Jump to content
SAU Community

Recommended Posts

Having had the opportunity to test drive the General's new Monaro offerings, both the GTO and the quieter versions, as well as having owned some worked Commodores and other performance vehicles I quietly ponder the value that imported Skylines offer. Without going into detail suffice to say that during recent driving of the 5.7 litre beasts Iwas looking forward to hopping back into the seat of my R33, just simply, in my opinion, a better car to drive in all respects. For around $20,000 for a good example of this great car it has to be the best value motoring around. I am not interested in track performance and would not be tempted to put mine into a circuit situation, I have however put this R33GTS-T through its paces on the tar in an out of the way environment so I have some knowledge of the capabilities of the car. I just commend this series of R32>R34 Skylines to anyone who understands good motoring! Cheers from JB.

Link to comment
https://www.sau.com.au/forums/topic/41799-skylinesinexpensive-driving-pleasure/
Share on other sites

Skylines are an awsome car, no doubt. Sure there's other cars on the road that are appealing but the skyline allways has that superrior feel to it imho, it's hard to explain. There will allways be more expensive cars that go faster, but they are few and far between, but bang for buck the skyline is just such a good option. Before I got mine I was looking to get a worked rx3 13b rotary or a worked VL. After driving in both cars then going to a skyline I was sold, as simple as that.

Skylines are an awsome car, no doubt. Sure there's other cars on the road that are appealing but the skyline allways has that superrior feel to it imho, it's hard to explain. There will allways be more expensive cars that go faster, but they are few and far between, but bang for buck the skyline is just such a good option. Before I got mine I was looking to get a worked rx3 13b rotary or a worked VL. After driving in both cars then going to a skyline I was sold, as simple as that.

Thanks Dynamix for following this thread! I have driven a few Skylines and have the same model as you, without the front skirt and elevated spoiler but with a bypass valve, 3" Trust exh with custom dump pipe (critical) K&N cotton filters and a couple of other little tricks and this baby rocks! Even though it is a 4 speed auto the changes are so precise that little is lost (and my wife drives it too!) 68000k's and in beautiful condition it drives like a new car. This one is actually quicker than two of the 5 speed manuals I have driven, guess it comes down to original build and treatment recieved during the life of the car. Sadly I am parting with this one as it cannot be used as a shopping car (lack of respect form other drivers, especially in car parks) and only sees the light of day very occasionally. Cheers from JB

Hello People. (First Post)

I currently drive a Supercharged VT with a couple of mods so far (Twin 2.5 inch cat back, 12 pounds of boost, K&N Pod) and am now wanting to get a R32 GTR :headspin: so I am hoping that what you are all saying is true :rolleyes:.

If anyone has any feedback on the R32 GTR's I would love to hear more.

Thanks.

I personally think there's not a cheaper way to get some high powered RWD action.

Or 4wd action if owning a "Godzilla" is your bent.

I personally never much dug the CA18/SR20 or Silvias. Once you go 'inline six' you never go back.

For a 200+kW, manual, RWD car with some semblence of driving dynamics, I think there is no other choice.

I don't dig on rotors nor do I particularly want something 15 years old.

T.

I dont think I've been in a more stylish car for the price, the handling, the timeless body lines, the mod cons... and when the boost kicks in, it's just something I'm greatful to be driving. For something that's my day driver, I couldn't be happier. It's funny when I think about the friendships I've made just through the car and the people I've met just for owning a skyline. I didn't think getting this car would have had such a large impact on me and my life... as I said, there's just something about a skyline... :thumbsup:

Johnny B - good to hear a decent account from somebody obviously with a few years driving and different cars I assume under their belt. Not often that we hear much from those in that position, and good to see they stack up well. I'm surprised a little why there are less 30+ drivers out there who have given it a try, but I guess many don't want the stigma attached that goes with driving an import car, even though much is unfounded.

To be honest I've never driven a Commodore ever in my life, and hopefully never do :thumbsup: but it doesn't sound like I'm really missing much.

For me it came down to this....

I had drven nothing but bombs in my time, and driven them to within an inch of their lives. When it came to getting a new car i knew that i could get another bomb for peanuts, or if i wanted something new i could buy a barina or sommin else naff for 20 odd grand. Now i wanted a performance car, i've lived with no accelleration (something which i think is very very bad and at times more dangerous than too much accelleration) and decided it wasnt for me.

When i took my options into account really there was no other option BUT a skyline...

silvia 2ltr 4cylinder.... i could get a rex for the same price and have 4wd

soarer .... boat

supra... very nice but bland without a turbo... which is pricy

or

SKYLINE 6 read it 6!!!! cylinders.... 2.5 ltr (in my op 2 more cylinders and .5 of a ltr more is worth more than 4wd) plus a turbo... plus 4wheel steer... plus plus plus plus

it won all hands down.

Really whe u look at the alternatives... there are no alternatives, no where will you get the same ammount of features and performance for the same price.

