Planning to get an import R31

[mickah_2002]

Hey guys

I'm planning to buy an imported Skyline R31 GT-T, I'm abit in the dark about prices and what will needed to be done so I can drive it on the road.

So my questions are How much are they worth, What needs to be done to meet compliance laws so I can get it road worthy/ and how much will that cost. In the future will it be easy to re-sell (I hear there sort after?).

ok thanks alot guys

Mickah

P.S be kind its my first post

[TIMMMAYYY]

first thing I'll pooint out to you is there is no such thing as an R31 GT-T

[JezR31]

welcome,

well for one thing there arent any R31 GT-Ts. There were Passages (pillarless 4door sedans), GTS , GTS-X, GTS-R.

i think the passages, GTS and GTS-Xs are around $6500 - $9000. some GTS-Xs are around the $10,000 - $12,000 range but these should be in very good condition. these used the RB20DET

The GTS-Rs im not to sure about. I think there getting more valuable because of their rarity ( only 800 ever made ). these used the RB20DET-R

to meet compliance laws i think the car needs to be returned to stock.

this website might help : r31skylineclub

[JezR31]

first thing I'll pooint out to you is there is no such thing as an R31 GT-T

arrgh you beat me to it

[predator]

skyline_boy is wrong.. the vehicle does not have to be returned to stock as it may be imported under the 15 year rule with all modifications intact. And considering I think all of the R31 come under 1989 or earlier, you can import them under the 15 year rule.

All you need is a valid engineers certificate. I'd get around to it very quickly if you're serious about actually importing, as the 15 year rule will probably be abolished within weeks(?). Compliance costs you're probably best asking an importer or engineer for specifics, but it should be around the $1000 mark.

Passage is the 4 door.. like you see here in Australia with a few extras, except they come with the RB20DET engine (and also commonly non turbo in japan) rather than the RB30E engine.

GTS are again 4 door like sold here..'xcept turbo. Bit more sporty looking and few extra options.

GTS-X are the 2 door, and were never sold here. They're probably the most popular to import.

Personally I think they'd be harder to sell when/if you wanted to sell it because most people tend to lump them in with the aussie model, as far as looks go. And the price isn't too far off an R32, 180sx, or S13 Silvia, which people around that price bracket people look for. Most of the ones I've seen for sale have been on sale for a while. But the boxy shape is kinda tough. Seeing as the aussie 4door go for about $5000 for a really good one, and $5k will get you a pretty comfortable RB25DET engine conversion

Hope that helps! I think that is correct anyhow.

[TIMMMAYYY]

no, you're wrong predator.

there are also gts model coupes, not just sedans.

[floody]

Passage is the 4 door.. like you see here in Australia with a few extras, except they come with the RB20DET engine (and also commonly non turbo in japan) rather than the RB30E engine.  

GTS are again 4 door like sold here..'xcept turbo. Bit more sporty looking and few extra options.  

GTS-X are the 2 door, and were never sold here. They're probably the most popular to import.  

.

Passage-GT comes in atmo (RB20E and RB20DE) and turbo (RB20DET and RB20ET), and is the four door, however it is not like the Aussie models as it is pillarless and has different windows, doors, lower roofline, different interior, IRS (aussie one is live axle) and so on. Most are a very luxurious spec, ie extremely comfortable velour interior with most luxury appointments and even oddities like proximity card entry and a Cassette Stacker available.

GTS is either turbo or non turbo in the coupes, RB20DE or RB20DET.

GTS-X is a slightly up specced GTS, in terms of some extra buttons to push, interior features and other gadgetry.

GTS-R is a two door, all dark blue (as far as I know) and limited run of 800 for gr. A homologation. They have a T04 turbo on a stainless tubular manifold, factory large front mounted intercooler, different air conditioning, different seats, some special badging, unique body kit, BBS 15" wheels, and 210ps. They are approaching R32 GT-R prices now. General consensus appears to be that they are more laggy and less 'nice' to drive than the GTS-X, but faster outright. I haven't driven one, thats all I've heard. There may also be more differences in the motor.

Also, in terms of engines across the range...Leaving aside the non-turbos and the SOHC RB20E and ET, There are 2 types of engine used, being <1987 and 1987>, both being RB20DET engines with red rocker covers. The early motor is least powerful and has the least spares backing, least tuning potential (in a mild state), and smaller turbo. It is designated NICS and features a 12 runner intake manifold, easily spotted. The other engine is the ECCS, which is more similar to the R32 RB20DET, has a better turbo (not by much) better computer, 6 port intake (less restrictive), and makes more power and torque - hence it is the more desirable motive power for your Passage or coupe. The RB20DET-R (GTS-R motor) is a modified ECCS unit, outwardly the differences being in the turbo, manifolding, piping, computer, and intercooler, though there are bound to be many other detail parts that differ.

