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Hi, I'm new to this site and skylines. I've been driving and tinkering with turbo cars the past 10years. My daily is a TT supra but am keen to try something with 4wd. As a result, I'm planning to get a GTR next year but having trouble deciding whether to go for an R32 or R33.

I'd love input from people that own or have owned both.

Main concern is oil starvation issue I keep hearing about. Only apparent if you're thrashing it around a track? Please correct me if I'm wrong and further explanation would be much appreciated. Also reliability is another concern. How much rwkw can a stock RB26 handle safely? Also how strong are the gearboxes? I'm not after huge power, roughly 320rwkw to keep me entertained :whistling:

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I drive around 200km per week and no oil problem from mine. Dont know about the standard RB26 block but I dont think there'll be any problem at 320rwkw. Mine's currently on 255awkw. Havent been to any track day so I cant comment on that. I wouldnt expect the gearbox to have any problem if you're a sensible driver.

Recommendation

33GTR - if you;

1) like the shape

2) mind age

32GTR - if you;

1) dont mind age

Very simple. The other thing is your budget. If you have a budget of 28-30k you're in the market for a good condition 32/33 and if you only have 20k, I'd say go with the 32.

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i love 32GTR's, have always beleived they had more race pedigree, as the 33's imo are to big and ugly, boxes are alright, certainly no were near at strong as the supra box...find abit of double clutching is needed sometimes...

The biggest prob when standard are the ceramic turbine wheels .... wouldnt push more than 15psi through them, but i only run 0.5 bar daily and 0.9bar max....

I would recommend a GTR to anyone, if they are wiling to spend money!

personally 32 are my pick for sure!!!

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i love 32GTR's, have always beleived they had more race pedigree, as the 33's imo are to big and ugly, boxes are alright, certainly no were near at strong as the supra box...find abit of double clutching is needed sometimes...

The biggest prob when standard are the ceramic turbine wheels .... wouldnt push more than 15psi through them, but i only run 0.5 bar daily and 0.9bar max....

I would recommend a GTR to anyone, if they are wiling to spend money!

personally 32 are my pick for sure!!!

I don't mind either shape. Not a fan of ceramics, already replaced them once on my supra and three times on soarer. Not the best way to spend your weekend ;)

When the time comes I'll try to get something with aftermarket turbos, or if it's cheap enough I'll budget to replace them myself.

Gearbox is a concern as I've never fiddled with awd setups, and I imagine they're not cheap to rebuild. It just means being more thorough when buying I guess.

I'm starting to lean towards the R32 now. Cheaper, although could mean more expensive in long run. Less weight is another good thing and I like the idea of a larger fuel tank.

What's fuel consumption like with these cars?

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Really, despite the "bigger and heavier" look, the 33's are faster than the 32's, simple as that. However, you also have to factor in the lower costs of the 32, meaning more can be spent on go fast bits.

There's the look aswell. Personally, i dislike the rear of the 33's, and just like the look of a r32 much better.

Finally, there's age, which can be a factor (and on the other hand, might not. you could get a 94 r32 or a 95 r33... only a year difference in almost 15 year old cars isn't that much)

Edited by sneakey pete
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Main concern is oil starvation issue I keep hearing about. Only apparent if you're thrashing it around a track?

As you said this issue only really occurs on the track when the car is really being pushed. If you are keeping this car for road use then I would not worry about it.

Also reliability is another concern. How much rwkw can a stock RB26 handle safely?

Well if its a stock RB26 it would just have stock power.... if you mean modified but with stock internals its a bit of a gamble. They can make over 300+awkw but you run the risk of blowing it up. Forged internals are a safer option.

Also how strong are the gearboxes?

They are ok, but the syncro's in 4th / 5th are not the best even on g/box's with low k's. The 6 speed getrag box in the R34 is spose to be a lot better.

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I went the 33 GTR as i believe its more stylish and not as hard on the edges as a 32 GTR.

Either model - it is getting harder to find a brilliant one now a days with both moving on due to age. If you decide to get a R33, try and get a series 3 - they look so much hotter with the xenons, lower lip and red stitching - etc!

But there are still a few good ones out there. My old series 3 was all original and literally almost MINT (and i mean MINT) with just a few mods. I had 4 people wanting it - all at the same time! haha :P

There appears to be quite a market for that particular model, it sold for my asking price. Maybe better resale value for you later on if you get one? :(

Edited by KR4-GTR
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Some interesting points, keep them coming.

I plan to do some circuit work in it, at least once a year. Looks like I may have to do some engine work, unless I fluke one with it already done.

Bit spoiled by the 2JZ as it can hold 500rwkw before requiring forged internals.

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I don't mind either shape.

What's fuel consumption like with these cars?

R32 has the traditional look > R33 is more stlylish (and side-by-side with the R35, the front end bonnet lines are similar)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/21305018@N02/...in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/21305018@N02/...in/photostream/

Both my R33 & R34 GT-Rs (pretty much stock) have used between 12.8l/100Km to 15.5l/100Km depending on you know what.

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