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Just drove an R33 GTR - Any tips on buying?

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Old 28 May 2006, 03:59 PM
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Dark Blue Mark
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Default Just drove an R33 GTR - Any tips on buying?

Weird experience really, I went sort of hoping to not like it but I did

Main observations are that it feels quite small once you are in it. Secondly any pics ive seen of the interior make it look very nasty, but the seats are bloody good and look up to date in the flesh. From the outside, its a big old beast but looks so damn tough -esp from the front. Attention it got while I was driving was quite amusing. lots of pointing and surprised expressions. They are very rare down this way.

In terms of drive I was most impressed. No noise from the outside at all, very well made. It pulls like a train. Ive not been in a turbo car for some while, since my Sti. Its nowhere near as manic, very smooth but you do feel the second turbo wind up.

At way over 100 on the private road it felt totally effortless.

Brakes were better than the S2000 I felt, the Brembo's haul the car down well.

Handling, well it had a 2 way diff so was quite tail happy! With the power you can really get a wild slide but the gizmos seem to keep it in check.

I did try and find 6th a few times and nearly broke reverse

The 2.6 lump really is nice!

I am very tempted - anyone know what to look for on these?

MB
Old 28 May 2006, 04:43 PM
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jameswrx
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All the usual stuff really..

GTR specific..

Gearbox synchros, oil pressure, boost level (if it's on the std ceramic blowers shouldn't be any higher than 1bar, 1.1bar max iirc) clutch, etc etc

What I liked most about the GTR (I had the 32) was the 1st gear pull (most cars I had before and since, scoobs, gtir's, evos etc all have a useless short 1st) it pulls like hell in 1st and is nicely geared IMO. Also love 3rd gear as it seems to go on forever.

It's only after you've owned them a while you appreciate they are FAST not nippy like a scoob.
Old 29 May 2006, 10:01 AM
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Dark Blue Mark
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Cheers for that Agree on it being truly fast.

Everything on it is totally standard apart from a 1.5 way diff. He's had an indipendant report done by a specialist so that gives a little re-assurance.

Anyone else? Jawa / Chris??

MB
Old 29 May 2006, 10:18 AM
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Maz
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Originally Posted by Dark Blue Mark
Cheers for that Agree on it being truly fast.

Everything on it is totally standard apart from a 1.5 way diff. He's had an indipendant report done by a specialist so that gives a little re-assurance.

Anyone else? Jawa / Chris??

MB
what's this Mark? You bored of the S2000 already?! I remember when you were about to buy the S2000 as I was interested in your STI but unfortunately distance was a problem. Re the Skyline if you get it make sure you have a molten credit card, these things are not cheap to run or tune!
Old 29 May 2006, 10:45 AM
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Not bored as such, just itchy feet! Ive had the S for over a year which is a record for me owning any car So I dont feel so bad for changing this time

Ive heard from a few people they cost a bomb to run, but its a childhood dream to own one, so I reckon I will see how I get on and just sell it if I get bored / poor etc

MB
Old 29 May 2006, 06:18 PM
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ScoobyJawa
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Not alot to say that hasn't already mate

Glad you enjoyed it - they truely are a superb drivers car!

They do cost a bit to run, but mainly if things go wrong which hopefully won't happen as the parts prices from Nissan are a bit OTT. However routine servicing is no worse than any other car with the performance, probably not far off my old MY99 Uk scoob. Most of the costs of my ownership were me adding bits to it!! But if you take it to Stage 1 the mpg is lucky to hit 20mpg!!!, but with near to 400 horses under your foot who cares!
Old 29 May 2006, 06:23 PM
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Dark Blue Mark
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There you are

What are you driving now then? Ive been threatening to buy one for a couple of years now so I think its time

Adding bits to the S is bloody expensive - there's never anything second hand for sale! Skyline for sale bits seem a lot more sensible!

MB
Old 29 May 2006, 06:30 PM
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scooby_matt
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Sounds like you've already bought it

Old 29 May 2006, 06:49 PM
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Try and get a hold of Rob, Mark.

He'll soon talk you into buying it.....the big bam that he is!
Old 29 May 2006, 06:56 PM
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Dark Blue Mark
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LOL - ive noticed he's been upto some "tweaking"

I shall get in touch with him soon!

MB
Old 29 May 2006, 07:00 PM
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ScoobyJawa
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Originally Posted by Dark Blue Mark
There you are

What are you driving now then? Ive been threatening to buy one for a couple of years now so I think its time

Adding bits to the S is bloody expensive - there's never anything second hand for sale! Skyline for sale bits seem a lot more sensible!

MB
Been in Tallinn for the weekend on a lads pishup

Indeed you have mate - so time to go out there and get a deposit down I chopped in my GTR for an S14a 200SX which is now at Stage 1, but also have a ZX6R now too (two for the price of 1 lol!!!)

Thats true - Mugen stuff etc is v expensive!
Old 29 May 2006, 07:10 PM
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Originally Posted by Dark Blue Mark
LOL - ive noticed he's been upto some "tweaking"

I shall get in touch with him soon!

MB
ROTF!!! "Tweaking"....nice.
Old 29 May 2006, 09:40 PM
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Dark Blue Mark
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The only thing Mugen stuff is good for is looks

Good to hear you still have toys then Jawa!