So in my eyes the skylines a supercar, but the important difference its an AFFORDABLE supercar.

also who wants to buy a second hand bomb which the past owner just wants to get rid of. atleast with a line most owners have taken pride and tlc in their lines

Yup, there's no shortage of old timers in Skylines. Because you're only as old as the woman you feel, & my girl makes me feel younger without the tosspot pretension of a roadster/convertible (not that old yet !) - plus it's different, but not that different that you're outcast, and just...well, better !

/end of "back in my day, Sonny" rant/

Johnny B - good to hear a decent account from somebody obviously with a few years driving and different cars I assume under their belt. Not often that we hear much from those in that position, and good to see they stack up well. I'm surprised a little why there are less 30+ drivers out there who have given it a try, but I guess many don't want the stigma attached that goes with driving an import car, even though much is unfounded.  

To be honest I've never driven a Commodore ever in my life, and hopefully never do :D but it doesn't sound like I'm really missing much.

Hey Predator, there are a surprising number of my generation behind the wheel(s)

of Skylines, WRX's and other similar machines. Most of the guys I know had quick (for the era) Xy's, Toranas etc and were driving the relatively unrestricted roads, doing stuff that would either coffinise you or have you away for life nowadays! Not that I condone that sort of activity around town, just too many targets now. The mate from whom i bought the GTS-T imported it, he is 50 years and my junoir by two! Only reason he parted with it was to teach his kids to drive in something a little more sedate. When the kids are off their P's he will be straight back in to a Skyline...Cheers and beers from an old timer JB

Indeed, ive noticed alot of older people in GTRs lately, im not talking 20s-30s i mean 40s-50s

Personally i think Holden have lost the plot when it comes to designing cars, they keep making the same looking cars, with either the same, or just bigger CC engines. Its silly if you ask me. I had a go with a new 300kw GTO on the freeway last weekend, and we were dead even. My car has 166.6rwkw and is auto

Im not saying i dont like holden, i just think they need a new approach to what they call performance vehicles. The 300kw GTO weighs 1700kg! and costs $70,000

I commend ford for releasing the xr6 Turbo, its probably the best thing they have made in a long time.

I'm always looking at the barrage of falcons and commodores. I was going to say falcodore but don't want to annoy shaolin with my prejudices. Not gonna dis anybodys car.

But... I just can't help thinking that these falcon and commo drivers think they own the road cos theyre in a big powerful car. In some ways i think these peeps should test drive a line and feel the dif. Although that would mean more lines on the road devaluing our cars. Oh well cars not an investment anyway. Well not a 25t.

Boost is joy. Its almost like too cars in one. A Dr. Jeckyl and Mr Hyde effect. We get to choose which with our foot, as opposed to a V8 with more linear power. Am i making any sense or just babbling. Sigh.

I just sold my line and I luved it.

Im now contemplating a soarer TT.

These are very cheap now, 17K for a 94 model with just under 50,000km.

My line was fairly stock, except for full 3in exhaust and pod filter and the soarer is completely stock, but feels just as fast. Also far more comfortable.

I was going to say falcodore but don't want to annoy shaolin with my prejudices.

HAHAHA thats very nice of you.

I have enjoyed the commodore and am still finding it hard to sell as I do like it BUT it is not as practical as a R32 GTR :).

a 10year old car with 50,000k on the clock?

Sounds suspect IMHO

I just sold my line and I luved it.  

Im now contemplating a soarer TT.  

These are very cheap now, 17K for a 94 model with just under 50,000km.  

My line was fairly stock, except for full 3in exhaust and pod filter and the soarer is completely stock, but feels just as fast. Also far more comfortable.

Personally i think Holden have lost the plot when it comes to designing cars, they keep making the same looking cars, with either the same, or just bigger CC engines. Its silly if you ask me. I had a go with a new 300kw GTO on the freeway last weekend, and we were dead even. My car has 166.6rwkw and is auto

Well they been doing that since 1979 or whenever the VB (how appropriate) commodore was hatched. Each year they change a little, but not in leaps. They're never going to go the radical approach in case they stuff it up. Just look at what happened to Ford for a while with the AU, etc -- nearly sunk them.

I reckon they new Ford's look a stack more tougher than the current commodore. Probably better car too.

Hey Predator, there are a surprising number of my generation behind the wheel(s)

of Skylines, WRX's and other similar machines. Most of the guys I know had quick (for the era) Xy's, Toranas etc and were driving the relatively unrestricted roads, doing stuff that would either coffinise you or have you away for life nowadays! Not that I condone that sort of activity around town, just too many targets now. The mate from whom i bought the GTS-T imported it, he is 50 years and my junoir by two! Only reason he parted with it was to teach his kids to drive in something a little more sedate. When the kids are off their P's he will be straight back in to a Skyline...Cheers and beers from an old timer   JB

Hey JB,

I'm another of the 50+ brigade and couldn't agree with you more. I have had all sorts of vehicles and did all those stupid things you touched on. Used to work for a leading (at the time) car rental outfit and had access to all sorts of m/v's and I have to say, my R34 has given me the greatest pleasure of all cars I have owned or driven.

