Looking to purchase a R33. Your help needed

[Scotty]

Good Afternoon All,

I need you expertise. My car has finally gone ka-put, so while I'm not too impressed, it finally gives me an opportunity to purchase my dream car, an R33.

Now can you guys please advise on the different models available. My knowledge on R33's is minimal to say the least. I mean, I know of the GTS, GTST and the beloved GTR, but that is where my knowledge stops. Damn do I feel stupid!

Anyway, I hear people talking about different specs, an M spec, V spec etc. What do these mean and how many specs were there. I also hear that there was a series two model. Did this have many improvements over the series one? Interior, exterior, performance?

Oh yeah and finally, I had the privledge to drive a 1993 model at some dealer. Comparing it with the photos from these forums, did the later/newer models come with different bonnets and headlights. I refer to R33 that are 1995 or younger. I mean the bumper was different however I felt that the front of the younger cars was so much more aggressive. Is there any difference, I am I just seeing things.

Anyway, please write back with your comments, and I apologise for the excessive questions. Thanks again.

[Pva_Glue]

I think you are refering to Series one and Series two!

Series two is with different bonnet and front spoilers have small circle indicators...

series one have horizontaly rectangular indicators at the front

Have Good read here!

Megg's site

cheers

Joe

[V-meister]

Series 2 have better trim, a different front bar, higher wing, more aggressive bonnet and apprently better materials are used for the dash and consoles etc. They also have twin airbags.

I was also told that series 2s have a better turbo and better gearbox than the series 1.

Hope this helps.

[Guest GR33DyMANGO]

this is what i know is different between series 1 and series 2. series 2 has...

different front spoiler,

new bonnet shape (and also made of carbon fibre???)

headlights are narrower (lights inside are different)

has a larger rear spoiler

writing on rear of car that says 'skyline' is in metal not plastic as series ones have

seat trim is a coloured fleck pattern and feels more durable

the dash is of a slightly different mould and made of different material so it wont crack/wear as easily as series ones

has duel airbags

the cooling system is updated

the turbo is made of plastic instead of ceramic as in series 1's (which i heard is worse coz the plastic cant withstand boost being turned as high as the ceramic.... ie u can only put boost to about 10psi on series 2??? im pretty vague on this bit)

where are u from? u can go to www.prestigemotorsport.com.au and use their import calculator to figure out how much it will cost. u can also join their mailing list so uu can get some idea of how much the car will cost.

hope that can help

[DREMEN]

If you are looking at buying an R33 soon then I suggest you import one from Japan..

check out Prestige Motorsport Website

[Warpspeed]

Hi scotty.

Do not forget the R33 GTS-4. These things are rather rare, I am after a manual one myself at the moment. The GTS-4 is 4WD like the GTR, and has LSD and ABS as standard, unfortunately they only comes with the normally aspirated RB25DE engine.

BUT if you want lots of roadholding and traction at half the price of a GTR they are an absolute bargain.

Quite a few people have fitted a turbo to these, to produce a real low cost road rocket. They have the identical super strong gearbox and diffs as the GTR, and with all the same ratios as well. While you can fit a turbo to a GTS-4, it would be all but impossible to fit 4WD to a GTST.

GTS-4s and GTSTs are typically about the same price.

(hint) I believe PVAs R33 GTS-4 auto is up for sale at the moment, but dont let him know I said so.

[akeenan]

I was also told that series 2s have a better turbo and better gearbox than the series 1.

isnt it the other way round with the turbo?

[V-meister]

It could be Akeenan, I'm not sure if it is true, but that's what I was told. If what GR33DyMANGO said is true, then yeah it would be the other way round I guess.

But yeah, just going by what someone told me, I have no idea myself.

[Timmy G]

Scotty,

Basically, Series 1 were made up till 1996 (well technically 1995, but I've seen pics of CLAIMED 1996 cars which clearly have Series 1 parts). And Series 2 were from 1996 onwards.

Beware of claimed Series 2's made in 1995 because they are often "Series 1.5" which has a bit of both. However, I have seen a couple of 1995s which are full Series 2s.

Confused yet?

[Scotty]

Good Afternoon,

Firstly let me thank you for your prompt replies. Your expertise has been most helpful. It's great to hear your input and to have you guys as a resource.

Well, my only question (for now anyway) is to Tommy G, how do I diagnose a 1995 Series 1.5??

But yes, looks I will have to do some research on these before I get one. Oh yeah, one other thing, did the GTS-4 come in a series two? This does sound like a possible alternative and sounds like it has great potential.

Again, thanks for your assistance. If anybody has any photos on the differences, especially in the interior area, that will be greatly appreciated.

[Timmy G]

Hey Scotty,

1.5's almost always seem to have Series 2 wings, Series 1 front bars and SINGLE driver's side airbags (vs. drivers and passengers).

In the attached image, you can clearly see the Series 2 passengers airbag (as well as the driver's in the steering wheel).

[Scotty]

ps. PVC, are the rumours true? Are you selling your GTS-4?? Please advise!

But to the others, may I ask, what prices should I be looking at for a decent Series 2, I know this can be quite subjective, but again, any thoughts will be appreciated.

Thanks.

[Timmy G]

Another pic.. this is the S2 wing.

[Timmy G]

I've seen anything from $23,000 to $35,000 for a Series 2 GTS-T

Originally posted by Scotty

ps. PVC, are the rumours true? Are you selling your GTS-4?? Please advise!

But to the others, may I ask, what prices should I be looking at for a decent Series 2, I know this can be quite subjective, but again, any thoughts will be appreciated.

Thanks.

[V-meister]

In addition to what TimmyG said, the easiest way to quickly determine a real Series 2 from a Series 1 is the trim. Series 1s have a plushy, grey velour trim.

But sometimes, seats have been retrimmed (though I've only seen this once). But it is a good place to start when deciphering a Series 1 from a Series 2.

[Guest GR33DyMANGO]

Originally posted by Scotty

Oh yeah, one other thing, did the GTS-4 come in a series two?  

yer they come in a series 2. saw one up in falls creek, victoria about 3 months ago. just remember they dont have a turbo..... wish they did.

[ex-static]

This is the front bar and lights of a series 1

This is the front bar and lights of a series 2

Personally I think the series 2 front lights and bar look much hornier than s1

[Timmy G]

Yeah the S2 definitely looks nicer with the new spoiler, front bar and lights.

[Pva_Glue]

Originally posted by Scotty

ps. PVC, are the rumours true? Are you selling your GTS-4?? Please advise!

But to the others, may I ask, what prices should I be looking at for a decent Series 2, I know this can be quite subjective, but again, any thoughts will be appreciated.

Thanks.

It's PVA mate

and yes unfortunally my R33 GTS-4 is for sale...

it's 94 ENR33GTS-4 with full option on series one. Gunmetal Grey in colour done 75,0000 K on the clock. more details are athere

Now have New ROH 17" wheels

and you can get series II R33GTS-4 but they are hell rare let alone GTS-4 are all rare cars, I only came across three GTS-4.

let me know if you are interest in mine!!

cheers

Joe

[Warpspeed]

Hey Joe, sorry about the PVC, finger trouble with the keyboard again !