Help Buying First Skyline R33 Gtr (S3?)

[dwilko01]

Hi everyone,

This is the first time I have posted here,

I have a mild dilemma! I am currently in the process of buying a used R33 GTR v spec, but as much as I am to believe it is a series 3 (judging by the front bar and rear bar with fog light being the series 3)

I am really thrown for six when I know it has an aftermarket steering wheel, aren't S3's meant to have a drivers airbag? ( it has a Momo on it ).

Could he have gotten an engineers cert for it?

I have not seen it up close as yet but to stop him from selling it I have laid a small deposit until I can ( it is a nice looking car! ) - I am also going arrange JLM (japlink motors) to give it a good inspection. I would rather lose $500-$1000 securing it and eliminating concerns than buy a lemon.

The owner claims it is mainly stock - but! the car apparently has the 2 turbo's replaced with (Garrets GT2860R's), forged pistons, heavy duty clutch, custom radiator and short shift gears just to name a few, that isn't stock to me lol.

ever since I was 15 yo I wanted a R33 Skyline, I am now edging on 30 and after buying the missus a new car (second for her in 2 yrs) I have decided to treat myself, much to the dismay of my english staffy which loved riding on the back of my 2010 hilux.

My point is Lads and Ladies, I really don't want to be disappointed with spending 20+ k on my Skyline to find it will cost me more in unnecessary repairs especially as I would be only driving her on weekends mainly and will likely spend enough on it as it is and im done with buying cars after this one ( I swear i'll stop ) -- maybe.

A few key point that get me thinking are :

1 - It apparently has only 74000 on the clock, not sure if the motor was rebuilt with the other before mentioned mods ( I would presume so ).

2 - it looks too good to be true

3 - the momo s/wheel with a series 3 front and rear end

Any and all opinions are most welcome guys and I would be grateful,.

Cheers,

Dan.

P.S my concern is that those turbo's have already done 74000km too

Edited July 27, 2014 by dwilko01

[Ben C34]

K's on the clock don't mean anything unless there is a conclusive service history attached..... which there hardly ever is.

[dwilko01]

Agreed, I hope JLM can shed some light on it for me

[rbnutz]

Aftermarket turbos, forged pistons, custom rad... Not exactly what anyone could claim as stock. There are plenty of GTR's around, DON'T jump on the first one you see. Its easy to get excited when viewing a car you have lusted after for so long.

If its stock your after, this in't it. Otherwise you want to see receipts to prove all claims.

[dwilko01]

Good points nutz, I am a creature of impulse decisions, I am not looking for stock per say, but I certainly ain't looking for an abused project either, the guy has reassured me it hasn't been thrashed and he seems genuine.

I am looking for one with a well looked after (if not new) paint job this one looks like it's loved. but I have asked for all receipts and tune results ect.

If not for people's nature to start BS I would post it's URL for you all to see, but I am being rather conservative at the moment.

Does anyone know the true lifespan of a gt2860r if not abused with constant high boost ect? 100k?

[rbnutz]

Good points nutz, I am a creature of impulse decisions, I am not looking for stock per say, but I certainly ain't looking for an abused project either, the guy has reassured me it hasn't been thrashed and he seems genuine.

I am looking for one with a well looked after (if not new) paint job this one looks like it's loved. but I have asked for all receipts and tune results ect.

If not for people's nature to start BS I would post it's URL for you all to see, but I am being rather conservative at the moment.

I think abused is the right term. Any Skyline/GTR will have been 'enjoyed' the question is whether it has had the things it needs at the right times, oil changes, safe boost levels. like any GTR good oil pressure is very important.

Fair enough not posting a link. I think your 2nd point above is the key, anything that looks too good always is. I'm a 32 man so can't help you with the 33 specifics

[GTR-N1]

JLM is also a compliance centre, meaning that they can draw from resources, the history of the car until it left Japan. Mizo at JLM used to work for Nissan Japan but you'll probably require one of the other guys to translate what he's saying. Compression and leakdown tests will be done, and whilst it's up on a hoist you can check bushes, rust, seepage etc. Latching onto JLM is a wise move.

[dwilko01]

Hey Terry, do you know how much they charge for this sort of pre-purchase check m8? $$ isn't the issue but it would be handy as I have a card limit lol

JLM is also a compliance centre, meaning that they can draw from resources, the history of the car until it left Japan. Mizo at JLM used to work for Nissan Japan but you'll probably require one of the other guys to translate what he's saying. Compression and leakdown tests will be done, and whilst it's up on a hoist you can check bushes, rust, seepage etc. Latching onto JLM is a wise move.

[GTR-N1]

Hmm less than 300 perhaps. Feel free to pop that question to Adam or Todd.

[dwilko01]

Cheers m8, that is pretty fair for a comprehensive check

[GTR-N1]

All the best with your research Wilko.

[dwilko01]

Thank's for your help Terry, I owe you one m8

[GTR-N1]

Can't judge a book by its cover; but man, what a cover!

[dwilko01]

Can't judge a book by its cover; but man, what a cover!

Yes Terry I was so glad I took it to Japlink motors and got the guys to give it a run over, it saved me buying a huge lemon indeed.

Hats off to the guys at JLM with there friendly disposition and great know how on cars.

It was a good looking lemon though

Edited July 31, 2014 by dwilko01

[GTR-N1]

Magnificent gold colour ay! But it must have looked more yellow the more often you checked it

Dan, I guess this thread lives on as you investigate the next one! Wishing you the best!

[dwilko01]

Sure did m8.

I am seriously thinking of importing but not yet, I am in two minds at the moment on weather to just import and spend 10k getting it to where I want it or investing it for 6 months then import and spend lol.

The latter is the way I am thinking, I think waiting 5-6 months then buying would be the way to go for me. I know the guys at JLM will be happy help once I am ready to go all in , I really want a "show car" that is straight as a dye and then completely rebuild it from the ground up into a 400-450 bhp dream car that I can enjoy for many years.

[dwilko01]

Ok so I just spent the better part of two day's picking up and bringing home my GTR from Brisbane.

not much to say right now except it is very clean, runs really well but needs a little TLC.

The boy's at JLM are giving it a good check over for me so once I am happy I will add some more info and pics.

Cheers,

Wilko

PS - if not for being shaken up like champers on race day the whole trip down from Brisbane to Sydney, I can definitely say that it is very fun to drive indeed !

[R-GT]

So what happened next?