More cheers and beers to ya.

Muz

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now


  • Similar Content

  • Latest Posts

    • OK, so regardless of whether you did Step 1 - Spill Step 2 - Trans pan removal Step 3 - TCM removal we are on to the clean and refill. First, have a good look at the oil pan. While you might see dirty oil and some carbony build up (I did), what you don't want to see is any metal particles on the magnets, or sparkles in the oil (thankfully not). Give it all a good clean, particularly the magnets, and put the new gasket on if you have one (or, just cross your fingers)
    • One other thing to mention from my car before we reassemble and refill. Per that earlier diagram,   There should be 2x B length (40mm) and 6x C length (54mm). So I had incorrectly removed one extra bolt, which I assume was 40mm, but even so I have 4x B and 5x C.  Either, the factory made an assembly error (very unlikely), or someone had been in there before me. I vote for the latter because the TCM part number doesn't match my build date, I suspect the TCM was changed under warranty. This indeed led to much unbolting, rebolting, checking, measuring and swearing under the car.... In the end I left out 1x B bolt and put in a 54mm M6 bolt I already had to make sure it was all correct
    • A couple of notes about the TCM. Firstly, it is integrated into the valve body. If you need to replace the TCM for any reason you are following the procedure above The seppos say these fail all the time. I haven't seen or heard of one on here or locally, but that doesn't mean it can't happen. Finally, Ecutek are now offering tuning for the 7 speed TCM. It is basically like ECU tuning in that you have to buy a license for the computer, and then known parameters can be reset. This is all very new and at the moment they are focussing on more aggressive gear holding in sports or sports+ mode, 2 gear launches for drag racing etc. It doesn't seem to affect shift speed like you can on some transmissions. Importantly for me, by having controllable shift points you can now raise the shift point as well as the ECU rev limit, together allowing it to rev a little higher when that is useful. In manual mode, my car shifts up automatically regardless of what I do which is good (because I don't have to worry about it) but bad (because I can't choose to rev a little higher when convenient).  TCMs can only be tuned from late 2016 onwards, and mine is apparently not one of those although the car build date was August 2016 (presumably a batch of ADM cars were done together, so this will probably be the situation for most ADM cars). No idea about JDM cars, and I'm looking into importing a later model valve body I can swap in. This is the top of my TCM A couple of numbers but no part number. Amayama can't find my specific car but it does say the following for Asia-RHD (interestingly, all out of stock....): So it looks like programable TCM are probably post September 2018 for "Asia RHD". When I read my part number out from Ecutek it was 31705-75X6D which did not match Amayama for my build date (Aug-2016)
    • OK, Step 3, if you need to remove the valve body, either to replace it, the TCM, or to do a more complete drain.  First, you need to disconnect the TCM input wires, they are about half way up the transmission on the drivers side. One plug and the wires are out of the way, but there is also a spring clip that stops the socket from sliding back into the transmission. On my car the spring clip was easy to get, but the socket was really stuck in the o-ring of the transmission housing and took some.....persuasion. You can see both the plug to remove (first) and the spring clip (second) in this pic Incidentally, right next to the plug, you can see where the casting has allowance for a dispstick/filler which Nissan decided not to provide. there is a cap held on with a 6mm head bolt that you can remove to overfill it (AMS recommend a 1.5l overfill). Final step before the big mess, remove the speed sensor that is clipped to the valve body at the rear of the box.  Then removal of the Valve Body. For this the USDM Q50 workshop manual has a critical diagram: There are a billion bolts visible. Almost all of them do not need to be removed, just the 14 shown on the diagram. Even so, I both removed one extra, and didn't check which length bolt came from which location (more on that later....). Again it is worth undoing the 4 corners first, but leaving them a couple of turns in to hold the unit up....gravity is not your friend here and trans oil will be going everywhere. Once the corners are loose but still in remove all the other 10 bolts, then hold the valve body up with 1 hand while removing the final 4. Then, everything just comes free easily, or like in my case you start swearing because that plug is stuck in the casing. Done, the valve body and TCM are out
    • OK, so if you are either going for the bigger fluid change or are changing the valve body which includes the Transmission Control Module (TCM), first you should have both a new gasket 31397-1XJ0A and a torque wrench that can work down to 8Nm (very low, probably a 1/4 drive one). You can probably get by without either, but I really didn't want to pull it all apart together due to a leak. First, you now need that big oil pan. The transmission pan is 450 long x 350 wide, and it will probably leak on all sides, so get ready for a mess. There are 24x 6mm headed bolts holding the pan on. I undid the 2 rear corners, then screwed those bolts back in a couple of turns to let the pan go low at that end, then removed all the middle bolts on each side. Then, undo the front corner bolts slowly while holding the pan up, and 80% of the fluid will head out the rear. From there, remove the remaining bolts and the pan is off. You can see it is still dripping oil absolutely everywhere...it dripped all night.... I got another couple of litres when I removed the pan, and then another few when I removed the valve body - all up another 4l on top of the 3 already dropped in step 1.
×
×
  • Create New...