MB
Old 30 May 2006, 12:05 AM
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ScoobyJawa
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Well you know - us boys can't live without things we can tinker with!!!!
Old 30 May 2006, 12:24 AM
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Iv always wanted a R34............stunning cars
Old 30 May 2006, 12:40 PM
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chris singleton
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Mark, if you thought a standard car was good then you're in for a real treat when you get in one with a few mods.

I'd try and find a car that has at least stage one mods - downpipes, exhaust, filters, boost controller and remap. This will make a huge difference. Not seen many decent R33's around at the moment, there's 2 on the gtr forum but they want over £20K for them which is a bit silly IMHO (although these are heavily modded).

Car shouldn't be anymore expensive to run than your old scooby but be aware of the "skyline tax" which is added to most tuning parts by some dealers

If you're ever down my neck of the woods the offer of a ride in mine is still open

I've just fitted a Torque Split Controller to mine which is a fabulous bit of kit - really transforms the handling and stops the car from being quite so tail happy.

If the Rob referred to above is of the tweenie variety, don't go near his car - so bloody quick it makes mine feel like a 1 litre corsa LOL

Let me know if you want any more info.

Chris
Old 30 May 2006, 12:49 PM
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Dark Blue Mark
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Cheers Chris!

PM'd you on GTR too

Ive been reading up n torque split controllers - on the test drive I found the back to be quite wayward! The guy was of the opinion it had a 2 way diff but couldn't be sure. Im sure id get used to it, esp coming from the RWD S2000, but I always heard the GTR would stick to the road a bit more!

MB
Old 30 May 2006, 12:56 PM
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chris singleton
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Hello mate,

I'll reply to your PM.

In the meantime, have you seen this? Price has just come down to 18K - Got some nice mods on it
Old 30 May 2006, 01:03 PM
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Kevin Groat
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Mark, I'm having similar thoughts, but I'd like summit special - see below.

Scroll down to the Skyline GTR section - there's a garage called Global Auto which tend to keep very special cars.

http://translate.google.com/translat...l%3Den%26lr%3D

http://www.m-staff.180r.com/


Kevin.
Old 30 May 2006, 01:07 PM
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Dark Blue Mark
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Chris, spotted that one but its a bit over what id like to spend I think

Hi Kevin, am I right in thinking there is one in Shetland already?

MB
Old 30 May 2006, 01:13 PM
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I had the Torque Split Controller - superb bit of kit, could get on the power soooooo much earlier then **** right off up the road
Old 30 May 2006, 01:24 PM
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Kevin Groat
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Hi Mark,

I'm Aberdeen based now so lost touch with the Shetland scene. At the last track day there was a 32 and a 33. There was a 34 but it was having an engine rebuild. The 33 was apparently around 600 bhp, never lined up against it but had some fun against a 450bhp RS4.
Now I'm mainland based I'm thinking about a change, I do fancy a 33 but it will need to be summit special.

Kevin.
Old 30 May 2006, 01:30 PM
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Damn you Mark!! All this talk, is gettin me thinking again!!!



Would need to be a 32 though.
Old 30 May 2006, 01:39 PM
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chris singleton
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Originally Posted by Dark Blue Mark
Chris, spotted that one but its a bit over what id like to spend I think

Hi Kevin, am I right in thinking there is one in Shetland already?

MB

Gotta be worth an offer - you never know

Just found this and this on the gtr forum. Might be worth getting further details only if to use as ammunition when haggling for your mates one

Chris
Old 30 May 2006, 01:40 PM
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Kevin Groat
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Mark,

Last link didn't work, try this one.

http://64.233.179.104/translate_c?hl...l%3Den%26lr%3D
Old 30 May 2006, 01:49 PM
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George Sayers
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Default GT-R

Mark,

I just bought one privately from the GT-R Register and so far am very impressed with it. C:\WINNT\Temp\Temporary Internet Files\Big Power 2.8 R33 GTR. - GT-R Register Bulletin Board.htm

Not too sure if that link will work because I am dumb but I would echo most of the points made above. Very expensive to run (I am getting about 15mpg plus the cost of octane booster) and oil changes every 3,000 miles. I am also getting the TSC device fitted today which should calm it down somewhat. I only recently found out that the car sits in 100% rear wheel drive mode unless the ATTESSA system detects any wheelspin under acceleration (at which time it will send torque to the fronts as necessary). Under cornering however the power remains at the back!

Would definitely recommend that you try and buy from the GT-R forum as you can ask members or previous owners for some honest feedback on your potential purchase. Oh, and get some shares in Shell! ;-)

Good luck
Old 31 May 2006, 03:06 PM
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Dark Blue Mark
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Chris, seen those ones but not sure on them...

Kevin, the poor thing will rust up your way!

George, which device did you buy and how does it fit?

Ive struck a deal on the midnight purple one - im scared! Going to miss my Honda

MB
Old 31 May 2006, 03:30 PM
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Nice one Mark, welcome to skyline ownership

Let's see some pictures of the new beast when you pick it up

Chris
Old 31 May 2006, 03:37 PM
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Best colour IMHO for a 33....except for this one........
Old 31 May 2006, 03:44 PM
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Cheers both, cheered me up

I hate buying / selling cars, especially older ones! If it goes wrong, its going to cost! I also need some decent alloys for it

MB


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