in the corner..

i will be in the same position as you in a year or two... after im done with my 32 gtst i plan on getting an FD, then i will get my gtr when i have a nice garage for it to sleep in.

good luck mate, all the best.

[stawka]

I just got the report back from inspection. basically...

-Body is great

-Gearbox/Diff/Front turbo is great

-Rear turbo is leaking a shitload of oil... Could be from the rear turbo or Rings or even Valve-stem seals.

-Never been in an accident

Great condition, only thing that worries the guy is the leak.

Now... If the owner was to repair the leak (if it's the turbo), would you still consider purchasing the car?

Or would you not, simply because of it's recent history...

[stawka]

So how would I know if it's the rear turbo that's leaking/the Rings/Valve stem seals?

The guys mechanic just checked and said it's teh Rocker Cover Gasket and was changing it about an hour ago. I spoke to the inspector and he said that it is a possibility but he doesn't know, and after they clean it up - he wont know... even if he was to go back and check it out.

[Pattygtst]

buy a gtr that is already built with forgies, bigger turbos etc

Some poor bastard will have to sell his gtr that he forked out thousands of dollars on. Keep an eye out for one of them. You will most likely end up spending $ on yours may as well cut some corners and buy one where something else has already done the work. Just make sure the engine is in good working order and enjoy a tough gtr

[stawka]

Well, bad news. I was supposed to pick the car up today. I was on the way to the guys house, and he calls me and says "Bad news, i've just sold the car to a guy from Adelaide".

So that really f*kt me up! Took the day off work for nothing

[rtune]

buy a gtr that is already built with forgies, bigger turbos etc

Some poor bastard will have to sell his gtr that he forked out thousands of dollars on. Keep an eye out for one of them.

+1

[Beelzebub89]

I'm looking to buy a GTR in the new year so I'm basically in the same boat as you. I've looked at a shitload of cars from dealers and there are a few lemons getting around. What I've decided to do is what Pattygtst & r34nur are suggesting. Have a look on carsales for a GTR that has had a recent rebuild. Make sure they have receipts and do all the usual checks etc. At the very least with an R32 I would be looking for a car that has had the turbos either replaced or recondition, as an absolute minimum. On a car that is 14 - 19 years old the original turbos are not going to last that long.

Good luck with you purchase hopefull you find a nice one

[GTR-N1]

Well, bad news. I was supposed to pick the car up today. I was on the way to the guys house, and he calls me and says "Bad news, i've just sold the car to a guy from Adelaide".

So that really f*kt me up! Took the day off work for nothing

Hiya

Hopefully it's not a buyer who's gazumped you by viewing your thread! = the ultimate insult!

When you do find the one with your name on it, I'd leave a deposit but.... subject to a final inspection (which just happens to be pick-up day, or close to it)!

[doo doo]

And that guy just saved you from buying a GTR with an oil leak. Just wait till you see how much it costs to have someone work on your GTR. You want at least a couple of months worry free driving before getting anything doing to it that's going to take it off the road for any length of time and kill your new clutch, exhaust and ecu budget. Unless it's for a new clutch, exhaust and ecu of course.