Looking To Buy An R35

[AussieMark]

Hi Guys,

I'm in the market for a used GTR and just looking through the pros and cons of the year models. I would be looking to do some "light" mods such as exhaust and Cobb tune so just have a question I'm hoping you guys can help with...

The 2009/2010 model has 357kw compared to the 2011 model with 390kw. Would similar gains in power be achieved with the exhaust and Cobb tune (for both 2009/10 versus the 2011) meaning the 390kw factory power would be a better base to start with? Or would the 33kw difference be negated with the mods ie. both models would have similar power with the exhaust + Cobb tune? I'm just thinking that maybe the 33kw power rise might be attributed to a something simple like an increase in factory boost which would be irrelevant after a Cobb tune.

I hope what I'm asking makes sense?? I'm just looking for justification for spending the extra $$s on a 2011 or even a 2012 model

Edited December 5, 2012 by AussieMark

[UKGTR]

Best value for money is an 09 model. You can easily get the additional power with a Cobb/ecutek and exhaust update which are quite reasonably priced. I have ecutek remap and y pipe on mine with the updated lc5 software and it's got about 40 more hp than a 2012 model.

The new models do have some nice interior updates and revisions but you are paying a premium for this. There are also suspension updates etc on the newer models but unless you plan to track it regularly and are a very good driver ( which I am not) you probably won't notice the difference between the models.

Edited December 5, 2012 by UKGTR

[domino_z]

There have been no internal engine or turbo changes

The gain in power has come mainly from oem ecu tuning (plus some minor exhaust changes and larger turbo inlet pipes - aftermarket versions of both will nett you more power anyway).

So basically same mods on any year will produce same power at end of the day

Edited December 5, 2012 by domino_z

[Wardski]

Alternatively, you could buy a 2009, keep it stock and purchase a Willall Renew package (includes Cobb + tunes) from Willall in SA. Martin has PM'd me a while back indicating this is good for 30+kw over current 2012 models, which in my mind would be more than enough power. I'll be getting this once I tie up a few other committments early next year .

[AussieMark]

Thanks guys for the responses and feedback....very interesting!

Hey is the launch control improved in newer models or is it just as good in the 2009?

[UKGTR]

The launch control is updated in the newer model. I think the old LC1 chewed up a few gearboxes of the first cars so they updated he software in later models and are now on LC5. In the UK you can also get the latest gearbox software installed which makes the gear shifts much smother and less jerky around town.

Not sure if you can get this here in Australia.

[Wardski]

Dealers don't update LC here in Aus AFAIK. You need a Cobb AP to do it.

Edited December 6, 2012 by Wardski

[domino_z]

You can get the updated shifts and launch (or choose any LC) via the Cobb accessport

I'm on lc4 atm as lc5 is way too high rpm. The improved shifts are very noticeable, especially at low speed

A must have for pre my 11 cars