If it has an R32/Cefiro type Silvertop RB20DET retrofitted, then none of this really applies, and its a better engine in any case.

All are IRS and have four wheel disks, I believe brakes are the same as the Aussie SVD GTS on the turbo models (early ones may be similar).

Passages can be had in two different body styles, that is with pintara style headlights and grille, and recessed uncovered taillights, or with the same front and rear styling as the final aussie Skylines (mailslot grille, 'full-wrap' bonnet, quad taillights with smoked covers, sloping headlights). The pintara style is the earlier model, most often paired up with the NICS motor or the SOHC RB20ET turbo.

Avoid electronic suspension equipped cars (look for big plastic control units with wires running off them on top of the struts) , check out all the usual stuff you would on a turbo car, and all the usual stuff you'd expect on a 16+ year old vehicle.

[Kinks]

good info

[Craved]

My mate just picked up a passage! they are pretty cool! it's the pintara style with what definately appeared to be the RB20DET, it had the controlable suspension but that was removed for tein coliovers! Some pretty cool features, auto wipers, auto lights, pillarless is definately cool! nice electric everything interior! still go really well, a nice kit would set these right off!!!!

[Mazinger]

is the electronic control supspension the same as the air supspension used on some toyotas , and why avoid it? prone to defects?

[Craved]

nah, the electric susp. was only an electronic adjustment of the shocks, soft medium hard!

not sure why you would want to avoid it though!

[GTSR22]

ok we just bought one form japan and i dont know why but for some reson in japan they have gone back up in price.

it is looks like now it will cost about 9 grand on road including shipping and so on.

the car we bought is a gtsx with full gtsr body kit rb20det with watanbe rims , kakimoto exaughst, and alot of other tiny mods which is going to our nextdour nieghbour.

make sure you be careful buying these cars always get the checked out like we do casue some times you will find a dud

cya

[floody]

is the electronic control supspension the same as the air supspension used on some toyotas , and why avoid it? prone to defects?

Nah, like craved said.

You'd want to avoid it if its still in place because:

a): its going to be upwards of 16 years old

B): parts don't exist

c): even if you just replace it, its simpler to just avoid the messing about and get a normal suspension equipped version, easier to get replacement shocks.

d): I guarantee if you did get one you'd be junking it anyway.

[predator]

Some great info there floody You really know your stuff on the R31 !

Yeah, i should have pointed out the Passage had the pillarless windows and has quite a few differences. Its not really "like" the aussie one, but closer than the other ones. My old GXE had velour interior, was very nice... one that is up on that in the Passage would be even better.

I think like a lot of older models that age or older, the Japanese like to play with them, do them up for retro charm, and they're becoming "cool" again. I'd say in a few years in Japan they might be selling for more than they are now even.

Does anybody know what say a Passage or GTS-X are like to drive compared to the aussie one in terms of handling and things? I remember going back to my old car, it wasn't the greatest, but then again I didn't have much power either. Once I stepped into the R33, the R31 handling (aussie wise at least) seemed about 20 years behind, but then again 8 years can make a big difference in that regard.

[0HR-30T]

Stock HR31 handling is a different world to stock Aussie R31 handling.I've also had an HR30,and an FJ20 R31,and the HR31 eclipses both of them.The HR31 feels low,stiff,and shorter wheelbase to steer (thanks to HICAS) and much more stable and safe when pushed near the edge.A lot of people whinge about the HICAS,but I have to say I don't mind it.....

[SKY031]

Hi mickah_2002 and welcome.

Buy the car, you won't regret it.

[mickah_2002]

the info I got about the car is that its a R31 Skyline 1987 GT-S 2door Turbo maybe intercooled dunno yet. What type of price should I expect to pay for it? Whats faults should I look out for in this model and in general imports

thanks alot

[DCIEVE]

can get GTS four door pillarless as well, i have one

they are slow stock, the ecu is a nightmare and the turbo's seem to die the instant they see 12psi+ (combine ceramic and old age)

i think the brakes vary between models, i remember alot of people saying the imports have twin pots but mine were single piston but have been replaced now by r32 4pots which bolt on

theyre all intercooled as well.

with reasonable k's (under 100k) pay up to 9grand depending on mods.

overall a good car if your prepared to spend a few grand on the suspension, turbo, ecu etc fixing inherant problems.

[darkhalf]

the ecu is a nightmare and the turbo's

any of the HR/CR 31 ecus can be rechipped so i dont see that being a problem.

the HR31-T models have two fuel/ignition maps and the CR31 have only one fuel/ignition

i've just finished the fuel/ignition remapping portion of my software which i hope soon to plug into any of these

[Col-GTSX]

Join the club buddy... I have spent over 25g's on mine in the 3 years i have owned it and i get more looks than all my other car put together....

Just get used to being ask how u made it into a 2 door skyline.... LOL