newbie looking for R33 advice

[sciflyer]

I currently drive a lighly modded Civic, but time has come to step up to a real driver's car. I'm looking at spending up to $23k on an R33 but I don't know where to start or what to look for. I am worried about not knowing the car's history, whether it has been thrashed, whether it has dodgy mods you can't see etc. I think I'd prefer to buy a totally standard car and mod it myself.

I need some advice before I jump in so I hope this forum can help. Where is the best place to buy and what should I be looking for? Apart from insurance, are there any pitfalls associated with owning a Skyline? Is it hard to get parts or repairs?

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

[HUSTLR]

Originally posted by sciflyer

I currently drive a lighly modded Civic, but time has come to step up to a real driver's car. I'm looking at spending up to $23k on an R33 but I don't know where to start or what to look for. I am worried about not knowing the car's history, whether it has been thrashed, whether it has dodgy mods you can't see etc. I think I'd prefer to buy a totally standard car and mod it myself.

I need some advice before I jump in so I hope this forum can help. Where is the best place to buy and what should I be looking for? Apart from insurance, are there any pitfalls associated with owning a Skyline? Is it hard to get parts or repairs?  

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Go to Powerplay Imports

Thats where i got my car from and some others on this forum- also Mario got all his skylines from there

[Guest Tennissocks]

Also try Racecourse Motors in Randwick

http://www.racecoursemotors.com.au

or Unique Autosports in Castle Hill

http://www.uniqueautosports.com.au

[Blitz]

I have two bits of advice for you. If you are getting an R33 if money permits always go for a series 2 (1996) onwards, although these are normally $26K+ i noticed that GDZOOK , which is a nice white 1996 model is for sale for only $24900 or something like that or as much as Prank will hate this, his former car NOZILR is for sale at Unique for around $23K in standard form with a few extras.

If you want more info on the car at UAS pm me.... its available now.

Otherwise check out GDZOOKs ride in the for sale section.

Hope this helps

Nick

[Ionos]

hmm why a series 2? I was under the impression that series 1 is better, more durable turbo etc?

[ex-static]

Series 2 are cosmeticly alot nicer.. interior, dual airbags, front lights, bumper, spoiler etc..

Sure the turbos arent as strong as the s1's, however they do spool up a heck of alot quicker, and still put the power to the ground when you need it

If its big power you want, you'll probably change the turbo anyway.. s2s are good for 12psi ive been told.. thats if your fuel system can handle it..

[Ionos]

Fair enough happen to have a pic of s2 interior think i've only seen series 1.

[Blitz]

Ionos... the interior of the series 1s is nowhere near as nice as a series 2.......series two seats are better, refined dash, dual airbags, better headlights, generally more modern looking and yes the turbo is weaker when the boost is increased but if u want power turf the turbo for a better one anyhow!

Long and short. for the money being mentioned normally only a series 1 would be available and a pretty basic one at that..... i noted the options at the moment to pick up one of 2 1996 immaculate GTS-T's for around $24K.....bargain

[sciflyer]

Thanks for the help people.

Sounds like I'm better of spending a bit more on the comfy series II.

Are there any tell tale signs of past abuse I should look for when buying? Are there any mechanical differences in the different series apart from the turbos?

cheers

[Blitz]

sciflyer: check for obvious signs of wear on seats, steering wheel, handbrake, gearknob, pedals etc.

Make sure you get any car you look at fully inspected by the NRMA and Revs checked.

Check service history also

Good luck, hope you find the car your after!

[dojobi]

Don't write off the series 1 just yet. If I was buying mine again and could afford either, I'd still go for the series 1. Here's my reasoning in no particular order:

* Headlights. In my opinion the s1 lights look way better as they don't go flat along the top. GTRs kept the S1 look, even when the S2 was available, and they look damn good. I'm not sure if the s2 lights are brighter though, so that could be in its favour.

* Turbo. Stronger etc etc. Already mentioned above.

* Seats. Maybe I'm just weird, but I really prefer the s1 seats. Mine looks like it is brand new, so I'm probably biased because of this.

I agree with the others on the body kit bits. The stock S2 kit looks a lot nicer. My car always had a 400R front bar and GTR wing, so it didn't affect me. Besides a stock kit is pretty rare anyway. I reckon it's HARDER to find a stock example.

Just my opinion anyway

Cheers,

Michael

[Just Jap Racing]

We have cars from $16,999 up to $25999 give me a call next week i will be back from Japan we have 19 in stock at the moment.

Steve

http://www.justjap.com